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We demonstrated an ultra-sensitive terahertz virus detection method combined with virus-sized gold nanogaps filled with Al2O3. Large-area high-density 20 nm-gap rectangular loop structures, containing a resonant frequency in the terahertz range, were fabricated on a 4-inch wafer using atomic layer lithography. When target viruses with a 60 nm diameter were located on the nanogaps, we observed a significant redshift of the resonant peak already with an average number of about 100 viruses per unit loop due to the strong field confinement and enhancement near the gap. Furthermore, when the virus was tightly attached to an etched gap like a bridge connecting metals, its sensitivity is doubled compared to the unetched gap, which resulted in 400% more resonance frequency shift per single virus particle than our previous work. Full-wave simulations and theoretical calculations based on modal expansions were in good agreement with the experiments, revealing that the resonant transmission spectrum was mostly determined by the change in refractive index in a two-dimensional-like optical hotspot near the nanogap. A further step could be taken to increase sensitivity by tuning nanogap-loops to the absorption frequencies associated with the intermolecular vibrational modes of the viruses and fingerprinting them as well.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) in the form of neurotoxic aggregates is regarded as the main pathological initiator and key therapeutic target of Alzheimer's disease. However, anti-Aβ drug development has been impeded by the lack of a target needed for structure-based drug design and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). An attractive therapeutic strategy is the development of amyloid-based anti-Aβ peptidomimetics that exploits the self-assembling nature of Aβ and penetrates the BBB. Herein, we designed a dimeric peptide drug candidate based on the N-terminal fragment of Aβ, DAB, found to cross the BBB and solubilize Aβ oligomers and fibrils. Administration of DAB reduced amyloid burden in 5XFAD mice, and downregulated neuroinflammation and prevented memory impairment in the Y-maze test. Peptide mapping assays and molecular docking studies were utilized to elucidate DAB-Aβ interaction. To further understand the active regions of DAB, we assessed the dissociative activity of DAB with sequence modifications.

A two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) was formed at the interface of an ultrathin Al2O3/TiO2 heterostructure that was fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) at a low temperature (

A critical obstacle to the successful treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is chemoresistance. Chemoresistant CRC cells contribute to treatment failure by providing a mechanism of drug lethargy and modifying chemoresistance-associated molecules. The gut microbiota provide prophylactic and therapeutic effects by targeting CRC through anticancer mechanisms. Among them, Lactobacillus plantarum contributes to the health of the host and is clinically effective in treating CRC. This study confirmed that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant CRC HCT116 (HCT116/5FUR) cells acquired butyrate-insensitive properties. To date, the relationship between 5-FU-resistant CRC and butyrate resistance has not been elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the acquisition of butyrate resistance in HCT116/5FUR cells was strongly correlated with the inhibition of the expression and function of SMCT1, a major transporter of butyrate in colonocytes. L. plantarum-cultured cell-free supernatant (LP) restored the functional expression of SMCT1 in HCT116/5FUR cells, leading to butyrate-induced antiproliferative effect and apoptosis. These results suggest that LP has a synergistic effect on the SMCT1/butyrate-mediated tumor suppressor function and is a potential chemosensitizer to overcome dual 5-FU and butyrate resistance in HCT116 cells.

This research demonstrates, for the first time, the development of highly uniform resistive switching devices with self-compliance current for conductive bridge random access memory using two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the interface of an Al2O3/TiO2 thin-film heterostructure via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The cell is composed of Cu/Ti/Al2O3/TiO2, where Cu/Ti and Al2O3 overlayers are used as the active/buffer metals and solid electrolyte, respectively, and the 2DEG at the interface of Al2O3/TiO2 heterostructure, grown by the ALD process, is adopted as a bottom electrode. The Cu/Ti/Al2O3/TiO2 device shows reliable resistive switching characteristics with excellent uniformity under a repetitive voltage sweep (direct current sweep). Furthermore, it exhibits a cycle endurance over 107 cycles under short pulse switching. Remarkably, a reliable operation of multilevel data writing is realized up to 107 cycles. The data retention time is longer than 106 s at 85 °C. The uniform resistance switching characteristics are achieved via the formation of small (∼a few nm width) Cu filament with a short tunnel gap (

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of DA-9801, an optimized extract of Dioscorea species, on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a type 2 diabetic animal model. In this study, db/db mice were treated with DA-9801 (30 and 100 mg/kg, daily, p.o.) for 12 weeks. DA-9801 reduced the blood glucose levels and increased the withdrawal latencies in hot plate tests. Moreover, it prevented nerve damage based on increased nerve conduction velocity and ultrastructural changes. Decrease of nerve growth factor (NGF) may have a detrimental effect on diabetic neuropathy. We previously reported NGF regulatory properties of the Dioscorea genus. In this study, DA-9801 induced NGF production in rat primary astrocytes. In addition, it increased NGF levels in the sciatic nerve and the plasma of type 2 diabetic animals. DA-9801 also increased neurite outgrowth and mRNA expression of Tieg1/Klf10, an NGF target gene, in PC12 cells. These results demonstrated the attenuation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by oral treatment with DA-9801 via NGF regulation. DA-9801 is currently being evaluated in a phase II clinical study.

Bound transformation technology is constructed the resonance status for point-ring pattern of the glimmer realization rate (GRR) and distinction realization rate (DRR) on the bound realization gestalt. The realization rate condition by the bound realization gestalt is associated with the roll resonance system. As to check up on a point-ring pattern of the uneven transformation, we are constructed of the bound value with bound layer point by the roll-close-up structure on the skin substance. The concept of realization rate is made sure of the reference of glimmer rate and distinction rate for transformation signal by the bound resonance gestalt. Moreover to appear a uneven transformation of the GRR-DRR of the medium in terms of the bound-resonance gestalt, and bound point resonance that is to get the a bound value of the far transformation of the Wa-rm-FA-μAVG-MIN with 8.27±1.57 units, that was the a bound value of the convenient transformation of the Wa-rm-CO-μAVG-MIN with 3.43±0.01 units, that was the a bound value of the flank transformation of the Wa-rm-FL-μAVG-MIN with 1.06±0.50 units, that was the a bound value of the vicinage transformation of the Wa-rm-VI-μAVG-MIN with 0.21±0.07 units. The roll resonance will be to compute at the ability of the bound-resonance gestalt for the control degree realization rate on the GRR-DRR that is delimited the uneven glimmer and distinction gestalt by the realization rate system. Roll realization system will be supposition of a gestalt by the special signal and to count a bound data of roll resonance rate.

Recently, as voluntary activity has become more widespread, there have been some voluntary activity movements in the provision of library services for people with disabilities. This study aimed to develop a model on voluntary activity in library services for disabled people in public libraries. Survey data collected through three data collection methods showed that volunteer activities in public library services for the disabled were very poor, and recommended the training of library staff and volunteers serving disabled people, the management of educational programs for librarians about the disabled and the dissemination of standardized manuals. From the results of the survey, a voluntary activity model, based on three factors, the aims of library services, the types of the disabilities, and volunteer services including specific sub areas of services, was developed. Finally, this voluntary activity model will contribute to the theory development of library services for the disabled