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Hexagonal porous optical fiber without a central defect is proposed and numerically analyzed with the finite element method (FEM) for transmitting terahertz (THz) electromagnetic wave pulse. In experiments, the transmission characteristics of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hexagonal porous optical fibers were measured using a THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system. To precisely estimate the effective material loss (EML), we measured the refractive index and absorption coefficient of PTFE in the THz range to use them in FEM analyses, and the EML of the porous fiber was estimated to be lower than that of a bulk rod as large as by a factor of 2 in the frequency range from 0.1 to 0.33 THz. In experiments, we measured the transmission characteristics of both the porous fibers and the bulk rod, to confirm a significant improvement in THz wave transmission nearly by an order of magnitude in the 6G telecommunication window, showing a better performance than theoretical estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A rotator cuff tear (RCT) induces fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) expression, resulting in ectopic fat accumulation in the rotator cuff muscle. Purpose: To evaluate whether FABP4 inhibition reduces fatty infiltration and improves muscle physiology after RCT in a rat model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Human supraspinatus muscle and deltoid muscle tissues were acquired from patients with RCTs during arthroscopic surgery, and FABP4 expression in the supraspinatus muscle was evaluated as compared with the intact deltoid muscle. A rat RCT model was established by detaching the supraspinatus tendon, after which a specific FABP4 inhibitor was locally injected into the supraspinatus muscle 4 times at 3-day intervals starting 2 weeks after the surgery. Body weight and blood glucose levels were measured at 2 and 4 weeks after the RCT, and the mRNA and protein expressions of various target molecules (including FABP4), histological changes, and biomechanical tensile strength were assessed in the supraspinatus muscles at 4 weeks after the RCT. Results: The expression of human FABP4 was significantly increased in the torn rotator cuff muscle as compared with the intact deltoid muscle. In the rat model, the mRNA and protein expressions of FABP4 and HIF1α were significantly increased by the RCT as compared with the control. The FABP4 inhibitor treatment significantly decreased FABP4 expression when compared with the vehicle treatment; however, HIF1α expression was not significantly decreased versus the vehicle treatment. Histologically, RCT induced noticeable muscle fatty infiltration, which was remarkably reduced by the local injection of the FABP4 inhibitor. Biomechanically, the tensile strength of the rotator cuff muscle after the RCT was significantly improved by the FABP4 inhibitor in terms of load to failure and total energy to failure. Conclusion: RCT induces FABP4 expression in human and rat rotator cuff muscles. The FABP4 inhibitor drastically decreased the histological fatty infiltration caused by RCT and improved the tensile strength of the rotator cuff muscle. Clinical Relevance: FABP4 inhibitor may have a beneficial effect on the muscle quality after RCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of knowledge about the changes in perianchor cysts over time and the factors related to perianchor cysts. Purpose: To evaluate the changes in perianchor cyst formation and anchor absorption over time after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a biocomposite suture anchor and to evaluate the factors affecting perianchor cyst persistence and their relationship with patient outcomes. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Forty consecutive patients (mean age, 61.10 ± 5.79 years) who underwent arthroscopic repair for medium- to large-sized rotator cuff tears using a single type of biocomposite (poly-L-lactic acid/polyglycolic acid–beta tricalcium phosphate) medial-row anchor were prospectively enrolled. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 different time points (6 and 18 months) was performed, and perianchor cyst formation, anchor absorption, and healing failures were evaluated using postoperative MRI. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and functional outcomes at a minimum of 18 months after surgery were assessed. Results: Perianchor cysts were observed in 24 patients (60.0% total; grade 1: 35.0%; grade 2: 10.0%; grade 3: 7.5%; grade 4: 7.5%) at 6 months, and 7 patients (18.4% total; grade 1: 7.9%; grade 2: 5.3%; grade 3: 2.6%; grade 4: 2.6%) had a persistent perianchor cyst at 18 months after surgery. No anchors were absorbed at 6 months, but 73.7% of patients revealed complete or near-full absorption at 18 months. Patients with persistent perianchor cysts showed a significantly larger tear size in the anteroposterior dimension (P = .002) and greater retraction (P < .001). There were no differences in healing failures and functional outcomes between patients with and without persisting perianchor cysts (all P > .05). No differences were found in perianchor cyst formation and anchor absorption between anchors inserted in the greater tuberosity and the lesser tuberosity (all P > .05). Conclusion: The incidence and severity of perianchor cysts decreased with time, and most biocomposite suture anchors were absorbed at 18 months after surgery. Persisting perianchor cysts correlated with a larger tear size in the anteroposterior dimension and greater retraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotator cuff tear is a muscle-tendinous injury representative of various musculoskeletal disorders. In general, rotator cuff tear occurs in the tendon, but it causes unloading of the muscle resulting in muscle degeneration including fatty infiltration. These muscle degenerations lead to muscle weakness, pain, and loss of shoulder function and are well known as important factors for poor functional outcome after rotator cuff repair. Given that rotator cuff tear in various animal species results in similar pathological changes seen in humans, the animal model can be considered a good approach to understand the many aspects of the molecular changes in injured muscle. To comprehensively analyze changes in gene expression with time following a rotator cuff tear, we established a rotator cuff tear in mouse supraspinatus tendon of shoulder. At weeks 1 and 4 after the tear, the injured muscles were harvested for RNA isolation, and microarray analysis was performed. Expression patterns of genes belonging to 10 muscle physiology-related categories, including aging, apoptosis, atrophy, and fatty acid transport, were analyzed and further validated using real-time PCR. A total of 39,429 genes were analyzed, and significant changes in expression were observed for 12,178 genes at 1 week and 2,370 genes at 4 weeks after the tear. From the list of top 10 significantly up- and downregulated genes at the 2 time periods and the network evaluation of relevant genes according to the 10 categories, several important genes in each category were observed. In this study, we found that various genes are significantly altered after rotator cuff tear, and these genes may play key roles in controlling muscle degeneration after a rotator cuff tear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The acoustic characteristics of voice are determined by the source of the sound and shape of the vocal tract. Various anatomical changes after uvulopalatal flap (UPF) operation can change nasalance and/or other voice characteristics. Our aim was to explore the possible effects of UPF creation on speech nasalance and the resonatory features of the final nasal consonants, and thus voice characteristics.Methods: A total of 30 patients (26 males, 4 females) with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent UPF operation were recruited. A Nasometer II 3.4 instrument was used to assess nasalance pre- and post-operatively; the patients read standard Korean passages and the readings were recorded in Computer Speech Laboratory for later spectral analysis. Praat software was used to identify frequency bands affecting perioperative nasalance scores. Minima, maxima, and slopes were analyzed.Results: We found no significant correlation between nasalance scores (any passage) and the respiratory distress index or body mass index. No significant perioperative change in any nasalance score. The moment variations in the final consonants /m/ and /n/ did not change significantly postoperatively. However, the postoperative moment variation of the final consonant /ng/ differed significantly in the third formant (F3) and second bandwidth (BW2).Conclusion: Few significant changes in nasal resonance speech quality were apparent after UPF operation. However, a postoperative acoustic change in the final sound /ng/ may be sustained. Patients may be preoperatively advised that the risk of voice change is very low, but not absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an annular core photonic quasi-crystal fiber with ultra-flat dispersion, low confinement loss and small effective mode area covering O, E, S, C, L and U bands. The proposed design has a six-fold symmetric quasiperiodic array of air holes with a central air-hole in the core (an annular core), which induce wideband nearly zero ultra-flattened dispersion of 0 ± 0.11 ps/(nm.km) from 1.15 μm to 1.65 μm, low confinement loss in level of 10 −4 and the small effective mode area of 5.55 μm 2 at 1.55 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel photonic crystal fiber design is presented. The design provides broadband high and uniform birefringence, large negative dispersion and low confinement loss. The fiber is based on double-hole assisted core in the conventional square lattice cladding. For the proposed PCF, high