Influence of amino acid and N-terminal protection residue structures on peptide p-nitroanilide adsorption on polystyrene-based support.

Polystyrene-based support Bio-Beads® SM-2 was employed for desalting peptide-p-nitroanilides from Oxone®. Neither tosyl, 9-fluorenyl(methoxycarbonyl), p-nitroanilide groups nor indolyl or p-hydroxyphenyl side-chains of Trp and Tyr ensured an efficient adsorption of peptide-p-nitroanilides onto Bio-Beads® SM-2. Only unsubstituted phenyl-containing protection groups (carbobenzoxy or benzoyl) and Phe residues provided the adsorption of peptides on Bio-Beads® SM-2 and their efficient desalting. This support is well suitable for multiple parallel phenyl group-containing peptide derivative separations and high-throughput screenings.

Investigation of the spectral characteristics of Sm3+ ions in lead borosilicate glass for photonic applications.

Different concentrations of Sm2 O3 -doped lead borosilicate glass were synthesized using a melt-quenching method and their characteristics were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy absorption, emission, and decay curves. From the XRD patterns, the noncrystalline nature of titled glass was confirmed. The structural groups that existed in the host glass were observed from FTIR spectra. The Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters and oscillator strengths were derived from the absorption spectra and compared with various reported systems. The excitation luminescence levels of the Sm3+ ion radiative properties were further computed using the JO intensity parameters. Effective bandwidth, emission cross-sections (σe ), and several lasing properties were assessed from emission spectra and compared with other reported glass systems. The decay curves of the 4 G5/2 level of Sm3+ ion were also been measured and examined. Additionally, the colour coordinates of the Commission International de I'Éclairage chromaticity were assessed. The titled glass were suitable for visible reddish orange luminescence devices based on all obtained parameters.

SM2-Based Offline/Online Efficient Data Integrity Verification Scheme for Multiple Application Scenarios.

With the rapid development of cloud storage and cloud computing technology, users tend to store data in the cloud for more convenient services. In order to ensure the integrity of cloud data, scholars have proposed cloud data integrity verification schemes to protect users' data security. The storage environment of the Internet of Things, in terms of big data and medical big data, demonstrates a stronger demand for data integrity verification schemes, but at the same time, the comprehensive function of data integrity verification schemes is required to be higher. Existing data integrity verification schemes are mostly applied in the cloud storage environment but cannot successfully be applied to the environment of the Internet of Things in the context of big data storage and medical big data storage. To solve this problem when combined with the characteristics and requirements of Internet of Things data storage and medical data storage, we designed an SM2-based offline/online efficient data integrity verification scheme. The resulting scheme uses the SM4 block cryptography algorithm to protect the privacy of the data content and uses a dynamic hash table to realize the dynamic updating of data. Based on the SM2 signature algorithm, the scheme can also realize offline tag generation and batch audits, reducing the computational burden of users. In security proof and efficiency analysis, the scheme has proven to be safe and efficient and can be used in a variety of application scenarios.

Preparation and Property Characterization of Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Photodegradation of Parathion Methyl under Visible Light Irradiation.

An unprecedented photocatalyst, Sm2EuSbO7, was successfully fabricated in this paper, through a high-temperature solid-state calcination method, which represented its first ever synthesis. Additionally, using the solvothermal method, the Sm2EuSbO7/ZnBiSbO5 heterojunction photocatalyst (SZHP) was fabricated, marking its debut in this study. XRD analysis confirmed that both Sm2EuSbO7 and ZnBiSbO5 exhibited pyrochlore-type crystal structures with a cubic lattice, belonging to the Fd3m space group. The crystal cell parameter was determined to be 10.5682 Å or 10.2943 Å for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5, respectively. The band gap width measured for Sm2EuSbO7 or ZnBiSbO5 was 2.73 eV or 2.61 eV, respectively. Under visible light irradiation for 150 min (VLTI-150 min), SZHP exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity, achieving 100% removal of parathion methyl (PM) concentration and 99.45% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) concentration. The kinetic constant (k) for PM degradation and visible light illumination treatment was determined to be 0.0206 min-1, with a similar constant k of 0.0202 min-1 observed for TOC degradation. Remarkably, SZHP exhibited superior PM removal rates compared with Sm2EuSbO7, ZnBiSbO5, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, accompanied by removal rates 1.09 times, 1.20 times, or 2.38 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the study investigated the oxidizing capability of free radicals through the use of trapping agents. The results showed that hydroxyl radicals had the strongest oxidative capability, followed by superoxide anions and holes. These findings provide a solid scientific foundation for future research and development of efficient heterojunction compound catalysts.

