Anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) with self-organized and ordered nano-hole arrays may be a good candidate for an irradiation mask to modify the properties of a nano-scale region. In order to use AAO as a mask for ion beam patterning, the ion beam transmittance of AAO should first be tested. In an AAO with a high aspect ratio (about 100), anodized from Al bulk foil, the ion beam transmittance was extremely low. However, when AAO with low aspect ratio (about 5), fabricated with thin film Al on SiO2, was irradiated with 80 keV Co ions, the Co ion transmittance was enormously improved. After selective etching of the unirradiated region, ion beam patterned 80 nm SiO2 dot arrays have been fabricated. This shows a potential of AAO with a low aspect ratio for an ion beam patterning nano-mask. In order to demonstrate the ion beam nano-patterning, magnetic nano-patterning was performed. A Co/Pt multilayer film with a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was ion irradiated through an AAO mask with a low aspect ratio, 460 nm height and 50 nm diameter, and the magnetic properties were investigated by MOKE. The formation of a magnetic nano-pattern was confirmed by MFM.

Background and purposeSubcortical structures are affected by neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD). Although the co‐occurrence of AD and LBD pathologies and their possible interaction have been reported, the effect of AD and LBD on subcortical structures remains unknown. The effects of AD and LBD on subcortical atrophy and their relationship with cognitive dysfunction were investigated.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study recruited 42 patients with pure AD related cognitive impairment (ADCI), 30 patients with pure LBD related cognitive impairment (LBCI), 58 patients with mixed ADCI and LBCI, and 29 normal subjects. A general linear model was used to compare subcortical volume and shape amongst the groups, to investigate the independent and interaction effects of ADCI and LBCI on subcortical shape and volume, and to analyze the relationship between subcortical volume and cognitive dysfunction in each group.ResultsAlzheimer's disease related cognitive impairment and LBCI were independently associated with subcortical atrophies in the hippocampus and amygdala and in the hippocampus and putamen respectively, but their interaction effect was not significant. Compared to the control group, the pure LBCI group exhibited additional local atrophies in the amygdala, caudate and thalamus. Subcortical atrophies correlated differently with cognitive dysfunction according to the underlying causes of cognitive dysfunction.ConclusionsThe patterns of subcortical atrophies and their correlation with cognitive dysfunction differ according to the underlying AD, LBD or concomitant AD and LBD.

IntroductionReports of sexual harassment are becoming more frequent in Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces. This study aimed to analyse the impact of sexual harassment on mental health among female military personnel of the ROK Armed Forces.MethodsData from the 2014 Military Health Survey were used. Instances of sexual harassment were recorded as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 10 (K-10) scores. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between sexual harassment and K-10 scores.ResultsAmong 228 female military personnel, 13 (5.7%) individuals experienced sexual harassment. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that sexual harassment had a significantly negative impact on K-10 scores (3.486, p<0.04). Higher K-10 scores among individuals experiencing sexual harassment were identified in the unmarried (including never-married) group (6.761, p<0.04), the short-term military service group (12.014, p<0.03) and the group whose length of service was <2 years (11.067, p<0.02).ConclusionsSexual harassment has a negative impact on mental health. Factors associated with worse mental health scores included service classification and length of service. The results provide helpful information with which to develop measures for minimising the negative psychological effects from sexual harassment and promoting sexual harassment prevention policy.

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Our study indicates that unmet medical need is significantly associated with soldiers' mental health decline and suicide ideation, highlighting the importance of providing military personnel with timely, affordable and sufficient medical care.