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Streptococcus parauberis, a gram-positive cocci, causes bacterial disease in farmed fish. The recent increase in S. parauberis infection in aquatic farms in South Korea has justified the importance of vaccine development for the prevention of this disease. In this study, we evaluated the effect of subunit vaccines prepared from recombinant M-like protein (SimA) and fibrinogen-binding protein (FBP) candidates with an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant against S. parauberis infection in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. For the in vivo experiment, fish (average length, 7.18 cm; average weight, 3.5 g) were injected intraperitoneally with: phosphate buffer saline (PBS, group 1), PBS/aluminum hydroxide (group 2), FBP/aluminum hydroxide (group 3), SimA/aluminum hydroxide (group 4), and SimA/FBP/aluminum hydroxide (group 5). After 3 weeks, the fish in each group were boosted using PBS (group 1 and 2), FBP (group 3), SimA (group 4), and SimA/FBP (group 5) without adjuvant. We found that the relative percent survival of fish after S. parauberis exposure in group 2, 3, 4, and 5 was 6.25%, 18.75%, 50%, and 12.5%, respectively, whereas the mortality in groups 1 was 80%, respectively. We performed Western blot, ELISA, and quantitative real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) after vaccination to investigate the further efficacy of the vaccine. Western blot and ELISA of vaccinated fish serum confirmed the production of specific antibodies against SimA and FBP. Furthermore, results of qRT-PCR showed that recombinant protein SimA induced a remarkably specific-antibody response compared with that in FBP or control and increased the expression of various immune response-related genes including interleukin-8 (IL-8), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), CD4-1, and MHC II. Thus, these results indicate that SimA is a potent vaccine candidate for protection against S. parauberis infection.

Statement of problem The optical properties of esthetic computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials can change depending on the clinical situation. Studies that compare esthetic CAD-CAM materials based on their optical properties are lacking. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the optical properties of esthetic CAD-CAM specimens after ultraviolet (UV) aging based on the type and thickness of the material. Material and methods In total, 240 plate-shaped specimens (14×12×1 mm and 14×12×2 mm) of a nanohybrid composite resin (Tetric CAD), a fine-structure feldspathic ceramic (Vitablocs Mark II), 2 different glass-ceramics (IPS Empress CAD and IPS e.max CAD), a zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass-ceramic (Celtra Duo), a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Vita Enamic), and 2 different resin nanoceramics (Cerasmart and Lava Ultimate) were fabricated (n=15). The optical parameters were analyzed by spectrophotometry before and after UV aging. The brightness (L∗), red green (a∗), yellow-blue (b∗), chroma (Ch), and hue (h) were measured, and the color difference (ΔE00) values were calculated. The translucency parameter (TP), total transmittance (Tt), and contrast ratio (CR) were also determined. Statistical analyses were performed with 1-way ANOVA, the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test, independent- and paired-samples t tests, and 2-way ANOVA (α=.05). Results Significant interactions were observed for the aging process, material type, and thickness for all optical parameters (P Conclusions The optical properties of the CAD-CAM specimens were affected by the aging process, material type, and thickness, and the color stability was clinically applicable in all CAD-CAM materials except groups Lava Ultimate and Cerasmart(ΔE00

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the changes in mechanical, optical, and surface properties of multilayered zirconia during hydrothermal aging. One conventional block (Katana Zirconia HT) and three multilayered blocks (Katana Zirconia ML, STML, and UTML) of monolithic zirconia were examined. Bar-shaped specimens were autoclaved at 134°C and 0.2MPa for 0, 5, and 10 h. The Young's modulus, three-point flexural strength, and nanoindentation hardness were measured to evaluate the mechanical properties. The surface roughness, phase distribution, surface microstructure, and elemental composition were measured to analyze the surface properties. The contrast ratio and total transmittance were measured via spectrophotometry to evaluate the optical properties. Statistical differences were analyzed using appropriate ANOVA, Tukey HSD post hoc tests, and independent and paired sample t-tests (α = .05). The monoclinic phase increased gradually after hydrothermal aging. The yttrium and zirconium concentrations decreased, and the oxygen concentration and the surface roughness increased in all specimens (P .05) between the materials. Significant interactions between material grades and hydrothermal aging were found for all the properties studied (P Microstructural alterations and significant phase transformations were detected on the surface of the multilayered zirconia after hydrothermal aging. The hydrothermal aging led to increased surface roughness, opaqueness, and elasticity of multilayered zirconia. The optical, mechanical, and surface properties of multilayered zirconia were influenced by the grade of the material after hydrothermal aging. Careful consideration of the grade of materials is necessary for the appropriate selection of multilayered zirconia ceramics for monolithic restorations.

Herein, the effects of FetO content and basicity (CaO/Al2O3) on MgO solubility in calcium aluminate slag were evaluated. The experimental results revealed that the dependence of MgO solubility on basicity reversed across the equilibrium region as the phase changed from MgO to spinel. Meanwhile, a dense layer of Mg(Al1-x,Fex)2O4 solid solution formed at the interface between the single-crystal MgAl2O4 and FetO-containing MgO-saturated slag. Thermodynamic evaluation of the spinel solid solution formation indicated that the solid solubility of ferric ions (Fe3+) in the reaction layer was dominated by the redox equilibria of ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric ions in the slag. The standard Gibbs free energy change ( Δ G ° ) of the formation of Mg(Al1-x,Fex)2O4 solid solution was derived considering both the energy change in mixing ( Δ G ° M i x ) from the configurational change and the cation distribution owing to the inversion in the spinel, as well as a chemical reaction ( Δ G ° R x n ) with the FetO-containing slag. The dissolution mechanism via the substitution of cations, as inferred from these calculations, is discussed in detail.

