Rheological and tribological properties of native potato starch agglomerated by fluidized bed granulator

We explored the rheological and tribological properties of potato starch agglomerated with a sugar binder (maltodextrin or lactose) at various concentrations by using a fluidized bed granulator. The magnitudes of consistency index and apparent viscosity of agglomerated potato starch (APS) decreased as the binder concentration was increased. Moreover, APS with a sugar binder showed lower viscoelastic moduli and higher tan δ values compared to APS with water as the binder (the control). The gel strength of all agglomerates decreased as the sugar concentration was increased. All samples showed anti-thixotropic behavior, and especially, APS with 20 % lactose showed a small anti-thixotropic area. Utilizing the Arrhenius equation clearly elucidated the effect of temperature on the apparent viscosity of all the samples. Although the maltodextrin concentration had little influence on the activation energy of APS, it increased as the lactose concentration was increased. APS samples with a sugar binder showed greater friction coefficient values compared to the control, with maltodextrin having a significant impact. The findings indicate that the rheological and tribological properties of APS rely on the type and concentration of sugar binder.

Multifunctional Acrylic Polymers with Enhanced Adhesive Property Serving as Excellent Edge Encapsulant for Stable Optoelectronic Devices

Pendant groups in acrylic adhesive polymers (Ads) have a profound influence on adhesive and cohesive properties and additionally on encapsulant application. However, a systematic investigation to assess the impact of the pendant groups' length and bulkiness is rare, and there is not even a single report on applying Ads as interfacial adhesion promotors and encapsulation materials simultaneously. Herein, we have developed a series of multifunctional methacrylic polymers, namely, R-co-Ads, with varying pendant length and bulkiness (R = methyl (C1), ethyl (C2), propyl (C3), butyl (C4), pentyl (C5), hexyl (C6), isobutyl (iC4), and 2-ethylhexyl (2EH)). The adhesion-related experimental results reveal that R-co-Ads have high transparency, strong adhesion strength to the various contact surfaces, and a fast cure speed. In particular, C1-co-Ad shows a superior adhesion performance with an improved cross-cut index of 4B and a shear bonding strength of 1.56 MPa. We also have adopted C1-co-Ad for encapsulation of various emerging optoelectronic applications (e.g., perovskite solar cell-, charge transport-, and conductivity-related characteristics), demonstrating its excellent edge encapsulant served to improve the device stability against ambient air conditions. Our study establishes the structure-adhesion-surface relationships, advancing the better design of adhesives and encapsulants for various research fields.

Conformational Locking Control of 2D Outer Side Chains via Fluorine Atom Positioning for Improving the Thermal Stability of Organic Solar Cells

Alongside high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), device stability, especially thermal issues, is another key factor for the successful commercialization of nonfullerene acceptor (NFA)-based organic solar cells (OSCs). Considering the significant effects of the side-chain engineering of NFAs on molecular packing and/or locking strongly associated with the thermal stability of OSCs, herein, we present two new isomeric NFAs with 4-fluoro- and 2-fluoro-substituted hexylphenyl two-dimensional (2D) outer side chains (4FY and 2FY, respectively). In contrast with the 2FY having a horizontal stretching conformation, 4FY exhibits a diagonal stretching conformation of the 2D outer side chains and a higher dipole moment, resulting in a huge difference in their crystalline/aggregation characteristics, i.e., 4FY possesses a higher crystallinity with a denser molecular packing than the 2FY neat film, as evidenced by thermal and morphological characterizations. Encouragingly, relative to the one based on 2FY, the OSC based on 4FY delivers a PCE as high as 16.4%, together with excellent thermal stability (88.4% PCE retention under 85 °C for 360 h), which is attributed to a more optimal and robust blend morphology induced by its better compatibility into the used donor component and stronger crystallinity. This work demonstrates that in addition to the improved photovoltaic property, the appropriate F-positioning on the 2D outer side chains can play a key role in controlling their conformations, which can promote the increase of the thermal stability of OSCs.

Dithieno[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline-Based Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric Dual-Functional Energy-Harvesting Wide-Bandgap Polymer and its Backbone Isomer

Both organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic thermoelectrics (OTEs) are promising energy-harvesting technologies for future renewable and sustainable energy sources. Among various material systems, organic conjugated polymers are an emerging material class for the active layers of both OSCs and OTEs. However, organic conjugated polymers showing both OSC and OTE properties are rarely reported because of the different requirements toward the OSCs and OTEs. In this study, the first simultaneous investigation of the OSC and OTE properties of a wide-bandgap polymer PBQx-TF and its backbone isomer iso-PBQx-TF are reported. All wide-bandgap polymers form face-on orientations in a thin-film state, but PBQx-TF has more of a crystalline character than iso-PBQx-TF, originating from the backbone isomeric structures of α,α '/β,β '-connection between two thiophene rings. Additionally, iso-PBQx-TF shows inactive OSC and poor OTE properties, probably because of the absorption mismatch and unfavorable molecular orientations. At the same time, PBQx-TF exhibits both decent OSC and OTE performances, indicating that it satisfies the requirements for both OSCs and OTEs. This study presents the OSC and OTE dual-functional energy-harvesting wide-bandgap polymer and the future research directions for hybrid energy-harvesting materials.

