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Polymer electrolytes with bicontinuous nanostructures for lithium metal batteries were prepared by UV-polymerization of hydrophobic domains in microemulsions of ionic liquids, amphiphilic ionic liquids, lithium salts and monomers.

This article draws into focus the role of cultural and structural humility in shaping a mental health system that can address the mental health disparities for BIPOC youths. In an era of growing diversity in the United States population and a calling out of racism and discrimination on an interpersonal and systemic level, the commitment to a lifelong engagement of cultural awareness and an openness to reflect and critique, is whereby mutual partnerships between professionals, patients, and clinician themselves can strengthen. This hallmark tenet of cultural humility is actively being adopted into community programs and academic health care institutions as ways to improve the mental health understanding and needs of BIPOC youths.

The lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been extensively developed for improving high energy density, safety, stable lifespans, and cost-effectiveness, which are essential in next-generation mobile electronic devices including cell phone, drone, and electrical vehicles. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) are one of the key components for advanced LIBs with better safety and high energy density. Thus far, several cutting-edge PEs with various structures and functionalities have been developed. In this article, we have summarized recent progress in polymer electrolytes for high-performance LIBs. At first, the ion transport mechanisms, mechanical properties of solid polymer electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes are discussed. Then, the nanostructured polymeric films as advanced polymer electrolytes will be discussed including lithium-ion conductivity, mechanical properties, and processibility. Finally, we will discuss remaining challenges and future research direction of the nanostructured polymer electrolytes for high-performance LIBs.

The purpose of this study is to observe the early life history of Korean Lefua costata and use the result as basic taxonomic research data for balitorid fish. The fertilized eggs were light green color with completely circle shape and mean size was 1.21±0.06 mm (n=30). Immediately after hatching, the size of the larvae was 2.81±0.11 mm (n=5) in mean length, with egg yolk. On the 3rd day after hatching, the preflexion larvae had a mean length of 4.64±0.09 mm (n=5), and their mouth was opened to start feeding. On the 8th day after hatching, a mean length of the postflexion larvae was 9.43±0.46 mm (n=5), the distal part of the notochord was bent to 45°, and 16 fin rays were developed on the caudal fin. On the 31st day after hatching, a mean length of juveniles was 22.3±0.85 mm (n=5), and the number of fin rays was the same as that of adult fish with (iv8) dorsal fins and (iii8) anal fins.

This study aimed to investigate early life of Coreoperca herzi living in Han River and compare morphological differences between different groups during the development in order to provide basic data for relevant taxonomic research. On average, one female individual spawned 541 to 861 eggs (average 701) at once. After 259 hours, the tail broke out of the egg membrane and hatching began. Immediately after hatching, the larvae were average 7.81±0.10 mm (n=5) in total length. 60 days the juvenile was average 35.9±1.30 mm (n=5) in total length. The white spots spread to the rest of the body, rending the same pattern as that on the body of their broodstock fish.

Recently, incinerators have been shifted to underground complexes because of concerns regarding environmental pollution and declining land prices. In Korea, an underground waste incinerator has been built for the first time, with additional construction being expected in the near future. Therefore, a perception survey was conducted to acquire responses from South Korean experts regarding the impact of underground complex incinerators. The Q-methodology was used in the survey to examine various viewpoints. Academicians showed concerns regarding environmental effects of ground incinerators, and environmental and economic effects of underground complex incinerators, conversely, industrialists were concerned about civil complaints and administrative processing, indicating that the academicians were more concerned about scientific issues, whereas the industrialists were more concerned about democratic issues. Furthermore, both groups expressed concerns regarding land value and civil complaints of ground incinerators, safety issues and resultant social distrust of underground incinerators. The findings suggest that, to address the safety issues involving underground incinerator construction, governance by local experts is required for a holistic evaluation of environmental issues and economic feasibility of underground incinerators. To establish a link between science and democracy, measures for transparently sharing information are necessary.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the development of Coreoleuciscus splendidus egg and larvae morphology in the Ungcheon-stream. C. splendidus eggs were round and ranged in size from 1.86–2.01 mm (mean 1.91±0.14 mm). Immediately after hatching, the larvae had egg yolk in the abdomen with a total length of 5.27–6.63 mm (mean 5.95±0.96 mm). On the 10 days after hatching, the latter was 8.44–8.65 mm (mean 8.54±0.14 mm) in total length, and 5 dorsal fin rays were formed in dorsal fin and 8 caudal fin soft rays were formed in caudal fin. At 88 days after hatching, total length was 26.2–25.7 mm (mean 25.9±0.35 mm), and scales were formed throughout the body. The fin rays of each part were iii.7 in dorsal fin and iii.6 in anal fin, and finally the external form was the same as the adult fish.

Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization can reset the biological aging of titanium after the preparation and storage of dental implants by transforming hydrophobic titanium surfaces into superhydrophilic surfaces. Blood clot formation around the implant can initialize and promote the healing process at the bone&ndash, implant interface. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the capabilities of surface wettability and blood clotting of implants with a conventional sand-blasted and acid-etched surface (SA), a sand-blasted and acid-etched surface with vacuum-UV treatment (SA + VUV), and a sand-blasted and acid-etched surface coated with a pH-buffering agent after vacuum-UV treatment (SA + VUV + BS). Static and dynamic tests for surface wettability and blood clotting were performed in vitro for SA + VUV and SA + VUV + BS (n = 5), while hemostasis resulting from blood clotting was evaluated in vivo for SA, SA +VUV, and SA + VUV + BS (n = 4). A Kruskal&ndash, Wallis test showed statistically significant differences (p &lt, 0.05) in all tests, with the exception of in vitro test of static blood clotting. VUV treatment is therefore effective at making an SA surface superhydrophilic as an alternative to routine UV-C radiation. The addition of a pH-buffering agent to SA + VUV also improved surface wettability and blood clotting, which are crucial for successful osseointegration.

Background Although studies have identified >55 genes as causing steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and localized its pathogenesis to glomerular podocytes, the disease mechanisms of SRNS remain largely enigmatic. We recently reported that individuals with mutations in COQ6, a coenzyme Q (also called CoQ 10 , CoQ, or ubiquinone) biosynthesis pathway enzyme, develop SRNS with sensorineural deafness, and demonstrated the beneficial effect of CoQ for maintenace of kidney function. Methods To study COQ6 function in podocytes, we generated a podocyte-specific Coq6 knockout mouse ( Coq6 podKO ) model and a transient siRNA-based COQ6 knockdown in a human podocyte cell line. Mice were monitored for development of proteinuria and assessed for development of glomerular sclerosis. Using a podocyte migration assay, we compared motility in COQ6 knockdown podocytes and control podocytes. We also randomly assigned 5-month-old Coq6 podKO mice and controls to receive no treatment or 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-diHB), an analog of a CoQ precursor molecule that is classified as a food additive by health authorities in Europe and the United States. Results Abrogation of Coq6 in mouse podocytes caused FSGS and proteinuria (>46-fold increases in albuminuria). In vitro studies revealed an impaired podocyte migration rate in COQ6 knockdown human podocytes. Treating Coq6 podKO mice or cells with 2,4-diHB prevented renal dysfunction and reversed podocyte migration rate impairment. Survival of Coq6 podKO mice given 2,4diHB was comparable to that of control mice and significantly higher than that of untreated Coq6 podKO mice, half of which died by 10 months of age. Conclusions These findings reveal a potential novel treatment strategy for those cases of human nephrotic syndrome that are caused by a primary dysfunction in the CoQ 10 biosynthesis pathway.

