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Ultra-thin nickel dense membranes (∼0.5 μm) were developed by polishing treatment of porous nickel supports. The polishing treatment involved the use of 400 grit sand paper, 1000 grit, and 1500 grit, which was able to remove the surface pores due to the ductility of the PNS. The hydrogen permeation test showed that 4.53×10−2 mol m−2 s−1 of hydrogen permeation flux through the membrane could be achieved at a temperature of 973K and a pressure difference of 136 kPa. The nitrogen leakage tests confirmed that there were no pinholes on the surface of the ultra-thin nickel dense membrane.

Here we report field-effect modulation of solution electrochemistry at 5 nm thick ZnO working electrodes prepared on SiO2/degenerately doped Si gates. We find that ultrathin ZnO behaves like a 2D semiconductor, in which charge carriers electrostatically induced by the back gate lead to band edge shift at the front electrode/electrolyte interface. This, in turn, manipulates the charge transfer kinetics on the electrode at a given electrode potential. Experimental results and the proposed model indicate that band edge alignment can be effectively modulated by 0.1-0.4 eV depending on the density of states in the semiconductor and the capacitance of the gate/dielectric stack.

Finite-element modeling for efficient organic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaics is presented. Given the complexity of the architecture, it has been hard to devise a sufficiently compact description of the physics of charge and exciton dynamics. This paper delineates the most essential set of equations that allow to reproduce the major characteristics of a current---voltage curve measured under illumination. Parameters are extracted by optimization of a fabricated polymer/fullerene cell, and by deliberately changing key parameters, further understanding is established on the phenomenological manifestation of independent physical processes.

A new methanogen was isolated from an anaerobic digester using pig slurry in South Korea. Only one strain, designated KOR-1, was characterized in detail. Cells of KOR-1 were straight or crooked rods, non-motile, 5 to 15 μm long and 0.7 μm wide. They stained Gram-positive and produced methane from H2+CO2 and formate. Strain KOR-1 grew optimally at 38°C. The optimum pH for growth was 7.0. The strain grew at 0.5% to 3.0% NaCl, with optimum growth at 2.5% NaCl. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain KOR-1 was 41 mol%. The strain tolerated ampicillin, penicillin G, kanamycin and streptomycin but tetracycline inhibited cell growth. A large fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (~1,350 bp) was obtained from the isolate and sequenced. Comparison of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain KOR–1 is related to Methanobacterium formicicum (98%, sequence similarity), Methanobacterium bryantii (95%) and Methanobacterium ivanovii (93%). Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced mcrA gene sequences confirmed the closest relative as based on mcrA gene sequence analysis was Methanobacterium formicicum strain (97% nucleic acid sequence identity). On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, strain KOR-1 is proposed as a new strain within the genus Methanobacterium, Methanobacterium formicicum KOR-1.

Nuclear speckles are subnuclear storage sites containing pre-mRNA splicing machinery. Proteins assembled in nuclear speckles are known to modulate transcription and pre-mRNA processing. We have previously identified nuclear speckle-related protein 70 (NSrp70) as a novel serine/arginine (SR)-related protein that co-localizes with classical SR proteins such as serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1 or ASF/SF2) and SRSF2 (SC35). NSrp70 mediates alternative splice site selection, targeting several pre-mRNAs, including CD44 exon v5. Here we demonstrated that NSrp70 interacts physically with two SR proteins, SRSF1 and SRSF2, and reverses their splicing activity in terms of CD44 exon v5 as exon exclusion. The NSrp70 RS-like region was subdivided into three areas. Deletion of the first arginine/serine-rich-like region (RS1) completely abrogated binding to the SR proteins and to target mRNA and also failed to induce splicing of CD44 exon v5, suggesting that RS1 is critical for NSrp70 functioning. Interestingly, RS1 deletion also resulted in the loss of NSrp70 and SR protein speckle positioning, implying a potential scaffolding role for NSrp70 in nuclear speckles. NSrp70 contains an N-terminal coiled-coil domain that is critical not only for self-oligomerization but also for splicing activity. Consistently, deletion of the coiled-coil domain resulted in indefinite formation of nuclear speckles. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NSrp70 acts as a new molecular counterpart for alternative splicing of target RNA, counteracting SRSF1 and SRSF2 splicing activity.

Ion gels composed of a copolymer and a room temperature ionic liquid are versatile solid-state electrolytes with excellent features including high ionic conductivity, nonvolatility, easily tunable mechanical properties, good flexibility and solution processability. Ion gels can be functionalized by incorporating redox-active species such as electrochemiluminescent (ECL) luminophores or electrochromic (EC) dyes. Here, we enhance the functionality of EC gels for realizing multicolored EC devices (ECDs), either by controlling the chemical equilibrium between a monomer and dimer of a colored EC species, or by modifying the molecular structures of the EC species. All devices in this work are conveniently fabricated by a "cut-and-stick" strategy, and require very low power for maintaining the colored state [i.e., 90 μW/cm(2) (113 μA/cm(2) at -0.8 V) for blue, 4 μW/cm(2) (10 μA/cm(2) at -0.4 V) for green, and 32 μW/cm(2) (79 μA/cm(2) at -0.4 V) for red ECD]. We also successfully demonstrate a patterned, multicolored, flexible ECD on plastic. Overall, these results suggest that gel-based ECDs have significant potential as low power displays in printed electronics powered by thin-film batteries.

