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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen causing hepatitis worldwide. Despite the prevalent evidence of interspecies HEV infection in various animal species, the role of horses in HEV epidemiology remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of HEV infection in 283 blood and 114 fecal samples from 397 horses using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Among the 283 serum samples, 35 were positive for anti-HEV antibodies (12.4%; 95% confidence interval: 8.8-16.8), and four of the five sampling regions (80%) had these seropositive individuals. Analyses of the potential risk factors for HEV infection revealed that racing horses had a significantly higher risk of infection (P = 0.01). However, HEV RNA was not detected in any of the tested serum and fecal samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological HEV study on horses in Republic of Korea, thereby providing evidence of HEV exposure in the horse population in Korea and specifying the risk factors for HEV infection.

Glycoside hydrolase family1 β-glucosidases play a variety of roles in plants, but their in planta functions are largely unknown in rice (Oryza sativa). In this study, the biological function of Os12BGlu38, a rice β-glucosidase, expressed in bicellular to mature pollen, was examined. Genotype analysis of progeny of the self-fertilized heterozygous Os12BGlu38 T-DNA mutant, os12bglu38-1, found no homozygotes and a 1:1 ratio of wild type to heterozygotes. Reciprocal cross analysis demonstrated that Os12BGlu38 deficiency cannot be inherited through the male gamete. In cytological analysis, the mature mutant pollen appeared shrunken and empty. Histochemical staining and TEM showed that mutant pollen lacked intine cell wall, which was rescued by introduction of wild-type Os12BGlu38 genomic DNA. Metabolite profiling analysis revealed that cutin monomers and waxes, the components of the pollen exine layer, were increased in anthers carrying pollen of os12bglu38-1 compared with wild type and complemented lines. Os12BGlu38 fused with green fluorescent protein was localized to the plasma membrane in rice and tobacco. Recombinant Os12BGlu38 exhibited β-glucosidase activity on the universal substrate p-nitrophenyl β-d-glucoside and some oligosaccharides and glycosides. These findings provide evidence that function of a plasma membrane-associated β-glucosidase is necessary for proper intine development.

Conjugation of phytohormones with glucose is a means of modulating their activities, which can be rapidly reversed by the action of β-glucosidases. Evaluation of previously characterized recombinant rice β-glucosidases found that nearly all could hydrolyze abscisic acid glucose ester (ABA-GE). Os4BGlu12 and Os4BGlu13, which are known to act on other phytohormones, had the highest activity. We expressed Os4BGlu12, Os4BGlu13 and other members of a highly similar rice chromosome 4 gene cluster (Os4BGlu9, Os4BGlu10 and Os4BGlu11) in transgenic Arabidopsis. Extracts of transgenic lines expressing each of the five genes had higher β-glucosidase activities on ABA-GE and gibberellin A4 glucose ester (GA4-GE). The β-glucosidase expression lines exhibited longer root and shoot lengths than control plants in response to salt and drought stress. Fusions of each of these proteins with green fluorescent protein localized near the plasma membrane and in the apoplast in tobacco leaf epithelial cells. The action of these extracellular β-glucosidases on multiple phytohormones suggests they may modulate the interactions between these phytohormones.

High-performance wearable and implantable devices capable of recording physiological signals and delivering appropriate therapeutics in real time are playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing personalized healthcare. However, the mechanical and biochemical mismatches between rigid, inorganic devices and soft, organic human tissues cause significant trouble, including skin irritation, tissue damage, compromised signal-to-noise ratios, and limited service time. As a result, profuse research efforts have been devoted to overcoming these issues by using flexible and stretchable device designs and soft materials. Here, we summarize recent representative research and technological advances for soft bioelectronics, including conformable and stretchable device designs, various types of soft electronic materials, and surface coating and treatment methods. We also highlight applications of these strategies to emerging soft wearable and implantable devices. We conclude with some current limitations and offer future prospects of this booming field.

A tissue-like skin-device interface was prepared by using ultrathin functionalized hydrogels for wearable bioelectronics., Hydrogels consist of a cross-linked porous polymer network and water molecules occupying the interspace between the polymer chains. Therefore, hydrogels are soft and moisturized, with mechanical structures and physical properties similar to those of human tissue. Such hydrogels have a potential to turn the microscale gap between wearable devices and human skin into a tissue-like space. Here, we present material and device strategies to form a tissue-like, quasi-solid interface between wearable bioelectronics and human skin. The key material is an ultrathin type of functionalized hydrogel that shows unusual features of high mass-permeability and low impedance. The functionalized hydrogel acted as a liquid electrolyte on the skin and formed an extremely conformal and low-impedance interface for wearable electrochemical biosensors and electrical stimulators. Furthermore, its porous structure and ultrathin thickness facilitated the efficient transport of target molecules through the interface. Therefore, this functionalized hydrogel can maximize the performance of various wearable bioelectronics.