Facile patterning of electrodes is required for various electronic applications, particularly in solution-processed oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). In this study, source and drain electrodes were prepared from silver nanowires (AgNWs) using spray-coating and hot press techniques. Although spray coating allowed production of AgNW patterns, which could function as electrodes in oxide TFT, the as-sprayed films did not provide a sufficient physical contact with oxide semiconductors and formed interspaces that impeded electron injection. At the same time, hot press technique produced denser AgNW networks that had a tight contact with the oxide semiconductors. As a result, hot-pressed films were considered as satisfactory source and drain electrodes for high-performance oxide TFTs, as they provided an easy electron injection. Finally, the prepared oxide TFTs with hot-pressed AgNW electrodes exhibited average field-effect mobility of 4.75 ± 1.5 cm2/V, significantly higher than that of the TFTs with as-sprayed AgNW electrodes (0.08 ± 0.05 cm2/V).

Oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions are the key electrocatalytic redox couple for advanced energy storage/conversion, including rechargeable metal-air batteries and regenerative fuel cells. Heteroatom doped carbon catalysts propose a promising candidate for such purposes along with the superior durability and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, exact identification of the catalytic site as well as the critical role of dopants is still controversial in the catalytic mechanism. Here we present bifunctional catalytic site of nitrogen pair-doped graphene nanoribbons for precisely switchable OER and ORR. Pyrazolated N2-edges of graphene nanoribbon serve as switchable dual-functional active sites for OER/ORR with efficient activities and extraordinary durability. Theoretical calculation reveals genuine catalytic mechanism originating from the electrochemical potential-dependent molecular absorption and conversion at the atomic level dopant site. This judiciously controllable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity of dopant catalyst fundamentally addresses the interference between ORR and OER and attains highly stable rechargeable metal-air battery with long-term stability.

Background The association between oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and plaque instability in coronary and carotid artery disease is well established. However, the association between OxLDL and the histologic changes of plaque in peripheral artery disease has not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between plasma OxLDL and histologic plaque instability in patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods Prospectively obtained plaques from 48 patients who underwent endovascular atherectomy (n = 20), surgical endarterectomy (n = 9), or bypass surgery (n = 19) for treatment of atherosclerotic femoropopliteal artery disease were evaluated for histologic fibrosis, sclerosis, calcification, necrosis, cholesterol cleft, and foamy macrophages using hematoxylin and eosin, oil red O, and immunohistochemical staining. Unstable plaques were defined as plaques that were positive for foamy macrophages and with lipid content of more than 10% of the total plaque area. Plasma OxLDL levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Mercodia AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Results Of the 48 patients, 26 (54%) had unstable plaques. The unstable plaque group was younger, had fewer angiographic total occlusions, less calcification, and more CD68-positive and LOX-1-positive cells than the stable plaque group. Plasma OxLDL levels were significantly higher in the unstable plaque group than in the stable plaque group (57.4 ± 13.9 vs. 47.2 ± 13.6 U/L, P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis revealed that plasma OxLDL level, smoking, angiographic nontotal occlusion, and statin nonuse were independent predictors of unstable plaque. Conclusions Among patients with peripheral artery disease, the histologic instability of femoropopliteal plaque was independently associated with high plasma OxLDL, smoking, nontotal occlusion, and statin nonuse. Further large-scale studies are necessary to evaluate the role of noninvasive OxLDL measurement for predicting plaque instability and future adverse vascular event.

Persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Two oncoproteins encoded by the HPV genome, E6 and E7, are required for epigenetic modifications that promote cervical cancer development. We found that knockdown of HPV E6/E7 by siRNA reduced the levels of ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domain 1 (UHRF1) but increased the levels of gelsolin (GSN) in early stage cervical cancer cells. In addition, we found that UHRF1 levels were increased and GSN levels were decreased in early stage cervical cancer compared with those in normal cervical tissues, as shown by Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and analysis of the Oncomine database. Moreover, knockdown of UHRF1 resulted in increased cell death in cervical cancer cell lines. Treatment of E6/E7-transformed HaCaT (HEK001) cells and HeLa cells with the DNA-hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A increased GSN expression levels. UHRF1 knockdown in HEK001 cells by siRNA or the UHRF1 antagonist thymoquinone increased GSN levels, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and increased the levels of p27 and cleaved PARP. Those results indicate that upregulation of UHRF1 by HPV E6/E7 causes GSN silencing and a reduction of cell death in early stage cervical cancer, suggesting that GSN might be a useful therapeutic target in early stage cervical cancer.

