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The behavior of silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminum (SFCA) phases and the influence of sintered ore quality were investigated using a confocal laser scanning microscope to understand how the Al2O3 content of iron ore affects the sintered ore structure and the crystallization behavior of SFCA in a Fe2O3–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 pseudo-quaternary system. The experimental results were used to inform simulations of the heterogeneous dynamic behavior in response to the rapid temperature changes and various chemical compositions typically encountered in actual sintering processes. Increasing the Al2O3 content in the Fe2O3–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 pseudo-quaternary system led to the hematite content decreasing, which affects the reducibility of the sintered ore. The correlation between the creation of SFCA and the cooling effect associated with varying the Al2O3 is discussed in detail.

Resolution to chemoresistance is a major challenge in patients with advanced-stage malignancies. Thus, identification of action points and elucidation of molecular mechanisms for chemoresist human cancer are necessary to overcome this challenge. In this study, we provide important evidence that kaempferol targeting RSKs might be a strategy to reduce the oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cells. We found that MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling were increased in oxaliplatin (Ox)-resistant HCT116 (HCT116-OxR) cells compared to Ox-sensitive HCT116 (HCT116-OxS) cells. Comparison of cell sensitivities using SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), SB206580 (p38 kinase inhibitor), or MK-2206 (AKT inhibitor) revealed that cell proliferation inhibition was strongly observed in HT29 cells compared to that in HCT116 cells in both OxS and OxR cells. Interestingly, SP600125, SB206580, and MK-2206 treatment showed higher cell proliferation inhibition in OxS cells than that in OxR cells in both HCT116 and HT29 cells, except following treatments with 10 µM of SP600125, and 30 µM of SB206580. In comparison to magnolin and aschantin, kaempferol showed the strongest inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in both HCT116 and HT29 cells. Importantly, HCT116- and HT29-OxR cells showed higher sensitivities to cell proliferation inhibition than those of HCT116- and HT29-OxS cells, resulting in the accumulation of cells at the G2/M-phases of the cell cycle. Finally, we showed that AP-1 transactivation activity was markedly decreased by kaempferol in HCT116- and HT29-OxR cells compared to the activity levels in HCT116- and HT29-OxS cells. Taken together, the results demonstrate that kaempferol-mediated AP-1 inhibition might be an important signaling mechanism to resolve the chemoresistance of Ox-resistant colon cancer cells.

Objectives Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia. hERG 3.1, alternatively spliced form of hERG 1A, is considered a potential target for an antipsychotic drug. The present study was designed to study the effects of iloperidone on hERG 1A/3.1 heterotetrameric channels. Methods The interactions of iloperidone with hERG 1A/3.1 heterotetrameric channels stably expressed in HEK cells were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and western blot analysis. Results Iloperidone inhibited the hERG 1A/3.1 tail currents at -50 mV in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 0.44 μM. The block of hERG 1A/3.1 currents by iloperidone was voltage-dependent and increased over a range of voltage for channel activation. However, the block by iloperidone was voltage-independent at more depolarized potentials where the channels were fully activated. A fast application of iloperidone inhibited the hERG 1A/3.1 current elicited by a 5-s depolarizing pulse to +60 mV to fully inactivate the hERG 1A/3.1 currents. Iloperidone also induced a rapid and reversible inhibition of hERG 1A/3.1 tail currents during repolarization. However, iloperidone had no effect on either hERG 1A or hERG 1A/3.1 channel trafficking to the cell membrane. Conclusions Our results indicated that iloperidone concentration-dependently inhibited hERG 1A/3.1 currents by preferentially interacting with the open states of channels, but not by the disruption of membrane trafficking or surface membrane expression of hERG 1A and hERG 1A/3.1 channel proteins.

The present study was carried out to understand the correlation between viscosity and sulfide capacity of aluminosilicate slag from the viewpoint of ionic structure of the slag. Viscosity and sulfide capacity are significantly influenced by the behavior of ions in the slag. Viscosity of slag is determined by the interaction between ions and size of viscous flow unit. The sulfide capacity increases with increase in NBO/T with respect to the basicity and with increase in interactions between cations and sulfide anions. The relationship between viscosity and sulfide capacity is inversely proportional when CaO/SiO2 ratio is up to 1.3. Viscosity and sulfide capacity show a correlation in the compositional range such that viscosity is dominantly influenced by NBO/T than ionic interaction because the relationship was mediated by NBO/T. In the slag system with and without FeO, the relationship between the two properties shows different intercept values. This result indicates that the relationship is affected by the type of cation that comprises a slag system. In this respect, the effect of ionic structure on sulfide capacity, viscosity, and their relationship is discussed in detail.