Combining dithieno[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline-based terpolymer and ternary strategies enabling high-efficiency organic solar cells

By incorporating a dithieno[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline unit into a PM6 polymer backbone, we developed a novel terpolymer family, demonstrating composition-dependent optical, electrochemical, and morphological characteristics. Organic solar cells based on the combination of a terpolymer and ternary strategy achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 17.60%, demonstrating the validity of our combination strategy.

The gaps in health-adjusted life Expectancy (HALE) by income and region in Korea

 

This study aims to calculate the health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) by using years lived with disability (YLD) from the national claims data, as well as to identify the differences and inequalities in sex, income level and region. The study was carried out on total population receiving national health insurance and medical benefits. We calculated incidence-based YLD for 260 disease groups, and used it as the number of healthy years lost to calculate HALE. We adopted the insurance premium to calculate the income as a proxy indicator. For the region classification, we chose 250 Korean municipal-level administrative districts. The primary outcome was HALE in the Korean population. The second outcome was the HALE’s gap in terms of sex, income, and region. Our results revealed that HALE increased from 2008 (68.89 years) to 2019 (70.58 years). HALE in males increased faster than that in females. HALE was higher in higher income levels. In 2019, the gap in HALE between Q1 and Q2, the lower income group, was about 5.70 years. The gap in females by income level was smaller than that in males. Moreover, the gap in HALE by region was found to increase. Results suggest that there is an inequality in YLD in terms of income level in Korea. Therefore, we need intensive management for the low-income group to increase HALE at the national level.

Key messages

• Males’ health level may be more sensitive to the socioeconomic level than females’ health level.

• In the 5th National Health Plan (HP2030), it was decided to set a target value for the overall goals based on this result.

Charge Transfer as the Key Parameter Affecting the Color Purity of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters

The key factors determining the emission bandwidth of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are investigated by combining computational and experimental approaches. To achieve high internal quantum efficiencies in a metal-free organic light-emitting diode via TADF, the first triplet (T₁) to first singlet (S₁) reverse intersystem crossing is promoted by configuring molecules in an electron donor-acceptor (D-A) alternation with a large dihedral angle, which results in a small energy gap (ΔE_ST) between S₁ and T₁ levels. This allows for effective non-radiative up-conversion of triplet excitons to singlet excitons that fluoresce. However, this traditional molecular design of TADF results in broad emission spectral bands (full-width at half-maximum = 70-100 nm). Despite reports suggesting that suppressing the D-A dihedral rotation narrows the emission band, the origin of emission broadening remains elusive. Indeed, our results suggest that the intrinsic TADF emission bandwidth is primarily determined by the charge transfer character of the molecule, rather than its propensity for rotational motion, which offers a renewed perspective on the rational molecular design of organic emitters exhibiting sharp emission spectra.

Conducting a national burden of disease study in South Korea: from past to present

South Korea has been measuring its own burden of disease since the early 2000s and has developed a methodology for its calculation. Since 2012, South Korea has been carrying out disease burden research through the Research and Development Project, supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Because the Korean health insurance system covers the entire population of the country, the Korean National Burden of Disease (KNBD) study is based on individual claims data. Disease prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates, which are the epidemiologic indicators used to calculate burden of disease, are based on actual data, and the incidence-based approach is used for Years Lived with disability (YLD), Years of Life Lost (YLL), and Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY). The KNBD study is conducted for 260 diseases and injuries and subdivided into sub-national levels. Disability weights (DW) are calculated to reflect the sociocultural characteristics of a disease. For cause-specific DWs, we conducted a self-administered web-based survey for medical doctors and students. Using a ranking method, we calculated cause-specific DWs. For this reason, KNBD study results cannot be directly compared with GBD results.

The major findings of the KNBD study are as follows. In Korea, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) steadily increased for all income levels. The higher the income, the lower the burden of disease; low-income people had a higher burden of disease than high-income people. However, thyroid cancer, refraction and accommodation disorders had a high burden of disease in the high-income group. Growth in the YLD rate was faster than in the YLL rate. In 2016 the leading causes of disease burden were diabetes mellitus, low back pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We will present South Korea's disease burden calculation methodology and its results and share the efforts to calculate disease burden in other countries.

Organic Light-Emitting Diode Employing Metal-Free Organic Phosphor

Metal-free organic phosphorescent materials are promising alternatives to the organometallic counterparts predominantly adopted in organic light-emitting diodes due to their low cost, chemical stability, and large molecular design window. However, only a few reports on OLED devices incorporating metal-free organic phosphors have been presented due to the lack of understanding on material properties, device physics, and device fabrication processes. Here, we report a tailor-designed novel fluorene-based organic phosphor with efficient spin-orbit coupling activated by bromine, aromatic carbonyl, and spiro-annulated phenyl moieties. Photoluminescence quantum yield of 24.0% was achieved when doped in optically inert amorphous polymer hosts. Effects of OLED host materials on the phosphor were investigated in terms of color purity, suppression of exciplex emission, and restraint of molecular motion. Bright green phosphorescence emission (1430 cd/m² at 100 mA/cm²) was realized with 2.5% maximum external quantum efficiency at 1 mA/cm².