We have performed off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and also performed early postoperative angiography to assess anastomosis accuracy and patency in most of our patients requiring surgical revascularization.Of 3083 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between 1998 and 2017, 2919 patients (94.7%) underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Conduits for distal anastomoses were left internal thoracic artery (n = 2764), right internal thoracic artery (n = 866), right gastroepiploic artery (n = 997), radial artery (n = 16), and saphenous vein (n = 1505). Since the introduction of transit-time flow measurement in 2000, we revised abnormal grafts intraoperatively. Early (≤7 days) angiography was performed in 2820 patients (96.6%) at 1.5 ± 1.2 postoperative days, and surgical intervention was performed based on angiographic findings.Operative mortality was 1.1% (32 of 2919). Average number of distal anastomoses was 3.2 ± 1.0. Intraoperative flowmetry-guided revision for distal anastomosis failures was performed in 109 of 8585 distal anastomoses (1.3%). Angiography showed an overall patency of 98.2% (8836 of 9001): 99.0% (5484 of 5540) for arterial and 96.9% (3352 of 3461) for venous conduits (P.001). Patency of venous conduits was 87.2% (231 of 265) for free grafts and 97.7% (3121 of 3196) for composite grafts (P = .001). After the introduction of transit-time flow measurement, patency of arterial conduits became significantly higher (97.2% vs 99.2%; P = .038); however, patency of free venous conduits was not significantly improved (86.0% vs 91.4%; P = .181). Early re-intervention according to angiographic findings was performed in 76 patients (2.7%). Reevaluation of graft patency before discharge in 31 who underwent revision of distal anastomoses showed improved patency (65.1% [56 of 86] vs 95.3% [82 of 86]; P.001).Intraoperative flowmetry and revision of abnormal grafts improved early arterial graft patency, and reoperation based on early angiographic findings may further improve graft patency at the time of discharge.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface characteristics and optical and mechanical properties of materials through hydrothermal aging using different types of translucent monolithic zirconia. Three conventional materials (LT, KT, and ET) and three multilayered materials (LM, KM, and EM) of translucent monolithic zirconia were investigated. 45 bar-shaped specimens in each group were fabricated for the measurement of surface characteristics and mechanical properties and were randomly divided into 3 subgroups. 10 plate-shaped specimens in each group were fabricated for the measurement of optical properties. All specimens were autoclaved for 0, 5, and 10 h, respectively. The various properties of translucent monolithic zirconia, such as phase distribution, surface roughness, surface texture, elemental analysis, total transmittance (Tt), contrast ratio (CR), three point flexural strength (TFS), nanoindentation hardness (NH), and Young's modulus (YM), were measured through different tests. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD post hoc test, independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, and two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). After aging, the monoclinic phase of all groups increased relative to the tetragonal phase. All groups exhibited an increase in the surface roughness and oxygen levels, but exhibited a decrease in the zirconium and yttrium levels (P .05). Alterations in the surface characteristics were found on the surfaces of translucent monolithic zirconia after aging. The aging process caused conventional materials to become more translucent, but multilayered materials were more opaque. The various properties of translucent monolithic zirconia were affected by the materials fabricated with different types after aging.

Co3S4 nanosheets on Ni foam (NS/NF) were prepared by sulfurization for various time after calcination of electrodeposited Co(OH)2. In our FE-SEM images, we observed that Co3S4 NS was vertically, or obliquely, deposited on the Ni foam. As a result, the structure contained more active sites, and active sites were highly accessible to the electrolyte for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Furthermore, results of XPS and XRD analysis confirmed S-conversion from Co3O4 to Co3S4 during sulfurization. 3-Co3S4 NS/NF with sulfurization for 3 h exhibited the highest sulfur content, while Co3S4 began to desulfurize to Co9S8 after sulfurization for 4 h. The 3-Co3S4 NS/NF electrocatalyst showed a lowest overpotential of 93 mV at −10 mA/cm2, with a Tafel slope of −55.1 mV/dec in N2-purged 1 M KOH. Also, the single cell anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) showed a high current density of 431 mA/cm2 with cell voltage 2.0 Vcell at 40–45 °C.

Background Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) have been increasingly used in various intra-articular fractures including pilon fracture. However, no study has investigated intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of pilon fracture classification using 3D CT images. Hypothesis (1) Intraobserver and interobserver agreements of fracture classifications and treatment recommendations will improve by using 2D CT images compared to using plain radiographs only; (2) agreements will improve by adding 3D CT images compared to adding 2D CT images; and (3) agreements of orthopedic residents rather than specialists will be influenced more by imaging modality. Materials and methods Ten orthopedic specialists and 10 residents completed a survey to classify the fractures according to the Ruedi-Allgower and AO/OTA classifications and to select treatment options using 25 pilon fracture images. The survey was conducted using plain radiographs, with 2D and 3D CT images introduced 3 and 6 weeks later, respectively. Kappa coefficients were calculated to determine reliabilities. Results Intraobserver reliabilities for fracture classifications in specialists significantly improved by using 2D images compared to using plain radiographs only. Addition of 3D CT did not significantly improve intraobserver reliabilities compared to those with 2D CT. Use of 2D CT images significantly improved overall interobserver agreement of both classifications, with the improvement being greater for residents. Use of 3D CT images did not improve the interobserver reliability of both classifications. Overall interobserver reliabilities for treatment recommendations did not significantly differ according to the imaging modality. However, interobserver agreement among residents significantly improved from slight agreement using radiographs only to fair agreement using 2D CT images. Discussion Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of pilon fracture classification and treatment recommendations did not improve between using 3D and 2D CT. Using 2D CT images improved the intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the fracture classifications in specialists and the interobserver reliabilities of the fracture classifications and the treatment recommendations in residents. Level of evidence IV, case control study.

