Synergistic role of hydrogen treatment and heterojunction in H-WO3-x/TiO2-x NT/Ti foil-based photoanodes for photoelectrochemical wastewater detoxification and antibacterial activity.

The process of photoelectrochemical wastewater detoxification is limited by significant charge recombination, which is difficult to suppress with efficient single-material photoanodes. We demonstrated the effectiveness of hydrogen treatment in evaluating charge separation properties in WO3-x/TiO2-x NT/Ti foil heterojunction photoanodes. The influence of varying hydrogen annealing (200-400 °C) on the structural and photoelectrochemical properties of WO3/TiO2 NS/NT heterojunction is studied systematically. Additionally, after hydrogen treatment of pristine WO3/TiO2 NT/Ti foil photoanodes, substoichiometric H-WO3-x/TiO2-x NT-300 achieved the 1.21 mA/cm2 photocurrent density, which is 8.06 and 3.27 times than TiO2 NT and WO3/TiO2 NT. The hydrogen-treated H-WO3-x/TiO2-x NT-300 electrode exhibits 3 times greater bulk efficiencies than the WO3/TiO2 NT electrode due to the production of oxygen vacancies at the interface. Additionally, optimum H-WO3-x/TiO2-x NS/NT-300 photoanode exhibited 93.8% E. coli and 99.8% BPA decomposition efficiencies. The present work shows the effectiveness of microwave-assisted H-WO3-x/TiO2-x NT heterojunction photoanodes for organic decomposition and antibacterial activity in a neutral environment without surface-loaded co-catalysts.

Search for Sub-eV Sterile Neutrinos at RENO.

We report a search result for a light sterile neutrino oscillation with roughly 2200 live days of data in the RENO experiment. The search is performed by electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) disappearance taking place between six 2.8 GW_{th} reactors and two identical detectors located at 294 m (near) and 1383 m (far) from the center of the reactor array. A spectral comparison between near and far detectors can explore reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} oscillations to a light sterile neutrino. An observed spectral difference is found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. This yields limits on sin^{2}2θ_{14} in the 10^{-4}≲|Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.5 eV^{2} region, free from reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} flux and spectrum uncertainties. The RENO result provides the most stringent limits on sterile neutrino mixing at |Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.002 eV^{2} using the ν[over ¯]_{e} disappearance channel.

A bi-phase core-shell structure of Mg-based bulk metallic glass for application in orthopedic fixation implants.

Mg-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) and its composites have been promising candidates for orthopedic fixation implants because of their biocompatibility, low degradation rate, and osteogenic potential. However, the amorphous state is affected by the cooling rate during the casting process. Solid, unstable structures combined with amorphous and crystalline structures are generated when an insufficient cooling rate is used. Here, we aimed to design and synthesize a novel core-shell structure comprising an amorphous shell and a crystalline core in order to overcome the material size limit imposed by the cooling rate effects. Our results show that the core-shell structure of Mg-based BMG does have a lower degradation rate and can maintain a more amorphous structure after six weeks of degradation. Moreover, the biocompatibility and osteogenic effects were similar between the core-shell and solid structures of Mg-based BMG. In conclusion, the core-shell structure of Mg-based BMG exhibits a lower degradation rate while still enhancing osteogenic potential in vitro. This core-shell structure of Mg-based BMG overcomes the cooling rate effects and provides a new structure for manufacturing Mg-based BMG.

Fuel-Composition Dependent Reactor Antineutrino Yield at RENO.

We report a fuel-dependent reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) yield using six 2.8 GW_{th} reactors in the Hanbit nuclear power plant complex, Yonggwang, Korea. The analysis uses 850 666 ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 2.0% acquired through inverse beta decay (IBD) interactions in the near detector for 1807.9 live days from August 2011 to February 2018. Based on multiple fuel cycles, we observe a fuel ^{235}U dependent variation of measured IBD yields with a slope of (1.51±0.23)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission and measure a total average IBD yield of (5.84±0.13)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission. The hypothesis of no fuel-dependent IBD yield is ruled out at 6.6σ. The observed IBD yield variation over ^{235}U isotope fraction does not show significant deviation from the Huber-Mueller (HM) prediction at 1.3 σ. The measured fuel-dependent variation determines IBD yields of (6.15±0.19)×10^{-43} and (4.18±0.26)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission for two dominant fuel isotopes ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, respectively. The measured IBD yield per ^{235}U fission shows the largest deficit relative to the HM prediction. Reevaluation of the ^{235}U IBD yield per fission may mostly solve the reactor antineutrino anomaly (RAA) while ^{239}Pu is not completely ruled out as a possible contributor to the anomaly. We also report a 2.9 σ correlation between the fractional change of the 5 MeV excess and the reactor fuel isotope fraction of ^{235}U.