In this study, fine, uniform nano-scale layers of Pd were deposited by an advanced sputtering system with high vacuum, high temperature, and high power to overcome the limitations of existing sputtering systems. Thin Pd films formed by continuous sputtering exhibited vertical growth, combined with the lateral growth of Pd clusters due to the improved reactivity of Pd nano-particles, the diffusion of activated Pd atoms at high temperature, and the self-catalyst effect of the porous nickel support (PNS). Additionally, uniformly dense Pd structures were formed by the successive deposition of Pd particles, and Pd clusters formed with a uniform density. A fine Pd–Au alloy membrane manufactured by this advanced sputtering system not only improved hydrogen selectivity due to the pinhole-free membrane surface but also increased hydrogen permeability because the thin film had a thickness less than 6 µm and a uniformly fine grained structure. Additionally, the Pd alloy membrane exhibited enhanced durability because the inter-diffusion of the support component to the membrane surface was prevented by the low temperature of the heat treatment for crystallization and the low alloying temperature.

Background and Objectives There is still little evidence of a relationship between pathologic stage with or without preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic implication of the preoperative-CRT pathologic stage (ypStage) by comparing it to the pathologic stage without preoperative-CRT (pStage). Methods Between July 2004 and December 2012, 774 consecutive patients who received radical surgery for histologically diagnosed rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical stage I–III) were included. Results A total of 674 surviving patients were followed-up for a median of 43.4 months. Five-year local recurrence (LR) -free survival rates were similar for each ypStage and the corresponding pStage. In contrast, 5-year distant metastasis (DM) -free survival rates were poorer for each ypStage than for the corresponding pStage. The hazard ratio increased with a decrease in pathological stages (Stage I: 3.5, Stage II: 2.2, and Stage III: 1.4). Conclusions ypStage in rectal cancer is a good prognostic factor in predicting LR and DM. Although the ypStage can stratify patients according to the risk of developing DM, the risk as determined by the ypStage could be higher than that of corresponding pStage, especially in patients showing a higher degree of downstaging. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new methanogen was isolated from an anaerobic digester using pig slurry in South Korea. Only one strain, designated KOR-1, was characterized in detail. Cells of KOR-1 were straight or crooked rods, non-motile, 5 to 15 μm long and 0.7 μm wide. They stained Gram-positive and produced methane from H2+CO2 and formate. Strain KOR-1 grew optimally at 38°C. The optimum pH for growth was 7.0. The strain grew at 0.5% to 3.0% NaCl, with optimum growth at 2.5% NaCl. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain KOR-1 was 41 mol%. The strain tolerated ampicillin, penicillin G, kanamycin and streptomycin but tetracycline inhibited cell growth. A large fragment of the 16S rRNA gene (~1,350 bp) was obtained from the isolate and sequenced. Comparison of 16S rRNA genes revealed that strain KOR-1 is related to Methanobacterium formicicum (98%, sequence similarity), Methanobacterium bryantii (95%) and Methanobacterium ivanovii (93%). Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced mcrA gene sequences confirmed the closest relative as based on mcrA gene sequence analysis was Methanobacterium formicicum strain (97% nucleic acid sequence identity). On the basis of physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, strain KOR-1 is proposed as a new strain within the genus Methanobacterium, Methanobacterium formicicum KOR-1.

Since a turbomachine has complex flow characteristics, which are caused by adverse pressure gradient and high speed motion, an elaborate turbulence model is needed to accurately predict the flow. Some turbulence models such as an algebraic or a two-equation eddy viscosity model have been used for in-house RANS-code, but it is difficult to obtain good result for several complex flows. In this study, Durbin‘s V2-F turbulence model, which has been known for better prediction for severe flow separation, is applied to T-Flow. It was validated for simple cases such as channel and compressor cascade, and its applicability to turbomachinery was shown by analyzing internal flow of a single rotor. As a result, the V2-F turbulence model shows better blade surface pressure distribution than the one-and-two equation turbulence model. Corresponding Author, jhbaek@postech.ac.kr 2016 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers C

Oxide materials have recently attracted much research attention for applications in flexible and stretchable electronics due to their excellent electrical properties and their compatibility with established silicon semiconductor processes. Their widespread uptake has been hindered, however, by the intrinsic brittleness and low stretchability. Here we investigate the use of a graphene meta-interface to enhance the electromechanical stretchability of fragile oxide layers. Electromechanical tensile tests of indium tin oxide (ITO) layers on polymer substrates were carried out with in situ observations using an optical microscope. It was found that the graphene meta-interface reduced the strain transfer between the ITO layer and the substrate, and this behavior was well described using a shear lag model. The graphene meta-interface provides a novel pathway for realizing flexible and stretchable electronic applications based on oxide layers.