Global warming and environmental pollution are accelerating due to the continued use of fossil fuels. To address these problems, biomass is being considered as an alternative and renewable energy source. In this study, the use of agricultural byproducts as a new bioenergy resource was investigated considering their conversion into a fuel via the torrefaction process. In particular, pepper stems (Capsicum annuum) were selected as a renewable agricultural byproduct for this energy conversion process. The longer residence time and the higher temperature, The larger amount of mass reduction and the higher heating value by torrefaction, which showed that there was a correlation between the heating value and mass reduction (R2 = 0.9621). The reaction rate constants for the mass reduction model were then derived from the empirical Arrhenius equation. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to obtain frequency factors and activation energies of the biomass at different heating rates. The experimental results were in good agreement with simulated results (r2 = 0.9639; root mean square error = 0.0363) when a heating rate of 7.5 °C/min was used, which also corresponded well with the rate of temperature increase inside the biomass.

The fundamental objective of nuclear safety regulation is to ensure that nuclear facilities are operated in an acceptably safe way. The acceptable level of nuclear safety depends on the culture and traditions of their particular countries. This paper examines why nuclear risk has been selected as the target of avoidance in some countries and how nuclear safety regulation should address the concerns about residual risk. Based on the society's preference toward public risk equity rather than catastrophe risk aversion, the paper presents that the concept of practical elimination can address the residual risk problem. Two proposals are suggested for the logic of post-Fukushima nuclear safety regulation. First, rational decision-making scheme must expand to include the society's preference. If public risk equity is preferred, the practical elimination is realized by the finite level of low probability. Second, the dynamic search for continuous safety improvements is essential for ensuring that the residual risk is under control.

Cariprazine is a novel atypical antipsychotic drug that is widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania/mixed disorder. We used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to investigate the effects of cariprazine on hERG channels that are stably expressed in HEK cells. Cariprazine inhibited the hERG 1A and hERG 1A/3.1 tail currents at −50 mV in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 4.1 and 12.2 μM, respectively. The block of hERG 1A currents by cariprazine was voltage-dependent, and increased over a range of voltage for channel activation. Cariprazine shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of the hERG 1A currents in a hyperpolarizing direction and produced a use-dependent block. A fast application of cariprazine inhibited the hERG 1A currents elicited by a 5 s depolarizing pulse to +60 mV to fully inactivate the hERG 1A currents. During a repolarizing pulse wherein the hERG 1A current was deactivated slowly, cariprazine rapidly and reversibly blocked the open state of the hERG 1A current. However, cariprazine did not affect hERG 1A and hERG 1A/3.1 channel trafficking to the cell membrane. Our results indicated that cariprazine concentration-dependently inhibited hERG 1A and hERG 1A/3.1 currents by preferentially interacting with the open states of the hERG 1A channel, but not by the disruption of hERG 1A and hERG 1A/3.1 channel protein trafficking. Our study examined cariprazine's mechanism of action provides a biophysical profile that is necessary to assess the potential therapeutic effects of this drug.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique physicochemical properties have extraordinary advantages for various applications. Among different modifications for such 2D materials, intercalation provides the highest doping level and induces phase changes in the materials. However, the intercalation process currently in use is complicated, involving exfoliation and lamination of sheets, as well as transportation of model molecules. In this paper, we describe a novel one-pot method for the synthesis of 2D phyllosilicate material sheets and simultaneous intercalation of a model molecules in 2D sheets. The intercalation was performed simultaneously to the synthesis of magnesium-based 2D phyllosilicate material sheets, without interrupting the phyllosilicate structure formation. The intercalant showed sustained release over 10 d, while preserving their sensitive activity. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that this approach facilitated simpler intercalation compared to other existing methods and could be applicable to the field of cosmetic engineering and biomedicine.

Based on growing demand for the CO2 capture issue, CO2 hydrate formation/dissociation technologies for carbon capture have been highly spotlighted. CO2 hydrate can be applied to the cold thermal energy storage since CO2 hydrate has relatively higher dissociation enthalpy (459 kJ/kg) than ice slurries (333 kJ/kg). In this study, a lab-scale cold thermal energy harvest and transportation system using the CO2 hydrate is tested. This system contains both hydrate formation and dissociation processes to study the effects of each component on the cold thermal energy harvest and transportation applications. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) based absorbents with various concentrations of tetrahydrofuran is produced and applied to the CO2 hydrate system. COP (coefficient of performance), required work, heat transfer rate, and density of hydrate slurry are measured to improve the cold thermal energy harvest and transportation performances of the CO2 hydrate system. The performance of CO2 hydrate system is evaluated under various experimental conditions such as temperatures, pressures, and tetrahydrofuran concentrations. From the experimental results, it is found that the COP of 7.03 is obtained under tetrahydrofuran concentration of 1.5 mol% and formation pressure of 4 bar. It is also concluded that the CO2 emission of the CO2 hydrate system is estimated to be 7986 tCO2/year, which is 31.3% of the conventional district cooling system with the cooling capacity of 51,600 RT.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the geometry of the pumping circuit, particularly the pipe length, on the concrete pumping. Four different horizontal pipe lengths (200, 400, 600, and 1000 m) were installed to conduct the full scale pumping tests. To analyze the effect of pipe length, it is necessary to determine how the rheological properties and thickness of the slip-layer vary according to the pipe length. In addition, it is important to determine the pressure variations considering the changes in rheological properties and thickness of the slip-layer according to the pipe length. The pumpability of concrete, including the required pressures and flow rates, was found to be controlled linearly by the pipe length. Although the rheological properties of bulk concrete varied depending on the pipe length, the rheological properties, particularly the plastic viscosity and thickness of the slip-layer, which were found to be the governing factors on the concrete pumping, were relatively constant. The pressure drop per unit length according to the pipe length was also relatively constant.