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between fitness tracker users' communication of exercise information and their exercise intentions and behaviors among college students. Participants: Data were collected from 186 undergraduate students. Methods: A quantitative online survey was conducted. Descriptive norm (perceptions of prevalence of others' behaviors), communication (including exercise information giving and exercise information receiving), exercise behaviors, and exercise intentions were measured with reliable scales. Results: Both exercise information giving and information receiving were positively associated with exercise behaviors and intentions. Information giving moderated the association between descriptive norms and exercise intentions and behaviors, while information receiving moderated the association between descriptive norms and exercise intentions. Conclusion: The interaction effect between descriptive norm and communication suggests that health educators and campaign designers should focus on descriptive norm of exercise for college students who have limited communication activities. It is important to find innovative ways to promote positive health behaviors.

Karyomegalic interstitial nephritis (KIN) is a chronic interstitial nephropathy characterized by tubulointerstitial nephritis and formation of enlarged nuclei in the kidneys and other tissues. We recently reported that recessive mutations in the gene encoding FANCD2/FANCI-associated nuclease 1 (FAN1) cause KIN in humans. FAN1 is a major component of the Fanconi anemia–related pathway of DNA damage response (DDR) signaling. To study the pathogenesis of KIN, we generated a Fan1 knockout mouse model, with abrogation of Fan1 expression confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Challenging Fan1−/− and wild-type mice with 20 mg/kg cisplatin caused AKI in both genotypes. In contrast, chronic injection of cisplatin at 2 mg/kg induced KIN that led to renal failure within 5 weeks in Fan1−/− mice but not in wild-type mice. Cell culture studies showed decreased survival and reduced colony formation of Fan1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells compared with wild-type counterparts in response to treatment with genotoxic agents, suggesting that FAN1 mutations cause chemosensitivity and bone marrow failure. Our data show that Fan1 is involved in the physiologic response of kidney tubular cells to DNA damage, which contributes to the pathogenesis of CKD. Moreover, Fan1−/− mice provide a new model with which to study the pathomechanisms of CKD.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have identified >55 genes as causing steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and localized its pathogenesis to glomerular podocytes, the disease mechanisms of SRNS remain largely enigmatic. We recently reported that individuals with mutations in COQ6, a coenzyme Q (also called CoQ(10), CoQ, or ubiquinone) biosynthesis pathway enzyme, develop SRNS with sensorineural deafness, and demonstrated the beneficial effect of CoQ for maintenace of kidney function. METHODS: To study COQ6 function in podocytes, we generated a podocyte-specific Coq6 knockout mouse (Coq6(podKO)) model and a transient siRNA-based COQ6 knockdown in a human podocyte cell line. Mice were monitored for development of proteinuria and assessed for development of glomerular sclerosis. Using a podocyte migration assay, we compared motility in COQ6 knockdown podocytes and control podocytes. We also randomly assigned 5-month-old Coq6(podKO) mice and controls to receive no treatment or 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-diHB), an analog of a CoQ precursor molecule that is classified as a food additive by health authorities in Europe and the United States. RESULTS: Abrogation of Coq6 in mouse podocytes caused FSGS and proteinuria (>46-fold increases in albuminuria). In vitro studies revealed an impaired podocyte migration rate in COQ6 knockdown human podocytes. Treating Coq6(podKO) mice or cells with 2,4-diHB prevented renal dysfunction and reversed podocyte migration rate impairment. Survival of Coq6(podKO) mice given 2,4diHB was comparable to that of control mice and significantly higher than that of untreated Coq6(podKO) mice, half of which died by 10 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a potential novel treatment strategy for those cases of human nephrotic syndrome that are caused by a primary dysfunction in the CoQ(10) biosynthesis pathway.