This study was carried out to assess bioenergy conversion efficiency by biogas and solid fuel production in the cattle feedlot manure discharged from beef cattle barn. Feedlot manure was sampled from the cattle farmhouse located in Yong-in, Gyeonggi during the mid-fattening stage, periodically. The chemical characteristics, BMP (Biochemical methane potential) and HV (Heating values) of feedlot cattle manures were analyzed. Total solid contents of cattle feedlot manure were in the range of 29.98~44.28%, and volatile solid contents were in the range of 23.53~24.47%. In the anaerobic digestion of cattle feedlot manure, the methane production potential has increased from 0.141 to 0.187 Nm 3 kg -1 -VS added . The methane production of fresh cattle feedlot manure showed the range 0.141~0.187 Nm 3 kg -1 -Manure (average 0.047 Nm 3 kg -1 -Manure), the LHVs (lower heating values) of the produced methane were in the range of 316~560 kcal kg -1 -Manure (average 400 kcal kg -1 - Manure). In the direct combustion of fresh cattle feedlot manure, the LHVs were measured in the range of 747~1,271 kcal kg -1 -Manure (average 916 kcal kg -1 -Manure), and LHVs of solid fuel which have the water content of 20% were in the range of 2,694~2,876 kcal kg -1 -Manure (average 2,791 kcal kg -1 -Manure). Then, the drying energy of average 443 kcal kg -1 -Manure was consumed in the production of solid fuel which has a water content of 20%. Therefore, the direct combustion of cattle feedlot manure showed about 2.3 times higher LHV than the LHV of methane produced by anaerobic digestion. And LHV of solid fuel was about 6.0 times higher than the LHV of methane produced by anaerobic digestion. Then, the production of solid fuel presented more bioenergy conversion efficiency than the biogas production in the bioenergy use of cattle feedlot manure.

Summary Background Light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy and water bath therapy have beneficial effect on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin disease. However, not all current treatments work well and alternative therapies are need. The contribution of combination therapy with low-dose 850 nm LED and water bath was investigated on dermatophagoides farina (Df)-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. Methods Low-dose LED (10, 15, and 20 J/cm2) irradiation, water bath (36 ± 1°C) were administered separately and together to the Df-induced NC/Nga mice in acrylic jar once a day for 2 weeks. Results Combined therapy with low-dose LED therapy and water bath therapy significantly ameliorated the development of AD-like skin lesions. These effects were correlated with the suppression of total IgE, NO, histamine, and Th2-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, combination therapy significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the induction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in the skin lesions. The beneficial therapeutic effects of this combination therapy might regulate by the inhibition of various immunological responses including Th2-mediated immune responses, inflammatory mediators such as IgE, histamine, and NO, as well as inflammatory cells. Conclusions The combination therapy of LED and water bath might be used as an efficacious, safe, and steroid-free alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD.

Objective To determine the advantages of parietal approach compared to Kocher's point approach for spontaneous, oval-shaped intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with expansion to the parietal region. Methods We divided patients into two groups : group A had burr holes in the parietal bone and group B had burr holes at Kocher's point. The hematoma volume, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and modified Barthel Index (mBI) score were calculated. At discharge, we evaluated the patients' Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, motor grade, and hospitalization duration. We evaluated the patients' mBI scores and motor grades at 6 months after surgery. Results The hematoma volume in group A was significantly less than that in group B on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21. Group A had significantly higher GCS scores than did group B on postoperative days 1 and 3. Group A had higher mBI scores postoperatively than did group B, but the scores were not significantly different. No differences were observed for the GOS score, mRS score, motor grade at discharge, or duration of hospitalization. The mBI score of group A at 6 months after surgery was significantly higher, and more patients in group A showed muscle strength improvement. Conclusion In oval-shaped ICH with expansion to the parietal region, the parietal approach is considered to improve the clinical symptoms at the acute phase by removing the hematoma more effectively in the early stages. The parietal approach might help promote the long-term recovery of motor power.

The contact resistance of organic field-effect transistors is revisited to address its fundamental origin, parametric interplays, and technological implications. In a time when flexible electronics powered by an organic circuit comes close to the market, the revelation of wide-spread carrier mobility overestimation has astonished the broad scientific community, as this may contradict some of the most significant developments made to date. Since the contact resistance was pointed out as the major reason behind the issue, the research into reducing or eliminating this resistance has become more intense and justified than ever. However, there have been other revelations that suggest the benefits of contact resistance in certain structures and applications. Therefore, it seems timely to fairly judge the true meaning and consequences of the contact resistance, and to provide a comprehensive view covering both its positive and negative aspects, which constitutes the main motivation of this article. To maximize the depth of discussion, several important backgrounds for contact effects will be recapitulated before tackling selected practical problems of contact resistance, and before clarifying when it should actually be minimized and when it could otherwise serve as a useful element.

In this review, advances in nanoscale dielectric materials for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are summarized. OFETs are highly promising device units for ultra-thin, light-weight, flexible, and wearable electronics systems, while the operating voltages of the reported devices are in many cases much higher than what is relevant to modern technological applications. Key aspects behind this issue are clarified in terms of basic transistor device physics, which translate into the important motivations for realizing nanodielectric-based low-voltage OFETs. Different possibilities of a device design are explained in detail by introducing important recent publications on each material class. Finally, several forward-looking remarks on the integration of nanodielectrics into next-generation OFETs are provided.

