Fabrication of Large-Area Mullite-Cordierite Composite Substrates for Semiconductor Probe Cards and Enhancement of Their Reliability.

This work aims to fabricate a large-area ceramic substrate for the application of probe cards. Mullite (M) and cordierite (C), which both have a low thermal expansion coefficient, excellent resistance to thermal shock, and high durability, were selected as starting powders. The mullite-cordierite composites were produced through different composition ratios of starting powders (M:C = 100:0, M:C = 90:10, M:C = 70:30, M:C = 50:50, M:C = 30:70, and M:C = 0:100). The effects of composition ratio and sintering temperature on the density, porosity, thermal expansion coefficient, and flexural strength of the mullite-cordierite composite pellets were investigated. The results showed that the mullite-cordierite composite pellet containing 70 wt% mullite and 30 wt% cordierite sintered at 1350 °C performed exceptionally well. Based on these findings, a large-area mullite-cordierite composite substrate with a diameter of 320 mm for use in semiconductor probe cards was successfully fabricated. Additionally, the changes in sheet resistance and flexural strength were measured to determine the effect of the environmental tests on the large-area substrate such as damp heat and thermal shock. The results indicated that the mullite-cordierite composite substrate was extremely reliable and durable.

Adsorption characteristics of citric acid on Fe3O4 (001), (011), and (111) surfaces.

Magnetite (001), (011), and (111) surfaces were the focus of our study. Magnetite (001) surface has two different terminations, that is, Fetet and 2Feoct4O. Magnetite (011) surface has two different terminations, that is, 2Feoct4O and 2Fetet2Feoct4O. Magnetite (111) surface has six different terminations, that is, Fetet1, Feoct, Fetet2, 3Feoct, 4O1, and 4O2. Comparing surface energies of (001), (011), and (111) surfaces, (001) has the smallest surface energy, and (111) has the largest surface energy except for Feoct termination, which means that (001) surface is the easiest to be cleaved, followed by (011) and (111) surfaces. Comparing adsorption energies of citric acid onto (001), (011), and (111) surfaces, (111) has the largest adsorption energies except for Fetet2 termination, and (001) has the smallest adsorption energies, which means that (111) surface is the most active for citric acid adsorption, followed by (011) and (001) surfaces. PDOS (partial density of states) of citric acid adsorbed onto (001), (011), and (111) surfaces with different terminations shows that 3d orbital of Fe of magnetite surface does not contribute to the adsorption, and 4s orbital of Fe of magnetite surface and 2s and 2p orbitals of O of citric acid contribute to the adsorption.

The effects of pain scrambler therapy on the pain and quality of life of degenerative gonarthritis patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of pain scrambler therapy on the pain and quality of life of degenerative gonarthritis patients. [Subject and Methods] This study is a single case study. Pain scrambler therapy was applied for 40 minutes per session once a day for 15 days to a 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with degenerative gonarthritis. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life was measured using the short form-36 item after therapy. [Results] Decrease in pain and improved quality of life were evident after pain scrambler therapy. [Conclusion] Pain scrambler therapy had a potential to decrease pain and improve the quality of life in degenerative gonarthritis patients.

The effect of actively induced vibration using shoulder joint on pain and dysfunction in patients with low back pain.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of a Flexi-Bar exercise program with vibration stimulation on pain and dysfunction in patients with low back pain. [Subjects and Methods] This study included 30 patients with low back pain. The participants were divided into a control (n=15) group and an experimental group (n=15). General physical therapy was used in both groups. A Flexi-Bar exercise program with vibration stimulation was used in the experimental group. The Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain severity. The Oswestry Disability Index was used to measure the extent of dysfunction due to low back pain. [Results] The VAS and ODI of the experimental group showed a significant difference compared to that of the control group. [Conclusion] The results show that a Flexi-Bar exercise program with vibration stimulation is effective in alleviating pain and dysfunction in patients with low back pain.