Structural, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties of double perovskite oxide Sm2NiMnO6nanoparticles synthesized by a sol-gel process.

Here we report on the structural, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties of double perovskite Sm2NiMnO6(SNMO) nanoparticles synthesized by a sol-gel method. Structural Reitveld refinements on x-ray powder diffraction data revealed that the SNMO nanoparticles crystallized in a monoclinic crystal structure withP21/nspace group. SEM and (HR)TEM images revealed the phase purity and single-crystalline nature of the SNMO nanoparticles. XPS spectra confirmed the presence of Sm3+, Ni2+and Mn4+ions in the SNMO nanoparticles and oxygen in the forms of lattice oxygen and the hydroxyls species. SNMO ceramics exhibited relaxor-type dielectric behavior, well fitted by modified Curie-Weiss law. Such dielectric behavior originated from the interactions of random dipoles arisen from the B-site cations disorder accompanied with the variations in local electric fields and local strain fields due to the different radii of B-site cations, and/or the virtual electrons hopping between the Ni2+and Mn4+cations. Magnetic data demonstrate the variations of the magnetic transitions at low temperatures and the spin glass-like behavior below 11 K, which is attributed to the spin fluctuations induced by the competing interactions between the ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic phases. Large positive Curie-Weiss temperature (θp) indicates the dominant FM super-exchange interactions in the SNMO samples. The SNMO nanoparticles have a direct optical band gap of 1.42 eV, close to 1.34 eV in a single junction solar cell. That enables the SNMO nanoparticles to be useful for solar cell absorbers.

Novel powder processing technologies for production of rare-earth permanent magnets.

Post-neodymium magnets that possess high heat resistance, coercivity, and (BH)max are desired for future-generation motors. However, the candidate materials for post-neodymium magnets such as Sm2Fe17N3 and metastable magnetic alloys have certain process-related problems: low sinterability due to thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures, deterioration of coercivity during sintering, and the poor coercivity of the raw powder. Various developments in powder processing are underway with the aim of overcoming these problems. So far, the development of advanced powder metallurgy techniques has achieved Sm2Fe17N3 anisotropic sintered magnets without coercivity deterioration, and advances in chemical powder synthesis techniques have been successful in producing Sm2Fe17N3 fine powders with huge coercivity. The challenge of a new powder process is expected to open the way to realizing post-neodymium magnets.

A novel red emitting phosphor LiBaB9 O15 :Sm2+ /Sm3+ , li+ with broad excitation band for white LEDs.

A novel tunable red emitting phosphor LiBaB9 O15 :Sm2+ /Sm3+ , Li+ with broad excitation band was synthesized by a high temperature solid-state method. Luminescence properties were investigated in detail by luminescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra and CIE chromaticity coordinates. XPS data confirmed that there were Sm3+ in LiBaB9 O15 :Sm3+ and Sm2+ /Sm3+ in LiBaB9 O15 :Sm2+ /Sm3+ , respectively. Spectral property of LiBaB9 O15 :Sm3+ , LiBaB9 O15 :Sm3+ /Sm2+ and LiBaB9 O15 :Sm2+ , Li+ presented that the excitation band of Sm3+ widened and the excitation band of Sm2+ ranged from 350 to 450 nm. And the red light color is tunable with changing Li+ concentration. The results indicated that LiBaB9 O15 :Sm2+ /Sm3+ , Li+ may be promising red phosphor for white light emitting diodes.

Comparative analysis of RNA-Seq data from brain and blood samples of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorders throughout the world. In order to search for PD biomarkers, we performed a system-level study of RNA-Seq data from PD brain and blood samples. Differentially expressed miRs of RNA-Seq data were subjected to generate the Co-expression networks. Three highly co-expressed clusters were identified based on their correlation coefficient values and fold change ratio. SM2miR drugs of the miRs contained in the three highly co-expressed clusters were identified, and drugs common among these clusters were selected. Co-expressed miRs not previously known to be associated with PD were identified from both the samples. Functional enrichment analyses of these miR targets were done, and the pathways common and unique to both the samples were identified. Thus, our study presents a comparative analysis of miRs, their associated pathways, and drugs from brain and blood samples of PD that may help in system level understanding of this disease. miRs identified from our study may serve as biomarkers for PD.