and uniform birefringence of 7.5 × 10 −3 , the negative dispersion of −150 ps/(nm km) and an extremely low confinement loss can be obtained over E+ S + C + L + U (1380 ∼ 1780 nm) wavelength bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate membrane degradation after 10 clean-in-place (CIP) cycles for polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes exposed to chemically enhanced pretreated (CEPT) feed water under constant flux (CF) and constant pressure (CP) filtration modes. Cycles of filtration (20 min) and backwashing (3 min) were employed for both filtration modes for a period of 10 h, followed by the CIP process. The changes in the membrane pore size distribution, membrane symmetry, and bond structure were analyzed using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared radiation, respectively. Severe damage to the membrane pores and significant structural variation were observed with the use of untreated feed water, particularly under CF mode, due to the defluorination and oxidation of the membrane arising from the action of the residual inorganic foulants and cleaning chemicals. Membranes exposed to CEPT feed water exhibited a recovery of 79 % and 83 % of the initial membrane flux under CF and CP modes, respectively at end of study. Interestingly, a decrease in irreversible fouling of 16.7 % was observed for CEPT feed water, with fewer inorganic foulants (Al and Mn) on the membrane surface. The fouling propensity was 14.54 % and 14.78 % lower when using CEPT feed water under CP and CF modes. • CF mode causes more damage to the PVDF membrane than CP mode. • CEPT of the feed water reduces irreversible fouling by ∼16 %. • Interfacial properties of the membrane exhibited less change with CEPT. • Cake formation followed by intermediate blocking was dominant in CP mode. • Cake formation followed by standard blocking was dominant in CF mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out a thorough parametric analysis by varying the dimension of the fiber optic Bessel-beam generator (BBG) to obtain the maximum a macroscopic nondiffracting length (NDL). BBG consisted of a single mode fiber (SMF) and serially concatenated coreless silica fiber (CSF), where multimode interference took place to shape the incoming fundamental LP 01 mode to the Bessel-like mode propagating in water. Focusing on three wavelengths λ = 635 nm, 980 nm, and 1550 nm, we used the beam propagation method package for commercially available SMFs for each wavelength to find optimal CSF geometry. We also optimized the SMF parameters to increase the NDL further. Utilizing a simple all-fiber structure, we theoretically predicted that NDL in water reaching ~4 mm could be obtained from a microscopic fiber optic BBG. This result can be readily applied to optical manipulation of biological substances in aqueous solutions and laser material processing and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accelerators can be used to prevent early frost damage by developing the strength of concrete in cold weather, they do not lead to retention of workability because early hydration makes them react rapidly. In this study, granulation was used as a method to control the response time of the C12A7-based accelerator to retain the workability of fresh concrete. It was found that the workability of the granulated C12A7-based accelerator was retained for the operation time after mixing, and adequate strength was developed to prevent early frost damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural properties of human scleral tissues are investigated using polarization-dependent terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. Cross-linked tissue shows polarization-independent transmission properties, whereas normal tissue is polarization-dependent. This results from the different structural arrangements of the collagen fibrils that compose the human scleral tissues. In cross-linked tissue, collagen fibrils structurally form interlocking arrangements, unlike the regular parallel arrangement found in normal tissue. Our results demonstrate that terahertz spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating the structural characteristics of biological tissues and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H 2 is a clean energy source for solving critical energy issues; hence, water electrolysis systems are needed for the storage of H 2 produced from renewable energy sources. In this study, we propose an alkaline-based water electrolysis system equipped with Li-ion exchange membranes fabricated with various weight ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Nafion. The physical (electrolyte uptake, thickness change, and mechanical strength), chemical (functional group and weight loss), and electrochemical (ionic conductivity and exchange capacity) properties of the polymer membranes are characterized. The LEMWE equipped with a polymer membrane containing an optimum amount of PVA exhibited a three-fold high