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Objectives: Pharmacological options for treating osteoarthritis (OA) are limited and alternative treatments are required. Given the clinical data indicating that granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) may be a therapeutic target in human OA, we evaluated different treatment regimens with a neutralizing anti-GM-CSF monoclonal antibody (mAb) in an experimental OA model to determine their effectiveness on amelioration of pain and disease.Methods: The collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CiOA) model was induced in C57BL/6 mice, followed by different treatment regimens of anti-GM-CSF mAb or isotype control. Anti-CCL17 mAb treatment was also administered continually during the late stage of CiOA. Pain-related behavior (change in weight distribution of hind limbs), and disease (cartilage damage and osteophyte size) were assessed.Results: Blocking GM-CSF only during early synovitis in CiOA prevented pain and disease development. Once OA pain was established, regardless of the treatment regimen, anti-GM-CSF mAb treatment rapidly and efficiently ameliorated it; however, unless the treatment was continued, pain returned and disease progressed. Continual late stage blockade of GM-CSF was able to ameliorate pain (between-group difference: -6.567; 95% confidence interval (CI): -10.12, -3.011) and suppress cartilage damage (P = 0.0317, 95% CI: -1.75, -0.0556). Continual late stage blockade of CCL17 showed similar effects on pain and disease development.Conclusions: Early and short-term GM-CSF neutralization is effective at preventing CiOA pain and disease development but, once pain is evident, continual GM-CSF blockade is required to prevent pain from returning and to suppress disease progression in mice. These data reinforce the potential benefits of anti-GM-CSF (and anti-CCL17) mAb therapy in OA and should inform further clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A history of binge-drinking decreases protein expression of the glutamate-related scaffolding protein Homer2 within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA), coinciding with behavioral signs of negative affect. To assess the functional relevance of this protein change for withdrawal-induced hyper-anxiety, adult (PND 56) and adolescent (PND 28) male C57BL/6J mice were administered an intra-CEA infusion of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) carrying either cDNA to express Homer2 (H2-cDNA) or GFP as control. Mice underwent 14 days of binge-drinking under multi-bottle, limited-access conditions and were assayed for behavioral signs of negative affect during withdrawal using the light-dark box, marble burying, and forced swim tests (FST). Following behavioral testing, all animals experienced 5 days of drinking to evaluate the effects of prior alcohol experience and Homer2 manipulation on subsequent alcohol consumption. During protracted (4 weeks) withdrawal, adolescent alcohol-experienced GFP controls showed increased signs of negative affect across all 3 assays, compared to water-drinking GFP animals, and also showed elevated alcohol consumption during the subsequent drinking period. Homer2-cDNA infusion in adolescent-onset alcohol-drinking animals was anxiolytic and reduced subsequent alcohol consumption. Conversely, Homer2-cDNA was anxiogenic and increased drinking in water-drinking adolescents. Unfortunately, the data from adult-onset alcohol-drinking animals were confounded by low alcohol consumption and negligible behavioral signs of anxiety. Nevertheless, the present results provide novel cause-effect evidence supporting a role for CEA Homer2 in the regulation of both basal anxiety and the time-dependent intensification of negative affective states in individuals with a history of binge-drinking during adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is substantial controversy about the benefit of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. PSA screening rates have declined since 2008 due to changing practice guidelines and conflicting clinical trial results regarding the benefit of screening. Since then, the incidence of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has risen; however, there is no direct epidemiologic evidence of a correlation between population PSA screening rates and subsequent mPCa rates. We used data from the United States Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) to calculate yearly PSA screening rates, long-term non-screening rates (no PSA measured in prior three years), and age-adjusted mPCa incidence rates from 2005 to 2019. Rates are reported per 100,000 men and were aggregated by race, age group, and VHA facility (128 facilities). We used random effects linear regression to examine the influence of yearly facility-level PSA screening rates from 2010-2013 on subsequent facility-level mPCa incidence from 2014-2019, adjusting for population demographics. The cohort included 4.7 million men in 2005 and increased to 5.4 million in 2019. PSA screening rates declined from a high of 50.8% in 2008 to 37% in 2019, with declines in all age and race groups; the long-term non-screening rate similarly increased in this period. mPCa incidence increased from a low of 4.6 in 2008 to 7.9 in 2019, driven by increases in the 55-69 and 70+ year old age groups. Lower facility-level PSA screening rates were