A retrospective study of endoscopic resection for 368 patients with early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or precancerous lesions.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of early esophageal squamous cell neoplasm (ESCN) treated with endoscopic resection (ER), especially, to compare the prognosis in patients with sm2 cancer and non-sm2 cancer. METHODS: From 2007 to 2013, 368 patients were included in our analysis. RESULTS: The patients were 252 (68.5 %) men and 116 (31.5 %) women with a median age of 61 (range 16-84 years) years. Hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, m1, m2, m3, sm1, and sm2 were diagnosed in 47 (12.8 %), 27 (7.3 %), 34 (9.2 %), 61 (16.6 %), 54 (14.7 %), 38 (10.3 %), 63 (17.1 %), 12 (3.3 %), and 32 (8.7 %) cases. The mean (range) follow-up time was 29 (0-84) months. The cumulative overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year metachronous esophageal lesion rates were 4.1, 12.9, and 32.6 %. The incidence of lymph node or distant metastasis was 1.54 % in m3, 6.25 % in sm2, and 0 in other subgroups. The overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 99.5, 97.3, and 87.5 %. There was significant difference between sm2 and non-sm2 patients in metastatic rate (P = 0.021); however, no difference existed between m3 patients and sm2 patients (P = 0.252). The difference of metachronous esophageal lesion (P = 0.401) and survival (P = 0.634) between sm2 and non-sm2 patients was not obvious. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that ER was an effective and relatively safe treatment for superficial ESCN. ER is still appropriate in select sm2 patients. To monitor the second primary cancer in sm2 is necessary during the follow-up.

Predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in additional gastrectomy after endoscopic resection of cT1aN0 gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic therapy for clinical T1aN0 (cT1aN0) gastric cancer is an excellent therapeutic strategy; however, pathological lymph node metastasis (LNM) occasionally occurs. Patients who have a potential for LNM are subject to additional gastrectomy. Our aim was to identify predictors of LNM in additional gastrectomy. METHODS: One hundred and twelve cT1aN0 gastric cancer patients undergoing additional gastrectomy after endoscopic resection were identified between 1997 and 2013. Predictors for LNM were initially selected by a univariate analysis and applied to a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: (1) Twelve patients (10.7 %) had LNM following additional gastrectomy. (2) Clinicopathological factors significantly associated with LNM were the depth of invasion (SM2 or deeper, designated as SM2) (p = 0.0018) and rigorous lymphatic invasion (ly2,3) (p < 0.001). (3) The univariate predictors for LNM were applied to the multivariate logistic regression model, and SM2 (p = 0.0027) and ly2,3 (p = 0.0028) remained significant predictors. (4) When classified into 2 × 2 subgroups, the predictability for LNM was as follows: SM2 plus ly2,3 (46.7 %), SM2 plus ly0,1 (10.0 %), M,SM1 plus ly2,3 (0 %), and M,SM1 plus ly0,1 (0 %). CONCLUSIONS: In cT1aN0 gastric cancer patients, both SM2 and ly2,3 are significant predictors for LNM that may be important as references for additional gastrectomy after endoscopic resection.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric tube cancer after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Recent improvements in the survival of patients after esophagectomy have led to an increasing occurrence of gastric tube cancer (GTC). Removal of the reconstructed gastric tube, however, can lead to high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for GTC. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. PATIENTS: We investigated patients with GTC after esophagectomy undergoing ESD from 1998 to 2011. INTERVENTION ESD MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient characteristics, endoscopic findings, technical results, histopathology including curability and Helicobacter pylori gastritis, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: There were 51 consecutive patients with 79 lesions including 38 lesions (48%) meeting the absolute indication, 31 (39%) satisfying the expanded indications, and 10 (13%) falling outside such indications. The median procedure time was 90 minutes. There were 73 en bloc resections (92%), 59 en bloc resections with tumor-free margins (R0 resections, 75%), and 51 curative resections (65%) based on the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association criteria. Fifty patients (98%) were assessed as H pylori gastritis positive. Adverse events included 3 perforations (3.8%) during ESD and 2 delayed perforations (2.5%) without any emergency surgery and 3 delayed bleeding (3.8%). Local recurrence was detected in 4 patients (7.8%), and metachronous GTCs were identified in 18 patients (35%). Five patients (10%) died of GTC including 3 metachronous lesions. The 5-year overall survival rate was 68.4%, and the disease-specific survival rate was 86.7% with 100% for curative and 72.7% for non-curative patients during a median follow-up period of 3.8 years (range, 0-12.1 years). LIMITATION: Single-center retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: ESD for GTC was feasible and effective for curative patients; however, long-term outcomes for non-curative patients were less satisfactory.