current density of 1.65 A ⋅ cm−2 at 1.7 V, owing to Li+ ion-based transporting mechanism, compared to the conventional alkaline water electrolysis. However, some issues of the LEMWE remain to enable its commercialization and use as an alternative to alkaline-based water electrolysis. [Display omitted] • Li-ion exchange membranes were prepared at various weight ratios of PVA with Nafion. • The membranes exhibited improved ionic conductivity and exchange capacity. • The LEMWE with an optimum amount of PVA exhibited improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there are many self-healing approaches, these approaches have merits and demerits. The utilization of expansive agents and mineral admixtures in various approaches may be appropriate due to their good healing efficiency, compatibility with the cement matrix, and low cost. In this study, after the granulation of the CSA (Calcium Sulpho Aluminate)-based expansive agent, it was coated with a PVA film to control the time of autonomic healing. It was verified through various tests that the granulated CSA-based expansive agent with PVA film coating can control the time of autonomic healing and can prevent water migration via crack closing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a pressure decay test (PDT) was applied to microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes that were in use for more than 7 years at a wastewater treatment plant. Laboratory-scale hollow-fiber membrane modules were made from treatment plant used membranes having areas of 0.18 and 0.027 m2 for MF and UF membranes, respectively. Filtration was performed on a feed solution containing organic, inorganic and turbidity elements as foulants for 1 h followed by clean-in-place (CIP) with 1 N HCl and 3000 mg L−1 NaOCl solutions for 3 h and continued for 6 CIP cycles. Membrane characteristics were analyzed by using Fourier-transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Changes in mechanical strength were estimated with a universal testing machine and integrity was evaluated by comparing the upper control limit (UCL) of the pressure decay rate (PDR) with the experimental PDR of these membranes. Results showed that UCLs of both membranes were less than the actual decay rate, confirming the compromising of 4 log removal value (LRV) removal in both membranes in a P test of 100–160 kPa, with a maximum of 3.78 LRV at the end of the experiments at a 100 kPa P test. Membrane characterization revealed the loss of hydrophilicity and strength due to the oxidation and dehydrofluorination of the membranes, particularly in MF membranes. Scratches on membrane structures due to complex foulants and exposure to CIP chemicals are the most likely causes of integrity loss associated with membrane operation in a treatment plant. • Hydrophobicity and roughness increase confirmed the loss of permeability. • High pressure for PDT detects precise pores for membranes integrity. • Increase in Al percentage on membrane verifies scaling by oxidation with CIP chemical. • Pressure decay rate is higher in MF membrane as compared to UF membrane. • Integrity compromised due to scratches after long term operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of accelerators prevents early-frost by developing strength of concrete in cold weather. However, no security of workability occurs because early hydration makes them to react rapidly. Thus, the accelerators via tabletting were coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) of water-soluble polymer substance. The discussion includes the following: mortar setting time, workability by elapsed time, early strength to assure the development of adequate strength, and freezing–thawing resistance. As a result, workability can be secured as well as the development of early strength to prevent early-frost. The porosity and progress of hydration affecting the concrete were also found to be superior by analyzing the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have known to induce immunosuppressive properties by preventing T cell proliferation. However, it is remains unclear how MSCs inhibit T cell proliferation. To identify the factor that inhibits T cell proliferation, we conducted a cytokine array analysis of culture medium from a co-culture of MSCs and T cells and found that the chemokines, CXCL1, 2 and 3, were induced in T cells. MSCs also induced the expression of the CXCR2 receptor on T cell surface. Particularly, CXCL3 inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in T cells, which were reversed by CXCR2 inhibitor treatment. Moreover, CXCL3 decreased JAK2, STAT3, and AKT phosphorylation and these responses were also abolished by CXCR2 inhibitor treatment. MSCs suppressed the proliferation of T cells into tumor tissue. Collectively, these data demonstrate that MSCs directly regulate T cell proliferation by induction of CXCL3 chemokine and its receptor, CXCR2 on the surface in T cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various