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.

The effects of basicity and anionic species on the solubility of Ni in CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 slags were investigated based on the thermodynamic evaluation and structural analysis of the coordination number of Al ions via 27Al 500-MHz solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Depending on slag basicity, Ni dissolution followed two mechanisms, involving Ni2+ and NiO22− as ionic species. The solubility–basicity plot was found to be a concave upward curve with a minimum value. Structural investigation indicated that Ni solubility decreased with increasing Al2O3 content owing to the concomitant increase in the repulsion between AlO45− and NiO22− ions. The effects of Al2O3- and SiO2-derived anionic species on Ni solubility were also discussed based on the results of the structural analysis of slag and thermodynamic evaluation.

Background Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels are associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between 25OHD and metabolic health status or diabetic complications is inconclusive. We evaluated this relationship between vitamin D status and metabolic parameters and complications of T2DM. Methods This study included 1,392 patients with T2DM who visited Eulji and Ewha Diabetes Center between January 2011 and August 2016. Anthropometric parameters and laboratory tests including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were evaluated. Diabetic macro- and microvascular complications were determined through a medical record review. Serum 25OHD concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results The mean 25OHD level was 16.8±9.6 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (l20 ng/mL) and severe deficiency (l10 ng/mL) were observed in 990 (71.1%) and 351 (25.2%) participants, respectively. 25OHD level was positively correlated with age and highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and negatively correlated with HbA1c, triglyceride level, and UACR. HDL-C and UACR were significantly associated with 25OHD after adjusting for other variables. Vitamin D deficiency was independently related to nephropathy after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency was common among Korean T2DM patients; it was independently associated with microalbuminuria and HDL level, and positively related to diabetic nephropathy.

Background The deposition of monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) in the myocardium aggravates ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and myocardial infarction. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to protect the myocardium against IRI. Methods We evaluated the effects of IPC on myocardium upon which mCRP had been deposited due to IRI in a rat model. Myocardial IRI was induced via ligation of the coronary artery. Direct IPC was applied prior to IRI using multiple short direct occlusions of the coronary artery. CRP was infused intravenously after IRI. The study included sham (n=3), IRI-only (n=5), IRI+CRP (n=9), and IPC+IRI+CRP (n=6) groups. The infarcted area and the area at risk were assessed using Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining. Additionally, mCRP immunostaining and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed. Results In the IRI+CRP group, the infarcted area and the area of mCRP deposition were greater, and the level of IL-6 mRNA expression was higher, than in the IRI-only group. However, in the IPC+IRI+CRP group relative to the IRI+CRP group, the relative areas of infarction (20% vs. 34%, respectively; p=0.079) and mCRP myocardial deposition (21% vs. 44%, respectively; p=0.026) were lower and IL-6 mRNA expression was higher (fold change: 407 vs. 326, respectively; p=0.376), although the difference in IL-6 mRNA expression was not statistically significant. Conclusion IPC was associated with significantly decreased deposition of mCRP and with increased expression of IL-6 in myocardium damaged by IRI. The net cardioprotective effect of decreased mCRP deposition and increased IL-6 levels should be clarified in a further study.

Affinity partitioning refers to the preferential dissolution of solute molecules in a particular liquid phase of an immiscible liquid-liquid mixture, such as an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Affinity partitioning in ATPS is widely used to achieve extraction and purification of biomolecules. However, the potential of applying it to direct the self-assembly of solutes into controlled structures has been largely overlooked. Here we introduce the affinity partitioning of polyelectrolytes in ATPS to induce their self-assembly into polyelectrolyte microcapsules. The approach is purely based on the preferential solubility of different polyelectrolytes in different aqueous phases; therefore it has wide applicability and exhibits excellent compatibility with bioactives. The release of encapsulated components can be triggered by changing the pH value or ionic strength of the surrounding environment. The proposed method represents an important advance in fabricating multifunctional materials and inspires new ways to engineer sophisticated structures with hydrophilic macromolecules.

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).

