Numerical analysis on a viewing angle enhancement of a digital hologram by attaching a pixelated random phase mask.

In a digital hologram, the maximum viewing angle of a computer-generated hologram (CGH) is limited by pixel pitch due to the diffraction grating equation. Since reducing pixel size of display panel is challenging and costly, we propose a method to expand the viewing angle of a digital hologram by attaching an aligned pixelated random phase mask (PRPM) onto the CGH pattern based on analysis of simulation results. By introducing a phase-averaging process to the widely used iterative Fourier transform algorithm, an optimized CGH pattern can be obtained in conjunction with a PRPM.

Formation of ferromagnetic Co-H-Co complex and spin-polarized conduction band in Co-doped ZnO.

Magnetic oxide semiconductors with wide band gaps have promising spintronic applications, especially in the case of magneto-optic devices. Co-doped ZnO (ZnCoO) has been considered for these applications, but the origin of its ferromagnetism has been controversial for several decades and no substantial progress for a practical application has been made to date. In this paper, we present direct evidence of hydrogen-mediated ferromagnetism and spin polarization in the conduction band of ZnCoO.

A randomized clinical trial comparing long-term clopidogrel vs aspirin monotherapy beyond dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting coronary stent implantation: Design and rationale of the Harmonizing Optimal Strategy for Treatment of coronary artery stenosis-Extended Antiplatelet Monotherapy (HOST-EXAM) trial.

Unlabelled: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been developed by drug-eluting stent (DES), but stent implantation has brought the issue of stent thrombosis and optimal antiplatelet therapy. Guidelines recommend at least 6- to 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y receptor inhibitor such as clopidogrel. Beyond DAPT after PCI with DES, however, there has been still a debate for antiplatelet regimen.

Analysis of oxygen vacancy in Co-doped ZnO using the electron density distribution obtained using MEM.

Oxygen vacancy (VO) strongly affects the properties of oxides. In this study, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study changes in the VO concentration as a function of the Co-doping level of ZnO. Rietveld refinement yielded a different result from that determined via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), but additional maximum entropy method (MEM) analysis led it to compensate for the difference.

Characterization of enzymatically modified rice and barley starches with amylosucrase at scale-up production.

Physicochemical properties of Neisseria polysaccharea amylosucrase (NpAS)-treated rice and barley starches were investigated at scale-up production. Pre-gelatinized rice and barley starches were treated with significantly lower NpAS dose (0.1 U/mL) but 100 times larger reaction volume (3500 mL), compared to the analytical scale (35 mL) used in the previous study.

Fabrication of high-quality single-crystal Cu thin films using radio-frequency sputtering.

Copper (Cu) thin films have been widely used as electrodes and interconnection wires in integrated electronic circuits, and more recently as substrates for the synthesis of graphene. However, the ultra-high vacuum processes required for high-quality Cu film fabrication, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), restricts mass production with low cost. In this work, we demonstrated high-quality Cu thin films using a single-crystal Cu target and radio-frequency (RF) sputtering technique; the resulting film quality was comparable to that produced using MBE, even under unfavorable conditions for pure Cu film growth.

Resorption of bone graft after maxillary sinus grafting and simultaneous implant placement.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sinus bone graft resorption over 3 years after two-stage implant placement.

Materials And Methods: The subjects for this study included 30 patients whose maxillary posterior ridges were too atrophic for implants. Bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation was used in 15 maxillary sinuses, while the bone graft by lateral approach technique was used in 25 maxillary sinuses.

Fabrication of ZnCoO nanowires and characterization of their magnetic properties.

Hydrogen-treated ZnCoO shows magnetic behavior, which is related to the formation of Co-H-Co complexes. However, it is not well known how the complexes are connected to each other and with what directional behavior they are ordered. In this point of view, ZnCoO nanowire is an ideal system for the study of the magnetic anisotropy.

The seven-year cumulative survival rate of Osstem implants.

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the cumulative survival rate of Osstem implants (Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.) over a seven-year period.

Effects of amylosucrase treatment on molecular structure and digestion resistance of pre-gelatinised rice and barley starches.

Structural modification of rice and barley starches with Neisseria polysaccharea amylosucrase (NpAS) was conducted, and relationship between structural characteristics and resistant starch (RS) contents of NpAS-treated starches was investigated. Pre-gelatinised rice and barley starches were treated with NpAS. NpAS-treated starches were characterised with respect to morphology, X-ray diffraction pattern, amylopectin branch-chain distribution, and RS content, and their structural characteristics were correlated to RS contents.

Electrorheological properties of carbon nanotube/ polyelectrolyte composite silica nanoparticles by layer-by-layer self-assembly.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MCNTs)/silica (SiO2) composite particles were prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method using polyelectrolytes and functionalized MCNTs (fMCNTs). The fMCNTs prepared by chemical oxidation method were incorporated on the outermost layer of polyelectrolyte-coated SiO2 particles. The amount of fMCNTs was varied by LbL self assembly.

The differential effects of age on the association of KLOTHO gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease.

The Klotho knockout mouse is thought to be a good animal model for human aging. Recent studies have reported on the association of KLOTHO gene mutation with cardiovascular disease in humans. We observed the frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms, that is, G-395A in the promoter region, C1818T in exon 4, and a functional variant, KL-VS, of KLOTHO gene in Koreans, and we investigated their relationships with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who had undergone coronary angiograms.

Associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms of adiponectin gene and coronary artery diseases.

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein, is known to have anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties and its serum levels are decreased in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Several studies have been performed to investigate the association of genetic variations in the adiponectin with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, but few studies were performed in association with coronary artery disease. Therefore we examined the associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), +45T>G and +276G>T of the adiponectin gene, and coronary artery diseases (CAD).

Relationship of serum osteoprotegerin levels with coronary artery disease severity, left ventricular hypertrophy and C-reactive protein.

OPG (osteoprotegerin) is an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and recent work suggests it has a role in atherosclerosis. Therefore we measured serum OPG levels in patients with coronary artery disease, compared the serum OPG levels among the different groups according to the number of stenotic vessels and determined whether there was any correlation with aortic calcification, LV (left ventricular) mass index and serum CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Subjects (n=100; mean age, 57 years) who underwent coronary angiograms were enrolled.

Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube/gold nanoparticle composites.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were chemically oxidized in a mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid (3:1) while being ultrasonicated. The effect of oxidative ultrasonication at room temperature on development of functional groups on the carbon nanotubes was investigated. The dispersability and the carboxylic acid group concentration of functionalized MWCNTs (fMWNTs) varied with reaction time.

Dip-pen nanolithography with poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium) chloride.

Poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium) chloride (PDAC), a high molecular weight cationic polyelectrolyte, was used as ink for dip-pen nanolithography. Line patterns were generated on bare silicon wafers directly with PDAC-coated tips. Widths and heights of lines increased with decreasing scan rates.