The fetched instructions would have data dependency with in-flight ones in the pipeline execution of a processor, so the dependency prevents the processor from executing the incoming instructions for guaranteeing the program&rsquo, s correctness. The register and memory dependencies are detected in the decode and memory stages, respectively. In a small embedded processor that supports as many ISAsas possible to reduce code size, the instruction decoding to identify register usage with the dependence check generally results in long delay and sometimes a critical path in its implementation. For reducing the delay, this paper proposes two methods&mdash, One method assumes the widely used source register operand bit-fields without fully decoding the instructions. However, this assumption would cause additional stalls due to the incorrect prediction, thus, it would degrade the performance. To solve this problem, as the other method, we adopt a table-based way to store the dependence history and later use this information for more precisely predicting the dependency. We applied our methods to the commercial EISC embedded processor with the Samsung 65nm process, thus, we reduced the critical path delay and increased its maximum operating frequency by 12.5% and achieved an average 11.4% speed-up in the execution time of the EEMBC applications. We also improved the static, dynamic power consumption, and EDP by 7.2%, 8.5%, and 13.6%, respectively, despite the implementation area overhead of 2.5%.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often associated with the use of contrast agents. We evaluated the frequency of AKI, factors associated with AKI after endovascular treatment (EVT), and associations with AKI and clinical outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed consecutively enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent EVT at three stroke centers in Korea. We compared the characteristics of patients with and without AKI and independent factors associated with AKI after EVT. We also investigated the effects of AKI on functional outcomes and mortality at 3 months. Of the 601 patients analyzed, 59 patients (9.8%) developed AKI and five patients (0.8%) started renal replacement therapy after EVT. In the multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR), 2.341, 95% CI, 1.283&ndash, 4.269, p = 0.005), the contrast agent dose (OR, 1.107 per 10 mL, 95% CI, 1.032&ndash, 1.187, p = 0.004), and unsuccessful reperfusion (OR, 1.909, 95% CI, 1.019&ndash, 3.520, p = 0.040) were independently associated with AKI. The presence of AKI was associated with a poor functional outcome (OR, 5.145, 95% CI, 2.177&ndash, 13.850, p &lt, 0.001) and mortality (OR, 8.164, 95% CI, 4.046&ndash, 16.709, 0.001) at 3 months. AKI may also affect the outcomes of ischemic stroke patients undergoing EVT. When implementing EVT, practitioners should be aware of these risk factors.

A psoas abscess is a rare but potentially devastating condition that is associated with risks of neurological deficits, septic shock, and even death. The current first-line treatment is percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) under imaging guidance, combined with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Surgical drainage should be considered if PCD fails or is impossible.Although many studies on PCD and open surgical drainage have appeared, the outcomes of laparoscopic drainage have rarely been reported. Thus, we laparoscopically drained the psoas abscesses of 6 patients; drainage was complete and we encountered no recurrence or complication. All patients were evaluated by plain radiography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and laboratory tests; all were followed-up for 1 year. Laparoscopic drainage is a good treatment option when PCD fails, affording all the advantages of open surgery (complete drainage, resection of infected tissue, and contermporaneous treatment of concomitant lesions). Also, laparoscopic drainage is minimally invasive, requires a smaller incision, and allows rapid recovery.

The Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is of public and veterinary health concern, as it is the primary vector of Rickettsia parkeri and Hepatozoon americanum, causative agents of Rickettsiosis and American canine hepatozoonosis. The Gulf Coast tick's range has expanded over the last 50 yr into the mid-Atlantic states, and its expansion is expected to continue northward. We are reporting the presence of A. maculatum for the first time in Illinois, including a total of 18 specimens collected at 6 different sites during surveys in 2013 and 2019. Fourteen of these specimens were screened for Rickettsia parkeri, which resulted in the detection of this bacteria in 8 samples from 4 counties. By depositing these specimens in scientific collections, we provide materialistic evidence of their establishment in 2 counties. We urge health officials to rely on and use scientific collections to document the expansion of these and other vectors across the country. Additionally, we recommend that health practitioners become aware of the clinical similarities between Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (caused by Rickettsia rickettsii) and “tidewater” fever (caused by R. parkeri).

Purpose: Medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) should be repaired to the correct position as possible to maintain hoop tension of the meniscus. In this study, we propose a comparison of the outcome between the medial tunnel and the lateral tunnel in the pullout suture technique using the tibial tunnel for anatomical repair of posterior root tear of medial meniscus. Methods: From April 2010, of patients who underwent pullout suture, 51 cases (24 medial tunnel group (MTG) and 27 lateral tunnel group (LTG)) were able to follow-up with second look arthroscopy. Original Coronal Ratio of Root Attachment (CRORA) was defined as the ratio of the distance from the medial edge of the tibial plateau to the root attach site divided by the entire tibial medial–lateral width on preoperative computed tomography. Error between postoperative CRORA and original CRORA was calculated. We compared this error, clinical outcome, and arthroscopic finding between MTG and LTG. Results: The mean error ratio of postoperative CRORA divided by original CRORA was 0.86 ± 0.11 in MTG, which was significantly ( p = 0.001) lower than that (1.02 ± 0.06) in LTG. The mean value of the root attach point in the MTG with a post/original CRORA value of 0.86 ± 0.11 means statistically significant medialization after the operation. There was no statistically significant difference in changes of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholom score between MTG and LTG. The difference between the two groups of arthritis progression was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In patients with MMPRT, CRORA may provide a basis for coronal assessment of root repair position before and after surgery, and lateral tibial tunnel technique can help anatomical repair by reducing technical error due to guide pin slip medially compared to medial tibial tunnel technique.