Background and Objectives: Iodine is known to be an important factor in the occurrence of goiter, and South Korea is a region with sufficient iodine supplementation. In this regard, we checked the size change of thyroid nodules found by health check-up in Koreans and examined which risk factors influence the size change. Materials and Methods: A total 7753 subjects who underwent thyroid sonography two or more times were included. We defined that there was a change in the size of the nodule when the difference in diameter identified in the last ultrasound was more than 3 mm. Results: Thyroid nodules were decreased in 895 subjects (11.5%) and increased in 1041 subjects (13.5%). The rate of increased nodule was on an increasing trend according to the duration (annual percent change 2.6%, p＜0.001). In contrast, the rate of decreased nodule was unchanged. Predictive factors related to decrease of the nodule size were young age, male sex, larger initial nodule size and thyroiditis. Similarly, young age, larger initial nodule size and diffuse parenchymal abnormality were significant predictive factors for increased nodules. However, diffuse parenchymal abnormality was not a predictive factor when we analyzed only thyroid nodules larger than 1 cm. Conclusion: In our study, 11.5-13.5% of benign thyroid nodules were increased or decreased during median 27 months of follow-up in iodine sufficient condition. Young age, larger initial size and diffuse parenchymal abnormality were common predictive factor affecting both the increase and decrease of thyroid nodules.

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: A recent study suggested a possible role of skin barrier dysfunction in the pathogenesis of rosacea, which leads to irritation symptoms. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that is known to restore defective epidermal skin barrier. GLA supplementation has not previously been performed in rosacea patients. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of adding GLA to minocycline compared to minocycline alone in rosacea patients. Methods: This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo- controlled trial enrolled 31 rosacea patients. They were randomly assigned to receive 320 mg/day of GLA (EvoprimⓇ) (n=16) or placebo (n=15) in addition to 100 mg/day of minocycline for 8 weeks. Investigator’s global assessment (IGA) and patient’s global assessment (PGA) were used to assess clinical severity at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Biophysical parameters including melanin index, erythema index, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), lipid concentration, and stratum corneum hydration were measured. Results: In the GLA group, a higher proportion of patients achieved treatment success (IGA≤1) at week 8 (68.75% vs. 33.33%) and patient satisfaction (PGA≥3) at weeks 8 (75.0% vs. 40.0%) and 12 (81.3% vs. 46.6%). Both groups, throughout 12 weeks of treatment, revealed a trend toward improvement in erythema index, melanin index, TEWL, and stratum corneum hydration. Particularly, there was a significant difference in TEWL and stratum corneum hydration over time between the two groups (p=0.033, p=0.003, respectively). No serious adverse event was observed in both groups. Conclusion: GLA is beneficial as an additional therapeutic option for rosacea patients treated with minocycline. (Ann Dermatol 32(6) 466∼472, 2020)

Streptococcus parauberis is an etiological agent that causes streptococcosis in fish, exerting a significant impact on aquaculture production. The available injectable vaccine against S. parauberis is commonly used in olive flounder species (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Korea. However, an oral alternative that overcomes the disadvantages of the injectable vaccine has long been desired in the aquaculture industry. Alginate-based microparticles have been widely used as delivery systems for oral administration in aquaculture. In the present study, we produced alginate microparticles encapsulating formalin-inactivated S. parauberis via ionic gelation, which remained stable under acidic conditions (pH 2 and 4) and at low temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C). Mixing the alginate–Gelzan complex with a commercial feed for ease of application induced a specific antibody response and exerted significant protective effects (relative survival rate: 50.0%) in small olive flounder fingerlings. Less pronounced protective effects were also observed in large fingerlings (relative survival rate: 37.5%), suggesting that protection against S. parauberis may be dependent on the size of the fish. Thus, our results indicate that alginate microparticles encapsulating an S. parauberis antigen can be used for initial vaccination in olive flounder at the fingerling stage.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has outstanding physical and chemical properties, including high crystallinity, moisture retention, and tensile strength. Currently, the major producer of BC is Komagataeibacter xylinus. However, due to limited tools of expression, this host is difficult to engineer metabolically to improve BC productivity. In this study, a regulated expression system for K. xylinus with synthetic ribosome binding site (RBS) was developed and used to engineer a BC biosynthesis pathway. A synthetic RBS library was constructed using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter, and three synthetic RBSs (R4, R15, and R6) with different strengths were successfully isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using synthetic RBS, we optimized the expression of three homologous genes responsible for BC production, pgm, galU, and ndp, and thereby greatly increased it under both static and shaking culture conditions. The final titer of BC under static and shaking conditions was 5.28 and 3.67 g/l, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that reinforced metabolic flux towards BC through quantitative gene expression represents a practical strategy for the improvement of BC productivity.