The human skin is an essential organ of the human body for sensing various changes in the external environment, including pressure, temperature, and humidity, as well as for interacting with the outside world. Therefore, in the field of soft electronics, the development of the electronic skin (e-skin) that mimics the functions and properties of the human skin is an important research topic. The potential applications of the e-skin technology include wearable electronics, soft robotics, human–machine interfaces (HMIs), and prosthetic devices. Toward such research goals, various technologies are required. Among these, the stretchable electrode technology is a key component for achieving soft, stretchable e-skin and its applications. Therefore, various materials and design strategies for stretchable electrodes have been developed by many research groups. The successful development of stretchable electrodes has resulted in the rapid progress of high-performance stretchable device components such as stretchable sensors and actuators. Moreover, the integration of these device components with stretchable interconnects has yielded an integrated e-skin system, through which interactive human–machine interfacing can be achieved. This paper presents an overview of state-of-the-art technological advances in materials and design strategies for the development of stretchable electrodes. In addition, e-skin systems and their HMI applications based on such stretchable electrodes are briefly reviewed.

Background Although neurocognitive dysfunction and physical performance are known to be impaired in patients with schizophrenia, evidence regarding the relationship between these two domains remains insufficient. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between various physical performance domains and cognitive domains in individuals with schizophrenia, while considering other disorder-related clinical symptoms. Methods Sixty patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness and functional mobility were evaluated using the step test and supine-to-standing (STS) test, respectively. Executive function and working memory were assessed using the Stroop task and Sternberg working memory (SWM) task, respectively. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multivariate analyses were performed to adjust for relevant covariates and identify predictive factors associated with neurocognition. Results Multiple regression analysis revealed that the step test index was most strongly associated with reaction time in the Stroop task (β = 0.434, p = 0.001) and SWM task (β = 0.331, p = 0.026), while STS test time was most strongly associated with accuracy on the Stoop task (β=−0.418, p = 0.001) and SWM task (β=−0.383, p = 0.007). Total cholesterol levels were positively associated with Stroop task accuracy (β=−0.307, p = 0.018) after controlling for other clinical correlates. However, clinical symptoms were not associated with any variables in Stroop or SWM task. Conclusions The present findings demonstrate the relationship between physical performance and neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia. Considering that these factors are modifiable, exercise intervention may help to improve cognitive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, thereby leading to improvements in function and prognosis.

Perylene diimide (PDI)-based molecular acceptors, denoted PDI-TVT-PDI, PDI-FTVT-PDI, and PDI-CNTVT-PDI, which have different core units, were synthesized and evaluated as n-type materials in fullerene-free organic solar cells (OSCs). The effects of the addition of fluorine and cyano groups to (E)-1,2-di-(thiophen-2-yl)ethene (TVT) in the synthesized acceptors were investigated based on the optical and electrochemical properties and computational calculations, as well as observation of the morphologies of the blend films. Among the synthesized acceptors, PDI-CNTVT-PDI showed a high absorption coefficient, balanced hole/electron mobility ratio, predominant face-on structure, and smooth morphology in the blends with poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-)-2-carboxylate-2-6-diyl)] (PTB7-Th). The fabricated OSCs using PTB7-Th/PDI-CNTVT-PDI exhibited a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE, 4.32%) than those fabricated with PTB7-Th/PDI-TVT-PDI and PTB7-Th/PDI-FTVT-PDI. The purpose of our study is to provide a facile strategy to understand the impact of the core units to enable the design of PDI-based molecular acceptors.

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) 2 and equine herpesvirus 5 (EHV-5) have been getting attention as potential causative pathogens of reproductive disorders in horses. Equine herpesviruses 2 and 5 are widespread among horses and have been detected in various samples including nasal swabs, blood, and ocular swabs. However, the detection of these pathogens in genital swabs has not been determined. The aims of this study were to determine the positive rate of EHV-2 and EHV-5 DNA in genital swabs taken from clinically normal mares and to define the genetic diversity of these EHV-2 and EHV-5 DNA sequences by comparing them to previously reported EHV-2 and EHV-5 nucleotide sequences. Four hundred and thirty genital swabs from clinically normal mares were tested for EHV-2 and EHV-5 by glycoprotein B (gB)-specific polymerase chain reaction. From 430 genital swabs, 10 (2.3%) contained EHV-2 DNA, and 11 (2.6%) were positive for EHV-5. The sequences of the EHV-2 and EHV-5 gB gene were used in phylogenetic analyses and revealed that the Korean EHV-2 and EHV-5 strains have a marked genetic diversity, with a nucleotide sequence identity among the strains that ranged from 92.57% to 100% and from 98.07% to 100% for EHV-2 and EHV-5, respectively. The degree of similarity between Korean strains and those recovered from horses elsewhere ranged from 88.13% to 100% for EHV-2 and 95.96% to 100% for EHV-5. Further studies are now required to determine if the presence of EHV-2 and EHV-5 DNA is associated with reproductive disorders in clinically affected horses.