Owing to the mixed electron/hole and ion transport in the aqueous environment, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)-based organic electrochemical transistor has been regarded as one of the most promising device platforms for bioelectronics. Nonetheless, there exist very few in-depth studies on how intrinsic channel material properties affect their performance and long-term stability in aqueous environments. Herein, we investigated the correlation among film microstructural crystallinity/composition, device performance, and aqueous stability in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) films. The highly organized anisotropic ordering in crystallized conducting polymer films led to remarkable device characteristics such as large transconductance (similar to 20 mS), extraordinary volumetric capacitance (113 F.cm(-3)), and unprecedentedly high [mu C*] value (similar to 490 F.cm(-1) V-1 s(-1)). Simultaneously, minimized poly(styrenesulfonate) residues in the crystallized film substantially afforded marginal film swelling and robust operational stability even after amp;gt;20-day water immersion, amp;gt;2000-time repeated on-off switching, or high-temperature/pressure sterilization. We expect that the present study will contribute to the development of long-term stable implantable bioelectronics for neural recording/stimulation. Funding Agencies|National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) - Ministry of Science and ICT [NRF-2017R1A2B4003873, NRF-2018M3A7B4070988, NRF-2018M3D1A1051602]

Correct temporal and spatial control of actin dynamics is essential for the cytotoxic T cell effector function against tumor cells. However, little is known whether actin engineering in tumor-targeted T cells can enhance their antitumor responses, thereby potentiating the adoptive T cell therapy. Here, we report that TAGLN2, a 22-KDa actin-stabilizing protein which is physically associated with lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), potentiates the OTI TCR CD8+ T cells to kill the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-positive/OVA-presenting E0771 cells, but not ICAM-1-negative OVA-B16F10 cells, suggesting an ‘inside-out’ activation of LFA-1, which causes more efficient immunological synapse formation between T cells and tumor cells. Notably, recombinant TAGLN2 fused with the protein transduction domain (TG2P) overcame the disadvantages of viral gene delivery, leading to a significant reduction in tumor growth in mice. TG2P also potentiated the CD19-targeted, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells to kill Raji B-lymphoma cells. Our findings indicate that activating the TAGLN2–actin–LFA-1 axis is an effective strategy to potentiate the adoptive T-cell immunotherapy.

Microvilli on T cells have been proposed to survey surfaces of antigen-presenting cells (APC) or facilitate adhesion under flow; however, whether they serve essential functions during T cell activation remains unclear. Here we show that antigen-specific T cells deposit membrane particles derived from microvilli onto the surface of cognate antigen-bearing APCs. Microvilli carry T cell receptors (TCR) at all stages of T cell activation and are released as large TCR-enriched, T cell microvilli particles (TMP) in a process of trogocytosis. These microvilli exclusively contain protein arrestin-domain-containing protein 1, which is directly involved in membrane budding and, in combination with vacuolar protein-sorting-associated protein 4, transforms large TMPs into smaller, exosome-sized TMPs. Notably, TMPs from CD4+ T cells are enriched with LFA-2/CD2 and various cytokines involved in activating dendritic cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that T cell microvilli constitute “immunological synaptosomes” that carry T cell messages to APCs., Microvilli can participate in adhesion or migration of T cells, but whether they are involved in function regulation is unclear. Here the authors show that T cell microvilli form budding vesicles containing T cell signalling components for deposition onto antigen presenting cells (APC) and modulation of APC functions.

Rationale With the development of ankle arthroscope techniques and procedures, the number of arthroscopic modified Brostrom procedures (MBPs) is increasing. All-inside arthroscopic MBP was developed recently, with good to excellent results. However, several complications have been reported in patients after arthroscopic MBP. This case report describes a rare complication of arthroscopic MBP. Patient concerns A 34-year-old woman presented with severe pain in her right ankle and underwent arthroscopic MBP for lateral ankle instability. About 6 months postoperatively, she presented with severe pain on the lateral aspect of the right ankle, especially while walking. Diagnosis In physical examinations, there was marked swelling around the ankle and focal tenderness in the posterolateral malleolar area. Ankle ultrasonography showed a diffuse low-echoic mass-like lesion at the distal fibula between the fibular tip and peroneus tendon. T1-weighted sagittal magnetic resonance imaging images showed an irregularly shaped mass-like lesion with a heterogeneous signal near the distal fibula posteriorly where the anchor protruded. Interventions The suture anchor in the posterior distal fibula area, which had irritated the peroneus tendon, was removed with debridement of the granulomatous lesion. Outcomes At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was almost asymptomatic and had a nearly full range of motion. No complications or recurrent symptoms were noted at the 1-year follow-up. Lessons Three-dimensional computed tomography studies of the appropriate fibular depth and position of suture anchors are needed to standardize the procedure and reduce complications.

In this paper, a new theoretical model for the ac transit frequency of organic field-effect transistors is proposed. The model is built upon an advanced physical description of the contact resistance as a key mathematical component. Such a treatment self-consistently and predictively correlates the transit frequency to a number of materials, geometrical, and operational parameters. By navigating a broad parametric space, it is found that the ambitious gigahertz operation is observable only in highly downscaled devices, and the intrinsic carrier mobilities and charge-injection barriers required to reach that regime are specified.

