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We report a three-dimensional graphene network decorated with nickel nanoparticles as a current collector to achieve outstanding performance in Ni(OH)2-based supercapacitors with excellent energy density. A cost-efficient and single-step fabrication method creates nickel-particle decorated three-dimensional graphene networks (Ni–GNs) with an excellent electrical conductivity of 107 S m−1 and a surface area of 16.4 m2 g−1 that are superior to those of carbon alternatives and commercial 3D-Ni foam, respectively. The supercapacitor in which Ni(OH)2 active materials are deposited on Ni–GNs exhibited an outstanding capacitance value of 3179 F g−1 at 10 A g−1 in a three-electrode system and 90% of capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles. Furthermore, it showed an outstanding energy density of 197.5 W h kg−1 at a power density of 815.5 W kg−1 when tested in a two-electrode system. To the best of our knowledge, our device realized the world record value of energy density with a high rate capability and good cycle stability among Ni(OH)2-based supercapacitors. The excellent electrical properties of easily synthesized Ni–GNs as the ideal current collector clearly suggest a straightforward way to achieve great performance supercapacitors with both high energy density and power density.

Realization of a highly flexible, lightweight, and high performance flexible supercapacitor was achieved using three-dimensional graphene on flexible graphite-paper. A simple and fast self-assembly approach was utilized for the uniform deposition of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown high quality 3D-graphene powders on a flexible graphite-paper substrate. The fabricated paper-based symmetric supercapacitor exhibited a maximum capacitance of 260 F g −1 (15.6 mF cm −2 ) in a three electrode system, 80 F g −1 (11.1 mF cm −2 ) in a full cell, high capacitance retention and a high energy density of 8.8 Wh kg −1 (1.24 μWh cm −2 ) at a power density of 178.5 W kg −1 (24.5 μW cm −2 ). The flexible supercapacitor maintained its supercapacitor performance well, even under bent, rolled, or twisted conditions, signifying the excellent flexibility of the fabricated device. Our straightforward approach to the fabrication of highly flexible and lightweight supercapacitors offers new design opportunities for flexible/wearable electronics and miniaturized device applications that require energy storage units that meet the demands of the multifarious applications.

SUMMARY The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the clinical effectiveness of different polishing systems and self-etch adhesives in class V composite resin restorations. A total of 164 noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) from 35 patients were randomly allocated to one of four experimental groups, each of which used a combination of polishing systems and adhesives. The two polishing systems used were Sof-Lex XT (Sof), a multistep abrasive disc, and Enhance/Pogo (EP), a simplified abrasive-impregnated rubber instrument. The adhesive systems were Clearfil SE bond (CS), a two-step self-etch adhesive, and Xeno V (XE), a one-step self-etch adhesive. All NCCLs were restored with light-cured microhybrid resin composites (Z250). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months by two blinded independent examiners using modified FDI criteria. The Fisher exact test and generalized estimating equation analysis considering repeated measurements were performed to compare the outcomes between the polishing systems and adhesives. Three restorations were dislodged: two in CS/Sof and one in CS/EP. None of the restorations required any repair or retreatment except those showing retention loss. Sof was superior to EP with regard to surface luster, staining, and marginal adaptation (p0.05). Sof is clinically superior to EP for polishing performance in class V composite resin restoration. XE demonstrates clinically equivalent bonding performance to CS.

Vertically aligned iron oxide nanowire arrays were successfully synthesized via a cost-efficient maskless top-down approach. High density nanowires are formed by simple oxygen reactive ion etching of an iron-containing polymer film without any artificial mask. Highly crystalline hematite nanowires with a diameter of 38–45 nm and a high aspect ratio of 131 are uniformly produced over large areas after calcination. The high density graphene/magnetite nanostructure created by pyrolyzing iron oxide/organic nanowires with three-dimensional morphology provided highly enhanced Raman scattering with an enhancement factor of up to 7.0 × 104 due to trapping of the absorbed light in the three-dimensional graphene forest. Our maskless top-down approach to fabricate iron oxide nanowires offers unique advantages of a solution-based process to easily overcome the limit in the morphology and substrate-dependent properties of nanowire synthesis. This technique may have excellent practical potential as a simple, rapid, and reproducible process for the fabrication of high density and high aspect ratio iron oxide nanowires that are useful in various applications.

This is the first report on the fabrication of defect-free submicron structures with more than 100 μm thickness and an aspect ratio over 100. Highly transparent poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-acryloisobutyl POSS) (PGP) was synthesized via radical polymerization. The mechanical properties of the PGP submicron structure displayed a Young's modulus of 6.09 GPa and a hardness of 0.16 GPa, 4.2 and 8 times, respectively, than those of SU8 nanopatterns. These enhancements enable the utilization of ultrathick 2D-/3D-submicron structures as an ideal platform for microelectromechanical systems, big data storage systems, energy devices, etc.