Objective Longitudinal studies may help elucidate the factors associated with Problematic Internet Use (PIU); however, little prospective research has been conducted on the subject. The aim of the current study was to prospectively examine PIU in children/adolescents and identify the possible risk factors associated with transitions in PIU severity. Methods 650 middle-school boys were surveyed at two points one year apart and assessed for PIU using the Internet Addiction Proneness Scale for Youth (KS-II) and on other psychological characteristics. Results We found that 15.3% at baseline and 12.4% at one year met the criteria for at-risk/high-risk PIU (ARHRPIU). Both the persistent-ARHRPIU and emerging-ARHRPIU groups revealed greater depressive, motor impulsive, and smart-phone-addiction tendencies than the remitting-ARHRPIU group or the persistent low-risk group. In addition, we found that individuals exhibiting higher hyperkinetic attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scores were less likely to remit from ARHRPIU, and that individuals exhibiting more ADHD-related cognitive dysfunction and reporting fewer Internet-game-free days were more likely to demonstrate an emergence of ARHRPIU. Conclusion The present findings support previous studies in that specific negative-health features are linked to transitions in ARHRPIU. Furthermore, these findings suggest that intervention is needed and may be best targeted at specific groups of youths.

Two galatheids, Allogalathea elegans (Adams & White, 1848) and Phylladiorhynchus pusillus (Henderson, 1885), are newly reported from Korean waters in material from around Jeju Island. The two genera, Allogalathea Baba, 1969 and Phylladiorhynchus Baba, 1969 are also reported from Korea for the first time. Now, the known Korean galatheids consist of six species belonging to three genera. Illustrations and diagnostic descriptions of the two newly recorded species are given herein.

Acamprosate, also known as N-acetyl homotaurine, is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist that is used for treating alcohol dependence. Although the exact mechanism of acamprosate has not been clearly established, it appears to work by promoting a balance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, respectively. Several studies have demonstrated that acamprosate provides neuroprotection against ischemia-induced brain injury. However, no studies have been performed evaluating the effect of acamprosate on traumatic brain injury (TBI). In the present study, we sought to evaluate the therapeutic potential of acamprosate to protect against neuronal death following TBI. Rats were given oral acamprosate (200 mg/kg/d for 2weeks) and then subjected to a controlled cortical impact injury localized over the parietal cortex. Histologic analysis was performed at 3hours, 24hours, and 7days after TBI. We found that acamprosate treatment reduced the concentration of vesicular glutamate and zinc in the hippocampus. Consequently, this reduced vesicular glutamate and zinc level resulted in a reduction of reactive oxygen species production after TBI. When evaluated 24hours after TBI, acamprosate administration reduced the number of degenerating neurons, zinc accumulation, blood-brain barrier disruption, neutrophil infiltration, and dendritic loss. Acamprosate also reduced glial activation and neuronal loss at 7days after TBI. In addition, acamprosate rescued TBI-induced neurologic and cognitive dysfunction. The present study demonstrates that acamprosate attenuates TBI-induced brain damage by depletion of vesicular glutamate and zinc levels. Therefore, this study suggests that acamprosate may have high therapeutic potential for prevention of TBI-induced neuronal death.

The trade between Yeongnam and Northwestern Kyushu coastal regions (YNKR) had occurred around the Korea Straits and could be understood as an exchange between fishermen of the two regions in the nature of costal regions. In this study, I examine the trade based on fishing tools in accordance with the characteristics of the two regions sharing the common lifestyle and fisheries. The kinds of fishing tools can be divided into harpoons and fish hooks. The harpoons can be divided into stone and bone types depending on raw materials, and stationary and separable types on using method, having subdivisions. The fish hooks can be divided into composite, singular, and opposite T-shaped types. These tools are categorized into three based on the aspect to the two regions: high similarity, high difference, and different composition. The fishing tools from the both regions are similar in broader perspective but they are also very different in details at the same time, as a result of selective acceptance of shared information within common concept as tools, rather than trade and exchange of actual tools. The chronology of YNKR fishing tools has three phases. In the I phase, the Yeongnam region is dominated by ground stone artifacts and bone harpoons by influence of the East Sea region and tradition of common knapped stone artifacts. In terms of Northwestern Kyushu region, only knapped fishing tools has been found for the I phase, so it is assumed that the knapped stone artifacts tradition is popular in that region. In the II phase, the diversification of subsistance is conspicuous related to propagation of the early agriculture in the Yeongnam region, and harpoons and hooks are only found from certain sites such as Dongsam-dong and Yokji-do. Unlike the Iphase, the ground stone spear shaped harpoons disappear, and knapped stone spear shaped harpoons become thinner. When it comes to the Northwestern Kyushu region, knapped stone fishing tools has been continuously used in broaden area. In addition, obsidian module harpoon, composite hook, and singular hook are started to be used. The III phase in Yeongnam region, the aspect of fisheries considerably declines according to the social aspect of south of Korean Peninsula such as increased mobility, demolition of villages, and simplification of tools. On the other hand, Northwestern Kyushu region has the largest range of sites as well as shows a dramatic increase in the number of fishing tools. In addition, so-called ‘Northwestern Kyushu fishing culture’ represented by the combination of obsidian module harpoon and composite fish hook is completed. In summary, there is active trade between YNKR, and the routes are multilinear in the I phase. In the II phase, the route becomes unilinear, and it is centered around specific areas such as Dongsam-dong and Yokji-do, which strengthen fisheries. In the III phase, there are few voyages from Yeongnam to Kyushe, while the opposite route is busy. These aspects appear to be related to overall cultural transition, according to the environmental and cultural situation of the two regions, in addition to the relationship with adjacent regions.