Optical torque induces magnetism at the molecular level

We report experimental observations of a mechanism that potentially supports and intensifies induced magnetization at optical frequencies without the intervention of spin-orbit or spin-spin interactions. Energy-resolved spectra of scattered light, recorded at moderate intensities (10⁸ W/cm²) and short timescales (<150 fs) in a series of non-magnetic molecular liquids, reveal the signature of torque dynamics driven jointly by the electric and magnetic field components of light at the molecular level. While past experiments have recorded radiant magnetization from magneto-electric interactions of this type, no evidence has been provided to date of the inelastic librational features expected in cross-polarized light scattering spectra due to the Lorentz force acting in combination with optical magnetic torque. Here, torque is shown to account for unpolarized rotational components in the magnetic scattering spectrum under conditions that produce only polarized vibrational features in electric dipole scattering, in excellent agreement with quantum theoretical predictions.

Bistable Solid-State Fluorescence Switching in Photoluminescent, Infinite Coordination Polymers

Photo-functional infinite coordinated polymers (ICPs) were synthesized that consist of the photochromic dithienylethene (DTE) and a luminescent bridging unit to give enhanced fluorescence in the solid state. We could fabricate well-ordered micropatterns of these ICPs by a soft-lithographic method, which repeatedly showed high contrast on-off fluorescence switching.

The 100 Most-Cited Articles Focused on Ultrasound Imaging: A Bibliometric Analysis

Purpose The number of citations that an article has received reflects its impact on a particular research area. The aim of this study was to identify the 100 most-cited articles focused on ultrasound (US) imaging and to analyze the characteristics of these articles. Methods We determined the 100 most-cited articles on US imaging via the Web of Science database, using the search term. The following parameters were used to analyze the characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles: publication year, journal, journal impact factor, number of citations and annual citations, authors, department, institution, country, type of article, and topic. Results The number of citations for the 100 most-cited articles ranged from 1849 to 341 (median: 442.0) and the number of annual citations ranged from 108.0 to 8.1 (median: 22.1). The majority of articles were published in 1990 - 1999 (39 %), published in radiology journals (20 %), originated in the United States (45 %), were clinical observation studies (67 %), and dealt with the vessels (35 %). The Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California and the Research Institute of Public Health at the University of Kuopio (n = 4 each) were the leading institutions and Salonen JT and Salonen R (n = 4 each) were the most prolific authors. Conclusion Our study presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 most-cited US articles, which provides a unique insight into the historical development in this field.

Generation of axially modulated plasma waveguides using a spatial light modulator

We demonstrate the generation of axially modulated plasma waveguides using spatially patterned high-energy laser pulses. A spatial light modulator (SLM) imposes transverse phase front modulations on a low-energy (10 mJ) laser pulse which is interferometrically combined with a high-energy (130-450 mJ) pulse, sculpting its intensity profile. This enables dynamic and programmable shaping of the laser profile limited only by the resolution of the SLM and the intensity ratio of the two pulses. The plasma density profile formed by focusing the patterned pulse with an axicon lens is likewise dynamic and programmable. Centimeter-scale, axially modulated plasmas of varying shape and periodicity are demonstrated.

Effects of Per-diem payment on the duration of hospitalization and medical expenses according to the palliative care demonstration project in Korea

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of a government-directed palliative care demonstration (PCD) project, Per-diem Payment System (PDPS), on length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, resource usage and healthcare quality during the searched period from January in 2009 to December in 2010.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective claim data review.

METHODS

Individuals who had been eligible for the palliative care payment policy, PDPS, during 2 years (from 2009 to 2010) were assigned to the case group including seven hospitals (n = 3117). Those (seven hospitals) who were not come eligible for the palliative care payment policy were assigned to the control group (n = 2347) with fee for service. The data used in this study were electronically submitted requests of payment to the Health Insurance Review Agency during the period January 2009 to December 2010.

RESULTS

After the PCD project, the length of stay for palliative patients with cancer diseases decreased by 2.56% (β = -0.026; p-value = 0.0001) among patients hospitalized in a PCD project compared with patients hospitalized in seven hospitals that was not designed as a PCD project. Compared with costs before the PCD project, costs decreased by 0.76% (β = 0.013; p-value = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We provided evidence regarding the change in the societal burden due to palliative care. Although there was a reduction of direct medical costs reported in limited number of hospitals, in the long term, we can anticipate an expanding impact on medical costs in all palliative hospitals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparing Risk-adjusted Hospital Mortality for CABG and AMI Patients

The objectives of this study were to compare the risk-adjusted mortality of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients simultaneously in six hospitals in Seoul, Korea, and to investigate the relationship between these performance measures by developing a predictive model of mortality. The medical records of 749 AMI and 564 CABG patients were reviewed. A predictive model was developed using logistic regression, including 170 variables selected as risk factors for risk adjustment. The validity of our predictive model was demonstrated to be within an acceptable range. The results showed that one hospital with a significantly low AMI mortality rate also had a low CABG mortality rate, while another hospital with a significantly high AMI mortality rate also had a high CABG mortality rate. Our results implied that hospitals providing good-quality medical management of coronary artery disease also provided a good-quality surgical service.