Background: Differentiation of embolic and atherosclerotic occlusions is difficult prior to endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial large artery occlusions. CTA-determined occlusion type has been reported to be associated with a negative cardiac embolic source and stent retriever failure, a potential of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related occlusions. In this study, we evaluated the agreement between preprocedural identification of CTA-determined truncal-type occlusion (TTO) and postprocedural evaluation of underlying fixed focal stenosis (FFS) in the occlusion site. Methods: Patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke within 24 h of onset and who had baseline CTA were identified from a multicenter registry collected between January 2011 and May 2016. Patients who underwent intracranial EVT were included. Preprocedural occlusion type was classified as TTO (target artery bifurcation saved) or branching-site occlusion (bifurcation involved) on CTA. As for postprocedural identification, FFS was evaluated by stepwise analyses of procedural and postprocedural angiographies. The agreement between TTO and FFS was evaluated in respective intracranial vascular beds. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were also performed. Results: A total of 509 patients were included (intracranial internal carotid artery [ICA]: 193, middle cerebral artery [MCA] M1: 256, and vertebrobasilar artery [VBA]: 60). In preprocedural identification, 33 (17.1%), 41 (16.0%), and 29 patients (48.3%) had TTOs, respectively. TTOs had good agreement with angiographic FFS in M1 (positive predictive value: 63.4%, negative predictive value: 83.2%, likelihood ratio: 5.42, Pmultivariate

Rationale: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant disease that causes multiple exostoses throughout the body. It usually occurs around the metaphysis of the long bones, and when it involves the hip, symptoms arise due to deformity and the mass effect. If the lesion does not involve the joint or is not associated with arthritis, symptoms can be relieved by surgical excision of the osteochondroma. However, if secondary osteoarthritis (OA) or subluxation of the joint has progressed, joint replacement arthroplasty should be considered. Patient concerns: A 57-year-old woman with HME visited our outpatient department with severe right hip pain. She complained of difficulty walking and severe discomfort during activities of daily living. She was short in stature and had a family history of HME. Diagnosis: A physical examination revealed limited motion in the hip joint and a limb length discrepancy. Plain radiography and a computed tomography scan revealed huge osteochondromas on bilateral proximal femurs and advanced OA with subluxation of the right hip joint. Interventions: Cementless total hip arthroplasty of the right hip joint via the modified posterolateral approach was done. Outcomes: The patient showed good clinical scores and functional improvement at the 2-year follow-up. Lessons: Total hip arthroplasty for an anatomically deformed joint is technically difficult, and there are many factors to consider that can make surgeons reluctant to use this modality. However, with careful preparation, arthroplasty is a good surgical option for symptomatic and functional recovery in HME patients with hip joint involvement.

Selaginella Herba is the dried, aerial part of Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring and has been used to treat amenorrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and hematuria in Korea. However, scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity and action mechanism of Selaginella tamariscina is lacking. Thus, the present study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Selaginella tamariscina ethanol extract (STE) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and identify the molecular mechanism responsible. STE was prepared by heating in 70% ethanol and its quality was confirmed by HPLC. STE dose-dependently inhibited the productions of inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. STE markedly suppressed the phosphorylations of MAPKs, IκB-α, and NF-κB and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB induced by LPS stimulation. In addition, STE exhibited good free radical scavenging activity and prevented ROS generation by LPS. STE also upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Taken together, STE was found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages and the mechanism appeared to involve the MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. These results suggest that STE might be useful for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases and provide scientific evidence that supports the developments of herbal prescriptions or novel natural products.

Objective Bone flap resorption (BFR) is a complication of cranioplasty (CP) that increases the risk of brain damage and can cause cosmetic defects. In this study, the risk factors for BFR were examined to improve the prognosis of patients after CP for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods This study was conducted in 80 patients with TBI who underwent decompressive craniectomy and CP with an autologous bone graft between August 2006 and August 2017. BFR was defined as a >0.1 ratio of the difference between the initial bone flap area and the last bone flap area to the craniectomy size and a

OBJECTIVE Fasting may lead to changes in the microbiota and activity in the rumen. In the present study, the effects of fasting on rumen microbiota and the impact of fasting on in vitro rumen fermentation were evaluated using molecular culture-independent methods. METHODS Three ruminally cannulated Holstein steers were fed rice straw and concentrates. The ruminal fluids were obtained from the same steers 2 h after the morning feeding (control) and 24 h after fasting (fasting). The ruminal fluid was filtrated through four layers of muslin, collected for a culture-independent microbial analysis, and used to determine the in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. Total DNA was extracted from both control and fasting ruminal fluids. The rumen microbiota was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Microbial activity was evaluated in control and fasting steers at various intervals using in vitro batch culture with rice straw and concentrate at a ratio of 60:40. RESULTS Fasting for 24 h slightly affected the microbiota structure in the rumen as determined by DGGE. Additionally, several microorganisms, including Anaerovibrio lipolytica, Eubacterium ruminantium, Prevotella albensis, Prevotella ruminicola, and Ruminobacter amylophilus, decreased in number after fasting. In addition, using the ruminal fluid as the inoculum after 24 h of fasting, the fermentation characteristics differed from those obtained using non-fasted ruminal fluid. Compared with the control, the fasting showed higher total gas production, ammonia, and microbial protein production (p