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin versus gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin as first-line therapy for advanced biliary tract cancers: a multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) has shown modest activity and tolerable toxicity in a phase II trial for biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Meanwhile, gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX) has been the reference arm in recent phase II and III trials for BTCs. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of XELOX versus GEMOX as first-line therapy for advanced BCTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial, we randomly selected patients with metastatic BCTs to receive GEMOX (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1) or XELOX (capecitabine 1000 mg/m2, twice daily, on days 1-14 and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1) as first-line treatment, given every 3 weeks, totaling eight cycles. The primary end point was to prove the noninferiority of XELOX to GEMOX in terms of 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. RESULTS: In total, 114 patients randomly received GEMOX and 108 randomly received XELOX. The median PFS was 5.3 months for the GEMOX group and 5.8 months for the XELOX group. The 6-month PFS rate was 44.5% for the GEMOX group and 46.7% for the XELOX group. The 95% confidence interval of the 6-month PFS rate difference between both groups was -12% to 16%, meeting the criteria for noninferiority of XELOX to GEMOX. There was no difference in objective response (P=0.171) and median overall survival (P=0.131) between both groups. The most common grade three to four adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. No patient died of treatment-related causes. The XELOX group had significantly lower frequencies of hospital visits than the GEMOX group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: XELOX showed significant noninferiority to GEMOX in terms of 6-month PFS rate. Thus, XELOX could be an alternative first-line treatment of BCTs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01470443).

Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation Amplitude and Frequency at RENO.

The RENO experiment reports more precisely measured values of θ_{13} and |Δm_{ee}^{2}| using ∼2200 live days of data. The amplitude and frequency of reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) oscillation are measured by comparing the prompt signal spectra obtained from two identical near and far detectors. In the period between August 2011 and February 2018, the far (near) detector observed 103 212 (850 666) ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 4.8% (2.0%). A clear energy and baseline dependent disappearance of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} is observed in the deficit of the measured number of ν[over ¯]_{e}. Based on the measured far-to-near ratio of prompt spectra, we obtain sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0896±0.0048(stat)±0.0047(syst) and |Δm_{ee}^{2}|=[2.68±0.12(stat)±0.07(syst)]×10^{-3} eV^{2}.

A gene expression signature distinguishes innate response and resistance to proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma.

Extensive interindividual variation in response to chemotherapy is a major stumbling block in achieving desirable efficacy in the treatment of cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, our goal was to develop a gene expression signature that predicts response specific to proteasome inhibitor (PI) treatment in MM. Using a well-characterized panel of human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) representing the biological and genetic heterogeneity of MM, we created an in vitro chemosensitivity profile in response to treatment with the four PIs bortezomib, carfilzomib, ixazomib and oprozomib as single agents. Gene expression profiling was performed using next-generation high-throughput RNA-sequencing. Applying machine learning-based computational approaches including the supervised ensemble learning methods Random forest and Random survival forest, we identified a 42-gene expression signature that could not only distinguish good and poor PI response in the HMCL panel, but could also be successfully applied to four different clinical data sets on MM patients undergoing PI-based chemotherapy to distinguish between extraordinary (good and poor) outcomes. Our results demonstrate the use of in vitro modeling and machine learning-based approaches to establish predictive biomarkers of response and resistance to drugs that may serve to better direct myeloma patient treatment options.

In-vivo investigations and cytotoxicity tests on Ti/Zr-based metallic glasses with various Cu contents.

The Ti/Zr-based metallic glasses (MGs) with various Cu contents are prepared, with nominal compositions of Ti45Zr40Si15 (Cu-free), Ti45Zr40Si10Cu5 (low-Cu), and Ti45Zr20Cu35 (high-Cu). The mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and in-vitro biocompatibility of these MGs are investigated by means of nano-indentation, electrochemical analyses, MTS assays and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, as well as in-vivo biocompatibility in terms of scanning electron microscopy, micro-CT scans and histological observations. The results show that the electrochemical activity and biocompatibility of the MGs are sensitive to the Cu content. Following the electrocorrosion tests, an increase in ion concentration is observed in high-Cu MG. Eight independent in-vitro tests show that the higher ion concentration leads to a lower cell viability. The twelve-week in-vivo tests show that the Cu-free MGs can be a promising material for developing bio-implants. The high-Cu MG would release Ti and Zr ions with insignificant Cu ion following corrosion testing, enhancing an increased local osteoclast activity.