Highlights The flexible 3D porous structure with a large surface area provides pathways for rapid ion/electron transport and ion diffusion as well as numerous electroactive sites.The wire-shaped supercapacitor exhibits a high energy density of 153.3 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 8810 W kg−1.The hybrid device demonstrates excellent durability under various mechanical deformations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40820-019-0356-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users., We report a wire-shaped three-dimensional (3D)-hybrid supercapacitor with high volumetric capacitance and high energy density due to an interconnected 3D-configuration of the electrode allowing for large number of electrochemical active sites, easy access of electrolyte ions, and facile charge transport for flexible wearable applications. The interconnected and compact electrode delivers a high volumetric capacitance (gravimetric capacitance) of 73 F cm−3 (2446 F g−1), excellent rate capability, and cycle stability. The 3D-nickel cobalt-layered double hydroxide onto 3D-nickel wire (NiCo LDH/3D-Ni)//the 3D-manganese oxide onto 3D-nickel wire (Mn3O4/3D-Ni) hybrid supercapacitor exhibits energy density of 153.3 Wh kg−1 and power density of 8810 W kg−1. The red light-emitting diode powered by the as-prepared hybrid supercapacitor can operate for 80 min after being charged for tens of seconds and exhibit excellent electrochemical stability under various deformation conditions. The results verify that such wire-shaped 3D-hybrid supercapacitors are promising alternatives for batteries with long charge–discharge times, for smart wearable and implantable devices. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40820-019-0356-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives To aid primary care physicians, emergency medicine physicians, and gynaecologists in the initial investigation of adnexal masses, defined as lumps that appear near the uterus or in or around ovaries, fallopian tubes, or surrounding connective tissue, and to outline recommendations for identifying women who would benefit from a referral to a gynaecologic oncologist for further management. Intended Users Gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, general surgeons, emergency medicine specialists, radiologists, sonographers, nurses, medical learners, residents, and fellows. Target Population Adult women 18 years of age and older presenting for the evaluation of an adnexal mass. Options Women with adnexal masses should be assessed for personal risk factors, history, and physical findings. Initial evaluation should also include imaging and laboratory testing to triage women for management of their care either by a gynaecologic oncologist or as per SOGC guideline no. 404 on the initial investigation and management of benign ovarian masses. Evidence A search of PubMed, Cochrane Wiley, and the Cochrane systematic reviews was conducted in January 2018 for English-language materials involving human subjects published since 2000 using three sets of terms: (i) ovarian cancer, ovarian carcinoma, adnexal disease, ovarian neoplasm, adnexal mass, fallopian tube disease, fallopian tube neoplasm, ovarian cyst, and ovarian tumour; (ii) the above terms in combination with predict neoplasm staging, follow-up, and staging; and (iii) the above two sets of terms in combination with ultrasound, tumour marker, CA 125, CEA, CA19-9, HE4, multivariable-index-assay, risk-of-ovarian-malignancy-algorithm, risk-of-malignancy-index, diagnostic imaging, CT, MRI, and PET. Relevant evidence was selected for inclusion in descending order of quality of evidence as follows: meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, observational studies, non-systematic reviews, case series, and reports. Additional articles were identified through cross-referencing the identified reviews. The total number of studies identified was 2350, with 59 being included in this review. Validation Methods The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the authors. The Executive and Board of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada reviewed the content and submitted comments for consideration. The Board of Directors of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology framework (Table A1 of Online Appendix A). See Table A2 of Online Appendix A for the interpretation of strong and weak recommendations. The summary of findings is available upon request. Benefits, Harms, Costs Adnexal masses are common, and guidelines on how to triage them and manage the care of patients presenting with adnexal masses will continue to guide the practice of primary care providers and gynaecologists. Ovarian cancer outcomes are improved when initial surgery is performed by a gynaecologic oncologist, likely as a result of complete surgical staging and optimal cytoreduction. Given these superior outcomes, guidelines to assist in the triage of adnexal masses and the referral and management of the care of patients with an adnexal mass are critical. SUMMARY STATEMENTS (GRADE ratings in parentheses) 1Information from a detailed personal and family history can guide decisions on further testing and evaluation for women with adnexal masses (low). 2The majority of women with ovarian cancer have symptoms in the year prior to their diagnosis, although these symptoms can be vague (low). 3Adnexal masses are best evaluated through subjective pattern recognition by an expert sonographer in order to distinguish benign adnexal masses from malignant adnexal masses (moderate). 4Ultrasound evaluation of adnexal masses with risk prediction models such as the simple rules, developed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group, allows sonographers with varying degrees of expertise to use uniform terminology and accurately classify these masses as "likely malignant," "benign," or "indeterminate" (moderate). 5Laboratory testing can aid in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass. Testing for sexually transmitted infection with results showing leukocytosis can help identify tubo-ovarian abscesses, while a positive pregnancy test can lead to diagnosis of possible ectopic pregnancies (low). 6Cancer antigen 125 is a non-specific glycoprotein that can be elevated in benign and malignant gynaecologic conditions and in non-gynaecologic conditions (moderate). 7Only half of all early stage ovarian cancers and 80% of advanced stage ovarian cancers show elevated cancer antigen 125 levels (moderate). 8The sensitivity and specificity of cancer antigen 125 as a tumour marker are higher in women who are postmenopausal because many of the benign clinical conditions that can increase the level of cancer antigen 125 occur in the premenopausal population, while most cases of epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer occur in the postmenopausal population (moderate). 9Despite having gone through several iterations, the risk of malignancy index, which uses cancer antigen 125 and sonographic features along with the patient's menopausal status, is outperformed by the more recent International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group's logistic regression model 2 and simple rules. The sensitivity and specificity of version 2 of the risk of malignancy index for distinguishing malignant from benign masses are only 75% and 87%, respectively (moderate). RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE ratings in parentheses) 1Take a detailed history for a woman presenting with an adnexal mass. For a woman with a personal history of infertility, endometriosis, or cancer or a family history of cancer, refer the patient to a gynaecologic oncologist for further evaluation if possible (strong, low). 2Physical examination should include lymph node survey, respiratory examination to rule out pleural effusion or consolidation, breast and axillary examination to rule out breast malignancy, and an abdominal examination to assess for ascites, omental caking, and organomegaly as well as a pelvic examination, including a bimanual and rectovaginal examination, to assess for mass size, contour, mobility, and parametrial, bladder, and rectal abnormality (strong, low). 3If a woman presents with an adnexal mass, request an initial ultrasound using either pattern recognition or the risk prediction model developed by the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis group (strong, moderate). 4Promptly refer to a gynaecologic oncologist any patient who presents with a mass with any of the following sonographic features, suggestive of malignancy: (i) solid component with strong or central colour flow, (ii) ≥4 papillary projections (defined as >3 mm in height), (iii) thick multiple irregular septations, or (iv) ascites and peritoneal nodularity. While awaiting a gynaecologic oncologist consult, where resources permit, pursue further investigations, including tumour marker levels and computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, as appropriate (strong, moderate). 5Women with adnexal masses with indeterminate features should be evaluated by ultrasound conducted by an expert sonographer (if available) or by magnetic resonance imaging or be referred to a gynaecologic oncologist (strong, low). 6Do not use cancer antigen 125 testing as a screening tool in asymptomatic women without a pelvic or adnexal mass (strong, moderate). 7The initial ultrasound characterization can be done using either pattern recognition (best in the hands of an expert sonographer) or risk prediction algorithms, such as simple rules, which have been demonstrated to work well for practitioners with varying degrees of expertise. If the lesion is suspicious for malignancy, prompt referral to a gynaecologic oncologist is recommended (strong, moderate). 8In women 9Further tumour marker testing, including carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 19-9, and cancer antigen 15-3, along with referral to a gynaecologic oncologist are recommended for women presenting with bilateral masses with features of malignancy (strong, moderate).

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files have enabled efficient root canal preparations that maintain the canal center with fewer aberrations compared to hand files. However, NiTi rotary files are susceptible to fracture, which can thereby compromise root canal treatment. Therefore, NiTi files have been developed to enhance fracture resistance by modifying design and thermal treatment. The objective of this study was to compare the torsional fatigue resistance and bending resistance of NiTi files manufactured from different alloys and treatments. ProTaper NEXT X2 (PTN; M-wire), V taper 2H (V2H; controlled memory wire), NRT (heat-treated), and One Shape (OS; conventional alloy) instruments of tip size #25 were compared. Torsional fatigue was evaluated by embedding the 3 mm tip of each instrument (N = 10/brand) in resin and the repetitive application of torsional stress (300 rpm, 1.0 N·cm) by an endodontic motor with autostop when the file fractured. The number of loading cycles to fracture was recorded and analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni’s correction. Bending resistance of the instruments was tested using a cantilever bending test to the 3 mm point from the tip (N = 10/brand). The stress was measured when deflection of 3 mm was subjected and statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significance difference test (α = 0.05). V2H withstood the highest number of load applications during torsional fatigue testing (p<0.05), followed by NRT, PTN, and OS, where the differences between NRT and PTN (p=0.035) and between PTN and OS (p=0.143) were not statistically significant. V2H showed the lowest bending stiffness, followed by NRT, PTN, and OS (p<0.001). Thermal treatment of NiTi wire resulted in improved mechanical properties, and controlled memory wire provided improved flexibility and torsional fatigue resistance.

Left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) have distinctive structural and functional characteristics as well as heterogeneous physiological properties. The RV is exposed to a relatively low pulmonary vasculature, which results in less mechanical afterload. Consistent with these physiological differences, the RV has a thinner free wall than the LV, and the movement of its contraction is geometrically different. Despite these definite differences, the studies of basic excitation-contraction coupling and calcium homeostasis of RV has been less studied than in LV. To establish the interventricular difference, we evaluated the basic electrophysiological and calcium-contractile properties of myocyte with or without β-adrenergic stimulation. Analyses of contraction and Ca 2+ signaling and action potential duration (APD) in isolated RV myocytes showed more prominent APD prolongation with less significant changes in sarcomere shortening and calcium transient, implying less efficient E-C coupling RV myocytes. To investigate the prolonged APD of RV, we measured transient outward potassium (Ito) current and L-type calcium channel (LTCC) current of two ventricles. Although the peak current of two ion channel was not different significantly in two ventricle, the half inactivation voltage of RV Ito was smaller than LV. Comparing with LV, RV myocytes showed round peak, slower early relaxation, and faster late relaxation, suggesting the difference of calcium sensitivity between two ventricles. To investigate the difference, we examined the expression level of calcium-binding proteins that regulate myofilament activities. Using immunoblotting from enriched protein of myofilament fraction, we found that the calcium binding proteins such as troponin I were lower in RV. Taken together, our results suggest that calcium binding proteins of RV was differ from that of LV, which induce the modified calcium sensitivity. We confirmed that reduced calcium binding proteins induced the decrease of calcium sensitivity and modified E-C coupling using Bers’ mathematical rat cardiomyocyte model. The calcium sensitivity of RV is a clue to explain the different physiological properties of the RV.