Valerian root is the most commonly used herbal supplement for sedation and anxiolysis, but it is unknown whether it may affect functional brain connectivity. Our goal was to use electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate whether valerian root extract (VRE) affects resting-state connectivity changes and whether such changes are associated with clinical symptoms. This 4-week, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 64 nonclinical volunteers suffering psychological stress. The participants received VRE (100 mg) or a placebo thrice daily. We examined VRE's therapeutic effects on anxiety and stress-related psychological constructs. Functional brain connectivity changes were measured as EEG coherence in the alpha and theta frequency bands. The VRE and placebo groups both exhibited significant postintervention improvements on all clinical scales, but no significant between-group differences in these changes were noted. Compared with the placebo group, the VRE group exhibited significantly greater increases in frontal brain region alpha coherence across four electrode pairs, and these changes were significantly correlated with anxiolysis. The VRE group also exhibited significantly greater decreases in theta coherence across another four electrodes pairs. Our findings indicate that VRE alters functional brain connectivity in relation to anxiety. Further EEG studies are needed to confirm VRE's neurophysiological effects.

A simple-structured nonfullerene acceptor (NFA), T2-ORH, consisting of a bithiophene core and octyl-substituted rhodanine ends is utilized as the third component in ternary-blend solar cells with PTB7-Th and EH-IDTBr as host materials. T2-ORH is a wide band gap NFA and specially contributes to light absorption, which provides complimentary absorption with a low band gap acceptor, EH-IDTBR. In the ternary device, a PCE of 11.55%, a short circuit current (JSC) of 17.51 mA cm−2, a fill factor (FF) of 63% and an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.05 V were achieved with a 1 : 1 : 1 blend ratio. In this ternary system, it is estimated that the two NFAs work as one alloy-like acceptor and energy transfer model from T2-ORH to EH-IDTBR for efficient ternary-blend organic solar cells (OSCs). On conducting thermal, light, and air-process stability tests, the ternary-blend systems show superior stability performance owing to the formation of a stable and robust morphology. Finally, we fabricated a large-scale device (5 cm × 5 cm substrate, 13.5 cm2 aperture size, and a geometric FF of 54%) with the same ternary system. The sub-module ternary-blend OSCs displayed the highest PCE of 10.08% with JSC = 2.83 mA cm−2, VOC = 6.36 V and FF = 56%. As a result, ternary-blend OSCs show tremendous promise for use in actual applications.

Photostability of the polymer solar cells (PSCs) remains a challenge to attain, as number of factors including the electron transport layers contribute to the degradation of PSCs when they are tested under 1 sun illumination, along with heat and humidity. Especially electron transport layers (ETLs) have considerable contribution to the overall degradations in these solar cells. Most studied ETL into the fabrication of inverted PSCs is zinc oxide (ZnO) yet the photostability of these PSCs is limited. This degradation most probably occurred due to the direct contact of zinc metal with the photoactive layer. This interface between ZnO and photoactive layer results in the initiation of degradations in PSCs. Keeping in view of this issue, we have modified the ZnO ETL by mixing ZnO nano particles with ethoxylated polyethyleneimine (PEIE) and then passivating this modified ZnO (m-ZnO) with ultrathin PEIE buffer layer. The power conversion efficiency is not affected by this approach, but when PSCs were subjected to 1 sun illumination, these m-ZnO/PEIE based PSCs have shown the enhanced light soaking (LS) stability. These findings indicate that optimizing the interface between the photoactive layer and the electron transport layer can lead to enhanced LS stability.