methods are used at the early stages to control setting-time and strength of concrete, when cold-weather concrete is utilized. Among these methods is one that involves the use of an accelerator. Although economical, accelerators have difficulty securing workability because their early hydration makes them react rapidly. Therefore, how to make a tablet for cold-weather concrete, as with the existing medicines and foods, is discussed in this study, including the following items: mortar setting-time, workability by elapsed time, early strength to assure the development of adequate strength, and freezing–thawing resistance. As a result, both the 0.5 and 1.0% tablets were found to be superior. Thus, workability can be secured, as well as the development of early strength to prevent early frost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells holds great promise in the treatment of hematopoietic disorders. However, clinical application of gene delivery has been limited, in part, by low gene transfer efficiency. To overcome this problem, we investigated the effect of retronectin (RN) on lentiviral-mediated gene delivery into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) derived from bone marrow both in vitro and in vivo. RN has been shown to enhance transduction by promoting colocalization of lentivirus and target cells. We found that RN enhanced lentiviral transfer of the VENUS transgene into cultured c-Kit+ Lin− HPCs. As a complementary approach, in vivo gene delivery was performed by subjecting mice to intra-bone marrow injection of lentivirus or a mixture of RN and lentivirus. We found that co-injection with RN increased the number of VENUS-expressing c-Kit+ Lin− HPCs in bone marrow by 2-fold. Further analysis of VENUS expression in colony-forming cells from the bone marrow of these animals revealed that RN increased gene delivery among these cells by 4-fold. In conclusion, RN is effective in enhancing lentivirus-mediated gene delivery into HPCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present an evolutionary algorithm for reconstructing a femtosecond laser pulse from its interferometric autocorrelation trace and laser spectrum. The algorithm is optimized for the intensity and phase characterization of several-cycle optical pulses. We tested this algorithm with numerically-generated femtosecond pulses and then applied it to experimental data. In the experiment, a negatively chirped 31-fs pulse and a sub-10-fs pulse containing high-order phase distortion were characterized. Frequency-resolved optical gating measurements, performed for comparison, confirm the reliability of our technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to play an important role in glutamate-induced neuronal cell death. In the present study, we examined whether NADPH oxidase serves as a source of ROS production and plays a role in glutamate-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Stimulation of the cells with glutamate (100 mM) induced apoptotic cell death and increase in the level of ROS, and these effects of glutamate were significantly suppressed by the inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase, diphenylene iodonium, apocynin, and neopterine. In addition, RT-PCR revealed that SH-SY5Y cells expressed mRNA of gp91phox, p22 phox and cytosolic p47phox, p67phox and p40phox, the components of the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase. Treatment with glutamate also resulted in activation and translocation of Rac1 to the plasma membrane. Moreover, the expression of Rac1N17, a dominant negative mutant of Rac1, significantly blocked the glutamate-induced ROS generation and cell death. Collectively, these results suggest that the plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase complex may play an essential role in the glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death through increased production of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detrimental effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation have been connected with the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by UVB. However, the exact source of ROS produced by UVB has not been clearly revealed yet. In this study, we determined the source of ROS production and its role in the UVB-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in HaCaT human keratinocytes. UVB irradiation generated ROS in a dose-dependent manner, and this was significantly inhibited by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), apocynin (Apo) and neopterine (Neo), inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase, and indomethacin (Indo), a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, but not by the mitochondrial electron transport inhibitors and other cytosolic enzyme inhibitors. In addition, these inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase and COX significantly blocked the UVB irradiation-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These