Package of essential noncommunicable disease (PEN) interventions in primary health-care settings in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: a feasibility study

The prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is a priority for the Democratic People’sRepublic of Korea. Mortality due to NCDs in people aged over 30 years was 1239 per 100 000 in 2009and the 2014–2020 national strategy includes population-level goals for health promotion and diseaseprevention. This paper reports a pilot study on the feasibility of implementing components of the World HealthOrganization (WHO) Package of essential noncommunicable disease (PEN) interventions for primary healthcare in low-resource settings (WHO PEN) to enable early detection and management of cardiovasculardisease and diabetes mellitus at the level of primary care. WHO PEN protocols were adapted for local useby household doctors, who provide ambulatory care in polyclinics in the mornings and household visits inthe afternoons. The pilot project was implemented in two polyclinics in Pyongyang, covering a population of32 000. After training, and during routine household visits in June 2014, 70 household doctors screened alladults aged over 35 years (18 340) for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, and their risk factors. Atotal of 2319 patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and those with high-risk factors, were referredto the polyclinics for three quarterly visits for testing and management. Final household screening of thepopulation was done in June 2015. This pilot project demonstrated the feasibility of integrating screening andmanagement into the standard primary health-care system in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.The household doctors were able to detect and manage risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes byusing the protocols based on WHO PEN. Among 18 340 individuals aged over 35 years, implementationof WHO PEN interventions led to a significant reduction in the number of people with a 10-year risk ofcardiovascular disease ≥20% (from 1748 [9.5%] to 543 [3.0%]) over a 1-year period. Involvement ofhousehold doctors can increase access to services for prevention and control of cardiovascular disease anddiabetes in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Effect of pain scrambler therapy on antineuralgic pain and quality of life after shingles.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of pain scrambler therapy on antineuralgic pain and quality of life after shingles. [Subjects and Methods] Daily pain scrambler therapy was administered to antineuralgic patients for 10 days, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and quality of life was assessed with the short form 36-item (SF-36). [Results] After10 sessions of pain scrambler therapy, pain had significantly reduced compared to that experienced prior to treatment. The quality of life had also improved following completion of 10 treatment sessions. [Conclusion] Pain scrambler therapy decreased patients' post-shingles antineuralgic pain and improved quality of life.

The effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study aims to verify the effects of visual control whole body vibration exercise on balance and gait function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 22 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups; 11 to the experimental group and 11 to the control group. Both groups received 30 minutes of Neuro-developmental treatment 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally performed 10 minutes of visual control whole body vibration exercise 5 times per week during the 4 weeks. Balance was measured using the Functional Reach Test. Gait was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test. [Results] An in-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test. In comparing the groups, the Functional Reach Test and Timed Up and Go Test of the experimental group were more significantly different compared to the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that visual control whole body vibration exercise has a positive effect on the balance and gait function of stroke patients.

The effect of combined exercise with slings and a flexi-bar on muscle activity and pain in rotator cuff repair patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of combined exercise with slings and a Flexi-Bar on muscle activity and pain in rotator cuff repair patients. [Subjects and Methods] This research evaluated 20 rotator cuff repair patients divided randomly into groups of 10 as the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group performed combined exercise with slings and a Flexi-Bar. Both the experimental and control groups were treated with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator and continuous passive motion. Muscle activity was measured with surface electromyography. Pain was measured with the visual analogue scale. The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was used to assess the differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. [Results] Subjects of both the experimental group and control group showed significant differences in muscle activity and pain. However, as compared with the control group, there was significant differences in the muscle activity and pain in the experimental group. [Conclusion] These results indicate that combined exercise with slings and a Flexi-Bar is effective in improving muscle activity and decreasing pain in rotator cuff repair patients.

The effect of flexi-bar exercise with vibration on trunk muscle thickness and balance in university students in their twenties.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of Flexi-Bar exercise with vibration on trunk muscle thickness and balance in university students in their twenties. [Subjects and Methods] This research evaluated 26 university students in their twenties, equally and randomly divided into two groups. Both the experimental and control groups used an ordinary pole for exercise. In addition, the experimental group exercised by using a Flexi-Bar. Ultrasonic imaging was used to measure the changes in trunk muscle thickness. A balance measuring equipment was used to measure balance ability. [Results] The thickness of the transversus abdominis and the multifidus muscles in the experimental group increased, and the experimental group showed increased thickness in the transversus abdominis muscle compared to the control group. After 6 months of exercise, there was an improvement in the blind Romberg test and center of pressure moving distance with one-leg standing. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the Flexi-Bar exercise is effective in increasing trunk muscle thickness and improving balance.