Biocompatibility study on Ni-free Ti-based and Zr-based bulk metallic glasses.

Safety and reliability are crucial issues for medical instruments and implants. In the past few decays, bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have drawn attentions due to their superior mechanical properties, good corrosion resistance, antibacterial and good biocompatibility. However, most Zr-based and Ti-based BMGs contain Ni as an important element which is prone to human allergy problem. In this study, the Ni-free Ti-based and Zr-based BMGs, Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14, and Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8, were selected for systematical evaluation of their biocompatibility. Several biocompatibility tests, co-cultural with L929 murine fibroblast cell line, were carried out on these two BMGs, as well as the comparison samples of Ti6Al4V and pure Cu. The results in terms of cellular adhesion, cytotoxicity, and metallic ion release affection reveal that the Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG and Ti6Al4V exhibit the optimum biocompatibility; cells still being attached on the petri dish with good adhesion and exhibiting the spindle shape after direct contact test. Furthermore, the Ti40Zr10Cu36Pd14 BMG showed very low Cu ion release level, in agreement with the MTT results. Based on the current findings, it is believed that Ni-free Ti-based BMG can act as an ideal candidate for medical implant.

Observation of Energy and Baseline Dependent Reactor Antineutrino Disappearance in the RENO Experiment.

The RENO experiment has analyzed about 500 live days of data to observe an energy dependent disappearance of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} by comparing their prompt signal spectra measured in two identical near and far detectors. In the period between August of 2011 and January of 2013, the far (near) detector observed 31 541 (290 775) electron antineutrino candidate events with a background fraction of 4.9% (2.8%). The measured prompt spectra show an excess of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} around 5 MeV relative to the prediction from a most commonly used model. A clear energy and baseline dependent disappearance of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} is observed in the deficit of the observed number of ν[over ¯]_{e}. Based on the measured far-to-near ratio of prompt spectra, we obtain sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.082±0.009(stat)±0.006(syst) and |Δm_{ee}^{2}|=[2.62_{-0.23}^{+0.21}(stat)_{-0.13}^{+0.12}(syst)]×10^{-3} eV^{2}.

Effects of Cu content on electrochemical response in Ti-based metallic glasses under simulated body fluid.

Systematic characterization of the corrosion response of the Cu-free Ti45Zr40Si15 and Cu-containing Ti40Zr40Si15-Cu5 and Ti45Zr20-Cu35 metallic glasses (MGs) in the Hank's solution is conducted, in terms of the open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, as well as electrochemical impedance measurements. The Cu role in the Ti-based MGs, tentatively to be applied for bio-implants, is established and modeled. The presence of nobler Cu will impose two opposite effects. The minor positive effect of minor shift of Ecorr is not a major issue, but the negative effect on local pitting and ion release would cause a major drawback. The ICP-MS indicates that the release of Cu ions increases with increasing Cu content. For more promising anti-pitting ability, the Cu content in Ti-based MGs should be kept as low as possible, better to be none or less than about 5 at.%.

Single-cell analysis of targeted transcriptome predicts drug sensitivity of single cells within human myeloma tumors.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by significant genetic diversity at subclonal levels that have a defining role in the heterogeneity of tumor progression, clinical aggressiveness and drug sensitivity. Although genome profiling studies have demonstrated heterogeneity in subclonal architecture that may ultimately lead to relapse, a gene expression-based prediction program that can identify, distinguish and quantify drug response in sub-populations within a bulk population of myeloma cells is lacking. In this study, we performed targeted transcriptome analysis on 528 pre-treatment single cells from 11 myeloma cell lines and 418 single cells from 8 drug-naïve MM patients, followed by intensive bioinformatics and statistical analysis for prediction of proteasome inhibitor sensitivity in individual cells. Using our previously reported drug response gene expression profile signature at the single-cell level, we developed an R Statistical analysis package available at https://github.com/bvnlabSCATTome, SCATTome (single-cell analysis of targeted transcriptome), that restructures the data obtained from Fluidigm single-cell quantitative real-time-PCR analysis run, filters missing data, performs scaling of filtered data, builds classification models and predicts drug response of individual cells based on targeted transcriptome using an assortment of machine learning methods. Application of SCATT should contribute to clinically relevant analysis of intratumor heterogeneity, and better inform drug choices based on subclonal cellular responses.

