This letter reports the utility of using the sol-gel process for exploring the library of multicomponent ZnO-based oxides as an active layer of thin film transistors. We chose InGaZnO as a starting material and modulated the Ga content to examine the potential of this material. Increasing the Ga ratio from 0.1 to 1 brought about a dynamic shift in the electrical behavior from conductor to semiconductor. This exploratory work critically helped us fabricate a device with robust device performance (a mobility of 1∼2 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the 400 °C-sintered samples and 0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the 300 °C-sintered samples).

The aim of present study was to establish normative data for the distribution of nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in normal Korean fetuses. The data were collected from pregnant women with singleton pregnancies in whom fetal ultrasound was performed and the fetal NT thickness was measured between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Among them, a total of 2,577 fetuses with a known normal outcome were included in this study. The distribution of multiple of median (MoM) values of the NT thickness with crown-rump length (CRL) in 10-mm intervals and the 95th percentile of MoM were calculated with the linear regression method. The present study showed that NT measurements increase with increasing CRL and a false positive rate increases with increasing gestational age. Therefore, a fixed cut-off point through the first trimester was not appropriate and each NT measurement should be examined according to the gestational age. The present study offers normative data of the fetal NT thickness in a Korean population, which can be used as reference for screening chromosomal aberrations or other congenital abnormalities in the first trimester.

Sacral fractures have not been described well in dogs. The records of 32 dogs diagnosed with sacral fractures were evaluated for neurologic deficits at presentation and discharge. Follow-up was in the form of telephone survey or physical examination at recheck. A score was assigned for each dog at presentation, discharge, and follow-up (0 for normal, 1 for minor deficits, and 2 for major deficits). Fractures located lateral to the sacral foramina were called abaxial, and those medial to the sacral foramina were called axial. Axial fractures had significantly more severe deficits at presentation (p = 0.00017) and discharge (p = 0.03063), but not at follow-up. Neurologic status did not improve significantly during hospitalization in either fracture group, but had improved significantly at follow-up.

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Aim: Prenatal diagnostic testing by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is sometimes recommended for women with twin pregnancies. However, few studies have compared the outcomes between twins with CVS and control twins without intervention. This study aimed to compare the obstetrical outcomes of CVS in twin pregnancies and those in non-intervention twin pregnancies. Methods: First-trimester transabdominal CVS was performed on dichorionic-diamniotic twins (n = 54; Group 1) between December 2006 and January 2017 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at our hospital, and the data were retrospectively analyzed. CVS risks were evaluated by comparing obstetrical outcomes with those of a control population of 155 dichorionic-diamniotic twins without intervention (Group 2). Results: The difference in the overall fetal loss rate (Group 1, 7.4% vs Group 2, 3.9%; P = 0.287) between the two groups was not statistically significant. The miscarriage rate, defined as delivery at <24 gestational weeks, and early preterm delivery, defined as delivery at <34 gestational weeks, were not significant between the groups (miscarriage: Group 1, 5.6% vs Group 2, 3.2%; P = 0.428; early preterm delivery: Group 1, 11.1% vs Group 2, 9.0%; P = 0.788). The mean gestational age at delivery, birth weights and neonatal intensive care unit admission rate were not statistically significant between the groups. Thus, the overall fetal loss rate and obstetrical outcomes of Group 1 were comparable with those of Group 2. Conclusion: In conclusion, the overall obstetrical outcomes were not significantly different between twins with CVS and control twins with the advantage of enabling early decision-making about selective feticide in twins with CVS.