The imaging flash lidar has been considered as a promising sensor for the future space missions such as autonomous safe landing, spacecraft rendezvous and docking due to its ability to provide a full 3D scene with a single or multiple laser pulses. The linear-mode flash lidar has been developed and demonstrated for an autonomous safe landing on the Moon in order to provide an accurate distance measurement to the landing site and its 3D image. Yet, the Geiger-mode flash lidar has also been recognized as an emerging technology for the space missions because it is highly sensitive even to a single photon and provides the very accurate timing of photon arrival. In this study, the performance of the Geiger-mode flash lidar is simulated in the approach phase and evaluated for the autonomous landing on the Moon. Furthermore, a new statistical signal processing algorithm is proposed to remove the noise counts in order to obtain the 3D image from a sequence of laser pulses in the situation of the fast moving spacecraft. The algorithm is shown to be effective for the autonomous landing due to its ability to remove noise events under the condition of low signal-to-noise ratio and improve ranging accuracy.

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) and remains an unsolved problem in Korea aquaculture industry. In this study, we assessed the potential of ankyrin repeat (ANK)-containing proteins to induce protective immunity in RBIV-infected rock bream. Rock bream administered with ankyrin repeat-containing protein-based DNA vaccine (200 ng/fish) exhibited significant protection against at 4 and 8 weeks post vaccination to infected with 6.7 × 10

Background: Endoscopic differential diagnoses of gastric mucosal lesions (benign gastric ulcer, early gastric cancer [EGC], and advanced gastric cancer) remain challenging. We aimed to develop and validate convolutional neural network-based artificial intelligence (AI) models: lesion detection (AI-LD), differential diagnosis (AI-DDx), and invasion-depth (AI-ID, pT1a vs. pT1b among EGC) models. Methods: This study included 1,366 consecutive patients with gastric mucosal lesions from two referral centers in Korea. One representative endoscopic image from each patient was used. Histological diagnoses were set as the gold standard. The performances of the AI-DDx (training/internal/external validation set, n=1009/112/245) and AI-ID (training/internal/external validation set, n=620/68/155) were compared with visual diagnoses by independent endoscopists (stratified by novice [ 5 years of experience]) in a prospective manner and by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), respectively. Findings: The AI-DDx showed good diagnostic performance for both internal (area under of the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]=0.86) and external validation (AUROC=0.86). The performance of the AI-DDx was better than that of the novice (AUROC=0.82, P=0.01) and intermediate endoscopists (AUROC=0.84, P=0.02), but was comparable to the experts (AUROC=0.89, P=0.12) in the external validation set. The AI-ID showed fair performances in both internal (AUROC=0.78) and external validation sets (AUROC=0.73), which were significantly better than EUS results performed by experts (internal validation: AUROC=0.62, external validation: AUROC=0.56; both P

Many volatile compounds, such as isoprene, a precursor used in the synthesis of natural rubber, have been produced through fermentation using genetically engineered microorganisms. Despite this biotechnological success, measuring the concentrations of volatile compounds during fermentation is difficult because of their high volatility. In current systems, off-line analytical methods usually lead to product loss, whereas on-line methods raise the production cost due to the requirement of complex devices. Here, we developed a novel on-line gas chromatography (GC)-based system for analyzing the concentration of isoprene with the aim to minimize the cost and requirement for devices as compared to current strategies. In this system, a programmable logic controller is used to combine conventional GC with a syringe pump module (SPM) directly connected to the exhaust pipe of the fermentor, and isoprene-containing samples are continuously pumped from the SPM into the GC using an air cylinder recycle stream. We showed that this novel system enables isoprene analysis during fermentation with convenient equipment and without the requirement of an expensive desorption tube. Furthermore, this system may be extended to the detection of other volatile organic compounds in fermentation or chemical processes.

Customized assembly of nanomaterials into three-dimensional macroscopic objects may offer versatile functional nanostructures. Gelation is a common route to this end, but unstable assembly of typical one-dimensional nanomaterials arising from their non-flat geometry of weakly interacting building blocks has remained a significant challenge. We report versatile reliable open nanoporous graphene nanoribbon hydrogel formation via straightforward interfacial layer-by-layer self-assembly. Atomically flat surface of graphene nanoribbon enables a stable gelation, overcoming the geometrical penalty of one-dimensional building blocks. The resultant hydrogel readily provides compact open porous web-like gel framework along with a wide range of controllability in the engineering of surface functionality, composite preparation and three-dimensional customized morphology formation. Large surface area and open porosity of the synergistic hydrogel structure simultaneously attain fast responsivity and high sensitivity in enzymatic biosensor application as well as fast rate capability and high capacitance in supercapacitor application.