Angiotensin II (AngII) triggers a transient contraction of pulmonary arteries (PAs) followed by protracted desensitization. Based on the unconventional eNOS expression in PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), we hypothesized that activation of smooth muscle eNOS by AngII might be responsible for fast relaxation and tachyphylaxis. Using dual-wire myograph, mechanically endothelium-denuded rat PA [E(−)PA] showed AngII concentration–dependent transient contractions (ΔTAngII, 95% decay within 1 min), which were abolished by losartan (AT1R antagonist). Neither PD123319 (AT2R antagonist) nor A779 (MasR antagonist) affected ΔTAngII. When the vessels were pretreated with L-NAME (NOS inhibitor), ODQ (guanylate cyclase inhibitor), or KT5823 (PKG inhibitor), ΔTAngII of E(−)PA became larger and sustained, whereas nNOS or iNOS inhibitors had no such effect. Immunoblotting of human PASMCs (hPASMCs) also showed eNOS expression, and AngII treatment induced activating phosphorylations of Ser1177 in eNOS and of Ser473 in Akt (Ser/Thr protein kinase B), an upstream signal of eNOS phosphorylation. In addition, L-NAME co-treatment promoted AngII-induced Ser19 phosphorylation of myosin light chain. In hPASMCs, AngII abolished plasma membrane expression of AT1R, and recovery by washout took more than 1 h. Consistent with the data from hPASMCs, the second application of AngII to E(−)PA did not induce contraction, and significant recovery of ΔTAngII required prolonged washout (> 2 h) in the myography study. L-NAME treatment before the second application facilitated recovery of ΔTAngII. Muscular eNOS plays an auto-inhibitory role in ΔTAngII of PAs. The molecular changes investigated in hPASMCs revealed eNOS phosphorylation and internalization of AT1R by AngII. We propose that the rat PA smooth muscle eNOS-induced lusitropy and slow recovery of AT1R from tachyphylaxis might counterbalance the excessive contractile response to AngII, contributing to the distinctive low-pressure pulmonary circulation.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of autoclave sterilization on the cyclic fatigue and torsional fracture resistance of ProTaper Universal (PTU), K3XF, HyFlex EDM (EDM), and TF adaptive (TFA). Sixty instruments from each file type were divided into two categories for cyclic fatigue group (CGr) and torsional fracture group (TGr). CGr and TGr were divided into three subgroups, respectively, consisting of ten instruments from each file type. Cyclic fatigue fracture test was performed using artificial canal made of stainless steel, and the mean number of cycles to failure (NCF) were determined. CGr1, the files were tested to establish baseline for NCF; CGr2, the files were tested cyclic fatigue after 10 cycles of autoclave; CGr3, instruments were autoclaved after being cycled to 25, 50, and 75% of corresponding NCF determined in CGr1, followed by cyclic fatigue test. The torsional fracture test was performed without autoclave (TGr1), after 3-cycle autoclave (TGr2), and 7-cycle autoclave (TGr3), respectively, which evaluated maximum torque and angular deflection. NCF, maximum torque and angular deflection were compared using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni test. Two-way ANOVA was performed to determine the interaction between 'autoclave treatment' and 'type of NiTi file'. EDM showed highest NCF within the same autoclave treatment. TFA presented the lowest maximum torque and the highest angular deflection, and PTU presented the lowest angular deflection. Within the same NiTi file systems, most of NCF, maximum torque and angular deflection of tested files were not significantly influenced by autoclave condition.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in enzymes that participate in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as heparin sulfate and dermatan sulfate. Left untreated, patients show progressive mental and physical deterioration due to deposition of GAGs in organs. Death often occurs due to cardiac or respiratory failure before patients reach their early twenties. MPS has several oral and dental manifestations. An enlarged head, short neck, and open mouth associated with a large tongue are major characteristics of MPS patients. Dental complications can be severe, including unerupted dentition, dentigerous cyst-like follicles, malocclusions, condylar defects, and gingival hyperplasia. A 21-year-old female patient with MPS was described in this article, with special emphasis on oral manifestations and dental treatment.

Developmental toxicity of 4-octylphenol (OP), an estrogenic endocrine disruptor was verified using frog embryo teratogenesis assay Xenopus. LC50, EC50Malformtion and EC50Melanocyte-dysgenesis of OP were 9.9, 10.5, and 2.4 μM, respectively. In tadpoles, despite the low teratogenic index, 2 μM OP significantly inhibited head cartilage development and tail malformation. The total length of tadpole was significantly increased at 5 μM and decreased at 10 μM OP. In OP-treated tadpoles, head cartilages were frequently missed and col2a1 mRNA was decreased at 2 μM, indicating a chondrogenic defect in developing head. In the head skin of 1 μM OP-treated tadpoles, number of melanocytes and melanogenic pathway genes expression were significantly decreased. In the head-neck junction of stage 22 embryos, OP increased foxd3 and sox10 mRNA and SOX10(+) neural crest cells (NCCs) in somite mesoderm and endoderm, indicating the inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation, ectopic migration to endoderm, and undifferentiation of NCCs by OP. Together, OP-induced head dysplasia and inhibition of melanogenesis may be attributable to deregulation of neural crest cells in embryos. In tadpoles, OP at 1 μM significantly increased lipid hydroperoxide and induced spliced xbp1 mRNA, an IRE1 pathway endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker and p-eIF2α protein, a PERK pathway ERS marker. OP at 10 μM induced CHOP mRNA, pro-apoptotic genes expression, DNA fragmentation, and cleaved caspase-3, suggesting that OP differentially induced ERS and apoptosis according to the concentration in embryos. In 5–10 μM OP-treated stage 22 embryos and stage 45 tadpole heads, Ki67 was significantly increased, suggesting the apoptosis-induced proliferation of embryonic cells in the OP-treated embryos. Together, OP should be managed as a developmental toxicant altering the behavior of NCCs in vertebrates.