results suggest that the NADPH oxidase and COX may be major sources for the UVB-induced ROS generation, and play an essential role in the activation of NF-κB which is involved in the expression of a variety of genes induced by UVB in HaCaT cells. These results further suggest that these enzymes may be good targets for the preventive strategy of UVB-induced skin injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, certain environmental endocrine disrupters have shown to act as antiandrogens. This suggests that environmental antiandrogens may also be crucial contributors to the increasing incidence of male reproductive abnormalities, requesting the screening and classification of antiandrogenic chemicals. Here, we report the development of a rapid, simple and effective yeast detection system for androgenic and antiandrogenic compounds, which is based on the yeast two-hybrid protein interaction. A yeast strain, ARhLBD-ASC1, was established by co-transformation of yeast cells harboring a lacZ reporter plasmid with two vectors expressing each of LexA fused hinge–ligand binding domain (hLBD) of androgen receptor (AR) and B42 fused ASC-1 that interacts with the AR-hLBD in an androgen-dependent manner. In this yeast strain, androgens, but not other hormones, strongly stimulated the β-galactosidase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The AR antagonists flutamide, cyproterone acetate and spironolactone, and environmental antiandrogens p,p′-DDE and vinclozolin all inhibited the response of the yeast cells to 10 nm testosterone, qualitatively similar to their inhibition reported in mammalian cell systems. Furthermore, the bioassay can be performed with the simple X-gal staining on microtiter plates, suggesting this system as a powerful tool for practical and efficient screening of environmental compounds for their androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpene, decreased viability and induced apoptosis of HepG2 human hepatoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. AA also markedly increased intracellular Ca2+ level, which was blocked by TMB-8 and dantrolene, intracellular Ca2+ release blockers, but not by EGTA, an extracellular Ca2+ chelator. Moreover, AA-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed by treatment with TMB-8 and dantrolene, suggesting that intracellular Ca2+ release may play an essential role in the AA-induced apoptosis. In addition, AA profoundly increased protein level of p53, which was also inhibited by BAPTA/AM, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, TMB-8 and dantrolene. Treatment with A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore, or thapsigargin, a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, alone enhanced p53 nuclear accumulation, indicating that p53 accumulation is dependent on intracellular Ca2+ increase. Furthermore, the viability of Hep3B, p53-null cells, was much higher than that of HepG2, p53-wild type cells, when treated with AA. Taken together, these results suggest that AA induced apoptosis through increased intracellular Ca2+, which, in turn, enhanced p53 expression in HepG2 cells. These results further suggest that AA may be a valuable agent for the therapeutic intervention of human hepatomas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Preoxidation effects adsorbing trend of inorganic foulants in the presence of NOM. • 1.5 mg/l of NaOCl at pH 8.5 produce less scaling during CIP. • Optimized NaOCl improves the removal efficiency of Mn and Fe. • Fouling by loosely compaction of skin layer easily remove by backwashing. • Less irreversible fouling produced due to peroxidation. This study investigated the potential for reducing scaling during chemical cleaning of polyvinylidene fluoride membranes by optimizing preoxidation dose and pH. Membranes were fouled by a solution containing inorganic foulants (aluminum, iron, and manganese), humic acid, and kaolin at a Ca+2 strength of 0.5 mM and varying the preoxidation dose. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used to verify the presence of inorganic foulants after cleaning. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed changes in C Cl and C–F functional groups, with bond vibrations at 542 cm−1 and 1199 cm−1, respectively. Minimum irreversible fouling of 5.4% and maximum flux recovery of 88.8% of the initial value were associated with a preoxidation dose of 1.5 mg/L and pH 8.5. A decrease in amount of aluminum from 5.79 ± 0.021 mg to 3.85 ± 0.054 mg in the presence of humic acid with a removal efficiency greater than 60% was due to alteration of the feed solution, as revealed by mass-balance analysis. Membrane characterization and fouling reversibility analysis confirmed that preoxidation of the feed solution produced less scaling during chemical cleaning. The cake layer fouling contribution was determined by fitting results of Hermia's fouling model analysis, with 1.34–1.85 times lower total fouling indices and 3–5.5 