PNTz4T-based polymers have been extensively employed in high-efficiency fullerene-based polymer solar cells (PSCs) with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of approximately 10.0% due to the high crystallinity of these polymers. The introduction of two fluorine atoms into PNTz4T to synthesize the PNTz4T-2F polymer has boosted the PCE to 10.6%, but the introduction of four fluorine atoms to synthesize the PNTz4T-4F polymer negatively affects the efficiency (PCE = 6.5%), implying that the number of fluorine atoms is not yet optimized. We have developed a new synthetic route for a novel monofluoro-bithiophene monomer and successfully synthesized a novel PNTz4T-1F polymer. The fullerene-based PSCs based on our novel PNTz4T-1F polymer processed using a halogen-free solvent system demonstrated an outstanding PCE of 11.77% (11.67% certified), representing the highest PCE reported thus far in the literature. Due to the optimum molecular ordering/packing, improved interaction with PC71BM and interconnectivity between photoactive material domains, PNTz4T-1F-based PSCs exhibit lower charge carrier recombination and enhanced charge carrier mobility levels, leading to a substantially high photocurrent density (20.37 mA cm−2). These results create new means to tune the structural properties of polymers, ultimately leading to the realization of this class of solar cells for practical applications.

Stability regulation of RAS that can affect its activity, in addition to the oncogenic mutations, occurs in human cancer. However, the mechanisms for stability regulation of RAS involved in their activity and its roles in tumorigenesis are poorly explored. Here, we identify WD40-repeat protein 76 (WDR76) as one of the HRAS binding proteins using proteomic analyses of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) tissue. WDR76 plays a role as an E3 linker protein and mediates the polyubiquitination-dependent degradation of RAS. WDR76-mediated RAS destabilization results in the inhibition of proliferation, transformation, and invasion of liver cancer cells. WDR76−/− mice are more susceptible to diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinogenesis. Liver-specific WDR76 induction destabilizes Ras and markedly reduces tumorigenesis in HRasG12V mouse livers. The clinical relevance of RAS regulation by WDR76 is indicated by the inverse correlation of their expressions in HCC tissues. Our study demonstrates that WDR76 functions as a tumor suppressor via RAS degradation., Overexpression of RAS proteins is frequently observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, the authors identify an HRAS binding protein, the E3 ubiquitin ligase WDR76, which promotes HRAS degradation, thus functioning as a tumour suppressor in liver cancer

Energy level alignment between a donor and an acceptor has a critical role in determining the open-circuit voltage ( VOC) in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Also, broad absorption of the photoactive layer is required to generate a high photocurrent. Herein, non-fullerene PSCs with D/A random copolymers and 3,9-bis(2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone))-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3- d:2',3'- d']- s-indaceno[1,2- b:5,6- b']dithiophene (ITIC) has been demonstrated. The D/A random copolymers are composed of a 2-ethylhexylthienyl-substituted benzo[1,2- b:4,5- b']dithiophene (BDT) donor unit (D) and a fluorinated thieno[3,4- b]thiophene (TT-F) acceptor unit (A). By controlling the D/A unit ratio in the polymer backbone, it is possible to modulate both the energy levels and absorption spectra of random copolymers. As the ratio of the donor unit in the polymer back bone increases, the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level is located deeper, leading to higher VOC. Also, the absorption spectra of random copolymers become blue-shifted with an increase of the donor unit ratio; it compensates the weak absorption region of ITIC. This complementary absorption enhances the photocurrent, leading to higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). Because of the optimization of the D/A ratio of random copolymers, a notable PCE of 10.27% can be achieved in PSCs with D5A and ITIC.

In this study, the combustion characteristics and emission of toxic gases of a non-class 1E cable in a nuclear power plant were investigated with respect to the aging period. A thermal accelerated aging method was applied using the Arrhenius equation with the activation energy of the cables and the aging periods of the cables set to zero, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years old by considering the lifetime of a nuclear power plant. According to ISO 5660-1 and ISO 19702, the cone calorimeter Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test was performed to analyze the combustion characteristics and emission toxicity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer were used to examine the change in the surface of the sheath and insulation of the cables according to the aging periods. To compare quantitative fire risks at an early period, the fire performance index (FPI) and fire growth index (FGI) are derived from the test results of the ignition time, peak heat release rate (PHRR) and time to PHRR (tPHRR). When comparing FPI and FGI, the fire risks decreased as the aging period increased, which means that early fire risks may be alleviated through the devolatilization of both the sheath and insulation of the cables. However, when comparing heat release and mass loss, which represent the fire risk at the mid and late period, fire intensity and severity increased with the aging period. The emission of toxic gases coincided with the results obtained from the heat release rate, which confirms that the toxicity of non-aged cables is higher than that of aged cables. From the results, it can be concluded that the aging period significantly affects both the combustion characteristics and toxicity of the emission gas. Therefore, cable degradation with aging should be considered when setting up reinforced safety codes and standards for cables and planning proper operation procedures for nuclear power plants.