Background Cell therapy using hepatocytes derived from stem cells has been regarded as a promising alternate to liver transplantation. However, the heterogeneity of these hepatocytes makes them unsuitable for therapeutic use. To overcome this limitation, we generated homogenous hepatocyte like induced hepatocyte-like (iHep) cells. Methods iHep cells were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) integrated with the albumin (ALB) reporter gene. The therapeutic properties of these iHep cells were investigated after transplantation in fibrotic liver tissues of a mouse model. Results The iHep cells expressed hepatocyte specific genes and proteins, and exhibited high levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interleukin (IL)-10 expressions. Transplantation of iHep cells significantly decreased thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis, apoptotic cells in the liver, and ameliorated abnormal liver function. Liver tissues engrafted with iHep cells exhibited decreased expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, IL-6, and monocyte chemo attractant protein (MCP)-1. Furthermore, an increased number of proliferating hepatocytes and human albumin-expressing iHep cells were detected in mice liver. Conclusions This study has investigated and proven the liver regeneration potential of genome-edited iHep cells and promises to be a strong foundation for further studies exploring cell therapy as an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Controlling the size and rigidity of calcium carbonate became possible. HCCs were developed and manufactured by the in situ reaction of carbon dioxide and calcium oxide, which were already preflocculated together with GCC using ionic polymers before the reaction. HCC is deformable under pressure during the papermaking process, and its degree of rigidity can be controlled by adjusting the fraction of calcium oxide. The size of HCC can be further controlled by adjusting shearing force. The more the fraction of calcium oxide, the more rigid the HCC and the smaller the diameter of the HCC. When used in papermaking, HCC increased the tensile strength and bulk of paper simultaneously without lowering other essential paper properties, and its deformable nature under pressure improved paper smoothness. Saving chemical pulp by 10% by replacing it with HCC, which is 3–4 times less expensive than the chemical pulp, was demonstrated successfully without lowering the essential properties of paper. Implementation of HCC in the paper mill may result in saving chemical pulp, drying energy, and production cost. The paper mill may utilize the carbon dioxide from the mill stack after purification for HCC preparation.

Background Butaphosphan (BTP) has recently been introduced into the Korean aquaculture sector as a stress-attenuating agent. In this study, a sensitive chemical analytical method was established for the detection of BTP in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) tissues. Methods Utilizing a method employing liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), detection sensitivity, specificity, and precision were satisfactorily established. Temporal changes in the BTP plasma and muscle concentrations were assessed after a single intramuscular injection of BTP (50 and 150 mg/kg) to the olive flounder maintained at 13 °C or 22 °C. Results High BTP plasma levels were achieved immediately after the injection, and the drug was rapidly eliminated. Additionally, plasma BTP levels were markedly dependent on the elimination rate, which, in turn, seemed dependent on the water temperature, with the drug elimination half-life and mean residence time significantly shorter at 22 °C than 13 °C. Overall, muscle BTP levels were markedly lower than the plasma levels. Notably, muscle levels were not influenced by water temperatures. Muscle BTP concentrations were used to estimate the necessary withdrawal period for drugs used in food fish, with BTP levels maintained far below the possible hazardous limit. Conclusions In conclusion, the established LC-MS/MS method can be used for BTP residue detection with high sensitivity and reproducibility.

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.

Butaphosphan {[1-(butylamino)-1-methylethyl]-phosphonic acid (BTP)}-cyanocobalamin [vitamin B12 (C)], a combination drug comprising an organic source of phosphorus and a synthetic form of vitamin B12, is used to attenuate stress responses in livestock. This study was performed to examine the effects of BTP-C in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus under normal and stressful conditions. P. olivaceus was intramuscularly injected with BTP-C (50–300 mg BTP-C/kg body weight) under normal conditions and changes in muscle adenosine nucleotides examined. BTP-C increased adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) levels; this effect was more pronounced at 22 °C than at 13 °C. Serum transaminase levels were also elevated at a dose of 300 mg BTP-C/kg, which suggested possible hepatotoxicity of the drug. Effects of BTP-C on stress were examined by injecting it at a rate of 50 mg/kg. BTP-C partially prevented hypothermia- and hypoxia-induced reduction in feeding. Serum immunoglobulin M levels were increased by BTP-C in these stress tests. Although BTP-C did not affect hypothermia-induced cortisol elevation or lysozyme reduction, changes in these parameters due to hypoxia were alleviated by the drug. Stress-attenuating effects of BTP-C were also confirmed in fish farms following injection of an antibiotic. These results indicate that BTP-C may be useful against various forms of stress in fish. Accelerated ATP production following the administration of BTP-C is one possible mechanism resulting in the attenuation of stress effects. The clinically effective dose of BTP-C, 50 mg/kg, did not cause any marked toxicity in P. olivaceus.