Emerging evidence has shown the low levels of glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) and the hypoactivity in the cortex of patients with depression. The hypoactivity is closely related with low frequency of glutamatergic signaling that is affected by the levels of Glu and Gln. Thus, we hypothesized that there might be a causality among low levels of Glu and Gln, hypoactive glutamatergic neurotransmissions, and depressive behaviors. Here, we found low Glu and Gln levels and low frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) of glutamatergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of chronic immobilization stress (CIS)-induced depressed mice. The depressed mice also showed hypoactive Gln synthetase (GS). Inhibition of GS by methionine sulfoximine (MSO) decreased Glu and Gln levels and increased depressive behaviors with low frequency of sEPSC in the mPFC, indicating that Glu and Gln decrements cause hypoactive glutamatergic neurotransmissions and depressive behaviors. Both Glu and Gln could increase sEPSC of glutamatergic neurons in the mPFC on slice patch, but only Gln overcame MSO to increase sEPSC, suggesting that exogenous Gln would recover CIS-induced low frequency of sEPSC caused by hypoactive GS and act as an antidepressant. Expectedly, Gln supplementation showed antidepressant effects against CIS; it increased glutamatergic neurotransmissions with Glu and Gln increment in the mPFC and attenuated depressive behaviors. Moreover, selective glutamatergic activation in the mPFC by optogenetics decreased depressive behavior. In conclusion, depressive behaviors evoked by chronic stress were due to hypoactive glutamatergic neurons in the mPFC caused by low levels of Glu and Gln, and exogenous Gln can be used as an alternative antidepressant to increase glutamatergic neurotransmission.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the changes in the various mechanical properties of hybrid and conventional CAD/CAM materials after accelerated aging using hydrothermal processes. Five kinds of hybrid and ceramic CAD/CAM blocks were selected. A total of 225 specimens were prepared with highly polished surfaces, in the form of round discs (diameter 12 mm, thickness 1.2 mm), and were divided into three groups (the control group, thermal cycling group, and autoclave group [n = 15, each]). The nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus (nanoindenter), biaxial flexural strength (ball-on-ring test system), surface roughness (atomic force microscopy), surface texture (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and elemental concentrations (energy dispersive spectroscopy) were evaluated. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to determine statistical significance ( P The nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus of the hybrid CAD/CAM materials were lower than those of ceramic materials, and they decreased after autoclave treatment. Among the hybrid CAD/CAM materials, Vita Enamic alone showed no significant difference in the Young's modulus after autoclave treatment; it also exhibited the highest nanoindentation hardness and modulus. There were significant changes in the biaxial flexural strength of hybrid CAD/CAM materials after aging. However, there was no change in the biaxial flexural strength of ceramic materials. The surface roughness of all materials, except CeraSmart, changed after aging. The SEM observations indicated a loss of filler particles in Lava Ultimate and morphological changes in IPS e.max ZirCAD, after aging. The ceramic CAD/CAM materials are superior to hybrid CAD/CAM materials in terms of the mechanical properties. The accelerated aging procedure induced changes in the mechanical properties of some hybrid CAD/CAM materials. Therefore, when using hybrid CAD/CAM materials, it is important to understand the behaviors of the various properties of each material as time progresses, and long-term follow up is necessary.

This study presents a real-time drying control system that was developed to control air drying of sawdust in a pneumatic conveying dryer to produce high-grade wood pellets in the range of the target moisture content (MC). The real-time drying control system was installed with moisture sensors to control the ON/OFF periods of the fuel (pellet) supply motor for the sawdust to generate the heat necessary to dry the sawdust to an optimum level of 15% moisture content for pelletizing. The results of the experiment and the simulation showed that the drying efficiency improved when a buffer was introduced instead of using a conventional system, and the average moisture content of the dried sawdust was measured to be about 12.4% in a pneumatic conveying dryer without buffer and about 14.7%–15.2% in the developed real-time drying control system. This study shows that the real-time drying control system could dry the sawdust to the targeted constant moisture content, and the buffer in the pneumatic conveying dryer could improve the drying efficiency according to an increase in the resident time of the sawdust.

We study when the spaces of general Dirichlet series bounded on a half plane are Banach spaces, and show that some of those classes are isometrically isomorphic between themselves. In a precise way, let { λ n } be a strictly increasing sequence of positive real numbers such that lim n → ∞ ⁡ λ n = ∞ . We denote by H ∞ ( λ n ) the complex normed space of all Dirichlet series D ( s ) = ∑ n b n λ n − s , which are convergent and bounded on the half plane [ Re s > 0 ] , endowed with the norm ‖ D ‖ ∞ = sup Re s > 0 ⁡ | D ( s ) | . If (⁎) there exists q > 0 such that inf n ⁡ ( λ n + 1 q − λ n q ) > 0 , then H ∞ ( λ n ) is a Banach space. Further, if there exists a strictly increasing sequence { r n } of positive numbers such that the sequence { log ⁡ r n } is Q -linearly independent, μ n = r α for n = p α , and { λ n } is the increasing rearrangement of the sequence { μ n } , then H ∞ ( λ n ) is isometrically isomorphic to H ∞ ( B c 0 ) . With this condition (⁎) we explain more explicitly the optimal cases of the difference among the abscissas σ c , σ b , σ u and σ a .

A novel mutation in intron 9-exon 10 boundary of the GCK gene was detected in a male patient with clinical features of GCK-MODY and situs inversus. This case highlights the value of sequencing the GCK gene in individuals with GCK-MODY phenotype and no family history of monogenic diabetes.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Here, we examined whether α-lipoic acid (α-LA), a natural antioxidant, attenuated retinal injury in diabetic mice. The α-LA was orally administered to control mice or mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We found that α-LA reduced oxidative stress, decreased and increased retinal 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and glutathione peroxidase, respectively, and inhibited retinal cell death. Concomitantly, α-LA reversed the decreased activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and increased the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta and sirtuin3 in diabetic mouse retinas, similar to results shown after metformin treatment of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) exposed to high glucose. Moreover, α-LA lowered the levels of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in diabetic retinas that were more pronounced after metformin treatment of RPE cells. Importantly, α-LA lowered interactions between AMPK and OGT as shown by co-immunoprecipitation analyses, and this was accompanied by less cell death as measured by double immunofluorescence staining by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling and OGT or TXNIP in retinal ganglion cells. Consistently, α-LA lowered the levels of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and pro-apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 in diabetic retinas. Our results indicated that α-LA reduced retinal cell death partly through AMPK activation or OGT inhibition in diabetic mice.