Background Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation technique with the potential to alleviate anxiety. We examined the effectiveness of home-based CES with novel, headphone-like, in-ear electrodes on anxiety-related symptoms and resting-state brain activity. Methods This study spanned 3-weeks, with randomized, double blind, and active-controlled design. Nonclinical volunteers experiencing daily anxiety were randomly assigned to either the active or the sham groups. CES provides an alternating current (10 Hz frequency, 500 μA intensity), connected to smartphone recording treatment logs. Participants treated themselves with 20 trials of CES at home. We evaluated the effectiveness using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Results The active group showed a significant improvement in state-anxiety compared to sham, while there was a statistical trend in the WCST-Category Completed (p = .061) and no change in depression. In EEG analysis, the active group showed significantly increased relative power for theta in the left frontal region compared with the sham, and this significantly correlated with the changes in state-anxiety. The active group exhibited significantly increased high-beta source activity in cuneus and middle occipital gyrus after intervention compared with the baseline. Limitations This study had a relatively short treatment period and small sample size. Conclusions Our findings provide the first electrophysiological evidence for CES for novel in-ear electrodes to improve anxiety. The modulatory effects of CES on resting-state oscillations of EEG imply that CES could beneficially affect functional brain activity.

A new species of the genus Xouthous Thomson, 1883, previously known as Idomene, obtained from the 1995–2015 collections, from the coasts of the Korean Peninsula, is described and illustrated. To date 16 valid species of the genus including X. yeonghoonisp. nov. presented herein, have been reported from the Antarctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. The new species can be easily distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: 7-segmented female antennule; antenna with 2 exopodal segments; mandibular exopod with 2 lateral strong spines and 4 distal plumose setae; exp-3 of P2–P4 with 2 strong pectinate spines; and P5 baseoendopod with truncate margin, and spatulate and parallel-sided setae. In addition to the description of the new species from Korea, comparisons to 5 closely related congeners (“palisade group”) from the Indian Ocean are also included. Finally, a mini-review on the global distribution of the genus, with a taxonomic revisit to X. laticaudatus sensu Kim (2014), is provided. The new species described herein is the first record of Xouthous from East Asia.

We developed a new nanowire for enhancing the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. In this study, we synthesized WO3 nanowires (WNWs) via a simple hydrothermal method. WNWs and one-dimensional materials are easily mixed with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form interlayers. The WNW interacts with lithium polysulfides through a thiosulfate mediator, retaining the lithium polysulfide near the cathode to increase the reaction kinetics. The lithium-sulfur cell achieves a very high initial discharge capacity of 1558 and 656 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 3 C, respectively. Moreover, a cell with a high sulfur mass loading of 4.2 mg cm−2 still delivers a high capacity of 1136 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 C and it showed a capacity of 939 mAh g−1 even after 100 cycles. The WNW/CNT interlayer maintains structural stability even after electrochemical testing. This excellent performance and structural stability are due to the chemical adsorption and catalytic effects of the thiosulfate mediator on WNW.

Objective Excessive internet use has been associated with various psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) and its associations with clinical (depression/social anxiety) and psychosocial (self-esteem/perceived social support) factors in medical students.Methods In total, 408 medical students at one university in Korea were included in this study. IA symptoms were assessed with Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and scores of 50 or higher were considered to indicate IA. Participants were asked to complete the Beck Depression Inventory, Social Phobia Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Duke-University of North Carolina Functional Social Support Questionnaire. A logistic regression model was constructed to examine the impact of clinical and psychosocial factors on IA.Results Forty-seven participants (11.5%) were identified as having IA. Self-esteem was associated with a lower risk of IA, whereas depression and social anxiety were associated with a higher risk of IA. Depression, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and low perceived social support were found to be significant correlates of IA. Young’s Internet Addiction Test score positively correlated with Beck Depression Inventory and Social Phobia Inventory scores, but negatively correlated with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Duke-University of North Carolina Functional Social Support Questionnaire scores. Furthermore, the prevalence of IA was highest in first-year medical students.Conclusion This study revealed the possible risk and protective factors of IA. Our findings indicate that strengthening self-esteem and reducing depression and social anxiety may contribute to the prevention and management of IA in medical students.