Sub-nanometer resolution of an organic semiconductor crystal surface using friction force microscopy in water

Organic semiconductors (OSC) are attracting much interest for (opto)electronic applications, such as photovoltaics, LEDs, sensors or solid state lasers. In particular, crystals formed by small π-conjugated molecules have shown to be suitable for constructing OSC devices. However, the (opto)electronic properties are complex since they depend strongly on both the mutual orientation of molecules as well as the perfection of bulk crystal surfaces. Hence, there is an urgent need to control nano-topographic OSC features in real space. Here we show that friction force microscopy in water is a very suitable technique to image the free surface morphology of an OSC single crystal (TDDCS) with sub-nanometer resolution. We demonstrate the power of the method by direct correlation to the structural information extracted from combined single crystal (SC-) and specular (s-) XRD studies, which allows us to identify the pinning centers encountered in the stick-slip motion of the probing tip with the topmost methyl groups on the TDDCS surface.

Second to fourth digit ratio: a predictor of adult testicular volume

It has been suggested that second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) may correlate with male reproductive system function or disorders. This hypothesis is based on finding that the Hox genes control finger development and differentiation of the genital bud during embryogenesis. Thus, we investigated the association between digit ratio and adult testicular volume. A total of 172 Korean men (aged 20-69 years) hospitalized for urological surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients with conditions known to strongly influence testicular volume were excluded. Before determining testicular volume, the lengths of the second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Using orchidometry, the testes were measured by an experienced urologist who had no information about the patient's digit ratio. To identify the independent predictive factors influencing testicular volume, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression models. Age, height, serum testosterone and free testosterone level were not correlated with testicular volume. Digit ratio, along with weight, was significantly correlated with testicular volume (right testicular volume: r = -0.185, p = 0.015; left testicular volume: r = -0.193, p = 0.011; total testicular volume: r = -0.198, p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis using linear regression models showed that only digit ratio was the independent factor to predict all (right, left and total) testicular volumes (right testicular volume: β = -0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: β = -0.181, p = 0.017; total testicular volume: β = -0.185, p = 0.014). Our findings demonstrated that digit ratio is negatively associated with adult testicular volume. This means that men with a higher digit ratio may be more likely to have smaller testis compared to those with a lower digit ratio.

Synthesis and photoluminescence of novel NaLi2PO4:Tb(3+) nanophosphors for near-ultraviolet excited light emitting diodes

A series of Tb(3+)-activated NaLi2PO4 novel nano-crystalline phosphors was synthesized by the solution combustion method. The prepared Na(1-x)Li2PO4:xTb(3+) (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) phosphors crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal structure. Its effective absorption in the near ultraviolet range allowed highly efficient green emission. The Na(1-x)Li2PO4:xTb(3+) phosphors showed characteristic (5)D4 --> (7)FJ (J = 3, 4, 5, and 6) transitions of Tb(3+), i.e., (5)D4 --> (7)F6 (488 nm), (5)D4 --> (7)F5 (545 nm), (5)D4 --> (7)F4 (583 nm), and (5)D4 --> (7)F3 (622 nm). The Na0.95Li2PO4:0.05Tb(3+) phosphor showed the most excellent emission efficiency. The present work suggests that the Na0.95Li2PO4:0.05Tb(3+) is a potential green-emitting phosphor for near ultraviolet excited light emitting diodes.

Synthesis and photoluminescence of novel Ca(1-x)MgP2O7:xEu(3+) pyrophosphate phosphor for near ultraviolet light emitting diodes

We studied the microstructure and photoluminescence properties of Ca(1-x)MgP2O7:xEu(3+) (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) phosphors, considering Eu(3+) content. The Ca(1-x)MgP2O7:xEu(3+) phosphors crystallized in the monoclinic structure, belonging to the space group of P2(1)/n. The Ca(1-x)MgP2O7:xEu(3+) phosphors showed a nanocrystalline nature. In the FT-IR and Raman spectra, the stretching vibrations of PO3 and P-O-P groups in (P2O7)(4-) were observed. The amount of Eu(3+) content significantly affected the magnitude of the excitation and emission intensities. The excitation intensity at 393 nm and the emission intensity at 605-628 nm were increased with an increase in Eu(3+) content up to x = 0.1 and then decreased with further increasing Eu(3+) content. The strong emission intensity under near ultraviolet excitation makes it possible red phosphor for generating white light based on LEDs.

Cryogenically cooled 946nm Nd:YAG laser

We present the first multi-Watt demonstration of a diode pumped cryogenically cooled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser operating at 946 nm on the (4)F(3/2) → (4)I(9/2) transition. 3.8 W of continuous wave output power for 12.8 W of absorbed pump was obtained with a slope efficiency of 47%. In addition, we made an extensive characterization of the spectroscopic properties around the pump and laser wavelengths over the temperature range of 77 K to 300 K to find an increase of ~2.5 times for both the absorption and emission cross sections at the lowest temperature.

Quasi-phase-matched laser wakefield acceleration

The energy gain in laser wakefield acceleration is ultimately limited by dephasing, occurring when accelerated electrons outrun the accelerating phase of the wakefield. We apply quasi-phase-matching, enabled by axially modulated plasma channels, to overcome this limitation. Theory and simulations are presented showing that weakly relativistic laser intensities can drive significant electron energy gains.