A natural hybrid of a probable intergeneric mating between the striped shiner Pungtungia herzi and the stone morocco Pseudorasbora parva (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) was captured in the Geumho River, a tributary of the Nakdong River basin in Korea. Morphological characters and DNA sequences were analyzed to verify its hybrid state and identify the parentage of its parent species. The hybrid exhibited a phenotypic intermediacy between the two parent species in the number of vertebrae and the mouth shape. Out of 1,488 base pair (bp) positions of the nuclear recombination activating gene 1 gene (rag1), which has a biparental mode of inheritance, 41-bp substitutions were detected between the two parent species, whereas an electropherogram of the hybrid displayed polymorphic double peaks at all of the base positions, along with one additional one, strongly indicating its hybrid state. Meanwhile, sequence comparison of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (mt-cyb) (1,140 bp), which has a maternal mode of inheritance, showed only 5–22-bp differences (97.6–99.5% identities) between the hybrid and Pu. herzi, but as many as 158–168-bp differences (85.2–86.1% identities) between the hybrid and Ps. parva, clearly indicating Pu. herzi as the maternal species. Thus, combined analyses of independent data sets (i.e., morphology and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences) offered convincing evidence for the hybrid state of a naturally occurring hybrid resulting from intergeneric mating between a female Pu. herzi and a male Ps. parva.

The emotional health and wellbeing of children and adolescents and their families is of utmost importance. Pediatricians are at the front line in identifying mental illness in children and adolescents and either linking them to resources in the community or providing treatment options themselves. Collaboration and integrative health care models is the cornerstone of effective strategies to provide access and quality mental health care to children and families in communities across the country.

The systematic criteria and rational standard for site selection of marine recreational floating architecture are in urgently need in respect of structural safety, use of facilities, economics of construction and management, relationship with surrounding areas or cities and impact on marine environment. Nevertheless, at present, there is not any study nor guideline for site selection of marine recreational floating architecture which is now being planned and elected at many places of a body of water such as river or coastal area all over the country. Therefore this study is to propose a systematic process and a rational criteria and guideline for site selection of marine recreational floating architecture. Especially the results are suggested in forms of diagrams and tables in order to be utilized so easily by related local governments and individual enterprises.

This study investigated the relationship between iridological constitution and angiotensinogen (AGN) gene polymorphism in hypertensives. In addition to angiotensin converting enzyme gene, AGN genotype is also one of the most well studied genetic markers of hypertension. Furthermore, iridology, one of complementary and alternative medicine, is the diagnosis of the medical conditions through noting irregularities of the pigmentation in the iris. Iridological constitution has a strong familial aggregation and is implicated in heredity. Therefore, the study classified 87 hypertensive patients with familial history of cerebral infarction and controls (n = 88) according to Iris constitution, and determined AGN genotype. As a result, the AGN/TT genotype was associated with hypertension (chi2 = 13.413, p < .05). The frequency of T allele was 0.92 in patients and 0.76 in controls (chi2 = 13.159, p < .05). In addition, iridological constitutional classification increased the relative risk for hypertension in the subjects with AGN/T allele. These results suggest that AGN polymorphism predicts hypertension, and iridological constitutional classification enhances the risk for hypertension associated with AGN/T in a Korean population.

Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye to detect the conditions of the body and its organs, genetic strengths and weaknesses, etc. Although iridology is not widely used as a scientific tool for healthcare professionals to get to the source of people's health conditions, it has been used as a supplementary source to help the diagnosis of medical conditions by noting irregularities of the pigmentation in the iris among some Korean Oriental medical doctors. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism is one of the most well studied genetic markers of vascular disease. We investigated the relationship between iridological constitution and ACE polymorphism in hypertensives. We classified 87 hypertensives and 79 controls according to iris constitution and determined the ACE genotype of each individual. DD genotype was more prevalent in patients with a neurogenic constitution than in controls. This finding supports the hypothesis that D allele is a candidate gene for hypertension and demonstrates the association among ACE genotype, Korean hypertensives and iris constitution.

