The electromagnetic ͑EM͒ characteristics of ZnO-coated Fe nanocapsules synthesized by arc discharging were studied at 2-18 GHz. A reflection loss ͑RL͒ exceeding −20 dB was obtained in the frequency range of 6.1-15.7 GHz for an absorber thickness of 1.5-5 mm. An optimal RL of −57.1 dB was found at 7.8 GHz for an absorber thickness of 3.00 mm. The excellent microwave-absorption properties are a consequence of a proper EM match in the nano-microstructure, a strong natural resonance, as well as multipolarization mechanisms. ZnO-coated Fe nanocapsules may be attractive candidates for EM-wave-absorption materials.

Fluorescence (FL) and microwave-absorption properties of multi-functional α-Fe solid-solution nanocapsules have been investigated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis show that the nanocapsules have a shell/core structure with α-Fe solid-solution nanoparticles as the core and amorphous ZnO as the shell. The nanocapsules are ferromagnetic at room temperature. There is a tendency to redshift for the peak at 388 nm in the FL spectra as the Zn concentration decreases. The in-depth study of relative permittivity and permeability reveals that the ZnO-coated α-Fe solid-solution nanocapsules exhibit excellent microwave-absorption properties, because of a proper electromagnetic match in the microstructure, strong natural resonances and dipolar polarization mechanisms.

separated by a 2-week washout period. Voiding diaries and multichannel urodynamics (at baseline, 4 and 10 weeks) were used to record the changes of voids/24 h and urodynamic variables. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in voids/ 24 h, and the TL value (log[T/L]), a new electromyographic variables showing the extent of DV. Efficacy outcomes at 4 and 10 weeks were compared with the baseline data, using a crossover-designed analysis of variance model. RESULTSThe efficacy analysis of the treatment showed that baclofen was associated with significantly fewer voids/24 h than placebo (mean difference from baseline 5.53 vs 2.70; P = 0.001) and a significant increase in TL (mean difference from baseline − 1.78 vs 0.01, P = 0.001). No significant adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONSA 4-week course of baclofen significantly reduced the number of voids/24 h and increased the TL value in women with DV confirmed by transdermal perineal electromyography. These encouraging results suggest that baclofen could be used for treating DV in women. KEYWORDS dysfunctional voiding, baclofen, electromyography, TL value OBJECTIVESTo assess the activity of baclofen, a potent γ -aminobutyric acid-ergic agonist, against dysfunctional voiding (DV) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a clinical trial, as DV is a leading cause of LUTS in women, but there is no effective treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODSWe conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial in 60 women with DV and LUTS between January 2003 and January 2006; patients were randomly assigned either baclofen 10 mg three times daily, then matching placebo for 4 weeks, or matching placebo then baclofen 10 mg three times daily for 4 weeks,

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The electrocaloric effects accompanied with the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transitions in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) are investigated within the Landau–Devonshire theory. Just changing the nature of the phase transition from the first-order to the second-order reduces the isothermal entropy change, adiabatic temperature change and refrigerant capacity. The isothermal entropy change in the second-order transition is about one half of that in the first-order one, which is confirmed by experiments and is also consistent with the magnetocaloric counterpart. Converting to be film also leads to the reduction in electrocaloric effects, generally ascribed to the decrease of pyroelectric coefficients.

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Magnetic-field-induced martensitic phase transition and the concomitant change of volume are investigated in Ni-Mn-In alloy. A well-defined linear relationship is found between the quantity characterizing magnetic degree of freedom and the thermal expansion on behalf of structural degree of freedom, which demonstrates the magnetostructural coupling. Within the exchange-inversion model, such a linear relationship is theoretically derived and the magnetostructural correlation is elucidated. The lattice-entropy change contributes about one half of the total entropy change, suggesting that the magnetostructural coupling plays an important role in the magnetocaloric effect of Ni-Mn-In alloy.

Genetic predisposition influences dermal arsenism toxicity. The GSTP1 A1578G (Ile105Val) status might be a susceptibility factor for arsenic-related skin lesions.