Evaluation of Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Expressions in a Buried Penis.

BACKGROUND: A buried penis (BP) is rare in which the penile body is retracted into the prepubic adipose tissue. This research focuses on differences in smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) isoform expressions in the dartos fascia. METHODS: A total of 82 children, 41 of whom had BPs, who applied for circumcision between May and November 2021, were included in the study. The cases were divided into four groups aged ≥6 years (NP6, n = 18) and aged ≤3 years (NP3, n = 17) with normal penile appearance, aged ≥6 years (BP6, n = 23) and aged ≤3 years (BP,n = 24) with a BP. SMMHC isoforms mRNA gene expression analyses were performed by quantitative PCR technique in dartos fascia obtained from foreskin removed by circumcision. RESULTS: Compared to the NP3 group, the SM1 mRNA expressed in the BP6 group was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.005). SM2 mRNA levels expressed in dartos fascia were considerably higher in NP6 and NP3 groups compared to BP6 and BP3 groups (p < 0.001). The SM2/SM1 ratio was 0.85 in the BP6 group and 1.46 in the NP6 group, which was statistically significant (p = 0.006) and increased from 0.87 in the BP3 group to 2.21 in the NP3 group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a buried penis, there is a difference in the expression of SMMHC isoforms. SM1 is highly expressed, while SM2 decreases, increasing the SM2/SM1 ratio. This causes increased contractility in the smooth muscle, leading to retraction of the penile body. The dartos fascia surrounding it resembles aberrant muscle tissue in boys with a BP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Case-control study.

Ascorbic acid promoted sulfadimidine degradation in the magnetite-activated persulfate system by facilitating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle.

Persulfate (PS) activation technologies were of significant importance to the organic contaminant treatment. In this study, ascorbic acid (AA) was introduced to the traditional PS-activated process by using magnetite (Fe3O4) as the activator; herein, the degradation efficiency of sulfadimidine (SM2) was improved from 30 to 93% within 3 h, and the observed removal rate was about 8.0 times higher than that of the Fe3O4/PS system. These improvements were found to be induced by the added AA because it could reduce the surface Fe(III) to Fe(II) on Fe3O4 and thus facilitate the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle, which was conducive to producing reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in the oxidation process during PS activation. Meanwhile, AA could also promote the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle in the homogeneous solution, further advancing the PS decomposition for SM2 degradation. The ROS trapping experiments indicated that SM2 removal in the Fe3O4/PS/AA system was attributed to •OH and •SO4-, and •SO4- was the dominant ROS. Moreover, the reusability test experiment revealed that magnetite retained good activity after five cycles in the Fe3O4/AA/PS system. This study provides a promising PS activation technology for efficient organics contaminant treatment.

Phytosynthesis via wasted onion peel extract of samarium oxide/silver core/shell nanoparticles for excellent inhibition of microbes.

The aqueous onion peel extract (OPE) was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-onion), samarium oxide nanoparticles (Sm2O3-onion), and silver/samarium oxide core/shell nanoparticles (Ag@Sm2O3-onion). The produced nanoparticles were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectra (FT-IR), absorption spectra (UV-Vis), energy band gap, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). OPE and NPs were tested for the disinfection of some water microbes. XRD analysis exhibited an amorphous structure of samarium oxide in both Sm2O3-onion and Ag@ Sm2O3-onion. The isolated bacteria from the water sample were Bacillus subtilis (OQ073500) and Escherichia coli (MW534699), while the isolated fungi were Alternaria brassicae (MZ266540), Aspergillus flavus (MT550030), Aspergillus penicillioides (MW957971), Pythium ultimum (MW830915), Verticillium dahlia (MW830379), Fusarium acuminatum (MZ266538), Candida albicans (MW534712), and Candida parapsilosis (MW960416). High levels of antimicrobial activity were seen in both the nanoparticles and the aqueous onion peel extract. Based on experimental results, Ag@Sm2O3 demonstrated the highest activity as an effective disinfectant, indicating the effectiveness of the modification process.

Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Chemical and Structural Properties of Geopolymer Gels Doped with Nd2O3 and Sm2O3.

In this research, the influence of the thermal treatment of geopolymer gels at 300 °C, 600 °C and 900 °C when incorporated with 5% rare earth elements (REEs) in the form of (GP-Sm) Sm2O3 and (GP-Nd) Nd2O3 was investigated. Changes in the chemical and structural properties of the geopolymer gels during thermal treatment for 1 h were monitored. Physico-chemical characterization was performed using the following methods: diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Besides the characterization of the fundamental properties, some practical macroscopic properties were analyzed as well: sorptivity, open porosity, and Archimedean density. The stretching vibrations of Nd-O-Si and Sm-O-Si were confirmed at a value of around 680 cm-1and an Nd-O-Si absorption band at a higher value, together with the most dominant band of Si-O stretching vibration similar for all the samples. No significant chemical changes occurred. Structural analysis showed that for GP-Nd, the largest pore diameter was obtained at 900 °C, while for GP-Sm, the largest pore diameter was obtained at 600 °C. EDS confirmed the amount of dopant to be about 5%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that for GP-Nd, the ratio of Si and Al changed the most, while for GP-Sm, the ratio of Si and Al decreased with increasing temperature. The contributions of both dopants in the GP-gel structure remained almost unchanged and stable at high temperatures. The atomic percentages obtained by XPS analysis were in accordance with the expected trend; the amount of Si increased with the temperature, while the amount of Al decreased with increasing temperature. The sorptivity and open porosity showed the highest values at 600 °C, while the density of both geopolymers decreased linearly with increasing temperature.

La-Doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU-Coated Leather Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Performance.

Flexible La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/polyurethane (PU) coated leather composites were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method, with highly efficient photocatalytic degradation properties by coating the La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU emulsion onto the leather and drying it. The phase composition and optical properties of the as-prepared photocatalytic material were systematically characterized. The result revealed that La was doped in Sm2Zr2O7 successfully, and the prepared samples still possessed pyrochlore structure. The absorption edge of the prepared samples exhibited a red-shift with the increase in La doping, indicating that La doping could broaden the absorbance range of the La-doped Sm2Zr2O7 materials. The catalytic performance of La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU composite emulsion coating on the photocatalytic performance of leather was studied with Congo red solution as the target pollutant. The results showed that the best photocatalytic property was found in the 5% La-doped Sm2Zr2O7 nanomaterial at a concentration of 3 g/L. The resulting 5% La-doped Sm2Zr2O7 nanomaterial exhibited a high specific surface area of 73.5 m2/g. After 40 min of irradiation by a 450 W xenon lamp, the degradation rate of Congo red reached 93%. Moreover, after surface coating, the La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU coated leather composites showed obviously improved mechanical properties, as the tensile strength of La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU coated leather composites increased from 6.3 to 8.4 MPa. The as-prepared La-doped Sm2Zr2O7/PU coated leather composites with enhanced mechanical properties and highly efficient photocatalytic performance hold promising applications in the treatment of indoor volatile organic compounds.

Advanced Magnetic Actuation: Harnessing the Dynamics of Sm2Fe17-xCuxN3 Composites.

Recently, there has been an escalating demand for advanced materials with superior magnetic properties, especially in the actuator domain. High coercivity (Hci), an essential magnetic property, is pivotal for programmable shape changes in magnetic actuators and profoundly affects their performance. In this study, a new Sm2Fe17-xCuxN3 magnet with a high Hci was achieved by modifying the temperature of the reduction-diffusion process─lowering it from 900 to 700 °C through the introduction of Cu and finer control over the structure and morphology of the Sm2Fe17-xCuxN3 magnetic component within the actuator composite. Consequently, the Sm2Fe17-xCuxN3 magnet demonstrated a remarkable Hci of 11.5 kOe, eclipsing the value of 6.9 kOe attained by unalloyed Sm2Fe17N3 at reduced temperatures. By capitalizing on the enhanced magnetic properties of the Sm2Fe17-xCuxN3 composite and incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) into the elastomer matrix, we successfully fabricated a robust actuator. This innovative approach harnesses the strengths of hard magnets as actuators, offering stability under high-temperature conditions, precision control, longevity, wireless functionality, and energy efficiency, highlighting the vast potential of hard magnets for a range of applications.