Enhancement of the Color Rendering Index of White Organic Light-Emitting Devices Based on a Blue and Red Emitting Layer with a Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ Green Phosphor Color-Conversion Layer.

White organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) were fabricated utilizing blue and red emitting organic light-emitting devices and a color conversion layer (CCL) made of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce3+) phosphors embedded into polymethylmethacrylate. The good color balance for the color conversion of the WOLEDs was achieved utilizing 20-nm blue and 10-nm red OLEDs. The electroluminescence spectrum for the fabricated device showed a white color consisting of the blue color from the 4,4-bis(2,2-diphenylethen-1-yl)bipheny layer, the red color from the tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum: 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran layer, and the green color from the YAG:Ce3+ phosphor. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of the WOLEDs slightly shifted from (0.25, 0.23) of the blue and red emission OLEDs without phosphors to (0.34, 0.35) of the OLEDs with green phosphors, indicative of the pure white color. WOLEDs with a CCL exhibited three wavelength white emissions with a color rendering index of 86.

Peripheral artery questionnaire improves ankle brachial index screening in symptomatic patients with peripheral artery disease.

AIM: The peripheral artery questionnaire (PAQ) is a disease-specific health status measure of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Whether the PAQ scores are associated with a PAD diagnosis among patients with symptoms suspicious for PAD is unknown and could help increase the pretest probability of ankle brachial index (ABI) screening among patients with suspicious symptoms. METHODS: The PAQ was completed by 567 patients evaluated for potential intermittent claudication at six tertiary centres. Demographics, medical history, physical examination findings and the PAQ domain scores were compared with ABI. A diagnostic threshold < 0.90 for a PAD diagnosis was assessed with a ROC of PAQ scores. The correlation between the PAQ Summary Score and ABI was also calculated. RESULTS: The PAQ Summary Score was significantly lower in patients with low ABI as compared with those having a normal ABI (37.6 ± 19.0 vs. 70.1 ± 22.7, p < 0.001). The PAQ Summary Score and ABI were highly correlated (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and the optimal PAQ Summary Score for predicting low ABI was 50.3 (AUC = 0.86, sensitivity 80.3%, specificity 78.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The PAQ Summary Score was associated with an increased likelihood of PAD in patients with suspected PAD symptoms, and a low summary score (≤ 50.3) was an optimal threshold for predicting PAD among patients referred for ABI.

Search for nucleon decay via n→ν[over ¯]π0 and p→ν[over ¯]π+ in Super-Kamiokande.

We present the results of searches for nucleon decay via n→ν[over ¯]π0 and p→ν[over ¯]π+ using data from a combined 172.8 kt·yr exposure of Super-Kamiokande-I,-II, and-III. We set lower limits on the partial lifetime for each of these modes: τn→ν[over ¯]π0>1.1×10(33) years and τp→ν[over ¯]π+>3.9×10(32) years at a 90% confidence level.

Electrochemical and biocompatibility response of newly developed TiZr-based metallic glasses.

This paper presents systematical investigations, including electrochemical activity, MTT cell assay and in vivo test, on the biocompatibility of three metallic glasses. The electrochemical behaviors and the cell toxicity of two newly developed TiZr-based metallic glasses (MGs), Ti42Zr40Si15Ta3 and Ti40Zr40Si15Cu5, with lower or without unfavorable elements are systematically investigated. Results show that the MGs with low Cu content exhibit a low electrochemical response. Cytotoxicity tests for the MGs and the mediums after the potential state test are evaluated with in vitro MTT assays. The solid specimens and the mediums after the potential state test for the pure Ti, Ti42Zr40Si15Ta3 and Ti40Zr40Si15Cu5 exhibit no significant cytotoxicity in the MTT test, while the tested medium for Ti45Cu35Zr20 MG shows lower cell viability. The inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results also indicate that the Cu-rich sample released a significant amount of ions which may be the major factor causing the low viability in the MTT test. The good healing condition and the low C-reactive protein (CRP) index for the implanted New Zealand rabbits in a one-month in vivo test also show the satisfactory short-term biocompatibility of the TiZr-based MGs. The electrochemical measurements, in vitro, and in vivo experiments confirm that the developed TiZr-based MGs with lower Cu content (≦5%) are promising for biomedical purposes.