associated with higher subsequent mPCa incidence (0.87 unit increase in 2014-2019 mPCa incidence rate per 10% decrease in 2010-2013 PSA screening rate, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 1.15, p<0.001). Similarly, higher long-term non-screening rates were associated with higher subsequent mPCa incidence (1.61 unit increase in 2014-2019 mPCa incidence rate per 10% increase in 2010-2013 long-term non-screening rate, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.08, p<0.001). From 2008 to 2019, PSA screening rates declined and long-term non-screening rates increased in the national VHA system. Lower facility-level PSA screening rates were associated with higher subsequent rates of mPCa. These data can be used to inform shared decision making about the potential benefits of PSA screening in men who wish to reduce their risk of prostate cancer metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of hot band grain size on the development of crystallographic texture and magnetic properties in non-oriented electrical steel sheet was studied. After cold rolling the samples with different initial grain sizes displayed different microstructures and micro-textures but nearly identical macro-textures. The homogeneous recrystallized microstructure and micro-texture in the sample having small grains caused normal continuous grain growth. The quite irregular microstructure and micro-texture in the recrystallized sample with large initial grain size provided a preferential growth of grains in 〈001〉//ND and 〈113〉//ND which were beneficial for developing superior magnetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/objective(s): Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex disease, with risk factors and outcomes influenced by a combination of socioeconomic and biological factors. African American men (AAM) in the U.S. have higher incidence and mortality rates of PCa than European American men (EAM). Nonetheless, emerging studies have shown comparable outcomes across racial groups when treated in equal access settings. The Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system provides a unique environment to thoroughly investigate PCa disparities between AAM and EAM across the disease continuum, within relatively equal access-to-care settings.Materials/methods: This retrospective analysis consists of 7.8 million veterans undergoing routine care within VA hospitals nation-wide from 2005 to 2019. We compared PCa incidence, clinical presentation, treatment, and PCa specific outcomes among AAM and EAM veterans. Methods of categorical analysis were used to investigate the differences between race groups. We then assessed the likelihood of adverse clinical characteristics by race using logistic regression. In survival analysis, time-to-metastasis was used as a primary end point. Finally, we estimated the risk of distant metastasis in conjunction with treatment and baseline clinical characteristics using a multivariable cox proportional hazard model.Results: Consistent with population-level data, AAM had an almost 2-fold greater risk of developing PCa than EAM within the relatively equal access-to-care VA network, with age-adjusted incidence rates of 96.7 and 40.1 per 100,000, respectively. Despite similar screening patterns, AAM also had a higher age-adjusted rate of metastasis at diagnosis compared with EAM - 5.66 and 2.37 per 100,000, respectively. AAM were more likely to have higher baseline PSA (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.77-1.95, P < 0.0001) and had higher Gleason score (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.09-1.16, P < 0.0001). Additionally, AAM also experienced slightly longer delay in receiving their primary treatment (124 vs 109 days, P < 0.0001). Among patients who had no record of definitive treatment, AAM had increased risk of distant metastasis (aHR = 1.26, 95% CI, 1.15-1.39, P = 0.002). However, AAM who received definitive treatment, particularly radiotherapy, showed overall improvement in distant metastasis compared to EAM (aHR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.81-0.93, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: This comprehensive analysis reveals a national-level PCa incidence disparity in a relatively equal access-to-care network. AAM display a higher burden of both localized and metastatic PCa, placing them at a higher risk of adverse outcomes across the PCa continuum. Consequently, timely diagnosis and equitable treatment delivery are likely critical factors for reducing disparities in disease outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases associated with myocardial infarction are among the major causes of death worldwide due to the limited regenerative capacity of cardiac tissues. Although various approaches, such as biosynthetic biomaterials, have been developed to promote postinfarction cardiac regeneration, a number of limitations, including the immune complications caused by biodegradation of these scaffolds and insufficient cell migration, need to be overcome prior to their clinical application. Hence, the development of natural biomaterials to support myocardial regeneration is crucial. Here, we investigated the effects of a natural biomaterial, cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) on the proliferation and maintenance of cardiomyocytes in order to assess its suitability for