Purpose The predictive role of obesity on pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) in rectal cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and pathologic response in patients with rectal cancer following nCRT. Methods A total of 320 patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent curative resection after nCRT between January 2010 and September 2014 were enrolled in this study. Obesity was defined as body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2. Clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed to identify independent predictive factors for pCR. Results Among the included patients, 23.4% (n = 75) were obese, and 14.7% (n = 47) showed pCR. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between obese and nonobese patients, except that women (P = 0.001) and cT2 tumors (P = 0.001) were more common in the obese group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.051; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009-4.168), cT2 (OR, 3.614; 95% CI, 1.166-11.202), and pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL) supplementation on growth performance and blood and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers during the early fattening period. Methods Sixty Hanwoo steers (average body weight, 333±36.4 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments, with twenty steers per treatment, and ten steers per pen with a size of 80 m2. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; treatment (TRT) 0.5, 0.5% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL; TRT 1.0, 1.0% down-spec of TDN with 0.1% SSL. Results The results demonstrated that average daily gain and feed efficiency increased with TRT 0.5 (0.85 kg and 11.68) vs CON (0.82 kg and 11.27) or TRT 1.0 (0.78 kg and 10.74), indicating that 0.1% SSL supplementation in the feed of early fattening steers may result in a saving of 0.5% TDN. No significant differences were observed amongst all treatments (p> 0.05) for blood metabolite concentration and blood corpuscle values, which were all within the normally accepted range for healthy steers. Conclusion Our study suggests that a TDN 0.5% down spec with 0.1% SSL supplemented feed may be effective and profitable for the early fattening period of Hanwoo steers without causing adverse effects.

BACKGROUND: Despite the development of newer treatments, the prognosis for patients with stage IV gastric cancer remains grave. This study evaluated the efficacy of gastrectomy following response to chemotherapy in patients with stage IV gastric cancer.A total of 419 patients who were diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer were identified from the multi-institutional Catholic Gastric Cancer Study Group database. The patients were divided into four groups: 212 were in the chemotherapy only (CTx) group, 124 were in the chemotherapy after palliative gastrectomy (G-CTx) group, 23 were in the radical gastrectomy after chemotherapy (CTx-G) group, and 60 were in the best supportive care group. To compensate for the effects of chemotherapy, cases of chemotherapy responsive were analyzed separately. To identify factors affecting survival rates, cure rates for surgery in the surgery group were analyzed.The 3-year survival rate of the CTx-G group was significantly higher than that of the CTx group (42.8 vs. 12.0%, p = 0.001). Moreover, the CTx-G group's 3-year survival rate was greater than that of the G-CTx group (42.8 vs. 37.1%, p = 0.207). Chemotherapy-responsive patients in the CTx-G group had a better 3-year survival rate than those in the G-CTx group (46.1 vs. 18.4%, respectively, p = 0.011). In the surgery group, R0 resection led to a significantly better 3-year survival rate than palliative gastrectomy (61.1 vs. 16.2%, p = 0.003).Adjuvant surgery might improve the survival rate of patients with stage IV gastric cancer, particularly in R0 resection cases.

In this paper, we report on novel organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) for neuromorphic applications. The device structure is inspired by conventional floating-gate memories, and it incorporates a few nanometer-thick, surface-oxidized Al film as a semi-transparent charge-trap component. Fabricated on Si and plastic, the OFETs with a pentacene and dinaphto[2,3-b:2',3'-f|thieno[3,2-b]thiophene channel exhibit characteristic long- and short-term activation responses of biological synapses.

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factors of patients with stage IIA (T3N0M0) colon cancer in terms of macroscopic serosal invasion and small tumor size. We enrolled 375 stage IIA colon cancer patients who underwent curative resection between January 2004 and December 2011. Macroscopic serosal invasion was defined as tumor nodules or colloid changes protruding the surface of the serosa. The clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed to identify independent prognostic factors. The median follow-up was 47 months (range, 1–90 months). On multivariate survival analysis, macroscopic serosal invasion (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 4.750; p = 0.013), tumor size

TAGLN is an actin-binding protein family that comprises three isoforms with theorized roles in smooth muscle differentiation, tumour development, lymphocyte activation, and brain chemistry. However, their fundamental characteristics in regulation of the actin-based cytoskeleton are not fully understood. Here we show that TAGLN2 (including TAGLN1 and TAGLN3) extensively nucleates G-actin polymerization under low-salt conditions, where polymerization would be completely suppressed. The calponin homology domain and actin-binding loop are essential to mechanically connect two adjacent G-actins, thereby mediating multimeric interactions. However, TAGLN2 blocked the Arp2/3 complex binding to actin filaments under physiological salt conditions, thereby inhibiting branched actin nucleation. In HeLa and T cells, TAGLN2 enhanced filopodium-like membrane protrusion. Collectively, the dual functional nature of TAGLN2—G-actin polymerization and Arp2/3 complex inhibition—may account for the mechanisms of filopodia development at the edge of Arp2/3-rich lamellipodia in various cell types.

