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.

Relationship between Within-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with age, is an important health issue in aging society. We tried to investigate the relationship between blood pressure variability and skeletal muscle mass in nation-wide large population cohort. This cross-sectional study was based on data acquired in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), conducted from 2009 to 2011 by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We included 14,481 participants (age ≥ 20 years, male 6,302) for the analysis who had both blood pressure and whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan data. As an intra-individual within-visit blood pressure variability index, we calculated standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and maximum minus minimum BP difference (MMD) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which was measured 3 times. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was the sum of lean masses of both arms and legs. We adjusted ASM by body mass index. Significant inverse relationship was observed between blood pressure variability index (SD, CV, and MMD) and adjusted ASM. Blood pressure variability index were significantly higher in the lowest ASM quintile group both in male and female participants (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, blood pressure variability index were significantly associated with ASM, even after adjusting confounding factors (p<0.001). In conclusion, hemodynamic influence may play an important role in the development of sarcopenia.

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.

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% (ß = -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% (ß = 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.

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.

The preventive effects of lifestyle intervention on the occurrence of diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial infarction in metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MS), as a precursor of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease, is increasing steadily worldwide. We examined the preventive effects of lifestyle intervention on the occurrence of DM and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in MS. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study on disease occurrence after lifestyle intervention. METHODS: The lifestyle intervention was administered to subjects with MS participating in a metropolitan lifestyle intervention program for 1 year. The same numbers of non-participating age- and sex-matched subjects with MS were randomly extracted from national health examination data. After intervention or examination, new occurrences of hypertension, DM, and AMI were identified through the national health insurance claims data during 1 year. For DM and AMI, multivariate logistic regression analysis for the factors affecting each disease was performed. RESULTS: In the intervention group and the control group (14,918 in each group), the occurrence of hypertension was 555 (6.07%) and 751 (8.33%), the occurrence of DM was 324 (2.55%) and 488 (3.89%), the occurrence of dyslipidemia was 321 (2.59%) and 373 (2.72%), and the occurrence of AMI was 13 (0.09%) and 26 (0.17%), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratios for intervention were 0.752 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.644-0.879) and 0.499 (95% CI: 0.251-0.992) for DM and AMI, respectively, indicating that lifestyle intervention has a preventive effect. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle intervention in MS has preventive effects on the occurrence of DM and AMI, and long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate these preventive effects in more detail.

Association of lipid parameters and insulin resistance with bone health in South Korean adolescents.

UNLABELLED: This study investigated the association between lipid profiles and insulin resistance and bone mineral content (BMC) in Korean adolescents and found that BMC was inversely associated with triglyceride (TG) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). This association did not differ according to obesity status in either boys or girls. INTRODUCTION: To prevent future osteoporosis, it is important to identify factors that affect bone health in adolescents as well as adults. This study aimed to examine the association between lipid profiles and insulin resistance and BMC in Korean adolescents. METHODS: Data from 706 boys and 621 girls, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2011, were analyzed. Lipid profiles were measured, and HOMA-IR was calculated to assess insulin resistance. BMC was measured for the total femur, femur neck, and lumbar spine by using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: TG level and HOMA-IR were negatively correlated with BMC at all three sites in boys. In girls, TG level showed a negative correlation with BMC at the femur neck and lumbar spine, and HOMA-IR was negatively associated with BMC at the femur neck only. These inverse associations did not differ according to obesity status in either sex. Adjusted means of BMC at the three sites in boys tended to decrease in the higher tertile groups of TG and HOMA-IR, and the adjusted means of BMC for the total femur in girls tended to decrease in the higher tertile groups of TG and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: BMC was inversely associated with TG and HOMA-IR in Korean adolescents, and this association was more pronounced in boys. This association did not differ according to obesity status in either sex.

Actin-related protein 2/3 complex-based actin polymerization is critical for male fertility.

The actin-related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex is critical for regulation of actin polymerization, which is associated with sperm motility and capacitation status. However, the function of the Arp2/3 complex in male fertility has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the role of the Arp2/3 complex in different processes in spermatozoa and its consequences on fertilization and early embryonic development. In this in vitro study, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations (10, 100, and 500 µm) of CK-636, an Arp2/3 complex antagonist. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex by high concentrations (100 and 500 µm) of CK-636 induced hyper-activated motility and acrosomal reaction, whereas intracellular calcium and tyrosine phosphorylation levels in spermatozoa were inhibited. Moreover, exposure of spermatozoa to the highest concentration of CK-636 reduced fertilization and embryo development. Interestingly, fertilization was significantly increased after treatment with 100 µm CK-636, whereas embryonic development was significantly decreased. Therefore, we conclude that the Arp2/3 complex plays a decisive role in regulation of sperm function and male fertility via actin polymerization. We anticipate that the Arp2/3 complex may have clinical application as marker for male fertility and male contraceptive targeting.

Sodium nitroprusside suppresses male fertility in vitro.