Iridology is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that involves the diagnosis of medical conditions by noting irregularities of the pigmentation in the iris. Iris constitution has a strong familial aggregation and heredity is implicated. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism is one of the most well-studied genetic markers for vascular diseases, including hypertension. In this study, we investigated the relationship between iris constitution and apoE polymorphism in hypertensives.We classified 87 hypertensives and 79 controls according to iris constitution and determined the apoE genotype of each individual.A significantly higher percentage of individuals with neurogenic constitutions was found in the hypertensive group when compared with the control group (chi(2) = 40.244, p0.001). In addition, a neurogenic constitution increased the relative risk for hypertension for subjects with an apo epsilon2 or an epsilon4 allele (chi(2) = 4.086, p = 0.049, odds ratio = 2.633, confidence interval = 1.004-6.905).Our results imply that a neurogenic iris constitution enhances the relative risk for hypertension in subjects with the apo epsilon2 or epsilon4 allele. Furthermore, we attempted to evaluate the efficacy of iris constitutional medicine and to find an association with hypertension.

A new approach based on artificial potential function is proposed for the obstacle avoidance of redundant manipulators. Unlike the so-called "global" path planning method, which requires expensive computations for the path search before the manipulator starts to move, this new approach, called the "local" path planning, searches the path in real-time using the local distance information. Previous use of artificial potential functions has exhibited local minima in some complex environments. This paper proposes a potential function that has no local minima even for a cluttered environment. The proposed potential function has been implemented for the collision avoidance of a redundant robot in simulation. A simulation is demonstrated on an algorithm that prevents collisions with obstacles by calculating the repulsive potential exerted on links, based on the shortest distance to an object.

Fuente TESIUNAM

Background: Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a hidden agenda, but, it should be dealt with by family physicians in primary care. We investigated the prevalence of ED and utilization of sexual consultation practice among community family physicians. Methods: We analyzed the subjects who were males aged over 30 and married who visited 10 community family clinics around Seoul, Korea and completed questionnaires related to erectile function and utilization of sexual consultation service from May 9 to 28 2009. ED was designated if the 5-item version of international index of erectile dysfunction (IIEF5) scores were less than 17. Results: The average age of the responders was 45.6 years. The prevalence of ED was 43.3% and increased according to age, chronic disease, low educational history and low family income. Almost all of the mild ED patients answered that they needed sexual consultation. But, half of them had no plan to have a sexual consultation. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confi dence intervals (CIs) for having a sexual consultation or not according to variables were calculated with logistic regression. More severe ED (OR = 0.875; 95% CI, 0.827 to 0.926), existence of chronic disease (OR = 1.828; 95% CI, 1.026 to 3.260), inferior education (OR = 0.395; 95% CI, 0.196 to 0.796), and lower income (OR = 0.326; 95% CI, 0.124 to 0.857) were the factors which infl uenced to have a sexual consultation with a family physician. Conclusion: The prevalence of ED in family clinic was over 40%, but the utilization of sexual consultations was under 50%. We need to develop intervention strategies for more sexual counseling practice according to educational history, family incomes and status of ED in community family medicine clinics.

The research about the structural stability of bone, as a composite material, compromises a complete understanding of the interaction between the mineral and organic phases. The thermal stability of human bone and type I collagen extracted from human bone by different methods was studied in order to understand the interactions between the mineral and organic phases when is affected by a degradation/combustion process. The experimental techniques employed were calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The extracted type I collagens result to have a bigger thermal stability with a Tmax at 500 and 530 Celsius degrees compared with the collagen present in bone with Tmax at 350 Celsius degrees. The enthalpy value for the complete degradation/combustion process were similar for all the samples, being 8.4 +- 0.11 kJ/g for recent bones diminishing with the antiquity, while for extracted collagens were 8.9 +- 0.07 and 7.9 +-1.01 kJ/g. These findings demonstrate that the stability loss of type I collagen is due to its interactions with the mineral phase, namely carbonate hydroxyapatite. This cause a change in the molecular properties of the collagen during mineralization, specifically in its cross-links and other chemical interactions, which have a global effect over the fibers elasticity, but gaining tensile strength in bone as a whole tissue. We are applying this characterization to analyze the diagenetic process of bones with archaeological interest in order to identify how the environmental factors affect the molecular structure of type I collagen. In bone samples that proceed from an specific region with the same environmental conditions, the enthalpy value per unit mass was found to diminish exponentially with respect to the bone antiquity.