times lower chemically irreversible fouling indices at pH 8.5 and a preoxidation dose of 1.5 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates five different fouling models and contributing factors in membrane-filtration blocking mechanisms in a constant-pressure mode. A polyvinylidene fluoride membrane was used to study the fouling effects of a complex mixture of foulants (a latex-bed suspension, soybean oil, and inorganics) on pristine and chemically cleaned membranes in the presence of humic acid. A significance ratio in linear regression results (p-value) was used to assess the contribution of fouling mechanism in each model. The results indicate that Hermia and Bowen's models correspond closely with the experiment results and confirms that complete blocking is dominant fouling model. We also verify that each developed model is dependent on its experimental conditions. Moreover, the role of complex mixtures, including inorganic foulants, in the fouling process needs to be modified as modified for ceramic membranes and natural organic matter removal in the Wiesner and Kilduff models, respectively. Image 1 • Evaluation of change in membrane fouling behavior after chemical cleaning. • Variation of existing fouling models for complex fouling mixture. • Introduce participation equation for better representation of fouling. • Statistical confirmation of Hermia's model for fouling representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to identify the scaling from the chemical cleaning of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane, fouled by treating a solution containing inorganic foulants (Al, Fe, and Mn) in the presence of kaolin and humic acid as a natural organic matter at Ca+2 strength of 0.5 mMole. Chemical cleaning of the membrane was conducted using solutions prepared in deionized water and permeate water (PW), and the accumulation of insoluble salts on the membrane during cleaning were evaluated. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis was used to verify the presence inorganic foulants, and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the changes in membrane symmetry from the accumulation of the foulants. A Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of new functional groups, i.e., C˗Cl and C˗O with bond vibrations at 542 cm −1 and 1,026 cm−1, respectively, on the membrane surface. The adsorbed mass of HA in the presence of inorganic foulants decreased from 3.54 ± 0.045 mg to 2.24 ± 0.095 mg and 1.71 ± 0.075 mg, and the flux recoveries decreased from 93.2% to 85.69% and 81.92%, for the pristine to chemically DI and PW cleaned membrane, respectively. However, the membrane characterization results confirmed that Al was the major contributor to the accumulation of inorganic salts on the membrane during chemical cleaning and its role was more severe in the presence of Mn. The fitting results of Hermia's fouling models and a specific fouling analysis confirmed the contribution of complete blocking model with increase in irreversible fouling was observed after chemical cleaning. Image 1 • Inorganic foulants adsorbed on membrane in the presence of NOM in water treatment. • Inorganic foulants cause scaling during clean in place (CIP) of membrane. • Sever scaling produced when CIP solution contains inorganic ions. • Al causes more sever scaling problem with trifling role of Mn and Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new method to optically manipulate a single dielectric particle along closed-loop polygonal trajectories by crossing a suite of all-fiber Bessel-like beams within a single water droplet. Exploiting optical radiation pressure, this method demonstrates the circulation of a single polystyrene bead in both a triangular and a rectangle geometry enabling the trapped particle to undergo multiple circulations successfully. The crossing of the Bessel-like beams creates polygonal corners where the trapped particles successfully make abrupt turns with acute angles, which is a novel capability in microfluidics. This offers an optofluidic paradigm for particle transport overcoming turbulences in conventional microfluidic chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, iridium oxide (IrO 2) has often been utilized as a main catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a rate-determining step. In general, the performance of PEM water electrolysis is dominantly affected by the specific surface area and the porous structure of the IrO 2 catalyst. Thus, in this study, IrO 2 and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanostructures with high specific surface areas were synthesized through the Adams fusion method. The as-prepared samples showed well-defined porous high-crystalline nanostructures. The ATO nanoparticles as a support were surrounded by IrO 2 nanoparticles as a catalyst without serious agglomeration, indicating that the IrO 2 catalyst was uniformly distributed on the ATO support. Compared to pure IrO 2 , the IrO 2 /ATO