Background Functional immobility can cause functional disability in patients with schizophrenia and has been linked to prognosis and mortality. Although depression might be a barrier for physical activity engagement, scarce data are present on the relationship between depression and functional mobility (FM) in schizophrenia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations among FM, depression, and other clinical correlates in individuals with schizophrenia. Methods FM was evaluated by the pedometer-assessed daily steps and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test in the daily-living and clinical settings, respectively. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Sternberg Working Memory (SWM) Task. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors associated with FM, with adjustment for relevant covariates. Results Sixty patients were enrolled in this study. Depression was the most consistent explanatory variable for both pedometer (β = -0.34, p = 0.011) and TUG time (β = 0.32, p = 0.018). Additionally, SWM accuracy (β = -0.29, p = 0.018), BPRS-Withdrawal (β = 0.19, p = 0.139), and fasting blood sugar (β = 0.34, p = 0.008) were associated with TUG time. However, psychotic symptoms and anxiety were not associated with pedometer and TUG. Conclusions We identified an association between depression and FM after adjusting for other disorder-related correlates in schizophrenia. Since the intervention goal is functional recovery, improving FM by treating depression may have considerable therapeutic value.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationshipbetween metabolic syndrome and dementia has remained controversial. Using nationwide population cohort data, we investigated the associationbetween metabolic syndrome and dementia,according to the dementia type.MethodsWe analyzed data of 84,144 individuals,in the aged group of more than 60 years,between January 1, 2009,to December 31, 2009, at Gangwon province by using the information of the(Korean) National Health Insurance Service. After eight years of gap, in 2017, we investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia. We classified Dementia either as dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD) or vascular dementia (VD). AD and VD were defined according to criteria in the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.ResultsMetabolic syndrome was associated with AD, while it was not associated with VD. All five components of metabolic syndrome were associated with AD, independently. However, among components of metabolic syndrome, only the high glucose level was associated with VD. Body Mass Index (BMI), fasting glucose and smoking were also associated with AD. A history of the previous stroke was associated with both AD and VD.ConclusionsMetabolic syndrome was associated with AD, while was not associated with VD. VD was associated only with several risk factors that could affect the vascular state rather than a metabolic syndrome. We suggested that the effect of metabolic syndrome on dementia would be different depending on the type of dementia.

Ever since a 3b/cell (TLC) NAND Flash memory became the mainstream in nonvolatile memory market, a new demand for a 4b/cell (QLC) NAND flash memory has been emerging for low-cost applications. However, QLC has inherently much longer page program time than TLC because of 16-state programming within a limited program and erase (PE) window, as well as narrower V th distributions. The longer page-program time, subsequently, degrades sequential write performance. Thus it is not possible to meet the required sequential-write performance in applications such as mobile devices and solid state drives (SSDs).

Respiratory diseases cause significant economic losses (especially in the horse racing industry). The present study describes the detection and genetic characteristics of equine herpesvirus (EHV) from a total of 1497 samples from clinically healthy horses in Korea, including 926 blood samples, 187 lung tissues, and 384 nasal swabs. EHV-2 and EHV-5 were detected in 386 (41.7%, 95% CI: 38.5&ndash, 44.9) and 201 (21.7%, 95% CI: 19.1&ndash, 24.4) blood samples, respectively, and in 25 (13.4%, 95% CI: 8.5&ndash, 18.2) and 35 (18.7%, 95% CI: 13.1&ndash, 24.3) lung tissues, respectively. EHV-1 and EHV-4 were not detected in either blood or lung tissues. EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 were detected in 46 (12.0%, 95% CI: 8.7&ndash, 15.2), 21 (5.5%, 95% CI: 3.2&ndash, 7.7), and 43 (11.2%, 95% CI: 8.0&ndash, 14.4) nasal swabs, respectively. EHV-4 was not detected in nasal swabs. Co-infection with EHV-2 and EHV-5 was detected in 11.6% (107/926) of the blood samples and 6.4% (12/187) of lung tissues. In nasal swabs, co-infection with EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 was detected in 0.8% (3/384) of samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the glycoprotein B gene showed that EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-5 strains demonstrated significant genetic diversity in Korea, with a nucleotide sequence identity among them that ranged from 95.7% to 100% for EHV-1, 96.2%&ndash, 100% for EHV-2, and 93.8%&ndash, 99.3% for EHV-5. These results are the first phylogenetic analyses of EHV-1 in Korea in nasal swabs from a nationwide population of clinically healthy horses. Both EHV-2 and EHV-5 from blood, lung tissues, and nasal swabs were also detected.

International audience; There is little known about the function of rice hexokinases (HXKs) in planta. We characterized hxk5-1, a Tos17 mutant of OsHXK5 that is up-regulated in maturing pollen, a stage when starch accumulates. Progeny analysis of self-pollinated heterozygotes of hxk5-1 and reciprocal crosses between the wild-type and heterozygotes revealed that loss of HXK5 causes male sterility. Homozygous hxk5-1, produced via anther culture, and additional homozygous hxk5-2, hxk5-3 and hxk5-4 lines created by CRISPR/Cas9 confirmed the male-sterile phenotype. In vitro pollen germination ability and in vivo pollen tube growth rate were significantly reduced in the hxk5 mutant pollen. Biochemical analysis of anthers with the mutant pollen revealed significantly reduced hexokinase activity and starch content, although they were sufficient to produce some viable seed. However, the mutant pollen was unable to compete successfully against wild-type pollen. Expression of the catalytically inactive OsHXK5-G113D did not rescue the hxk5 male-sterile phenotype, indicating that its catalytic function was responsible for pollen fertility, rather than its role in sugar sensing and signaling. Our results demonstrate that OsHXK5 contributes to a large portion of the hexokinase activity necessary for the starch utilization pathway during pollen germination and tube growth, as well as for starch biosynthesis during pollen maturation.