Double-endoscope endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of early gastric cancer accompanied by an ulcer scar (with video).

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer accompanied by an ulcer scar remains challenging. Several counter-traction techniques have been attempted to facilitate ESD, but a standard procedure remains to be established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of double-endoscope ESD by using a single light source in patients with early gastric cancer accompanied by an ulcer scar. DESIGN: Single center, retrospective study. SETTING: Kitasato University East Hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 30 early gastric cancers with ulcer scars were treated by double-endoscope ESD in 30 patients from October 2008 through May 2012. INTERVENTION: Double-endoscope ESD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: En bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, treatment time, and adverse events. RESULTS: The use of two endoscopes for ESD provided a good field of vision and allowed counter-traction to be applied to the lesion, clearly facilitating submucosal dissection. Because only a single light source was used, the working space of the endoscope room was not compromised. Moreover, it was unnecessary to prepare another light source or to coordinate image filing. The en bloc resection rate and complete resection rate were 100% and 90%, respectively, and the median treatment time was 80 minutes. As compared with historical control data obtained before the introduction of double-endoscope ESD, the rate of cutting into the specimen was significantly lower (7% vs 35%; P = .01). No serious adverse events occurred during the procedure. Postoperatively, however, 3 patients (10%) had delayed hemorrhage, and 1 (3.3%) had a delayed perforation. LIMITATIONS: Single-center, nonrandomized study. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that our procedure for double-endoscope ESD is useful and feasible in patients with early gastric cancer accompanied by an ulcer scar.

A phase II study of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms (KDOG 0901).

BACKGROUND: Most previous studies of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal neoplasms were retrospective; prospective studies are scant. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of ESD for superficial esophageal neoplasms. DESIGN: Phase II study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-two patients (median age 68 years; 48 men) who had a histologic diagnosis of superficial esophageal cancer without metastasis on CT or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) were enrolled from April 2009 through November 2011. INTERVENTION: ESD was used to treat 56 lesions. All procedures were done by 4 endoscopists who each had previously performed ESD in more than 100 patients with gastric tumors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was the R0 resection rate, and secondary endpoints were the safety and the rate of accurately diagnosing tumor depth on endoscopic examination. RESULTS: The median treatment time was 69 minutes (24-168 minutes). The histopathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 49 lesions, HGIN in 5, and tubular adenocarcinoma in 2. The en bloc resection rate and R0 resection rate were 100% and 94.6%, respectively. The rates of adverse events during ESD and after ESD were 22.2% and 53.8%, respectively, but most events were mild. One patient (1.9%) had mediastinal emphysema without perforation. The rate of accurately diagnosing tumor depth on endoscopic examination was 76.8%. LIMITATIONS: Single-center, nonrandomized study. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ESD was an effective and relatively safe treatment for superficial esophageal neoplasms. ESD may be a useful treatment option for superficial esophageal neoplasms in hospitals with endoscopists who are experts in performing ESD for gastric tumors. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000002047.).

Hard Magnetic Properties and the Features of Nanostructure of High-Temperature Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr Magnet with Abnormal Temperature Dependence of Coercivity.

This paper presents methods and approaches that can be used for production of Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr permanent magnets with working temperatures of up to 550 °C. It is shown that the content of Sm, Cu, and Fe significantly affects the coercivity (Hc) value at high operating temperatures. A decrease in the content of Fe, which replaces Co, and an increase in the content of Sm in Sm-Co-Fe-Cu-Zr alloys lead to a decrease in Hc value at room temperature, but significantly increase Hc at temperatures of about 500 °C. Increasing the Cu concentration enhances the Hc values at all operating temperatures. From analysis of the dependence of temperature coefficients of the coercivity on the concentrations of various constituent elements in this alloy, the optimum chemical composition that qualifies for high-temperature permanent magnet (HTPM) application were determined. 3D atom probe tomography analysis shows that the nanostructure of the HTPM is characterized by the formation of Sm2(Co,Fe)17 (2:17) cells relatively smaller in size along with the slightly thickened Sm(Co,Cu)5 (1:5) boundary phase compared to those of the high-energy permanent magnet compositions. An inhomogeneous distribution of Cu was also noticed in the 1:5 phase. At the boundary between 1:5 and 2:17 phases, an interface with lowered anisotropy constants has developed, which could be the reason for the observed high coercivity values.