Objectif Cette directive passe en revue l'evaluation clinique et la prise en charge des maladies gestationnelles trophoblastiques, notamment les traitements chirurgicaux et medicamenteux des tumeurs benignes, premalignes et malignes. L'objectif de la presente directive clinique est d'aider les fournisseurs de soins de sante a rapidement diagnostiquer les maladies gestationnelles trophoblastiques, a normaliser les traitements et le suivi et a assurer des soins specialises precoces aux patientes dont l'atteinte est maligne ou metastatique. PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNeS: Gynecologues generalistes, obstetriciens, medecins de famille, sages-femmes, urgentologues, anesthesistes, radiologistes, anatomopathologistes, infirmieres autorisees, infirmieres praticiennes, residents, gynecologues-oncologues, oncologues medicaux, radio-oncologues, chirurgiens, omnipraticiens en oncologie, infirmieres en oncologie, pharmaciens, auxiliaires medicaux et autres professionnels de la sante qui traitent des patientes atteintes d'une maladie gestationnelle trophoblastique. La presente directive vise egalement a fournir des renseignements aux parties interessees qui prodiguent des soins de suivi a ces patientes apres le traitement. Population cible Femmes en âge de procreer atteintes d'une maladie gestationnelle trophoblastique. Options Les femmes ayant recu un diagnostic de maladie gestationnelle trophoblastique doivent etre orientees vers un gynecologue afin qu'il realise une evaluation initiale, envisage une intervention chirurgicale primaire (evacuation ou hysterectomie) et effectue un suivi. Il y a lieu d'orienter les femmes ayant recu un diagnostic de tumeur trophoblastique gestationnelle vers un gynecologue-oncologue afin qu'il effectue la stadification tumorale, etablisse le score de risque et envisage l'intervention chirurgicale primaire ou un traitement systemique (mono- ou polychimiotherapie) et la necessite d'eventuels traitements supplementaires. Il est recommande de discuter de chaque cas de neoplasie gestationnelle trophoblastique lors d'une reunion multidisciplinaire de cas oncologiques et de l'inscrire dans une base de donnees centralisee (regionale et/ou nationale). DONNeES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont ete effectuees au moyen des bases de donnees Embase et MEDLINE, du Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials et de la Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews afin de trouver les etudes publiees depuis 2002 utilisant un ou plusieurs des mots cles suivants : trophoblastic neoplasms, choriocarcinoma, trophoblastic tumor, placental site, gestational trophoblastic disease, hydatidiform mole, drug therapy, surgical therapy, radiotherapy, cure, complications, recurrence, survival, prognosis, pregnancy outcome, disease outcome, treatment outcome et remission. La recherche initiale a ete effectuee en avril 2017; une mise a jour a ete faite en mai 2019. Les donnees probantes pertinentes ont ete selectionnees aux fins d'inclusion selon l'ordre suivant : meta-analyses, revues systematiques, directives cliniques, essais cliniques randomises, etudes de cohortes prospectives, etudes observationnelles, revues non systematiques, etudes de series de cas et rapports. D'autres articles pertinents ont ete trouves en recoupant les revues repertoriees. Le nombre total d'etudes relevees etait de 673, dont 79 etudes sont citees dans la presente revue. MeTHODES DE VALIDATION: Le contenu et les recommandations ont ete rediges et acceptes par les auteurs. La direction et le conseil d'administration de la Societe de gyneco-oncologie du Canada ont passe en revue le contenu de la version preliminaire et ont soumis des commentaires a prendre en consideration. Le conseil d'administration de la Societe des obstetriciens et gynecologues du Canada a approuve la version definitive aux fins de publication. La qualite des donnees probantes a ete evaluee au moyen des criteres de l'approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Consulter les tableaux dans l'annexe en ligne pour connaitre les criteres de notation et d'interpretation des recommandations. BeNeFICES, RISQUES, COuTS: Les presentes recommandations aideront les medecins a diagnostiquer rapidement les maladies gestationnelles trophoblastiques et a orienter de facon urgente les patientes ayant recu un diagnostic de maladie gestationnelle trophoblastique en gynecologie oncologique pour une prise en charge specialisee. Le traitement des neoplasies gestationnelles trophoblastiques en centre specialise combine a l'utilisation de bases de donnees centralisees permet de recueillir et de comparer des donnees sur les resultats therapeutiques des patientes atteintes de ces tumeurs rares et d'optimiser les soins aux patientes. DECLARATIONS SOMMAIRES (CLASSEMENT GRADE ENTRE PARENTHeSES): RECOMMANDATIONS (CLASSEMENT GRADE ENTRE PARENTHeSES).

Objective This guideline reviews the clinical evaluation and management of gestational trophoblastic diseases, including surgical and medical management of benign, premalignant, and malignant entities. The objective of this guideline is to assist health care providers in promptly diagnosing gestational trophoblastic diseases, to standardize treatment and follow-up, and to ensure early specialized care of patients with malignant or metastatic disease. Intended users General gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, midwives, emergency department physicians, anaesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, residents, gynaecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, general practitioners in oncology, oncology nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, and other health care providers who treat patients with gestational trophoblastic diseases. This guideline is also intended to provide information for interested parties who provide follow-up care for these patients following treatment. Target population Women of reproductive age with gestational trophoblastic diseases. Options Women diagnosed with a gestational trophoblastic disease should be referred to a gynaecologist for initial evaluation and consideration for primary surgery (uterine evacuation or hysterectomy) and follow-up. Women diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia should be referred to a gynaecologic oncologist for staging, risk scoring, and consideration for primary surgery or systemic therapy (single- or multi-agent chemotherapy) with the potential need for additional therapies. All cases of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia should be discussed at a multidisciplinary cancer case conference and registered in a centralized (regional and/or national) database. Evidence Relevant studies from 2002 onwards were searched in Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews using the following terms, either alone or in combination: trophoblastic neoplasms, choriocarcinoma, trophoblastic tumor, placental site, gestational trophoblastic disease, hydatidiform mole, drug therapy, surgical therapy, radiotherapy, cure, complications, recurrence, survival, prognosis, pregnancy outcome, disease outcome, treatment outcome, and remission. The initial search was performed in April 2017 and updated in May 2019. Relevant evidence was selected for inclusion in the following order: meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, observational studies, non-systematic reviews, case series, and reports. Additional significant articles were identified through cross-referencing the identified reviews. The total number of studies identified was 673, with 79 studies cited in this review. Validation methods The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the authors. The Executive and Board of Directors of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada reviewed the content and submitted comments for consideration, and the Board of Directors for the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology framework. See the online appendix tables for key to grading and interpretation of recommendations. Benefits These guidelines will assist physicians in promptly diagnosing gestational trophoblastic diseases and urgently referring patients diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia to gynaecologic oncology for specialized management. Treating gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in specialized centres with the use of centralized databases allows for capturing and comparing data on treatment outcomes of patients with these rare tumours and for optimizing patient care. Summary statements (grade ratings in parentheses) RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Objectives This randomized double-blinded clinical trial evaluated the bleaching efficacy and incidence of contact hypersensitivity of three kinds of bleaching toothpaste. Methods Forty-nine participants above A2 shade on the maxillary central incisor (#11) and canine (#13) were randomized into three groups: TW group (n = 15), 0.75 % HP-containing toothpaste (Toothwhole white); VL group (n = 15), 0.75 % HP-containing toothpaste (Vussen 7); and VH group (n = 17), 2.8 % of HP-containing toothpaste (Vussen 28). Participants were instructed to manually brush their teeth for 3 min, 3 times per day for 12 weeks. They were followed-up after 4 and 12 weeks. Shade measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer (SP), and data were calculated with CIELab ( Δ E a b * ) and CIEDE2000 ( Δ E 00 ) formula. Additionally, visual inspection (VI) using the Vitapan classical shade guide was also performed, and the correlation between the two measurements was analyzed by comparing the CIELab ( Δ E a b * ) values. The incidence of contact hypersensitivity at each follow-up was recorded. A mixed-effect model was performed to assess shade changes and chi-square tests for the incidence of contact hypersensitivity, respectively. Results At 12 week follow-up, all groups showed Δ E a b * above 3.46, and Δ E 00 above 2.25 for tooth #11. For tooth #13, the Δ E a b * and Δ E 00 of VH and TW groups only were above those thresholds. Shade change varied according to toothpaste and follow-up points. SP and VI showed a moderate positive correlation for L*, a*, and b*, respectively (P 0.05). Conclusions Bleaching toothpaste with higher HP yields a better shade change than other toothpaste after 12 weeks. Clinical significance The use of bleaching toothpaste with a higher HP concentration results in a better shade improvement.