cardiomyocyte expansion. The ECM components not only provide mechanical support, but also induce and preserve the required phenotypic and functional characteristics of the cells. We prepared ECM sheets from decellularized cardiac sections. Cardiomyocytes were then cultured with and without these cardiac ECM sheets. We compared the proliferation rates and phenotypes, and cardiac gene and protein expression, of the cultured cardiomyocytes by automatic cell counting and the MTT assay, microscopy, and RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The cardiomyocytes cultured with the natural cardiac ECM sheets exhibited higher proliferation rates and cardiac gene and protein expression than those cultured without the ECM sheets. Our results demonstrate that the ECM sheets are suitable for use in cardiomyocyte transplantation and can provide a novel in vitro model for investigating cell and ECM interactions. We hypothesize that these ECM sheets can be used in the future to improve cardiac transplantation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective We sought to determine (1) whether change in the tibial plateau inclination (TPI) after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is different from change in the knee joint line orientation (KJLO) relative to the ground; (2) whether, in varus knee OA patients before and after HTO, these radiographic measures are different from those in normal control; and (3) whether the postoperative values of the TPI and KJLO relative to the ground are associated with short term clinical outcome scores after HTO. Design Fifty patients who underwent HTO and 75 normal controls were assessed with four radiographic measures. We compared the measures before HTO with those after HTO and with those of the normal controls, then examined associations between the postoperative radiographic measures and clinical outcome scores 1-year after HTO. Results After HTO, TPI increased 9.0°, whereas KJLO relative to the ground only increased 4.1°, with a compensatory change of the ankle joint line orientation. However, the postoperative KJLO relative to the ground in the HTO group was significantly different from that of the normal controls (mean difference, 4.9°; P < 0.001). In the multiple regression analyses, the postoperative radiographic measures were not associated with outcome clinical scores 1 year after HTO. Conclusion After HTO the relative KJLO changed significantly less than did the anatomical geometry of the proximal tibia. Although the KJLO after the HTO was still significantly different from that of normal knees, its value did not adversely affect clinical outcome scores 1 year after HTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Facial allotransplantation represents a novel frontier in the reconstruction of complex human facial defects. To develop more refined surgical techniques and yield fine results, it is required to make a suitable animal model. The development of a model of composite facial and scalp allograft in canines is more appealing: In large animals, canine facial anatomy is the most similar to humans; its facial nerve anatomy also resembles humans'; and canines possess the most similar facial vascular anatomy to humans. These factors led to the development of a canine composite facial allograft model. Methods: Two operative teams performed simultaneously on both donor and recipient to harvest the hemifacial/scalp flap and to prepare the recipient to shorten operative time. The flap was harvested with the common carotid artery and external jugular vein and transferred to the recipient. After insetting of the cartilage, skin, and muscles, the anastomosis of the external jugular vein and anastomosis between the external carotid artery and lingual artery were performed. Results: The total mean time of transplantation was 5 hours ± 30 minutes. All of the transplanted animals were wreated with FK-506 [tacrolimus, 2 mg/kg] for 7 days after surgery. Clinical rejection response was also identified by close monitoring. Most allografts survived with perfect viability without vascular problems in the early postoperative period. Conclusions: We documented that this model is well qualified in every aspect for use as a standard transplantation training model and future research work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objective: Translation and transcultural adaptation of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS LK 2.0) into Korean language was performed, followed by test of psychometric properties. Design: A Korean version of the HOOS was produced according to internationally recommended guidelines, which included forward translation, reconciliation, back translation, harmonization, cognitive debriefing and proof reading. The psychometric properties including reliability and validity were evaluated. The reliability, including the internal consistency and test–retest reliability, was then evaluated in a hip osteoarthritis population (OA group, n =75). The validity, including the convergent validity was assessed comparing HOOS with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS) scale. Responsiveness was evaluated in a population scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA group, n =35). Results: All subscales of the HOOS showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha>0.7) without floor and ceiling effects. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) spanned from 0.78 to 0.93. In terms of convergent validity, Activity of Daily Living (ADL) subscale showed the strongest correlations with Physical Function (PF) (r =0.801) and Bodily Pain (BP) (r =0.810) in the subscales of SF-36. For responsiveness, all HOOS subscale scores improved significantly (P <0.05) postoperatively. Conclusions: The Korean version of HOOS showed satisfactory internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and responsiveness. This study shows that the HOOS questionnaire developed in West is, with transcultural adaptation, relevant for use among patients in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents the sludge characteristics and the treatment performances of the SBR in the removal of varying influent phenol concentrations. The SBR was operated by treating synthetic wastewater containing no phenol and with phenol concentrations ranged from 100 to 400mg/L. Operational mode of the SBR included Fill, React, Settle, Draw and Idle periods in the ratio of 2:8:1:0.5:0.5 for a cycle time of 12h. The sludge characteristics were evaluated through the morphological observation and the sludge settleability while the treatment performance of the SBR was assessed through the phenol removal efficiency. The sludge morphology shifted from predominantly normal floc for SBR treating synthetic wastewater without phenol to predominantly Zoogloeal floc when phenol was introduced to SBR and was increased to 300mg/L. Zoogloeal floc enhanced the sludge settleability, producing clear effluent. As influent phenol concentration increased to 400mg/L, microfloc was prevailed resulting in poor sludge settleability and deteriorated the quality of effluent with discharged suspended solids. However, the change of sludge morphology did not affect the phenol removal efficiency in the SBR with increase phenol loading. Almost complete phenol removal can be achieved with sufficiently long React mode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objective: To investigate the prevalence of hip osteoarthritis (OA) in a community-based elderly Korean population and to identify its risk factors. Design: Radiographs of hip and knee were evaluated in 288 men and 386 women (age≥65 years) that participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA). Minimum joint space widths (JSW), center-edge angles (CEA), and neck–shaft angles were measured on hip radiographs, and tibio–femoral angles on knee radiographs. Hip OA was defined as minimum JSW of ≤2mm or ≤2.5mm. The following potential risk factors of OA were examined; demographic data, acetabular dysplasia, large CEA (≥40°) and deformities of femoral neck and knee joint. Multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was performed to exclude confounding factors. Results: When hip OA was defined as JSW≤2mm, the overall prevalence of the disease was 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–3.2%), and only older age (≥70 years) was identified as a significant risk factors with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.0. However, when hip OA was defined as a JSW of ≤2.5mm, the overall prevalence of the disease was 13.1% (95% CI, 10.5–15.6%), and older age (≥70 years), female, large CEA (≥40°), and acetabular dysplasia (CEA<20°) were identified as significant risk factors with ORs of 2.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 10.2, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of hip OA in elderly Korean was 2.1% (JSW≤2mm) in community-based population. Older age (≥70 years), female, large CEA (≥40°), and acetabular dysplasia (CEA<20°) appeared to be significant risk factors of hip OA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The application of risk analysis as a method to ensure food safety presents significant challenges to the regulatory community, including developing sampling and regulatory scheme based on historical data that focuses attention on firms with poor compliance records. This study examines the application of multivariate statistical analysis including principle component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis to characterize Texas feed and fertilizer firms’ ability to manufacture nutritionally uniform products. Multivariate statistical results from a three year continuous data set and three variables were used to develop a sampling plan in which the best performing feed and fertilizer manufacturers were sampled at the lowest sampling percentage of the facilities. Sampling was optimized within each group to achieve the target number of total samples for the 2007 plan of work for the Office of the Texas State Chemist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of interfacial transition zone on mechanical properties of concrete has been found to be significant, thus the interfacial transition zone should be considered in the analysis for better estimation of elastic modulus of concrete. However, it is difficult to estimate elastic modulus of concrete practically using simple models proposed so far. In this study, a numerical concrete model that adopts three-phase model and finite element with material discontinuity was proposed to analyze concrete with complex interface in three dimensions. The validity of the proposed model was verified by comparing the calculated elastic moduli of concrete with those obtained from experiments. The