Sodium nitroprusside is a nitric oxide donor involved in the regulation of the motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction (AR) of spermatozoa. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the molecular basis for the effects of sodium nitroprusside on different processes in spermatozoa and its consequences on subsequent oocyte fertilization and embryo development. In this in vitro study, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with various concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (1, 10, and 100 µM) for 90 min. Our results showed that sodium nitroprusside inhibited sperm motility and motion kinematics in a dose-dependent manner by significantly enhancing intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing Ca(2+), and adenosine triphosphate levels in spermatozoa. Moreover, short-term exposure of spermatozoa to sodium nitroprusside increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins involved in PKA-dependent regulation of intracellular calcium levels, which induced a robust AR. Finally, sodium nitroprusside significantly decreased the rates of fertilization and blastocyst formation during embryo development. Based on these results, we propose that sodium nitroprusside increases ROS production and precocious AR may alter overall sperm physiology, leading to poor fertilization and compromised embryonic development.

Measuring the burden of disease due to climate change and developing a forecast model in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: Climate change influences human health in various ways, and quantitative assessments of the effect of climate change on health at national level are becoming essential for environmental health management. STUDY DESIGN: This study quantified the burden of disease attributable to climate change in Korea using disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and projected how this would change over time. METHODS: Diseases related to climate change in Korea were selected, and meteorological data for each risk factor of climate change were collected. Mortality was calculated, and a database of incidence and prevalence was established. After measuring the burden of each disease, the total burden of disease related to climate change was assessed by multiplying population-attributable fractions. Finally, an estimation model for the burden of disease was built based on Korean climate data. RESULTS: The total burden of disease related to climate change in Korea was 6.85 DALY/1000 population in 2008. Cerebrovascular diseases induced by heat waves accounted for 72.1% of the total burden of disease (hypertensive disease 1.82 DALY/1000 population, ischaemic heart disease 1.56 DALY/1000 population, cerebrovascular disease 1.56 DALY/1000 population). According to the estimation model, the total burden of disease will be 11.48 DALY/1000 population in 2100, which is twice the total burden of disease in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantified the burden of disease caused by climate change in Korea, and provides valuable information for determining the priorities of environmental health policy in East Asian countries with similar climates.

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: ß = -0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: ß = -0.181, p = 0.017; total testicular volume: ß = -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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Measuring the burden of chronic diseases in Korea in 2007.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to measure the burden of disease from premature death and disability for chronic diseases in Korea in 2007. STUDY DESIGN: Chronic diseases were defined using the WHO definitions. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) were used to analyse insurance claim data. METHODS: This was a population-based study and included the total population of Korea. DALYs were used to analyse insurance claim data. Years of life lost (YLL) and years lost to disability (YLD) were measured in terms of incidence rate and number of deaths. DALYs were aggregated to YLL and YLD. To ensure code validity, only patients who had visited a tertiary hospital or a clinic three or more times for the same disease were included. RESULTS: Cerebrovascular disease was the leading contributor to the chronic disease burden, with a value of 907.4, followed by diabetes mellitus (899), ischaemic heart disease (710), cirrhosis of the liver (616.5), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (512.9), asthma (503.1), hypertensive heart disease (407.5), stomach cancer (356) and peptic ulcer disease (292.5). As these results demonstrate, the highest ranked diseases were cardio-cerebrovascular or related diseases, as well as the fact that hypertension, diabetes mellitus and related complications, which are associated diseases, have became increasingly severe problems. And the rural areas have a higher burden of disease than metropolitan cities. According to difference in social status, Medicaid 2 group has more burden of disease than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: It has been possible to present evidence regarding the burden of diseases and the relatively high risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease. If the various types of cancer were combined and then the calculating tool applied, the burden would likely be greater than that of cardio-cerebrovascular disease. However, based on DALY, ischaemic heart disease demonstrated a remarkable increase compared to the rate in the previous study based on 2002 data. Underprivileged people in particular have been struggling - with chronic diseases.

The prevalence and correlation of carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs and peripheral arterial disease in a population from the Republic of Korea: the Dong-gu study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) detected on panoramic radiographs and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and to evaluate the difference in the prevalence of PAD between patients with CAC and patients without CAC detectable by panoramic radiograph. METHODS: The surveyed population consisted of 4078 subjects aged 50 years and older (1410 males and 2668 females) who underwent medical and dental examination in Gwangju city, South Korea. Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists interpreted the panoramic radiographs for the presence of carotid artery calcification. A trained research technician measured the ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI <0.9 in either leg was considered evidence of PAD. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAC on panoramic radiographs was 6.2% and that of PAD was 2.6%. Subjects with CAC had a significantly higher prevalence of PAD than those without CAC (5.5% vs 2.4%, respectively). The presence of CAC on panoramic radiographs was associated with PAD (odds ratio 1.84; 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.36) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: CACs detected on panoramic radiographs were positively associated with PAD in middle-aged and older Korean adults.