Characteristics and Mechanism of Cu Films Fabricated at Room Temperature by Aerosol Deposition.

We were successful in growing a dense Cu film on Al2O3 substrates at room temperature using an aerosol deposition (AD) method. The characteristics of Cu films were investigated through electrical resistivity and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The resistivity of Cu films was low (9.2-12.5 µΩ cm), but it was five to seven times higher than that of bulk copper. The deterioration of the resistivity indicates that a Cu2O phase with CuO occurs due to a particle-to-particle collision. Moreover, the growth of Cu films was investigated by observing their microstructures. At the initial stage in the AD process, the impacted particles were flattened and deformed on a rough Al2O3 substrate. The continuous collision of impacted particles leads to the densification of deposited coating layers due to the plastic deformation of particles. The bonding between the Cu particles and the rough Al2O3 substrate was explained in terms of the adhesive properties on the surface roughness of Al2O3 substrates. It was revealed that the roughness of substrates was considerably associated with the mechanical interlocking between Cu particles and rough Al2O3 substrate.

Effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the effect of a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks on the balance and gait of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups 10 to an experimental group that performed a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks and 10 to a control group. The control group performed a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise program. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale. Gait was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The paired t-test was used to compare groups before and after the experiment. The independent t-test was conducted to assess differences in the degree of change between the two groups before and after the experiment. [Results] Within-group comparison in the experimental group showed significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test. In a comparison between groups, the differences in the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test in the experimental group appeared significant compared with the control group. [Conclusion] The results of the experiment indicate that a virtual reality exercise program accompanied by cognitive tasks has a positive effect on the balance and gait of stroke patients.

Effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of horse-riding exercise on balance, gait, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in stroke patients. [Subjects] Among 20 participants with stroke, 10 were randomly assigned to the experimental group, and 10 were randomly assigned to the control group. The experimental group participated in horse-riding exercise for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Balance was tested with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait was measured using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). ADLs were tested with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Differences between pre- and post-experiment values within the two groups were compared using paired t-tests. Between-group differences were compared using independent t-tests. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in balance, gait, and ADLs following horse-riding exercise. Additionally, the experimental group showed significant differences in balance, gait, and ADLs compared with in the control group. [Conclusion] These results support that horse-riding exercise enhances balance, gait, and ADLs in stroke patients. This study supports the need for further research on horse-riding exercise programs.

Effects of Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound and Cryotherapy on Recovery of Joint Function and C-reactive Protein Levels in Patients after Total Knee Replacement Surgery.

[Purpose] We investigated the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and cryotherapy on joint function recovery and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of patients with total knee replacement. [Subjects] Forty-six patients with total knee replacement were recruited and allocated to either low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy (n=15), cryotherapy (n=15), or a combination of both (n=16). Therapy was administered once a day, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. To determine functional joint recovery and reduction of inflammation, changes in the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), range of motion (ROM), and CRP were assessed postsurgically and four times over a 3-week period. Using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), homogeneity tests were performed based on participants' general characteristics. To recognize changes in time-variant K-WOMAC, ROM, and CRP values between groups, repeated measures ANOVA was performed, and Tukey's test was used for post-test analysis. Values at α=0.05 were considered significant. [Results] We found a difference between groups and times, and the group that received the combined therapies showed greater changes in outcomes than the group that received low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy alone. [Conclusion] Applying both low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and cryotherapy can relieve inflammation and enhance joint function in patients who undergo total knee replacement.