Capacitive deionization (CDI) has attracted immense attention in recent years due to its simple energy efficient and eco-friendly desalination process. In capacitive deionization research, limited scale of fabrication for active materials and improving desalination efficiency have been the major challenges. Herein, micro-meso-macroporous three-dimensional graphene (MMM-3DG) with a high surface area (1492.8 m2 g−1) was fabricated in gram-scale production (>1.0 g per one time) as an effective active material for CDI. MMM-3DG exhibited a high electrosorption capacity (9.37 mg g−1) and a fast electrosorption rate (2.79 mg g−1 min−1). Furthermore, MMM-3DG delivered an outstanding rate constant value of 0.071 by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and thus low energy consumption value per desalinating ion (33.17 kJ mol−1) during the adsorption process.

We demonstrate a unique synthetic route for oxygen-deficient mesoporous TiOx by a redox-transmetalation process by using Zn metal as the reducing agent. The as-obtained materials have significantly enhanced electronic conductivity; 20 times higher than that of as-synthesized TiO2 material. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurements are performed to validate the low charge carrier resistance of the oxygen-deficient TiOx . The resulting oxygen-deficient TiOx battery anode exhibits a high reversible capacity (∼180 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge rate of 1 C/1 C after 400 cycles) and an excellent rate capability (∼90 mA h g-1 even at a rate of 10 C). Also, the full cell, which is coupled with a LiCoO2 cathode material, exhibits an outstanding rate capability (>75 mA h g-1 at a rate of 3.0 C) and maintains a reversible capacity of over 100 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge of 1 C/1 C for 300 cycles.

Objectives In this study, we characterized human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) obtained by different culture methods to establish the most suitable methodology for dental tissue engineering and regenerative endodontic applications. Materials and Methods HDPCs were isolated by the outgrowth method (HDPCs-OG), the enzymatic digestion method (collagenase/dispase/trypsin, HDPCs-ED), or the combination of both methods (HDPCs-Combined). The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD105, CD90, and CD73) was investigated. In vitro differentiation capacities of HDPCs into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages were compared. Differentiation markers were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Results Our data indicated that whole HDPCs-ED, HPDCs-OG, and HDPCs-Combined could be differentiated into adipogenic, chrondrogenic, and osteogenic cell types. However, we found that the methods for isolating and culturing HDPCs influence the differentiation capacities of cells. HDPCs-OG and HDPCs-ED were preferably differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic cells, respectively. Differentiation markers shown by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis were mostly upregulated in the treated groups compared with the control groups. Conclusions Our findings confirmed that cell populations formed by two different culture methods and the combined culture method exhibited different properties. The results of this study could provide an insight into regenerative endodontic treatment using HDPCs.

This study introduces an in situ fabrication of nanoporous hematite with a Ti-doped SiOx passivation layer for a high-performance water-splitting system. The nanoporous hematite with a Ti-doped SiOx layer (Ti-(SiOx /np-Fe2 O3 )) has a photocurrent density of 2.44 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 VRHE and 3.70 mA cm(-2) at 1.50 VRHE . When a cobalt phosphate co-catalyst was applied to Ti-(SiOx /np-Fe2 O3 ), the photocurrent density reached 3.19 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 VRHE with stability, which shows great potential of the use of the Ti-doped SiOx layer with a synergistic effect of decreased charge recombination, the increased number of active sites, and the reduced hole-diffusion pathway from the hematite to the electrolyte.

Supercapacitors are known to suffer from relatively low energy density and stability, which hampers their substitution for existing batteries. Here, we report an outstanding positive electrode platform for supercapacitor having both high energy density and high power density as well as good stability, by fabricating a low resistance Ohmic contact between Ni(OH)2 active materials and a 3-D current collector, nanoporous gold (NPG). The Ni(OH)2/NPG electrode was optimized by finely adjusting the portion of two different parts of the deposited Ni(OH)2, one part in direct contact with the NPG and the other part on top of the NPG. The optimized Ni(OH)2/NPG electrode exhibited 2223 F/cm3 of volumetric capacitance (considering both the active material and the current collector) at a current density of 5 A/g, values which are beyond the theoretical capacitance value, and the device retained 90% capacitance of the initial value at 500 A/g and after 30,000 cycles, respectively. This electrode showed an excellent energy density of 98 Wh/kg and power density of 50 kW/kg in a Ni(OH)2/NPG//MnO2/NPG two electrode supercapacitor system. The excellent performance of the Ni(OH)2/NPG electrode is attributed not only to the increased surface area of the Ni(OH)2 active materials, but also to the favorable path for charge transport created between the Ni(OH)2 and the gold electrode due to the presence of Ohmic contact, which eventually leads to the good kinetic properties and good stability.

Pulmonary arteries (PAs) have high compliance, buffering the wide ranges of blood flow. Here, we addressed a hypothesis that PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) express nitric oxide synthases (NOS) that might be activated by mechanical stress and vasoactive agonists. In the myograph study of endothelium-denuded rat PAs, NOS inhibition (L-NAME) induced strong contraction (96 % of 80 mM KCl-induced contraction (80K)) in the presence of 5 nM U46619 (thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analogue) with relatively high basal stretch (2.94 mN, S(+)). With lower basal stretch (0.98 mN, S(-)), however, L-NAME application following U46619 (TXA2/L-NAME) induced weak contraction (27 % of 80K). Inhibitors of nNOS and iNOS had no such effect in S(+) PAs. In endothelium-denuded S(+) mesenteric and renal arteries, TXA2/L-NAME-induced contraction was only 18 and 21 % of 80K, respectively. Expression of endothelial-type NOS (eNOS) in rat PASMCs was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Even in S(-) PAs, pretreatment with H2O2 (0.1-10 μM) effectively increased the sensitivity to TXA2/L-NAME (105 % of 80K). Vice versa, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, reactive oxygen species scavengers, or an Akt inhibitor (SC-66) suppressed TXA2/L-NAME-induced contraction in S(+) PAs. In a human PASMC line, immunoblot analysis showed the following: (1) eNOS expression, (2) Ser(1177) phosphorylation by U46619 and H2O2, and (3) Akt activation (Ser(473) phosphorylation) by U46619. In the cell-attached patch clamp study, H2O2 facilitated membrane stretch-activated cation channels in rat PASMCs. Taken together, the muscular eNOS in PAs can be activated by TXA2 and mechanical stress via H2O2 and Akt-mediated signaling, which may counterbalance the contractile signals from TXA2 and mechanical stimuli.

We report an efficient Ti-doped FeOOH (Ti-FeOOH) co-catalyst applied on SiOx thin layer coated Ti-doped porous Fe2O3 (Ti-PH) to realize an excellent water splitting photoelectrochemical cell. The SiOx thin layer coated on Ti-doped porous hematite induces preferential deposition of the Ti-FeOOH co-catalyst on the inner pores of Ti-PH, which enhances oxygen evolution reaction performance without interrupting the absorption of light by hematite. The photocurrent density of Ti-FeOOH/Ti-PH is 4.06 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, 3.4 times higher than that of conventional worm-like hematite, with excellent long-term stability for 36 h. This represents the state-of-the-art performance among hematite-based systems with the exception of very few studies that used precious materials. Importantly, the proposed photoanode can be fabricated by a simple and cost-efficient solution-based method, i.e. with cheap precursors and without any specific equipment.