Purpose Elevated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivating (AHRT) activity and uremia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may interact with each other, further complicating the disease course. In this study, we prospectively estimated serum AHRT activity using a highly sensitive cell-based AhR-dependent luciferase activity assay in CKD patients and compared differences therein according to treatment modality. Materials and methods Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n=22) and hemodialysis (HD) (n=38) and patients with pre-dialysis CKD stage IV or V (n=28) were included. AHRT activity and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured. We performed a correlation analysis for AHRT activity, ATP levels, and various clinical parameters. Results AHRT activity and intracellular ATP levels were inversely correlated and differed according to treatment modalities. AHRT activity was higher in non-dialysis CKD patients than in patients undergoing dialysis and was higher in patients undergoing HD, compared to PD. AHRT activity decreased after HD treatment in HD patients. ATP levels were higher in healthy controls than in patients with pre-dialysis CKD and PD and were further decreased in patients with HD. We noted significant correlations between multiple clinical parameters associated with cardiovascular risk factors and AHRT activity. Conclusion AHRT activity was elevated in CKD patients, while dialysis treatment reduced AHRT activity. Further studies are warranted to specify AHRT activity and to evaluate the precise roles thereof in patients with CKD.

셀룰로오스 아세테이트(CA)를 폴리(L-락트산) (PLA)과 블렌드시키면 생분해성이 향상될 것으로 기대되지만 두 고분자 사이에 혼화성이 없어 물성 저하가 심해 사용하기 곤란하다. 본 연구에서는 이들 블렌드계의 상용화제로 사용될 수 있는 CA-g-PLA를 L-락타이드의 개환중합을 이용하여 합성하였다. CA에 대한 L-락타이드의 무게비와 반응 시간을 달리하여 여러가지 그래프트율을 갖는 CA-g-PLA를 얻고, 이들의 그래프트율, 치환도 등의 특성을 열중량분석기(TGA), 젤투과 크로마토그래피, FTIR, ¹H NMR 분광분석기를 사용하여 분석하였다. TGA와 ¹H NMR 분석에 의한 그래프트율이 서로 일치하였으며, 그래프트 반응 시 사용한 CA에 대한 L-락타이드의 비율이 커지고 반응 시간이 길어질수록 그래프트율이 크게 나타났다. 모든 분석 결과에서 CA-g-PLA는 CA와 PLA이 단순 혼합이 아닌 공중합체로서의 특성을 나타내었다.

Isoprene has the potential to replace some petroleum-based chemicals and can be produced through biological systems using renewable carbon sources. Ralstonia eutropha can produce value-added compounds, including intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) through fatty acid and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we engineered strains of R. eutropha H16 and examined the strains for isoprene production. We optimized codons of all the genes involved in isoprene synthesis by the mevalonate pathway and manipulated the promoter regions using pLac and pJ5 elements. Our results showed that isoprene productivity was higher using the J5 promoter (1.9 ± 0.24 µg/l) than when using the lac promoter (1.5 ± 0.2 µg/l). Additionally, the use of three J5 promoters was more efficient (3.8 ± 0.18 µg/l) for isoprene production than a one-promoter system, and could be scaled up to a 5-L batch-cultivation from a T-flask culture. Although the isoprene yield obtained in our study was insufficient to meet industrial demands, our study, for the first time, shows that R. eutropha can be modified for efficient isoprene production and lays the foundation for further optimization of the fermentation process.

The cationic effect of ferrous ions on the sulfide capacity of CaO-FetO-Al2O3-SiO2 slags was studied from the viewpoint of the ionic structure in the slag using micro-Raman spectroscopy. In the cation-excess region (M2+/2(Fe3+ + Al3+) > 1.0), the sulfide capacity was directly proportional to the basicity of the slags, owing to the S2− stabilizing effect of excess cations. However, in the cation-deficient region (M2+/2(Fe3+ + Al3+) 0.5), the sulfide capacity decreased with the increase of the Fe2+ content owing to the Qn unit affinity of the Fe2+ ion. The sulfide capacity was determined by the competition between the Qn unit affinity and stability of the S2− ion, depending on the type of cation. Therefore, the partial covalent bonding between the M2+ cations (M: Ca, Fe) and aluminosilicate affected the ionic interactions with the S2− ions.

Unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may offer a valuable route to synthesize graphene nanoribbon (GNR) structures with semiconducting properties. Unfortunately, currently available unzipping methods commonly rely on a random harsh chemical reaction and thereby cause significant degradation of the crystalline structure and electrical properties of GNRs. Herein, crystalline semiconducting GNRs are achieved by a synergistic, judiciously designed two-step unzipping method for N-doped CNTs (NCNTs). NCNTs are effectively unzipped by damage-minimized, dopant-specific electrochemical unzipping and subsequent sonochemical treatment into long ribbon-like nanostructures with crystalline basal planes. Owing to the nanoscale dimension originating from the dense nucleation of the unzipping reaction at highly NCNTs, the resultant GNRs demonstrate semiconducting properties, which can be exploited for chemiresistor-type gas-sensing devices and many other applications.

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.

In many cases, obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. Recently, natural compounds that may be beneficial for improving obesity have received increasing attention. Bitter melon has received attention as a diabetes treatment. NAD+-dependent deacetylase (Sirtuin 1, SIRT1) has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. In this study, ethanol extract of bitter melon (BME) suppressed adipocyte differentiation and significantly increased the expression of SIRT1 in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, it enhanced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In high-fat diet (HFD)-fed induced-obesity mice, BME suppressed HFD-induced increases in body weight and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight. BME also increased the expression of SIRT1 and suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 expressions of WAT from HFD-fed mice. These findings suggest that BME prevents obesity by activating the SIRT1 and AMPK pathway and that it may be a useful dietary supplement for preventing obesity.

A Cu–Co–P electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was designed with a dendritic and porous foam structure. Fabricated by one-step electrodeposition with binary alloy on a hydrogen bub...

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.

Chronic immobilization stress (CIS) induces low levels of glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln) and hypoactive glutamatergic signaling in the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is closely related to the Glu-Gln cycle. A Gln-supplemented diet ameliorates CIS-induced deleterious changes. Here, we investigated the effects of CIS and Gln supplementation on Glu-Gln cycle-related proteins to characterize the underlying mechanisms. Using the CIS-induced depression mouse model, we examined the expression of 11 proteins involved in the Glu-Gln cycle in the PFC. CIS decreased levels of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) and sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter (SNAT) 1, SANT2, SNAT3, and SNAT5. Gln supplementation did not affect the non-stressed group but significantly increased GLT1 and SNATs of the stressed group. By immunohistochemical analysis, we confirmed that SNAT1 and SNAT2 were decreased in neurons and GLT1, SNAT3, and SNAT5 were decreased in astrocytes in the medial PFC of the stressed group, but Gln-supplemented diet ameliorated these decrements. Collectively, these results suggest that CIS may cause depressive-like behaviors by decreasing Glu and Gln transportation in the PFC and that a Gln-supplemented diet could prevent the deleterious effects of CIS., Graphical Abstract

The objective of this study is to predict ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) erosion behavior and Retained Strength (RS) under environmental conditions using an Integrated Computational Material Engineering (ICME) physics-based approach. The state-of-the-art erosion analysis using phenomenological algorithms and Finite Element Models (FEM) models follows a test duplication methodology and is not able to capture the physics of erosion. In this effort, two CMC systems are chosen for Erosion evaluation: (a) Oxide/Oxide N720/alumina; and (b) MI SiC/SiC. Experiments are conducted at room and elevated temperatures (RT/ ET). Erosion testing considers: (i) a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) burner rig for ET, and (ii) a pressurized helium impact gun for RT. Erodent particles are chosen as alumina and garnet. Experimental observations show that the type of erodent materials affects CMC erosion degradation at ET. Alumina exhibits to be an effective erodent for maintaining a solid phase particle erosion, while Garnet, experiences some degree of melting. Erosion of the oxide/oxide composite is more severe for the same erodent, temperature, mass, and velocity conditions than the MI SiC/SiC composite for all conditions tested. In general, increasing erosion temperature results in increasing erosion rate for the same erodent mass/velocity condition. In conjunction with experiments, a computational Multi-Scale Progressive Failure Analysis (MS-PFA) is also used to predict erosion of the above-mentioned material systems at RT/ET. The MS-PFA augments FEM by a de-homogenized material modeling that includes micro-crack density, fiber/matrix, interphase, and degrades both fiber and matrix simultaneously during the erosion process. Erodent particles are modeled by Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) elements. Erosion evolution in CMCs considering strain rate effect predicts a) spallation, b) mass-loss, and c) damages in fiber, matrix, and their interphase. ICME modeling is capable of predicting the erosion process and reproducing the test observation for the MI SiC/SiC at RT, where: a) erodent particles break up the layer of matrix covering fiber due to interlaminar shear (delamination); b) fiber is fractured because of brittle behavior; c) the process (erosion tunneling) continues till it gets to the next thick matrix layer that slows down the tunneling; and d) Erosion tunnel widens as exposed fiber layers are removed (eroded). Simulations are also performed for erosion of the oxide/oxide due to glass beads at RT and ET. Predictions show that erosion rate is lower at ET because voids in the CMC vanish and the glass beads are less effective at ET. Finally, prediction of retained strength of eroded CMC test specimens is predicted by MS-PFA.