Real time observation of ZnO nanostructure formation via the solid-vapor and solid-solid-vapor mechanisms.

We report in situ transmission electron microscopy studies of the formation of ZnO nanostructures--nanoscale depressions, nanoholes, nanoribbons, and nanosheets--and the phase stability and kinetics of Au catalysts on ZnO. During annealing, the ZnO layer produces hexagonally shaped, vertical nanoscale depressions, which increase in size along the 〈 0001 〉 growth direction through preferential dissociation from the {101[combining macron]0} facet and which subsequently form hexagonal islands at their six-fold junctions. Real time observations of the annealing of Au deposited on ZnO show that the catalysts remain solid up to 900 °C, an observation that has implications regarding ZnO nanowire growth via the vapor-solid-solid mechanism (VSS). The Au also creates hexagonal nanoscale holes only at the location of solid Au catalysts, via the solid-solid-vapor (SSV) mechanism. Importantly, coarsening of the Au particles is negligible due to limited Au diffusion on the side facets of the nanoscale depressions, suggesting an approach to the growth of uniform hybrid nanowires with control over both diameter and location. Furthermore, we directly monitor the evolution of the transformation of a nanoribbon into a nanosheet with {101[combining macron]0} facets. This process takes place through a periodic, kinetic roughening transition of the surface, which is controlled by the kinetic competition between surface growth and the transfer of evaporated gases. In total, these observations give new insights into multiple growth processes occurring in this important materials system.

Rapid screening of potential metallic glasses for biomedical applications.

This paper presents a rapid screening process to select potential titanium and zirconium based metallic glasses (MGs) for bio-material applications. Electrochemical activity of 7 MGs including 6 bulk metallic glasses and 1 thin-film deposited MG in simulation body and human serum is first inspected. A low-voltage potential state test is also developed to simulate the cell membrane potential that the implant MGs will suffer. Results show that the MGs composed of Ti65Si15Ta10Zr10 and Ta57Zr23Cu12Ti8 exhibit excellent electrochemical stability in both simulation body fluid and human serum. In addition, the copper content in the MGs plays an important role on the electrochemical activity. MGs with the copper content higher than 17.5% show significant electrochemical responses. The cytotoxicity of the solid MG samples and the corrosion released ions are also evaluated by an in-vitro MTT test utilizing the murine bone marrow stem cells. Results indicate that all the solid MG samples show no acute cytotoxicity yet the corrosion released ions show significant toxicity for murine bone marrow stem cells. The rapid screening process developed in the present study suggests that the Ti65Si15Ta10Zr10 metallic glass has high potential for biomedical applications due to its good electrochemical stability and very low cytotoxicity.

Simulated body fluid electrochemical response of Zr-based metallic glasses with different degrees of crystallization.

The bio-electrochemical response in simulated body fluid of the Zr53Cu30Ni9Al8 metallic glasses with different degrees of partial crystallization was systematically examined and discussed. Through thermal annealing, the volume fractions of the crystalline phases are determined to be 0, 34, 63, and near 100%. Based on the bio-corrosion voltage and current, as well as the polarization resistance, it is concluded that the fully amorphous alloy exhibits the highest bio-electrochemical resistance. With an increasing degree of partial crystallization, the corrosion resistance becomes progressively degraded. The passive current reveals that the fully amorphous metallic glasses can form a more protective and denser passive film on the metallic glass surface. The formation of reactive nanocrystalline phases in the amorphous matrix would reduce the bio-corrosion resistance.

Evidence for the appearance of atmospheric tau neutrinos in super-Kamiokande.

Super-Kamiokande atmospheric neutrino data were fit with an unbinned maximum likelihood method to search for the appearance of tau leptons resulting from the interactions of oscillation-generated tau neutrinos in the detector. Relative to the expectation of unity, the tau normalization is found to be 1.42 ± 0.35(stat)(-0.12)(+0.14)(syst) excluding the no-tau-appearance hypothesis, for which the normalization would be zero, at the 3.8σ level. We estimate that 180.1 ± 44.3(stat)(-15.2)(+17.8) (syst) tau leptons were produced in the 22.5 kton fiducial volume of the detector by tau neutrinos during the 2806 day running period. In future analyses, this large sample of selected tau events will allow the study of charged current tau neutrino interaction physics with oscillation produced tau neutrinos.