Decreased serum angiogenin level in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is mediated by pathological angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF -α) may play important roles in inflammation and angiogenesis through effects on inflammatory cell infiltration or neovascularization in AD pathogenesis. A few studies on the roles of VEGF in AD have been reported recently. But, the results were inconsistent. Angiogenin, which is suspected to have a similar function as VEGF, however, has not yet been studied in patients with AD. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the levels of angiogenin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptorI (VEGFR I), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor II (VEGFR II) in serums of patients with AD, to compare their levels with control subjects, and to determine whether serum angiogenin, VEGF, VEGFR I, and VEGFR II levels are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Serum angiogenin, VEGF, VEGFR I, and VEGFR II levels were quantified at the time of diagnosis in 20 patients with definite AD, and 18 healthy controls, using a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Patients with AD exhibited lower serum angiogenin (p=0.003) and higher VEGF (p=0.008) levels than control subjects. No difference in serum VEGFR I and VEGFR II concentrations was observed between AD patients and controls. There was a correlation between serum levels of angiogenin and cognitive function (MMSE-KC and CDR) in AD patients. CONCLUSION: The increased serum level of VEGF and decreased serum angiogenin level were founded. Cognitive function was correlated with serum levels of angiogenin. Angiogenin may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Further study should be needed to evaluate the possibility of serum angiogenin as a biomarker of AD and as a predictor of disease progression.

A novel route to large-scale and robust free-standing TiO2 nanotube membranes based on N2 gas blowing combined with methanol wetting.

We present a novel and straightforward approach to fabricate large-scale and robust free-standing TiO(2) nanotube (TNT) membranes. Simply by blowing N(2) gas onto as-anodized TNTs that are wetted with methanol, free-standing TNT membranes are produced. The approach also provides homogeneous and honeycomb-like Ti substrates after the detachment of TNT membranes. Through the second anodization of the honeycomb-like Ti substrates following the N(2) blowing, TNT membranes comprising hexagonally close-packed and regularly ordered TNTs with clear open ends can be achieved. Characterization of the free-standing TNT membranes using Raman spectroscopy and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope reveals that anatase TiO(2) and crystalline graphitic carbon are embedded in the bottom surface of the free-standing TNT membranes.

Synthesis and visible-light-induced catalytic activity of Ag2S-coupled TiO2 nanoparticles and nanowires.

We present the synthesis and visible-light-induced catalytic activity of Ag(2)S-coupled TiO(2) nanoparticles (NPs) and TiO(2) nanowires (NWs). Through a simple wet chemical process from a mixture of peroxo titanic acid (PTA) solution, thiourea and AgAc, a composite of Ag(2)S NPs and TiO(2) NPs with sizes of less than 7 nm was formed. When the NP composite was further treated with NaOH solution followed by annealing at ambient conditions, a new nanocomposite material comprising Ag(2)S NPs on TiO(2) NWs was created. Due to the coupling with such a low bandgap material as Ag(2)S, the TiO(2) nanocomposites could have a visible-light absorption capability much higher than that of pure TiO(2). As a result, the synthesized Ag(2)S/TiO(2) nanocomposites exhibited much higher catalytic efficiency for the decomposition of methyl orange than commercial TiO(2) (Degussa P25, Germany) under visible light.

Pamapimod, a novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor: preclinical analysis of efficacy and selectivity.

P38alpha is a protein kinase that regulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we describe the preclinical pharmacology of pamapimod, a novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor. Pamapimod inhibited p38alpha and p38beta enzymatic activity, with IC(50) values of 0.014 +/- 0.002 and 0.48 +/- 0.04 microM, respectively. There was no activity against p38delta or p38gamma isoforms. When profiled across 350 kinases, pamapimod bound only to four kinases in addition to p38. Cellular potency was assessed using phosphorylation of heat shock protein-27 and c-Jun as selective readouts for p38 and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), respectively. Pamapimod inhibited p38 (IC(50), 0.06 microM), but inhibition of JNK was not detected. Pamapimod also inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha production by monocytes, interleukin (IL)-1beta production in human whole blood, and spontaneous TNFalpha production by synovial explants from RA patients. LPS- and TNFalpha-stimulated production of TNFalpha and IL-6 in rodents also was inhibited by pamapimod. In murine collagen-induced arthritis, pamapimod reduced clinical signs of inflammation and bone loss at 50 mg/kg or greater. In a rat model of hyperalgesia, pamapimod increased tolerance to pressure in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting an important role of p38 in pain associated with inflammation. Finally, an analog of pamapimod that has equivalent potency and selectivity inhibited renal disease in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. Our study demonstrates that pamapimod is a potent, selective inhibitor of p38alpha with the ability to inhibit the signs and symptoms of RA and other autoimmune diseases.