Laminate veneers are susceptible to color change during clinical service. Studies that compare the effects of different ceramic and resin cement systems on color stability are lacking.The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color stability of laminate veneers after accelerated aging using different ceramic and resin cement systems.Ceramic specimens (N=168; shade A1; thickness, 0.50 ±0.05 mm; diameter, 10.00 ±0.10 mm) were prepared using nanofluorapatite and lithium disilicate (high translucency [HT] to low translucency [LT]) ceramics. Light-polymerizing (LP) cements were classified by brightness (high or low). Dual-polymerizing cements were classified by composition (base-only [DB] or base-catalyst [DC]) for comparison of color stability on the basis of polymerization type. DB cement was light-polymerizing, whereas DC cement was dual-polymerizing. They were further classified by shade (transparent, white, or yellow [n=7, each]). Color difference (ΔE) values were obtained by spectrophotometric quantification of L* (lightness), a* (green-red), and b* (blue-yellow) values before and after aging. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.After specimens were subjected to accelerated aging, HT ceramic specimens luted with yellow-shade DC cement exhibited the greatest color change (ΔE=2.11), whereas HT and LT ceramic specimens luted with low-brightness LP cement exhibited the least color change (ΔE=1.37). In HT ceramic specimens, which exhibited the greatest color change of the 3 ceramic types, transparent shade cement exhibited significantly lower ΔE values than the other shades with DB (P.001) and DC cements (P=.010). High-brightness cement exhibited significantly higher ΔE values than low-brightness cement when used with NF (P=.017), HT (P.001), and LT (P.001) ceramics. The ΔE values of DB cement were not always lower than those of DC cement. For all specimens, the aging of laminate veneers decreased the L* values and increased the a* and b* values.Ceramic and resin-cement systems affected the color stability of laminate veneers. Relative to other ceramics, HT lithium disilicate ceramics exhibited greater color changes upon aging. For HT ceramics, the use of transparent shade resin cement is recommended. The lower the brightness of resin cement, the higher the color stability of veneers. For luting of 0.5-mm-thick laminate veneers with dual-polymerizing cement, light polymerization did not yield better color stability than dual polymerization over time.

For primary cementing of a well, successful displacement of drilling mud from the casing and annulus, and properly conditioning those surfaces to bond with the cement slurry, are paramount to achieve zonal isolation. In this study, to evaluate displacement of drilling mud from well casings, a fluorescence methodology incorporating a hydrophobic dye was developed. Fluorescence is attractive because the dye is highly oil soluble and non-polar and can be detected at very low concentrations, so chemical interference between dye and drilling mud is minimized. From the fluorescence measurements, the thickness of residual drilling mud can be quantitatively determined, which makes it possible to quantify the efficiency of drilling mud removal. Residual oil layers under consideration in this study from 32 μ m to 1.5 μ m are observed. The spacer fluids D and E are excellent in their ability to remove the drilling mud, whereas spacer F performs poorly. The effects of metallurgy and surface roughness on wettability were investigated using the measured thickness of residual drilling mud. There is little effect of the composition of the steel tube on wettability, but the surface roughness or presence of corrosion can significantly affect the wettability.

The valorization of waste is of prime importance for sustainable chemistry and replacement of fossil fuel-derived counterparts. However, existing synthetic methods are critically hampered by complicated and uncontrollable chemistry arising from heterogeneous sources. Herein, we demonstrate a separation-free, straightforward, and controllable chemical approach for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass by conversion to heteroatom-doped and undoped carbon dots (CDs) and nanoporous carbons (CNs) via a novel mechanism. The incorporation of heteroatoms such as phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and nitrogen (N) into the CDs and steam-activated CNs (aCNs) leads to changes in the electronic and surface properties, and affords morphological control based on the doping agents, for application to CO2 capture and supercapacitors. Controlling the chemical composition and structure of the CDs results in shifts and variations in the splittings of the PL peaks and fluorescence wavelength owing to the distinct optoelectronic features. The P, N, and S-doped aCNs (P-aCN, S-aCN, and N-aCN) have robust honeycomb, entirely exfoliated reed-like, and hollow isolated reed-like structures, respectively, with unique hierarchical porosity. N-aCN exhibits the highest CO2 capacity and regeneration capability owing to the existence of basic N-containing groups and the associated structural integrity. In terms of the supercapacitive performance, P-aCN achieves the highest capacitance owing to the pseudocapacitance of the P˭O bonds, whereas S-aCN leads to the best rate and cyclic capabilities owing to the unique porous structure and S-containing group. These distinctive energy and chemical storage behaviors of the CNs highlight the importance of controlling hierarchical structure and heteroatoms for improved ultracapacitive performance.