Situs inversus is a rare hereditary disorder in which various anomalies have been reported with internal rotation abnormalities. This case involved an 85-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with transverse colon cancer and who underwent reduced-port laparoscopic surgery. All intra-abdominal organs were reversed left to right and right to left. The aberrant midcolic artery was identified during surgery. The total surgery time was 170 minutes, and the patient lost 20 mL of blood. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day without complications.

We evaluated the effects of admission hyperglycemia with different cut-off levels on 3-month outcomes, infarct growth, and hemorrhagic transformation in acute stroke patients with large artery occlusion of anterior circulation who received endovascular treatment (EVT). Between January 2011 and May 2016, patients that underwent EVT with pre-procedural and post-procedural diffusion-weighted imaging were identified from a multicenter registry. Normoglycemia was defined as a glucose level ≤ 110 mg/dL, moderate hyperglycemia as >110 and ≤170 mg/dL, and overt hyperglycemia as >170 mg/dL. Its effects on poor outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale score 3–6), infarct growth, and parenchymal hematoma type 2 were analyzed. Of 720 patients encountered, 341 patients were eligible. There was a statistically significant difference in glycated hemoglobin levels between the normoglycemia/moderate hyperglycemia and overt hyperglycemia groups (p adjusted = 0.003). Only overt hyperglycemia (9.28 [1.66–51.88], p = 0.011) was associated with parenchymal hematoma type 2. Overall hyperglycemia was associated with poor outcomes and infarct growth, whereas overt hyperglycemia was associated with parenchymal hematoma type 2.

Background and Purpose The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the influence of temporal patterns related to the availability of new endovascular treatment (EVT) devices on care processes and outcomes among patients with AIS. Materials and Methods We enrolled 720 consecutive patients (January 2011 to May 2016) in a retrospective registry, ASIAN KR, from three Korean hospitals, who received EVT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by cervicocephalic arterial occlusions. We performed period-to-period analyses based on stent retriever reimbursement and the availability of second-generation direct-aspiration devices (Period 1: January 2011-July 2014 vs. Period 2: August 2014-May 2016); time metrics and outcomes were compared when the onset-to-puncture time was

Dendropanax morbifera (D. morbifera), known as Dendro, means 'omnipotent drug' (Panax), and has been called the panacea tree. Various studies on D. morbifera are currently ongoing, aiming to determine its medicinal uses. The present study investigated the anti‑inflammatory effects and underlying mechanism of a natural extract of D. morbifera leaves (DPL) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‑stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In the present study, the following assays and models were used: MTT assay, nitric oxide (NO) assay, western blotting, ELISA and mouse models of atopic dermatitis. DPL extract markedly reduced the production of NO, inducible NO synthase and interleukin‑6, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB). Additionally, the LPS‑induced activation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), P38 and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) was suppressed by DPL extract. Taken together, these results indicate that NF‑κB, ERK1/2, P38 and JNK may be potential molecular targets of DPL extract in the LPS‑induced inflammatory response. Subsequently, the present study investigated the effects of DPL extract in a 2,4‑dinitrochlorobenzene‑induced atopic dermatitis mouse model. Ear thickness, serum immunoglobulin E levels and histological analysis revealed that the DPL extract was effective in attenuating the inflammatory response. These results indicate that DPL extract has anti‑inflammatory potential and may be developed as a botanical drug to treat atopic dermatitis.

Background: Solitaire, a representative stent retriever, shows high performance in removing embolic clots; however, its reperfusion potential in intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-related occlusions is rarely reported. In this ROSE ASSIST study, we hypothesized that Solitaire is as effective for removing in-situ thrombi in ICAD-related occlusions as much as its performance in cardiogenic or cryptogenic embolism. Methods: ASIAN KR, an observational multicenter registry (n=721) enrolling patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute cervicocephalic artery occlusions, was retrospectively reviewed. Through blinded evaluations, ICAD-related (significant fixed focal stenosis observed at the occlusion site during endovascular treatment) and embolic (no or minimal stenosis observed) occlusions were classified. Among patients treated with Solitaire stent (n=373), exclusion criteria were as follows: onset to puncture time >720 min; occlusion etiology neither ICAD-related nor embolic; both ICAD-related occlusion and atrial fibrillation. Primary endpoint was successful reperfusion (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia 2b-3) immediately after Solitaire stent retrieval. Comparative analyses were performed between embolic and ICAD-related occlusions (2:1 matched by propensity score; age, sex, onset to puncture time and primary endovascular method adjusted). Results: In total, 270 patients (embolic, 216; ICAD-related, 54) were included in the analyses. After propensity score matching, successful reperfusion rate following Solitaire stent treatment did not differ between etiologic groups (embolic, 77.8% vs. 68.5%, p=0.201). Although final successful reperfusion grade was similarly achieved between groups (83.3% vs. 75.9%, p=0.259), median number of endovascular methods was higher in ICAD-related occlusions (2 [interquartile range, 1-2] vs. 2 [2-3], p Conclusions: The immediate reperfusion performance of Solitaire for ICAD-related occlusions was as substantial as for embolic occlusions although these occlusions more often needed other treatment methods.