High contrast fluorescence patterning in cyanostilbene-based crystalline thin films: crystallization-induced mass flow via a photo-triggered phase transition

A facile and innovative method for the fabrication of highly fluorescent micro-patterns is presented, which operates on the principle of phototriggered phase transition and physical mass migration in the crystalline film of a cyanostilbene-type aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) molecule ((Z)-2,3-bis(3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)phenyl) acrylonitrile) with liquid-crystalline (LC) mesomorphic behavior.

Shock formation in supersonic cluster jets and its effect on axially modulated laser-produced plasma waveguides

We examine the generation of axially modulated plasmas produced from cluster jets whose supersonic flow is intersected by thin wires. Such plasmas have application to modulated plasma waveguides. By appropriately limiting shock waves from the wires, plasma axial modulation periods can be as small as 70 μm, with plasma structures as narrow as 45 µm. The effect of shocks is eliminated with increased cluster size accompanied by a reduced monomer component of the flow.

Fabrication and electrochemical properties of hemisphere structured 3D Li(Li0.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13)O2 cathode thin film for all-solid-state lithium battery

The Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 cathode thin films were deposited on planar, hemisphere, linked hemisphere, and isolated hemisphere structured Pt current collector thin films to investigate the effect of 3-dimensional (3-D) structure for the electrochemical properties of active cathode thin films. The films of linked hemisphere structure shows the highest initial discharge capacity of 140 microA h/cm2-microm which is better than those of planar (62 microA h/cm2-microm), hemisphere (94.6 microA h/cm2-microm), and isolated hemisphere (135 microA h/cm2-microm) films due to increase of surface area for cathode thin films. Linked hemisphere shows the biggest capacity and the best retention rate because 6 nanobridges of each hemisphere bring strong connection.

Electrical and optical properties of indium zinc oxide (IZO) thin films by continuous composition spread

Indium zinc oxide (IZO) films were deposited on glass substrate at room temperature using off-axis RF sputtering-continuous composition spread (CCS) system. The full range composition of IZO films were controlled by the deposition rate and thickness profiles of In2O3 and ZnO target. The structural, electrical and optical properties of IZO thin films were measured as functions of position. IZO thin film had the lowest resistivity and highest carrier concentration at the position of 15 mm (5.02 x 10(-4) omega cm, 3.9 x 10(20)/cm3). And IZO thin film had high transmittance in visible region at measured all positions. This study has investigated to explore the new composition of IZO films using CCS system.

Remarkable mobility increase and threshold voltage reduction in organic field-effect transistors by overlaying discontinuous nano-patches of charge-transfer doping layer on top of semiconducting film

An effective strategy for significantly increasing the organic transistor mobility with simultaneous reduction of the threshold voltage utilizing discontinuous nano-patches of charge-transfer doping layer is demonstrated. By overlaying the nano-patches on top of a given semiconducting film, mobility and threshold voltage of p-type pentacene are remarkably improved to 4.52 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and -0.4 V, and those of n-type Hex-4-TFPTA are also improved to 2.57 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and 4.1 V.

Stimulated resonance Raman scattering and laser oscillation in highly emissive distyrylbenzene-based molecular crystals

Three-in-one: A novel distyrylbenzene-based material forms J-type aggregates in single crystals with highly polarized and bright red emission, giving rise to optical gain narrowing, for which different mechanisms (amplified spontaneous emission, laser emission and stimulated resonance Raman scattering) are observed. These are correlated with the favorable intrinsic and macroscopic properties of the crystal, in particular to the orientation of the molecules to the crystal surface.

A randomized phase II study of irinotecan plus cisplatin versus irinotecan plus capecitabine with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

We investigated the efficacy of irinotecan/cisplatin (IP) versus irinotecan/capecitabine (IX) with or without isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) in chemo-naïve advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Initially, 74 patients were randomly assigned to either IP or IX. Given the potential benefits of ISMN on chemotherapy, the protocol was amended during the study. Subsequently, 72 patients were randomly assigned to either IP + ISMN or IX + ISMN. Patients were treated with predefined second-line therapies (docetaxel/capecitabine for IP or IP + ISMN, docetaxel/cisplatin for IX or IX + ISMN) when disease progressed.

RESULTS

A total of 146 received treatment. Response rate (RR), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 49%, 5.5 months, 14.5 months in IP; 33%, 3.3 months, 13.0 months in IP + ISMN; 30%, 4.3 months, 16.1 months in IX; and 25%, 3.4 months, 13.6 months in IX + ISMN, respectively. While IP arm showed a trend toward higher RR and longer PFS than IX arm, IX arm showed a trend toward longer OS than IP arm. No significant differences were observed between IP + ISMN and IX + ISMN.

CONCLUSION

IP showed better RR and PFS but no OS benefit when compared with IX. The addition of ISMN to IP or IX chemotherapy did not seem to improve the treatment outcome.

Unique piezochromic fluorescence behavior of dicyanodistyrylbenzene based donor-acceptor-donor triad: mechanically controlled photo-induced electron transfer (eT) in molecular assemblies

A novel donor-acceptor-donor triad that exhibits fluorescence on-off switching with high contrast ratio (ca. 10(3) ) in response to a mechanical stimulus in the solid state is reported. This system provides a very unique example of high-contrast fluorescence switching that is driven by a mechanical-force-controlled photo-induced electron transfer (eT) in molecular assemblies.