effect of interfacial transition zone on elastic modulus of concrete with either low or high w/c was also investigated. The analysis results suggest that careful selection of characteristics for interfacial transition zone should be made for the accurate estimation of elastic modulus of concrete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Seven isolates of cefoxitin-resistant Escherichia coli with an inducible phenotype were detected between November 2002 and July 2003 in a Korean hospital. Conjugations were tested by the filter mating method using azide-resistant E. coli J53 as the recipient. All isolates and their transconjugants were tested for broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentrations, isoelectric focusing (IEF), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SHV, TEM, CTX-M and DHA-derived β-lactamases, and DNA sequencing. XbaI-digested genomic DNA bands of the seven isolates were separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). IEF, PCR and sequence analysis revealed that all isolates possessed a bla TEM-1-like and a bla DHA-1 gene. Two isolates also carried the bla CTX-M-14 gene. Transfer of the resistance by conjugation experiments of all seven isolates was successful, suggesting that the bla DHA-1-containing plasmids in the E. coli isolates were self-transmissible. The isolates were recovered from patients in wards or an intensive care unit, all of which had been exposed to β-lactams before isolation of the DHA-1 producers. Five patterns among the seven isolates were demonstrated by PFGE; sporadic infections with E. coli possessing an inducible β-lactam resistance phenotype were found. DHA-1 encoded by conjugative plasmids conferred the resistance phenotype. The spread of the DHA-1 producers was due to both clonal spread and horizontal transfer of the resistance gene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results and prediction model for the autogenous shrinkage of concrete made with various water-to-cementitious materials ratios (w /cm) ranging from 0.27 to 0.42 and granulated blast-furnace slag (BFS) in the range of 0% to 50% by mass of the total cementitious materials. Test results showed that BFS concrete exhibited greater autogenous shrinkage than ordinary concrete with no BFS with the same w /cm, and that the higher the BFS content, the greater the autogenous shrinkage. At the same content of BFS, the increasing rate of autogenous shrinkage is affected by the w /cm; the lower the w /cm, the smaller the increasing rate of autogenous shrinkage. Based on the test results, a prediction model for autogenous shrinkage was proposed. In particular, an effective autogenous shrinkage that is a realistic shrinkage strain responsible for stress development was introduced in the model. It was determined by taking into account the characteristics of ultrasonic pulse velocity evolution in concrete. This prediction method for autogenous shrinkage may be effectively used to estimate the stress induced by autogenous shrinkage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The role of bioregeneration process in renewing the adsorbent surface for further adsorption of organics during simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes has been well recognized. The extent of bioregeneration of powdered activated carbon (PAC) as an adsorbent loaded with phenol, p-methylphenol, p-ethylphenol and p-isopropylphenol, respectively, in the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes were quantitatively determined using oxygen uptake as a measure of substrate consumption. Bioregeneration phenomenon was also evaluated in the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes under sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operation to treat synthetic wastewater containing 1200mgl−1 phenol and p-methylphenol, respectively. The SBR systems were operated with FILL, REACT, SETTLE, DRAW and IDLE periods in the ratio of 4:6:1:0.75:0.25 for a cycle time of 12h. The results show that the percentage of desorption from loaded PAC decreased in the order phenol>p-methylphenol>p-ethylphenol>p-isopropylphenol. For the treatment of phenol and p-methylphenol in the SBR reactors, respectively, the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes were able to produce a consistent effluent quality of COD ⩽100 mgl−1 when the applied PAC dosage was 0.115 and 0.143g PAC per cycle, respectively. When no further PAC was added, the treatment performance deteriorated to that of the case without PAC addition after 68 and 48 cycles of SBR operation, respectively, for phenol and p-methylphenol. This observation is consistent with the greater extent of bioregeneration for phenol-loaded PAC as compared to p-methylphenol-loaded PAC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present standard test for the setting times of concrete is the penetration resistance test specified by ASTM C403. This test, while good for standard concrete mixtures, may not be appropriate for high-performance concrete (HPC) because of the high viscosity of the mortar. To address this issue, the ultrasonic pulse velocities (UPV) were measured using an ultrasonic monitoring system during the first 24 h of age for mortar and concrete specimens having various water-to-cementitious materials (w/cm) ratios and with and without fly ash (FA). Various characteristics observed from the measured