A tandem system consisting of a combined hematite photoanode/perovskite solar cell is a novel configuration enabling unbiased solar-driven water splitting in a cost-efficient way. However, similar light absorption spectrums between hematite and perovskite, causing significant optical loss of the solar cell located behind the photoelectrochemical cell, have been a critical issue, resulting in a substantial reduction in the overall photoelectrochemical performance in the bias-free tandem system. Herein, we report an efficient thin film hematite/perovskite tandem cell optimized with consideration of both quantum efficiency of the hematite photoanode and optical loss of the solar cell. Ti,Si co-doping with controlled dopability and deposition of transparent NiFeOx co-catalyst on hematite (NiFeOx@Ti:Si–Fe2O3(t)) allowed for highly improved surface reaction kinetics and charge transport behaviors, endowing our thin film with state-of-the-art performance among thin film hematite photoanodes reported to date, with a photocurrent density of 2.62mAcm−2 at 1.23VRHE and an onset potential of 0.71V. The perovskite solar cell in the thin hematite/solar cell exhibited an anodic shift of Voc from 1.08V to 1.16V and a three-fold increased photocurrent density (15.5mAcm−2) compared to the solar cell of the conventional thick hematite/solar cell system. The assembled dual photoanodes (dual NiFeOx@Ti:Si–Fe2O3) reached a maximum photocurrent density of 4.0mAcm−2 at 1.23VRHE. Our tandem photoelectrochemical system comprising assembled dual thin film NiFeOx@Ti:Si–Fe2O3/solar cell showed outstanding performance of an unbiased solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 4.49%, which is the highest recorded value in the hematite/perovskite tandem cell systems. This work provides a great potential for further development of an unassisted solar water splitting system with the thin film hematite.

This study evaluates the effects of various agitation methods on the adhesive layer formation of a new HEMA-free universal dentin adhesive. The µTBS of the universal adhesive, G-Premio BOND in the self-etch mode was evaluated using three agitation methods [passive agitation (PA), active agitation (AA), ultrasonic agitation (UA)], with and without aging treatment. Two-way analysis of variance revealed that aging treatment was not a statistically significant factor. Tukey's HSD test showed significant differences based on the application method, UA>AA>PA. TEM images of the PA group revealed multiple water blisters in the adhesive layers; AA and UA groups presented significantly less or no blisters within the adhesive layers; thus, AA and UA groups exhibited better bonding performance for the HEMA-free universal adhesive. It is assumed that the entrap ped blisters can be reduced with the active application of dentin adhesive, and thus improving the bonding performance.

This case report describes an innovative virtual simulation method using a computer-aided rapid prototyping (CARP) model and a computer-aided design (CAD) program for autotransplantation of an immature third molar.A compromised left mandibular second molar (#18) was extracted and replaced by autotransplantation using an immature left mandibular third molar (#17). In order to minimize the surgical time and injury to the donor tooth, a virtual 3-dimensional (3D) rehearsal surgery was planned. Cone-beam computed tomographic images were taken to fabricate the 3D printing CARP model of the donor tooth and tentative extraction socket. Subsequently, both CARP models were scanned with an intraoral scanner (CEREC Omnicam; Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) followed by superimposition and virtual simulation of osteotomy preparation of the recipient alveolus using the CAD analysis program. During the surgery, the extraction socket was precisely prepared according to the predetermined location and dimensions via virtual simulation rehearsal surgery using CAD analysis. The donor tooth was atraumatically transplanted into the prepared socket. The follow-up examination revealed that the root developed with a normal periodontal ligament and lamina dura.Virtual simulation using a 3D printing CARP model and a CAD program could be clinically useful in autotransplantation of an immature third molar by ensuring an atraumatic and predictable surgery.

Solar desalination via thermal evaporation of seawater is one of the most promising technologies for addressing the serious problem of global water scarcity because it does not require additional supporting energy other than infinite solar energy for generating clean water. However, low efficiency and a large amount of heat loss are considered critical limitations of solar desalination technology. The combination of mesoporous three-dimensional graphene networks (3DGNs) with a high solar absorption property and water-transporting wood pieces with a thermal insulation property has exhibited greatly enhanced solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency. 3DGN deposited on a wood piece provides an outstanding value of solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency, about 91.8%, under 1 sun illumination and excellent desalination efficiency of 5 orders salinity decrement. The mass-producible 3DGN enriched with many mesopores efficiently releases the vapors from an enormous area of the surface by heat localization on the top surface of the wood piece. Because the efficient solar desalination device made by 3DGN on the wood piece is highly scalable and inexpensive, it could serve as one of the main sources for the worldwide supply of purified water achieved via earth-abundant materials without an extra supporting energy source.

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are synthetic bioactive cements widely used as hard tissue substitutes. Critical limitations of use include their poor mechanical properties and poor anti-washout behaviour. To address those limitations, we combined CPC with genetically engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs). We investigated the effect of the ELPs on the physical properties and biocompatibility of CPC by testing ELP/CPC composites with various liquid/powder ratios. Our results show that the addition of ELPs improved the mechanical properties of the CPC, including the microhardness, compressive strength, and washout resistance. The biocompatibility of ELP/CPC composites was also comparable to that of the CPC alone. However, supplementing CPC with ELPs functionalized with octaglutamate as a hydroxyapatite binding peptide increased the setting time of the cement. With further design and modification of our biomolecules and composites, our research will lead to products with diverse applications in biology and medicine.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bioactive glass (BAG)-containing composite on dentin remineralization. Methods Sixty-six dentin disks with 3 mm thickness were prepared from thirty-three bovine incisors. The following six experimental groups were prepared according to type of composite (control and experimental) and storage solutions (simulated body fluid [SBF] and phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]): 1 (undemineralized); 2 (demineralized); 3 (demineralized with control composite in SBF); 4 (demineralized with control composite in PBS); 5 (demineralized with experimental composite in SBF); and 6 (demineralized with experimental composite in PBS). BAG65S (65% Si, 31% Ca, and 4% P) was prepared via the sol-gel method. The control composite was made with a 50:50 Bis-GMA:TEGDMA resin matrix, 57 wt% strontium glass, and 15 wt% aerosol silica. The experimental composite had the same resin and filler, but with 15 wt% BAG65S replacing the aerosol silica. For groups 3–6, composite disks (20 × 10 × 2 mm) were prepared and approximated to the dentin disks and stored in PBS or SBF for 2 weeks. Micro-hardness test, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was investigated. Results The BAG-containing composite significantly increased the micro-hardness of the adjacent demineralized dentin. ATR-FTIR revealed calcium phosphate peaks on the surface of the groups which used BAG-containing composite. FE-SEM revealed surface deposits partially occluding the dentin surface. No significant difference was found between SBF and PBS storage. Clinical Significance Bioactive glass is a potentially useful material for remineralization of tooth structure. When incorporated into a resin composite, it may aid in remineralizing the adjacent demineralized dentin, thus preventing further destruction of the tooth. Conclusion BAG-containing composites placed in close proximity can partially remineralize adjacent demineralized dentin.

An ultrathin nickel hydroxide layer electrodeposited on a carbon-coated three-dimensional porous copper structure (3D-C/Cu) is suggested as an additive and binder-free conductive electrode with short electron path distances, large electrochemical active sites, and improved structural stability, for high performance supercapacitors. The 3D-porous copper structure (3D-Cu) provides high electrical conductivity and facilitates electron transport between the Ni(OH)2 active materials and the current collector of the Ni-plate. A carbon coating was applied to the 3D-Cu to prevent the oxidation of Cu, without degrading the electron transport behavior of the 3D-Cu. The 3D-Ni(OH)2/C/Cu exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1860 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and good cycling performance, with an 86.5% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles. When tested in a two-electrode system, an asymmetric supercapacitor exhibited an energy density of 147.9 W h kg−1 and a power density of 37.0 kW kg−1. These results open a new area of ultrahigh-performance supercapacitors, supported by 3D-Cu electrodes.