Continuous, real-time monitoring of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in animal cell bioreactors

A new method for real-time monitoring of the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in bioreactors, based on dissolved oxygen (DO) measurement at two points, has been developed and tested extensively. The method has several distinct advantages over known techniques.It enables the continuous and undisturbed monitoring of OUR, which is conventionally impossible without gas analyzers. The technique does not require knowledge of k(L)a. It provides smooth, robust, and reliable signal. The monitoring scheme is applicable to both microbial and mammalian cell bioprocesses of laboratory or industrial scale. The method was successfully used in the cultivation of NSO-derived murine myeloma cell line producing monoclonal antibody. It was found that while the OUR increased with the cell density, the specific OUR decreased to approximately one-half at cell concentrations of 16 x 10(6) cells/mL, indicating gradual reduction of cell respiration activity. Apart from the laboratory scale cultivation, the method was applied to industrial scale perfusion culture, as well as to processes using other cell lines. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The influence of hospital volume and surgical treatment delay on long-term survival after cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to investigate the influence of hospital volume, delay of surgery, and both together on the long-term survival of postoperative cancer patients.

METHODS

Using information from the Korea Central Cancer Registry from 2001 through 2005 and the National Health Insurance claim database, we determined survival for 147 682 patients who underwent definitive surgery for any of six cancers.

RESULTS

Regardless of cancer site, surgical patients in low- to medium-volume hospitals showed significantly worse survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.36-1.86] than those in high-volume hospitals in multivariable analyses. Among the latter, treatment delays > 1 month were not associated with worse survival for stomach, colon, pancreatic, or lung cancer but were for rectal [aHR = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-1.40] and breast (aHR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.37-1.84) cancer. For patients in low- to medium-volume hospitals, treatment delay was associated with worse survival for all types of cancer (aHR = 1.78-3.81).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the effect of hospital volume and surgical treatment delay on overall survival of cancer patients should be considered in formulating or revising national health policy.

Population genetic structure of wild and hatchery black rockfish Sebastes inermis in Korea, assessed using cross-species microsatellite markers

The population structure of the black rockfish, Sebastes inermis (Sebastidae), was estimated using 10 microsatellite loci developed for S. schlegeli on samples of 174 individuals collected from three wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Reduced genetic variation was detected in hatchery strains [overall number of alleles (N(A)) = 8.07; allelic richness (A(R)) = 7.37; observed heterozygosity (H(O)) = 0.641] compared with the wild samples (overall N(A) = 8.43; A(R) = 7.83; H(O) = 0.670), but the difference was not significant. Genetic differentiation among the populations was significant (overall F(ST) = 0.0237, P < 0.05). Pairwise F(ST) tests, neighbor-joining tree, and principal component analyses showed significant genetic heterogeneity among the hatchery strains and between wild and hatchery strains, but not among the wild populations, indicating high levels of gene flow along the southern coast of Korea, even though the black rockfish is a benthic, non-migratory marine species. Genetic differentiation among the hatchery strains could reflect genetic drift due to intensive breeding practices. Thus, in the interests of optimal resource management, genetic variation should be monitored and inbreeding controlled within stocks in commercial breeding programs. Information on genetic population structure based on cross-species microsatellite markers can aid in the proper management of S. inermis populations.

Efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in treating major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms: an 8-week open-label randomised paroxetine-controlled trial

AIMS

Prominent anxiety symptoms are related to poor clinical course and outcome in major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this randomised, open-label, controlled study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in the form of orally disintegrating tablets against paroxetine in treating MDD patients with anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

A total of 60 MDD patients with a score above 18 on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of fixed dosing treatment with mirtazapine (15-30 mg/day) and paroxetine (10-20 mg/day). Efficacy was primarily assessed with the HARS and with the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 after treatment. Tolerability was assessed from adverse events.

RESULTS

The generalised estimating equations (GEE) models showed that the rates of improvement in HDRS scores from baseline to week 8 were similar between mirtazapine and paroxetine groups. However, patients with mirtazapine exhibited earlier improvement in HARS scores at weeks 1 and 2. Week-by-week GEE models showed that these significant differences in improvement of HARS scores between the two treatment groups were detectable from the first evaluation after the treatment (week 1) and maintained through week 2. There was no difference in the overall frequency of adverse events experienced between the two treatment groups. The most common adverse event in the mirtazapine group was somnolence (n = 8), whereas that in the paroxetine group was gastrointestinal discomfort (n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Mirtazapine and paroxetine were equally effective and well tolerated for the depressive symptoms in MDD patients with the high level of anxiety symptoms. Mirtazapine was, however, more effective in reducing the anxiety symptoms than paroxetine in the early weeks of treatment, suggesting that mirtazapine may have an earlier-onset action for the anxiety symptoms in MDD patients.

