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The surface adsorption of fd filamentous phage (fd phage) dispersed in different solution pHs was investigated with functionalized SiO2/Si substrates. The fd phages at high pH (∼9.0) were well-adsorbed on the SiO2/Si surface that was functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, whereas those at low pH (∼3.0) were well-adsorbed on the cleaned SiO2/Si surface. The high affinity of the carboxylic acid groups (COO-) at high pH (∼9.0) was attributed to the fact that they give a higher adsorption to the positively charged amine groups (NH3+) on the surface of the substrate, similar to the effect of H3O+ at low pH (∼3.0) in a solution on the surface of the hydroxyl groups on the substrate (OH-). Interestingly, the aligned structures of the fd phage at intermediate pH (∼7.0), caused by the locally positively charged coat protein of the fd phage and the shear forces along the washing and blowing direction, were identified. The effective spring constant of the fd phage bundles was estimated to be 0.672 N/m using a force-distance curve. Our results offer prerequisite information for the bottom-up assembly in SiO2/Si substrates using the fd phage in bionanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was to evaluate changes of the mechanical loading pattern after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by analyzing uptake patterns using combined single-photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography (SPECT/CT). Materials and Methods: On SPECT/CT, high signal intensity of the articular surface which shows biological activity and mean increase of mechanical loading was compared with that of the tibiofemoral shaft as a comparative signal. The proportion of positive signals was evaluated in all compartments of the operated knee. Analysis was performed according to combined injury. Results: A relatively high proportion of positive signals was detected in the posterior zone of the lateral tibial plateau (23.5%) and trochlear groove (23.5%) although increased signal intensity was detected in all compartments. There was no statistical difference depending on the presence of combined injury and between single-bundle and double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Conclusions: Following anatomic ACL reconstruction, higher signal intensity was detected, particularly in the posterior part of the lateral tibial plateau and trochlear groove. Close observation for further signal changes or osteoarthritic changes would be required even if there was no combined injury and anatomic reconstruction was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]