Splice variant forms of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS or NOS1), nNOSα and nNOSμ, are well established to be functionally expressed in discrete compartments in cardiomyocytes (e.g. sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR, caveolae in plasma membrane or mitochondria). So far, whether nNOS is expressed in myofilament fraction of cardiomyocytes and the splice variant form of nNOS are unknown. Immunoblotting results using two nNOS specific antibodies (BD Transduction Laboratories aa 1095-1289 and Santa Cruz Biotechnology aa 2-300) clearly demonstrated that nNOS was abundantly expressed in myofilament-enriched fraction of cardiomyocytes. Whilst the molecular weight of nNOS in membrane/cytosol fractions was ∼165 kDa, nNOS in myofilament was below 140 kDa, suggesting that the predominant splice variant of nNOS in myofilament is nNOSβ. RT-PCR results confirmed the expressions of both nNOSα and nNOSβ mRNAs in rat cardiomyocytes. Similarly, immunoprecipitation experiments using myofilament lysates of cardiomyocytes identified nNOS with low molecular weight (M.W. ∼140 kDa), confirming nNOSβ. Intriguingly, all three splice variants of nNOS were undetectable in the lysates of cardiomyocytes (including myofilament fractions) from nNOS-/- mice (which lacks nNOSα/μ). Furthermore, nNOSβ expression in myofilament of cardiomyocytes was not different in hypertensive rats compared to the level expressed in sham. iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis revealed that nNOS regulates phosphorylations of ∼20 proteins in cardiac myofilaments. Collectively, we provide direct evidence that different splice variants of nNOS are expressed in myofilament and membrane/cytosol fractions of cardiomyocytes. Discrete expressions of various splice variants in different compartments of cardiomyocytes suggest diverse roles nNOS play in healthy and diseased heart.

The aim of this study is to construct a causal relationship model explaining the relationships between social policy factors and national competitiveness and national happiness; and to analyse how the former affect the latter as final dependent variables. In doing this, the study employs data for OECD member countries. Research regarding the determinants affecting national competitiveness and people’s happiness has tended to focus mainly on personal or collective characteristics such as age, gender, economic infrastructure, etc. As a result, social policy factors, including welfare budget, unemployment support budget and income inequality, have rarely been addressed in the analysis of determinants affecting national competitiveness or happiness, which is regarded as the final policy aim to be achieved by government. In particular, there has been little academic research utilizing OECD database statistics on social policy indicators. Against this background, this study uses the Structural Equation Modeling approach (SEM) to identify the direct and indirect effects of social policy factors on national competitiveness and happiness, and puts forward policy suggestions for attaining these two great goals of social policy.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is important in cardiac protection in diseased heart. Recently, we have reported that nNOS is associated with myofilament Ca(2+) desensitization in cardiac myocytes from hypertensive rats. So far, the effect of myofilament Ca(2+) desensitization or nNOS on L-type Ca(2+) channel activity (I(Ca)) in cardiac myocyte is unclear. Here, we examined nNOS regulation of I(Ca) in left ventricular (LV) myocytes from sham and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive rats. Our results showed that basal I(Ca) was not different between sham and hypertension (from -60 to +40 mV, 0.1 Hz). S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline (SMTC), a selective nNOS inhibitor, increased peak I(Ca) similarly in both groups. However, chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) [Ca(2+)]i with BAPTA increased I(Ca) and abolished SMTC-augmentation of I(Ca) only in hypertension. Myofilament Ca(2+) desensitization with butanedione monoxime (BDM), a myosin ATPase inhibitor, decreased I(Ca) in both groups but to a greater extent in hypertension. Intracellular BAPTA or nNOS inhibition reinstated I(Ca) in the presence of BDM to the basal level, suggesting Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation of I(Ca) by nNOS and greater vulnerability in hypertension. Increasing stimulation frequencies (2, 4 and 8 Hz) attenuated myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity in sham and reduced peak ICa in both groups. Nevertheless, SMTC or BAPTA exerted no effect on I(Ca) at high frequencies in either group. These results suggest that nNOS attenuates I(Ca) via Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism and the vulnerability is greater in hypertension subject to myofilament Ca(2+) desensitization. nNOS or [Ca(2+)]i does not affect I(Ca) at high stimulation frequencies. The results were recapitulated with computer simulation.

This study aims to investigate the causal relationships among the key factors related to education that affect the happiness of adolescents, to find combinations of conditions explaining adolescents’ happiness in OECD countries, and to put forward policy implications whereby OECD countries may raise their levels of adolescent happiness. The HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children) score of adolescents of OECD countries was selected as an indicator for happiness, and some independent variables such as per capita GDP, per capita educational expenditure amount were included in the subject of analysis. QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis) method was employed for the analysis. Research results show that there are six configurations and three selected prime implicants explaining the high happiness score of adolescents in OECD countries. Three prime implicants are TEPC*GDP*PUPTEA, tee*GDP*PRIVATEXP, and tee*tepc*gdp*privatexp. In other words, while there are a number of further steps required to obtain a more parsimonious expression, in this research the suggestions posed by the solution are six configurations and three prime implicants explaining adolescents’ happiness in OECD countries. The first prime implicant is a combination of TEPC(high total per capita expenditure on education)*GDP(high per capita gdp)*PUPTEA(high ratio of students to teaching staff). The second implicant is a combination of tee(low total expenditure on education)*GDP(high per capita gdp)*PRIVATEXP(high ratio of private source expenditure on education to gdp). Finally, the third implicant is a combination of tee(low total expenditure on education)*tepc(low total per capita expenditure on education)*gdp(low per capita gdp)*privatexp(low ratio of private source expenditure on education to gdp). It is important to note that the results presented in this paper are illustrative only and need to be investigated in a more comprehensive perspective. Rather than being a limitation of QCA, consideration of alternative causal configurations are appropriate for the complexity of adolescents’ happiness.

By creating a p–n heterojunction of molybdenum sulfide (MoSx)/Ti-doped Fe2O3 (Ti-Fe2O3), we successfully addressed electron–hole transfer problems of hematite and thus achieved the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. MoSx/Ti-Fe2O3 with a thin MoSx layer on the surface of Ti-Fe2O3 fabricated a p–n junction that provided facile charge transfer pathways due to an internal electric field between Ti-Fe2O3 and MoSx, and achieved suppressed charge recombination. The optimized MoSx/Ti-Fe2O3 sample showed a 240% increased photocurrent density (3.03 mA cm−2) over pristine Fe2O3 at RHE 1.50 V. All our data including IPCE, PL, and EIS clearly confirmed the improved PEC performance of MoSx/Ti-Fe2O3 achieved by the formation of a p–n junction with a facile electron–hole transport pathway.

Patterned FTO was fabricated via a facile method as an efficient current collector in a photoelectrochemical water splitting system. The photocurrent density of α-Fe2O3 on patterned FTO exhibited a 1.7 times increase relative to α-Fe2O3 on FTO due to the light scattering and rapid transfer of excited electrons.