Background Anti-spasmodic agents are commonly injected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to improve visualization of the gastric mucosa by inhibiting gastrointestinal (GI) peristalsis. The availability of oral anti-spasmodic agents would increase convenience. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of oral phloroglucinol (Flospan®) as a premedication for unsedated EGD. Methods A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Individuals scheduled to undergo unsedated EGD were randomly assigned to receive either oral phloroglucinol or matching placebo 15 min before EGD. The primary outcome was the rate of complete gastric peristalsis suppression. Outcomes were assessed by independent investigators according to the classification of gastric peristalsis and ease of intragastric observation at the beginning (Period A) and end (Period B) of EGD. Results Overall, 71 phloroglucinol-treated and 71 placebo-treated participants (n = 142 total) were included. The phloroglucinol group showed significantly higher proportions of participants with complete gastric peristalsis suppression than the placebo group (22.5% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.040). The ease of intragastric observation was significantly better in the phloroglucinol group than in the placebo group at Periods A (P < 0.001) and B (P = 0.005). Patients in both groups had comparable adverse events and showed willingness to take the premedication at their next examination. Conclusions Oral phloroglucinol significantly suppressed gastrointestinal peristalsis during unsedated EGD compared with placebo (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03342118).

Aripiprazole is a quinolinone derivative approved as an atypical antipsychotic drug for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It acts as with partial agonist activities at the dopamine D2 receptors. Although it is known to be relatively safe for patients with cardiac ailments, less is known about the effect of aripiprazole on voltage-gated ion channels such as transient A-type K+ channels, which are important for the repolarization of cardiac and neuronal action potentials. Here, we investigated the effects of aripiprazole on Kv1.4 currents expressed in HEK293 cells using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Aripiprazole blocked Kv1.4 channels in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 4.4 µM and a Hill coefficient of 2.5. Aripiprazole also accelerated the activation (time-to-peak) and inactivation kinetics. Aripiprazole induced a voltage-dependent (δ = 0.17) inhibition, which was use-dependent with successive pulses on Kv1.4 currents without altering the time course of recovery from inactivation. Dehydroaripiprazole, an active metabolite of aripiprazole, inhibited Kv1.4 with an IC50 value of 6.3 µM (p < 0.05 compared with aripiprazole) with a Hill coefficient of 2.0. Furthermore, aripiprazole inhibited Kv4.3 currents to a similar extent in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 4.9 µM and a Hill coefficient of 2.3. Thus, our results indicate that aripiprazole blocked Kv1.4 by preferentially binding to the open state of the channels.

Colorless, transparent polymer thin films with n > 1.9 were prepared through vapor deposition polymerization of elemental sulfur., High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) have recently emerged as an important class of materials for use in a variety of optoelectronic devices including image sensors, lithography, and light-emitting diodes. However, achieving polymers having refractive index exceeding 1.8 while maintaining full transparency in the visible range still remains formidably challenging. Here, we present a unique one-step vapor-phase process, termed sulfur chemical vapor deposition, to generate highly stable, ultrahigh refractive index (n > 1.9) polymers directly from elemental sulfur. The deposition process involved vapor-phase radical polymerization between elemental sulfur and vinyl monomers to provide polymer films with controlled thickness and sulfur content, along with the refractive index as high as 1.91. Notably, the HRIP thin film showed unprecedented optical transparency throughout the visible range, attributed to the absence of long polysulfide segments within the polymer, which will serve as a key component in a wide range of optical devices.

The deposition of monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) in the myocardium aggravates ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and myocardial infarction. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is known to protect the myocardium against IRI. We evaluated the effects of IPC on mCRP-deposited myocardium due to IRI in a rat model. Myocardial IRI was produced by ligation of the coronary artery. Direct IPC was applied before IRI using multiple short direct occlusions of the coronary artery. CRP was infused intravenously after IRI. The study groups included the following: sham (n=3), IRI only (n=5), IRI+CRP (n=9), and IPC+IRI+CRP (n=6) groups. The infarct area and area at risk were assessed using Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (2,3,5-TTC) staining. Additionally, mCRP immunostaining and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. In the IRI+CRP group, the infarcted area, mCRP deposition, and IL-6 mRNA expression were higher than those in the IRI only group. However, in the IPC+IRI+CRP group, the infarction (20% vs. 34% p=0.085) and mCRP myocardial deposition (21% vs. 44%, p=0.026) were lower and IL-6 mRNA expression was higher than those in the IRI+CRP group (fold change, 407 vs. 326, p=0.808), although this was not statistically significant. IPC has cardioprotective effects against myocardial damage caused by mCRP deposition. This protective effect is related to the increase in IL-6 mRNA expression.