This study examined the effects of the Zn ratio on the microstructure of InGaZnO (IGZO) films and the device performance of their transistors. IGZO films with various Zn ratios were produced by co-sputtering InGaO and ZnO at different ZnO powers. The combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses elucidated that as the Zn ratio increased from 0 to 0.69, the microstructure changed from amorphous IGZO to nanocrystalline IGZO and then to columnar ZnO. The dynamic transitions of the microstructure, in turn, profoundly affected the electrical properties including the mobility and carrier concentration. The sample with a mixing ratio of 0.25:0.2:0.55 (In:Ga:Zn) exhibited the best performance with a mobility of nearly 30 cm 2 /VÁs. Transparent oxide semiconductors (TAOS) have recently gained much attention owing to their technologically important features, including their high electron mobility, high transparency, capability for low temperature processing, etc. These materials are excellent candidates for the active layer of thin film transistors for display applications. 1,2 In particular, amorphous InGaZnO 4 (IGZO) has been the focus of many research and development efforts since Hosono and colleagues first demonstrated the possibility of using it as the active layer of TFTs. 3 Some such studies include the optimization of sputtering conditions (O 2 pressure, sputtering power, etc) and post-annealing conditions. 1,4 Nevertheless, systematic composition engineering of this material by modulating the cation ratio still remains incomplete.For the development of IGZO-based transistors with enhanced device performance, it is important to understand the roles of the main metallic elements (In, Ga, and Zn) of the material. Some recent studies unfolded that as the In ratio increased, the carrier concentration escalated sensitively and thus led to an increase in both the on-current and off-current, suggesting that In played the role of charge carrier generators. 5,6 Increasing the Ga ratio seems to have the opposite effect: With the Ga content increasing, the carrier concentration drastically decreases since Ga suppresses oxygen vacancy formation. 5-10 Thus, the In/Ga ratio is known to be critical for determining the carrier concentration of IGZO films. However, what remains relatively unexplored are the effects of modulating the Zn ratio on the film properties. It would be intriguing to investigate how the microstructure evolves and the electrical properties change as the Zn ratio changes over a wide range.In this study, we delved into the effects of the Zn ratio on the characteristics (microstructure, carrier concentration, and Hall mobility) of IGZO films and the device performance of their TFTs. We produced IGZO films with various Zn ratios via co-sputtering InGaO (IGO) and ZnO at different ZnO target powers. Combining X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Hall Effect measurements helped us to fully characterize the evolution of the film microstruct...

Aim: The present study investigates the procedure-related fetal loss rate and obstetrical outcomes of selective feticide in dichorionic twins. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 44 cases of dichorionic twins. Two different indications for selective feticide were set: (i) the presence of genetic or congenital anomaly; and (ii) an obstetrical indication specified as a past maternal history of preterm delivery that caused fetal death or cerebral palsy of the child. Primarily, data on procedure-related fetal loss and obstetrical outcomes were retrieved. Additionally, data on obstetrical outcomes by reduction time and by indication of SF were obtained. Results: Selective feticide was performed in 44 casesspecifically, in 23 cases with genetic or congenital anomaly and in 21 cases with obstetrical indications. The median gestational age at delivery was 38 + 4 weeks. One pregnancy loss (2.3%, 1/44) occurred within 4 weeks after the procedure. The overall pregnancy loss rate throughout the pregnancy term was 2.3% (1/44). When selective feticide was performed at 15 weeks and beyond, the birth weight was significantly decreased compared with when selective feticide was performed earlier than 15 weeks. Conclusion: Transabdominal ultrasound-guided selective feticide in dichorionic twins is an effective and safe procedure. If a patient desires to maximize her chances of having a healthy child and decrease the risk of prematurity, the option of selective feticide should be considered in certain cases of twin pregnancies. Selective feticide may be a reasonable alternative to expectant management or termination of the whole twin pregnancy.

Background Under certain situations, women with twin pregnancies may be counseled to undergo invasive prenatal diagnostic testing. Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis are the two generally performed invasive prenatal diagnostic tests. Studies comparing procedure-related fetal loss between first-trimester chorionic villus sampling and second-trimester amniocentesis in twin pregnancies are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the procedure-related fetal loss and the obstetrical outcomes of these two procedures, chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis in twin pregnancies. Methods The data from dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies on which first-trimester chorionic villus sampling (n = 54) or second-trimester amniocentesis (n = 170) was performed between December 2006 and January 2017 in a single center were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure-related fetal loss was classified as loss of one or all fetuses within 4 weeks of procedure, and overall fetal loss was classified as loss of one or all fetuses during the gestation. The groups were compared with respect to the procedure-related and obstetrical outcomes. Results The difference in proportion of procedure-related fetal loss rate (1.9% for chorionic villus sampling vs. 1.8% for amniocentesis; P = 1.000) and the overall fetal loss rate (7.4% for chorionic villus sampling vs. 4.7% for amniocentesis; P = 0.489) between the two groups was not significant. The mean gestational ages at delivery were not statistically significant. Conclusion Both the overall fetal loss rate and the procedure-related fetal loss rate of chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis in dichorionic twin pregnancies had no statistical significance. Both procedures can be safely used individually.