By coupling α-Fe2O3 with a 3D graphene inverse opal (3D-GIO) conducting electrode, the short diffusion length of carriers and low absorption coefficient in α-Fe2O3 for photoelectrochemical applications were successfully addressed. GIO was directly grown on FTO substrate under low temperature conditions, removing the need for a graphene transfer process. α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were hydrothermally deposited on the surface of GIO, creating α-Fe2O3/GIO. The photocurrent density of α-Fe2O3/GIO in water splitting reactions reached 1.62 mA/cm(2) at 1.5 V vs RHE, which is 1.4 times greater than that of optimized α-Fe2O3. The EIS and IPCE data confirm reduced electron-hole recombination and fast electron transfer processes due to the short distance between active materials and the conducting electrode in the α-Fe2O3/GIO system. Our result may pave the way for designing devices in advanced energy conversion applications as well as a high efficiency hematite-based PEC system.

We have discovered a carbonized polymer film to be a reliable and durable carbon-based substrate for carbon enhanced Raman scattering (CERS). Commercially available SU8 was spin coated and carbonized (c-SU8) to yield a film optimized to have a favorable Fermi level position for efficient charge transfer, which results in a significant Raman scattering enhancement under mild measurement conditions. A highly sensitive CERS (detection limit of 10–8 M) that was uniform over a large area was achieved on a patterned c-SU8 film and the Raman signal intensity has remained constant for 2 years. This approach works not only for the CMOS-compatible c-SU8 film but for any carbonized film with the correct composition and Fermi level, as demonstrated with carbonized-PVA (poly(vinyl alcohol)) and carbonized-PVP (polyvinylpyrollidone) films. Our study certainly expands the rather narrow range of Raman-active material platforms to include robust carbon-based films readily obtained from polymer precursors. As it uses broad...

We propose a straightforward way to realize the theoretical capacitance and high rate capability of nickel hydroxide supercapacitors, by utilizing a mesoporous hollow dendritic three-dimensional-nickel (3D-nkckel) current collector. A facile electrodeposition method employing a hydrogen bubble template is chosen for rapid fabrication of the dendritic 3D-nickel structure. After nickel hydroxide is deposited on the hollow 3D-nickel current collector, it exhibits a highest capacitance of 3,637 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, and retains 97% of capacitance at a high current density of 100 A/g with great cycle stability of over 80% after 10,000 cycles. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the large surface area and high conductivity of the moss-like dendritic 3D-nickel current collector, which allows direct contact between the active materials and the current collector and reduced diffusion resistance between the surface of the active materials and the electrolyte. These results not only confirm a facile fabrication method for high-performance 3D-metal nanostructures, but also offer a promising solution for state-of-the-art energy storage systems.

S-palmitoylation is an important post-translational modification that affects the translocation and the activity of target proteins in a variety of cell types including cardiomyocytes. Since endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is known to be palmitoylated and the activity of eNOS is essential in fatty acid-dependent β-oxidation in muscle, we aimed to test whether palmitoylation of eNOS is involved in palmitic acid (PA) regulation of left ventricular (LV) myocyte contraction from healthy (sham) and hypertensive (HTN) rats. Our results showed that PA, a predominant metabolic substrate for cardiac β-oxidation, significantly increased contraction and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in LV myocytes from sham. Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) or eNOS gene deletion prevented PA regulation of the myocyte contraction or OCR, indicating the pivotal role of eNOS in mediating the effects of PA in cardiac myocytes. PA increased the palmitoylation of eNOS in LV myocytes and depalmitoylation with 2-bromopalmitate (2BP; 100 μM) abolished the increment. Furthermore, although PA did not increase eNOS-Ser1177, 2BP reduced eNOS-Ser1177 with and without PA. Intriguingly, PA-induced increases in contraction and OCR were unaffected by 2BP treatment. In HTN, PA did not affect eNOS palmitoylation, eNOS-Ser1177, or myocyte contraction. However, 2BP diminished eNOS palmitoylation and eNOS-Ser1177 in the presence and absence of PA but did not change myocyte contraction. Collectively, our results confirm eNOS palmitoylation in LV myocytes from sham and HTN rats and its upregulation by PA in sham. However, such post-transcriptional modification plays negligible role in PA regulation of myocyte contraction and mitochondrial activity in sham and HTN.

We introduce a straightforward strategy to simultaneously improve the capacitance, rate capability, and cycle life of a supercapacitor by simply electrodepositing Ni-nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) on an as-prepared electrode. 3D-structured current collectors such as metal foams, metal meshes, and carbon meshes have been widely used in supercapacitors, secondary batteries, glucose sensors, etc. In particular, the 3D-metal foam readily improves device properties due to its unique 3D-nature and high surface area. However, there are practical constraints when applying 3D-current collectors to the industrial world, including high cost. Here, by simply electrodepositing Ni-NPs in a cost-efficient manner, a similar effect to that derived with the use of 3D-metal foam was realized. After deposition, Ni-NPs are preferentially located near the contact area between the active materials and a plate-type current collector, which allows for tight binding between the active materials and the current collector as well as facile charge transfer and high capacitance. The Ni-deposited Ni(OH)2 electrode pasted on a plate metal substrate showed 350% increased capacitance (1264 F g−1) and stability of 75% and 72% after 10 000 cycles and at a high current density of 20 A g−1, respectively. Given the simplicity and cost-efficiency of this method, it can be readily applied to other energy storage devices with practical applications in the industrial world.

We report great enhancement in photoelectrochemical water splitting efficiency of hematite assisted by fast and easy transfer of electrons/holes via a 3D-nanoporous gold (3D-NG) electrode. 3D-nanostructured α-Fe2O3/NG electrodes were fabricated in three subsequent procedures, de-alloying Au/Ag to produce a conductive 3D-NG electrode, decorating nanocrystalline β-FeOOH onto the nanopores of 3D-NG via a hydrothermal method, and converting β-FeOOH into α-Fe2O3. α-Fe2O3/3D-NG exhibits a maximum photocurrent density of 1.6 mA cm−2 at 1.5 V vs. RHE under AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight illumination via a photocatalytic hydrogen generation reaction, which is 2 times greater than that of the unmodified α-Fe2O3 photoanode. Incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data confirm that α-Fe2O3/3D-NG suppresses electron–hole recombination. The excellent performance of nanostructured hematites on 3D-nanoporous metal electrodes makes them promising candidates as electrodes with maximum efficiency in water splitting.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS or NOS1) is the major endogenous source of myocardial nitric oxide (NO), which facilitates cardiac relaxation and modulates contraction. In the healthy heart it regulates intracellular Ca2+, signalling pathways and oxidative homeostasis and is upregulated from early phases upon pathogenic insult. nNOS plays pivotal roles in protecting the myocardium from increased oxidative stress, systolic/diastolic dysfunction, adverse structural remodelling and arrhythmias in the failing heart. Here, we show that the downstream target proteins of nNOS and underlying post-transcriptional modifications are shifted during disease progression from Ca2+-handling proteins [e.g. PKA-dependent phospholamban phosphorylation (PLN-Ser16)] in the healthy heart to cGMP/PKG-dependent PLN-Ser16 with acute angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment. In early hypertension, nNOS-derived NO is involved in increases of cGMP/PKG-dependent troponin I (TnI-Ser23/24) and cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMBP-C-Ser273). However, nNOS-derived NO is shown to increase S-nitrosylation of various Ca2+-handling proteins in failing myocardium. The spatial compartmentation of nNOS and its translocation for diverse binding partners in the diseased heart or various nNOS splicing variants and regulation in response to pathological stress may be responsible for varied underlying mechanisms and functions. In this review, we endeavour to outline recent advances in knowledge of the molecular mechanisms mediating the functions of nNOS in the myocardium in both normal and diseased hearts. Insights into nNOS gene regulation in various tissues are discussed. Overall, nNOS is an important cardiac protector in the diseased heart. The dynamic localization and various mediating mechanisms of nNOS ensure that it is able to regulate functions effectively in the heart under stress.