Objectives We investigated whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucse (FDG) uptake of bone marrow (BM) on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has implications for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods We retrospectively enrolled 70 SCLC patients who underwent FDG PET/CT prior to treatment. On PET/CT, maximum FDG uptake of all tumor lesions (Tmax), coefficient of variation (COV) of FDG uptake of primary tumor, and mean FDG uptake of BM (BM SUV) were measured. The relationships of BM SUV with PET/CT parameters of SCLC and serum markers were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the significance of BM SUV for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results BM SUV had significant positive correlations with Tmax, COV of primary tumor, white blood cell count, and serum C-reactive protein level (p .05). Conclusion FDG uptake of BM was an independent predictor of disease progression in SCLC patients. Patients with limited disease and high FDG uptake of BM had similar PFS to those with extensive disease.

The primary function of natural gas well cementing is to provide downhole zonal isolation. However, the residual non-aqueous drilling fluid in cement and on the surface of the casing can weaken the bond of hardened cement to the casing. In this paper, the amount of remaining drilling fluid both in cement and on the casing is quantified by the fluorescent dye method, which is verified by other two methods, mass difference and laser scanning. The essential factor - surface roughness that can significantly affect the amount of residual drilling fluid - is investigated. Results show good correlations between the thickness of the remaining drilling fluid and the surface roughness. The comparison of mud removal efficiency of two commercial spacers indicates that microemulsion can remove more drilling fluid than the common spacer, as pointed out in the literature; however, microemulsion is also apt to remain on the casing and thus reduce the bonding between cement and the casing.

As the restrained filling material cast into the prefabricate connection causes cracks accompanied by shrinkage in the early age, it is very important to determine when the restraint stress is expressed in order to closely analyze and predict the shrinkage and cracking characteristics considering the material properties of the restrained filling material. This study conducted the ring test recommended in AASHTO PP34 to characterize the concrete shrinkage and crack behavior of filling materials and evaluate the stress generated under connection-restrained environment. Additionally, the newly proposed ‘modified time-zero’, the time at which the restraint stress is expressed, was defined as the point at which the largest strain rate per unit time in considering the initial expansion characteristics of the filling material. The analysis results confirm that the proposed ‘modified time-zero’ could accurately predict the crack occurrence period. Furthermore, the high-performance fiber-reinforced cement composite suppressed cracking by exhibiting high resistance toward shrinkage and cracking.

To promote wider distribution of desiccant cooling technologies, a desiccant cooling assisted vapor compression system (DCVCS) is proposed. As a continuation of desiccant cooling (DC) systems development, DCVCS was built upon combination of a DC cycle and a vapor-compression (VC) cycle in a serial manner. In DCVCS, air-cooling is firstly produced in the DC cycle and the chilled air is used to the evaporative condenser of the VC cycle. Then through the pipework, the condensed refrigerant is delivered to the conditioning space and air-conditioning of the space is achieved via the evaporator in the space. In the DCVCS composed of the two cycles, a proper match between the two cycles is particularly important for the optimal performance of the combined system. The performance of the DCVCS is optimized by cycle simulation and comparatively analyzed with respect to a reference desiccant cooling system (RDCS). It shows that, for the optimally matched system configuration of DCVCS, the energy consumption reduces by 20–50% and the cooling capacity increases 3–4 times, compared with RDCS.

Spent Coffee Ground is a residue of coffee drink mainly used at a coffee shop. Spent coffee ground is used as an odor removal, manure in flowerpot and so on. However most of spent coffee ground is discarded as garbage. In this study, we investigated characteristics of spent coffee ground as a fuel and combustion characteristics in a small boiler system (6.5 kW based on input lower heating value), such as CO, NO x , O 2 and heating characteristic of heating boiler. Drying of spent coffee ground in the open air condition takes less than 6 days in case of height of 11 mm. More than 96% of spend coffee ground is between 100 and 500 μm in particle size. Lower heating value of spent coffee ground used as fuel is about 18.8 MJ/kg (4500 kcal/kg at water content 10%). Combustion chamber of the boiler is a crucible type with primary and secondary air supply and heat exchanger is one through type. Spent coffee ground consumption as a fuel of the boiler is about 1.17 kg/hr. O 2 concentration of the flue gas of the boiler is about 17.8% which is higher than a commercial domestic gas boiler or a domestic wood pellet boiler. CO and NO x concentration are 643 and 163 ppm respectively.

Retinal degeneration is an early feature of diabetic retinopathy, the major cause of blindness in the developed world. Here we investigated how the widely used antidiabetic drug metformin reduces retinal injury in diabetic mice. Metformin was orally administered to control mice or mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Western blot analysis showed that levels of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) and other related proteins such as carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) were significantly increased, and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were activated in the diabetic retinas or retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to high glucose compared to controls. More importantly, RPE cells exposed to high glucose and treated with thiamet-G had higher levels of those proteins, demonstrating the role of elevated O-GlcNAcylation. Double immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased co-localization of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL)-positive ganglion cells and OGT, ChREBP, TXNIP, or NF-κB in diabetic retinas compared to control retinas. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that interaction between OGT and ChREBP or NF-κB was increased in diabetic retinas compared to control retinas, and this was accompanied by more cell death. Notably, metformin attenuated the increases in protein levels; reduced co-localization of TUNEL-positive ganglion cells and OGT, ChREBP, TXNIP, or NF-κB; and reduced interaction between OGT and ChREBP or NF-κB. Our results indicate that OGT inhibition might be one of the mechanisms by which metformin decreases retinal cell death.