Multistimuli two-color luminescence switching via different slip-stacking of highly fluorescent molecular sheets

Color tuning and switching of the solid-state luminescence of organic materials are attractive subjects for both the fundamental research and practical applications such as optical recording. We report herein cyanostilbene-based highly luminescent molecular sheets which exhibit two-color fluorescence switching in response to pressure, temperature, and solvent vapor. The origin for the multistimuli luminescence switching is the two-directional shear-sliding capability of molecular sheets, which are formed via intermolecular multiple C-H···N and C-H···O hydrogen bonds. The resulting two distinctive crystal phases are promoted by different modes of local dipole coupling, which cause a substantial alternation of π-π overlap. These changes can be directly correlated with the subsequent intermolecular excitonic and excimeric coupling in both phases, as demonstrated by an in-depth theory-assisted spectroscopic and structural study. Finally, we have prepared a first device demonstrator for rewritable fluorescent optical recording media which showed multistimuli luminescence tuning with fast response. Our multistimuli responsive system is unique in terms of the slip-stacking of molecular sheets and thus provides a novel concept of rewritable fluorescent optical recording media.

Increased prevalence of white matter hyperintensities in patients with panic disorder

The aim of the current study is to compare the prevalence, severity and location of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between patients with panic disorder (PD) and healthy control subjects. Patients with PD (n = 24) and matched healthy control subjects (n = 24) were scanned using a 3.0 Tesla whole-body magnetic resonance scanner. Axial T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images were acquired and evaluated for the prevalence, severity and location of WMH using the modified composite scale of Fazekas and Coffey and coded separately for deep and periventricular WMH. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between WMH and the diagnosis of PD. A greater severity of total WMH was associated with a diagnosis of PD in a dose-dependent pattern (odds ratio [OR] = 8.8, P = 0.005 for mild WMH; OR = 27.7, P = 0.007 for moderate to severe WMH). Deep WMH, where most group differences originated, were predominantly located in the frontal region of the brain (n = 16 in PD, n = 1 in control). The current report is the first study to report an increased prevalence of WMH in patients with PD.

Complete genome sequence of a newly isolated lytic bacteriophage, EFAP-1 of Enterococcus faecalis, and antibacterial activity of its endolysin EFAL-1

AIMS

In this work, we aimed to identify an effective treatment of infections caused by Enterococcus spp. strains resistant to conventional antibiotics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report the isolation and characterization of a new lytic bacteriophage, designated bacteriophage EFAP-1, that is capable of lysing Enterococcus faecalis bacteria that exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics. EFAP-1 has low sequence similarity to all known bacteriophages. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that EFAP-1 belongs to the Siphoviridae family. A putative lytic protein of EFAP-1, endolysin EFAL-1, is encoded in ORF 2 and was expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant EFAL-1 had broad-spectrum lytic activity against several Gram-positive pathogens, including Ent. faecalis and Enterococcus faecium.

CONCLUSIONS

The complete genome sequence of the newly isolated enterococcal lytic phage was analysed, and it was demonstrated that its recombinant endolysin had broad lytic activity against various Gram-positive pathogens.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Bacteriophage EFAP-1 and its lytic protein, EFAL-1, can be utilized as potent antimicrobial agents against Enterococcus spp. strains resistant to conventional antibiotics in hospital infections and also as environmental disinfectants to control disease-causing Enterococcus spp. in dairy farms.

Where has the tumor gone? The characteristics of cases of negative pathologic diagnosis after endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Discrepancies can occur between the histopathological findings from forceps biopsy and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and occasionally in embarrassing cases tumorous tissue is not found at EMR. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, endoscopic, and histological features of gastric tumors in patients with pathololgically negative findings at EMR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients with gastric tumor treated with EMR or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) between August 1999 and April 2007 at our institution, and enrolled into the study patients with no tumor tissue found at mucosal resection. Their biopsy and EMR specimen slides were reviewed by a single pathologist. Patient characteristics, including demographic and clinical features, and the endoscopic appearance of mucosal lesions were evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of 633 patients treated with EMR or ESD, 20 patients (3.2 %) were included. The mean +/- SD maximal dimension of the mucosal lesions was 6.40 +/- 2.19 mm (range 3 - 10). Mean number of forceps biopsy fragments was 3.80 +/- 1.96 and mean sampling ratio was 2.08 +/- 1.07 mm/fragment. Before resection, histological findings from forceps biopsy were: 13 low grade dysplasias (65.0 %), 2 high grade dysplasias (10.0 %), and 5 intramucosal carcinomas (25.0 %).

CONCLUSIONS

In the case of pathologically negative findings at EMR, tumors might have been small enough to have been removed by the previous forceps biopsy. However, the possibility of sampling error or of a different location should be considered. Furthermore, appropriate communication between endoscopists and pathologists is essential.

Gray matter deficits in young adults with narcolepsy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate gray matter volume changes in narcolepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An optimized voxel-based morphometry was conducted for 17 young adults with a sole diagnosis of human leukocyte antigen DQB(1) 0602 positive narcolepsy with cataplexy (26.6 +/- 5.2 years old) and 17 comparison subjects (24.6 +/- 4.9 years old) using 3 Tesla scanner. Gray matter volumes in the bilateral hypothalamic voxel of interests (VOI) were also calculated.

RESULTS

Compared with the comparison subjects, narcoleptic patients had gray matter volume decrease in the right hypothalamus and other regions including subcortical, prefrontal, limbic and occipital areas. Narcoleptic patients also had lower gray matter volume on predefined VOI at the bilateral hypothalamus, which correlated with the Ullanlinna Narcolepsy Scale score.