To utilize the potential of small-molecule-based organic solar cells, proper designs of the photoactive materials which result in reasonable performance in a halogen-free solvent system and thickness tolerance over a range are required. One of the best approaches to achieve these requirements is via the molecular engineering of small-molecule electron donors. Here, we have modified a previously reported dithienobenzodithiophene (DTBDT)-based small molecule (SM1) via the dimerization approach, that is, the insertion of an additional DTBDT into the main backbone of the small molecule (SM2). An SM1-based photoactive film showed severe pinhole formation throughout the film when processed with a halogen-free o-xylene solvent. On the other hand, the modified small-molecule SM2 formed an excellent pinhole-free film when processed with the o-xylene solvent. Because of the dimerization of the DTBDT in the SM2 core, highly crystalline films with compact lamellae and an enhanced donor/acceptor interdigitation were formed, and all of these factors led to a high efficiency of 8.64% with chloroform and 8.37% with the o-xylene solvent systems. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents one of the best results with the SM donor and fullerene derivative acceptor materials that have shown the device performance with halogen-free solvents.

A novel series of benzodithiophene-4,8-dione (BDD)-based copolymers, poly[(4,4,9,9-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-4,9-dihydro-s-indacenodithiophene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5,7-di(thiophene2-yl)benzodithiophene-4,8-dione)] (P1) and poly[(5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)dithieno[2,3-d: 2',3'-d']-s-indacenodithiophene-3,9-diyl)-alt-(1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5,7-di(thiophene-2-yl)benzodithiophene-4,8-dione)] (P2), which have the same acceptor moiety but different donor segments, have been designed and synthesized for use as donor materials in solution-processable polymer solar cells (PSCs). The optical and photovoltaic properties of the copolymers were investigated. The band gaps of the copolymers were in the range 1.91-1.92 eV. Under optimized conditions, the BDD-based polymers showed power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for the PSCs in the range 2.52-2.92% under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW/cm2). Among the copolymers, P1, which contained an indacenodithiophene donor unit, showed a power conversion efficiency of 2.92% with a short circuit current of 7.30 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage of 0.92 V, and a fill factor of 0.43, under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW/cm2).

Contagious equine metritis is a highly transmissible venereal disease of horses caused by the bacterium, Taylorella equigenitalis. After the first identification of T. equigenitalis in Korea in 2015, targeted surveillance of Thoroughbreds was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Initially, the prevalence of T. equigenitalis in the Thoroughbred population tested was 13.5% (71/526). All positive animals were placed under quarantine and treated according to previously described protocols (Jeoung et al., J Equine Vet Sci, 2016; 47:42–6). After the initial outbreak identification, annual national surveillance for T. equigenitalis was conducted from 2015 to 2017, and by 2017, prevalence was reduced to 1.0% (22/2,171). Most positive cases were located in Jeju province, the major horse-rearing region in Korea. A total of 12 T. equigenitalis strains were isolated during the surveillance period, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and eBURST analysis were applied to determine epidemiological characteristics. All Korean strains showed a unique MLST allelic profile (1-2-1-2-2-2-1; gltA-gyrB-fh-shmt-tyrB-adk in order) and were classified as sequence type 55. In addition, they showed little relationship with T. equigenitalis strains isolated from other countries. Considering the unique biological and genetic characteristics of the Korean isolates, effective quarantine measures and continued surveillance will be required to eradicate the disease and prevent incursions of additional T. equigenitalis strains into Korea.

The data provided in this data set is the study of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells fabricated through incorporating the small amounts of ammonium halide NH4X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) additives into a CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite solution and is published as “High-Performance CH3NH3PbI3 Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells via Ammonium Halide Additives”, available in Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry [1]. A compact and uniform perovskite absorber layer with large perovskite crystalline grains, is realized by simply incorporating small amounts of additives into precursor solutions, and utilizing the anti-solvent engineering technique to control the nucleation and growth of perovskite crystal, turning out the enhanced device efficiency (NH4F: 14.88 ± 0.33%, NH4Cl: 16.63 ± 0.21%, NH4Br: 16.64 ± 0.35%, and NH4I: 17.28 ± 0.15%) compared to that of a reference MAPbI3 device (Ref.: 12.95 ± 0.48%). In addition, this simple technique of ammonium halide addition to precursor solutions increase the device reproducibility as well as long term stability. Keywords: CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite, Inverted planar structure, Ammonium halide additives, anti-solvent engineering, Perovskite grain size