UPV agreed with the previous theory of cement hydration, which describes the mixture as viscous suspension transforming into saturated porous solid phase. It was also found that the development of UPV in concretes, particularly without FA, was faster than that of mortars with the same w/cm. The values of concrete UPV corresponding to the initial and final setting (ASTM C403) did not show a trend consistent with those of mortar UPV. Two alternative criteria were applied to determine the setting characteristics from the UPV evolution curves. They were found to better represent the microstructural changes than the penetration method, as suggested by the consistent trend with decreasing w/cm among various mortars and concretes. Thus, the potential use of these alternative methods is suggested by specifying, at each w/cm, general target UPVs that are valid for both mortar and concrete with or without FA. It was concluded that the methods and monitoring device used in this research were useful for the in-situ monitoring of the setting of concrete, particularly in HPC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high temperature phase transitional behavior in the organic superconductor (TMTSF)2ClO4 (tetramethyltetrafulvalenium-perchlorate) was manifest in our 1H NMR measurements. Our observations are discussed in the light of a dimensional crossover of the electronic transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This investigation is based on the premise that heavy metals are sequestered by the mineral phase of teeth, hydroxyapatite, during their formation. Once formed these tissues are not subject to significant turnover and it is suggested, therefore, that they provide a permanent and cumulative record of heavy metal exposure during the development of the teeth. The teeth of the bank vole ( Clethrionomys glareolus ) were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to monitor the animals' exposure to lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and strontium. Animals were trapped in clean and polluted areas in Poland in and around Krakow in 1996 and in Olkusz and Legnica in 1996 and 1997. The control area in 1996 was Bieszcady National Park and in 1997 Borecka Forest. The results showed that there were statistically different concentrations of heavy metals in the teeth of animals from different sites. The high levels of pollution from industrial emissions were related to higher concentrations of heavy metals in the teeth. Unexpectedly high levels of heavy metals in the teeth of animals from Bieszczady National Park, thought to be environmentally clean, suggested cross-border pollution from Slovakia and the Ukraine. It was concluded that the teeth of small mammals, such as the bank vole, are a sensitive and reliable marker of environmental pollution by heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As-grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique, 3C-silicon carbide (3C-SiC) nanowires (NWs) were studied for their energy states by photonic interactions. Temperature dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) was employed in the study. High energy emissions in UV range were found. In order to better understand origins of the high energy emissions, a time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) study was executed to manifest the nature of these high energy emissions. Observation with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the UV emissions were due to the oxide formed on the outer surface of the NWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Background Patients with stroke often suffer from gait difficulties. Gait speed was often reduced and maintaining balance during gait was also affected. In swing phase of gait, maximal hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion are often reduced in sagittal plane. The The leg elevation assist band was designed to assist elevation of lower extremity and foot clearing during swing phase. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effects of leg elevation assist band in patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. Material and method Ten chronic hemiplegic patients after cerebral stroke at least 6 months after onset who can walk indoor were recruited. The leg elevation assist band is consisted of chest harness, two elastic band to assist leg elevation and foot part. The band helps to elevate involved foot and leg of the patients. All the patients wore leg elevation assist band and practiced walking indoor for 20 minutes 5 times a week for 2 weeks. Results After applying the band, 10 meter walking time improved to 32.6 ± 17.6 seconds comparing 34.5 ± 14.1 seconds without the band( P < 0.05). After 1 week, 10 meter walking time improved to 30.9 ± 17.5 seconds comparing 31.8 ± 15.0 seconds without the band( P < 0.05). After 2 weeks, 10 meter walking time was 31.9 ± 17.5 seconds comparing 31.2 ± 14.4 seconds without the band. Before the experiment, all 10 patients could not go up the stairs. 2 weeks after training with the band, 4 out of 10 patients could climb up the stairs. They did not show significant change in functional reach test after 2 week training. Conclusion The leg elevation assist band could improve the walking speed of hemiplegic patients and the band also had therapeutic effects on walking ability in the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]