CONCLUSIONS

Current findings suggest that narcoleptic patients have structural abnormalities in hypothalamus, which might be related to the clinical manifestation of narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Telomerase and apoptosis in the placental trophoblasts of growth discordant twins

In an effort to investigate the molecular basis of growth discordance in embryos that experience the same uterine environment, we compared telomerase activity and apoptosis in placental trophoblasts obtained from growth discordant twins. Between January 2003 and February 2005, placental tissue from twenty pairs of twins was obtained within thirty minutes of delivery. Eleven cases were classified as growth discordant, with birth weight discordance greater than 20%. Nine cases comprised the control group, with less than 20% discordance. Telomerase and apoptotic activities in placental trophoblasts were analyzed by ELISA and immunoblot. Statistical significance was analyzed by a paired t-test, chi- squared test, and ANOVA (SPSS ver 11.0). The average growth discordance was 26.8% in the growth discordant group and 14.4% in the control group. There were no significant differences in maternal age, week of gestation at delivery, parity, or chorionisity between the two groups. In the growth discordant group, the larger twin showed significantly higher telomerase activity (p < 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in the control group (p = 0.36). In addition, there was no definitive correlation between telomerase activity and the degree of growth discordance in the larger or smaller twins (R = -0.521 and -0.399, p = 0.15 and 0.25, respectively). The apoptosis proteins Bax and Bcl 2 were detected in both the larger and smaller twins in the growth discordant and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in Bax expression between the larger and smaller twins (p = 0.25 and 0.92, respectively) for either the growth discordant or the control groups. Bcl 2 expression also showed no significant difference between groups. In conclusion, a tendency toward reduced telomerase activity and increased apoptosis was discovered in placental trophoblasts of the smaller growth- discordant twin, possibility resulting in delayed fetal growh.

Sibutramine improves fat distribution and insulin resistance, and increases serum adiponectin levels in Korean obese nondiabetic premenopausal women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sibutramine on body composition and fat distribution, insulin resistance, and serum adiponectin levels in obese women. A total of 28 obese, premenopausal women (mean age, 34.5 +/- 13.7 years; BMI, 31.00 +/- 4.10 kg/m2) was studied before and after 12-week-course of sibutramine (10mg/day). Sibutramine treatment reduced body mass index (P < 0.05) and total body fat (P < 0.05). Abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat areas (ASFA and AVFA) and mid-thigh low density muscle areas (LDMA) measured by computed-tomography decreased significantly (all, P < 0.05). Insulin resistance (IR) calculated from the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method decreased (P < 0.05) and serum adiponectin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). In our sequential data, the changes of fasting serum insulin levels and the HOMA-IR scores, serum free fatty acids and triglyceride levels, serum adiponectin levels and the mid-thigh LDMA preceded significant changes of body weight, total body fat, and abdominal fat distribution, suggesting sibutramine might improve insulin sensitivity directly by alterations of fatty acid metabolism or secondarily by increasing serum adiponectin levels. Conclusively, sibutramine improved fat distribution and insulin resistance, and increased serum adiponectin levels in Korean obese nondiabetic premenopausal women.

Association of the oestrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms with disease onset in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the genetic influence of PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms of oestrogen receptor alpha (ORalpha) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Korea.

METHODS

Genomic DNA from 268 female controls and 137 female SLE patients (41 childhood onset and 96 adult onset) were analysed using PvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphism. Comparison of the frequencies of alleles and genotypes was made in control and patient groups and in childhood onset and adult onset SLE subgroups.

RESULTS

Although the Pp genotype occurred more often in SLE patients than in controls (p(c) = 0.017), ORalpha genotype distributions of adult onset SLE did not differ significantly from controls. The PP, Pp, and xx genotypes occurred less often in childhood onset SLE (p(c) = 0.0045, 0.0498, and 0.0255, respectively) than in controls. Additionally, the PP genotype was less common in childhood onset than in adult onset SLE (p(c) = 0.016). SLE patients with the PP genotypes were older at disease onset than those with the other genotypes (p = 0.001). Patients with the Xx genotype had an earlier onset of SLE than those with the xx genotype (p = 0.025). The frequency of the combined ppXx genotype was greater in childhood onset SLE than in controls (p(c) = 0.0009) or adult onset SLE (p(c) = 0.027). The same trend was supported by subgroup analyses according to age at menarche and logistic multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

ORalpha polymorphisms are significantly associated with the age at disease onset in Koreans with SLE.

A Comparison of Colour Duplex Ultrasonography after Transurethral Alprostadil and Intracavernous Alprostadil in the Assessment of Erectile Dysfunction

This study aimed to investigate whether transurethral alprostadil could be used for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction using colour duplex ultrasound. The ultrasonography results were compared after transurethral and intracavernous alprostadil administration in 20 patients with erectile dysfunction. There were no significant differences in the mean peak systolic velocities (PSVs) between the two routes of administration, but the mean end diastolic velocities (EDVs) showed significant differences, with patients treated with transurethral alprostadil having higher EDVs. Linear regression analysis of the PSVs reached following the two routes of administration showed a moderate relationship, but linear regression analysis of the EDVs showed no relationship. We concluded that transurethral alprostadil was an inappropriate vasoactive drug to use with colour duplex ultrasonography for the evaluation of patients with erectile dysfunction because it required a longer scan time and it was less effective and less reliable than intracavernous alprostadil at stimulating complete corporeal smooth muscle relaxation.