In this paper, nitrogen (N)-doped ultra-porous carbon derived from lignin is synthesized through hydrothermal carbonization, KOH activation, and post-doping process for CO2 adsorption. The specific surface areas of obtained N-doped porous carbons range from 247 to 3064 m2/g due to a successful KOH activation. N-containing groups of 0.62–1.17 wt% including pyridinic N, pyridone N, pyridine-N-oxide are found on the surface of porous carbon. N-doped porous carbon achieves the maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of 13.6 mmol/g at 25 °C up to 10 atm and high stability over 10 adsorption/desorption cycles. As confirmed by enthalpy calculation with the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, an adsorption heat of N-doped porous carbon is higher than non-doped porous carbon, indicating a role of N functionalities for enhanced CO2 adsorption capability. The overall results suggest that this carbon has high CO2 capture capacity and can be easily regenerated and reused without any clear loss of CO2 adsorption capacity.

Chlorella-derived activated carbon (CDAC) with a high specific surface area and hierarchical pore structure was prepared as a CO2 adsorbent and as a supercapacitor electrode material. During KOH activation of Chlorella-derived carbon, metallic K gas penetrated from the outer walls to the inner cells, and pores formed on the outer frame and the inner surface. Micropores were dominant in CDAC, contributing toward a high specific surface area (> 3500 m2/g) and a hierarchical pore structure owing to the cell walls. Consequently, CDAC exhibited a high CO2 adsorption capacity (13.41 mmol/g at 10 atm and room temperature) and afforded high specific capacitance (142 F/g) and rate capability (retention ratio: 91.5%) in supercapacitors. Compared with woody- and herbaceous-biomass-derived activated carbons, CDAC has a superior specific surface area when the precursors are used without any pretreatment under the same conditions due to their soft components such as lipids and proteins. Furthermore, developing microalgae into high-value-added products is beneficial from both economic and environmental perspectives.

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.

Despite the immense potential of P450s, the dependence on the nicotinamide cofactor (NADPH) and NADPH-P450 reductase (CPR) limits their employment in the chemical industry. Here, we present a visible light-driven platform for biocatalytic C-hydroxylation reactions using natural flavin molecules, especially flavin mononucleotide, as a photosensitizer. By employing visible light as a source of energy instead of the nicotinamide cofactor, the bacterial CYP102A1 heme domain was successfully applied for photobiocatalytic C-hydroxylation of 4-nitrophenol and lauric acid – in the absence of NADPH and CPR. We present a proof of concept that the photoactivation of flavins is productively coupled with the direct transfer of photoinduced electrons to the P450 heme iron, achieving photobiocatalytic C-hydroxylation reactions.

In this study, a novel microalgal strain, Desmodesmus sp. KAERI-NJ5, was isolated, identified, and evaluated as a candidate for biodiesel feedstock. In a preliminary study, the effects of four general microalgal growth factors, including temperature, pH, light intensity, and concentration of nitrogen source (KNO3), on the microalgal photoautotrophic growth were evaluated. With the exception of light intensity, the growth factors needed to be optimized for the microalgal biomass production. Optimization was done using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for biomass production were pH 6.54, 27.66℃, and 0.52 g/l KNO3. The biomass production at the optimal conditions was 1.55 g/l, which correlated well with the predicted value of 1.5 g/l. The total lipid and fatty acid methyl ester contents of the cells grown at the optimal conditions were 49% and 21.2% of cell dry weight, respectively. To increase the lipid content of the biomass, microalgae were challenged by nitrogen starvation. Enhancement of total lipid and fatty acid content up to 52.02% and 49%, respectively, were observed. Lipid analysis of the nitrogen-starved cells revealed that C16 and C18 species accounted for 95.9% of the total fatty acids. Among them, palmitic acid (46.17%) and oleic acid (39.43%) dominantly constituted the algal fatty acids. These results suggest Desmodesmus sp. KAERI-NJ5 as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production.

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.

Hybrid calcium carbonate (HCC) was developed to simultaneously increase the bulk, stiffness, and strength of printing paper. It was prepared by the preflocculation of a mixture of ground calcium ca...