mixture electrodes showed superior OER properties because of their increased electrochemical active sites. Image 1 • IrO 2 and ATO nanostructures were synthesized with the Adams fusion method. • The samples showed a well-defined porous high-crystalline nanostructure. • ATO nanoparticles were surrounded by IrO 2 nanoparticles without agglomeration. • IrO 2 /ATO electrodes showed the superior OER properties. • The improved activity results from favorable mass transfer of a reactant of the mesoporous nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally demonstrated a tunable microsecond passively Q-switched fiber laser using deionized water (DIW) as a saturable absorber (SA). The DIW-SA was integrated into an all-fiber device by filling the gap between two cleaved fiber facets with DIW, which were enclosed in a glass ferrule. We observed a high nonlinear transmission through DIW-SA and implemented it in an erbium-doped fiber ring laser cavity. Microsecond Q-switched pulse trains were produced tunable from 1564.3 to 1603.4 nm using a fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interference filter within the cavity, avoiding peak water absorption while maintaining stable operation. Tunable and robust Q-switching of a fiber laser using water would open a new avenue of nonlinear aqua-photonics. • The proposed deionized water (DIW) saturable absorber (SA) contains DIW between SMFs to significantly relieve absorption to mitigate the overall cavity loss. In contrast to prior methods, the gap distance between SMFs was reduced by more than 1000 times to obtain a very low insertion loss, enabling wide spectral tunability of a filter. • An all-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) tunable filter was formed by using two cleaved single-mode fibers with a variable air gap. The FPI filter made the Q-switched laser's center wavelength tunable from 1564.3 to 1603.4 nm, covering both C-and L-bands • By integrating the proposed DIW-SA and FPI filter in an Er-doped fiber ring laser cavity, tunable microsecond Q-switched laser pulse trains were successfully generatedachieving the longest lasing wavelength at λ = 1603.4 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of thermal and chemical aging processes on high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (U-PVC), and high-impact polyvinyl chloride (Hi-PVC) pipes. The materials were exposed to 1–10 ppm chemical disinfectants [chlorine dioxide (ClO 2) and hypochlorite (HOCl)] at 40–80 °C for 1200 h. The diffusion properties of the materials were systematically analyzed based on the change in their sorption characteristics and activation energies according to the Arrhenius model. Moreover, the structural changes were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) radiation, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the materials have Fickian characteristics in the aging environment. Specifically, the water sorption rates of HDPE and LDPE increase first and then decrease after reaching saturation (Ms); those of U-PVC and Hi-PVC its increasing continuously with different rate. This behavior of materials was prominent for ClO 2 at high temperature and disinfectant dose because of polymeric chains crosslinking and rearrangement, extraction of monomers, and stable compounds removal during aging under exposed conditions. The deleterious effects decreased the activation energies of the materials and increased the concentrations of carbonyl groups [CO] via the formation of ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids. The decomposition temperature increased with the changes in the material morphology and elemental contents under the investigated conditions. Moreover, LDPE and Hi-PVC were more severely affected in the thermal aging process with 10 mg.L−1 ClO 2 at 80 °C. [Display omitted] • Materials show Fickian behavior under investigated conditions. • Increase in Ms and decrease in Ea with decreasing equilibrium time during aging. • ClO 2 and 80 °C have stronger effects on LDPE and Hi–PVC. • Increase in decomposition temperature due to increase in crosslink density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle atrophy is defined as the progressive degeneration or shrinkage of myocytes and is triggered by factors such as aging, cancer, injury, inflammation, and immobilization. Considering the total amount of body iron stores and its crucial role in skeletal muscle, myocytes may have their own iron regulation mechanism. Although the detrimental effects of iron overload or iron deficiency on muscle function have been studied, the molecular mechanism of iron-dependent muscle atrophy has not been elucidated. Using human muscle tissues and in the mouse rotator cuff tear model, we confirmed an association between injury-induced iron depletion in myocytes and muscle atrophy. In differentiated C2C12 myotubes, the effects of iron deficiency on myocytes and the molecular mechanism of muscle atrophy by iron deficiency were evaluated. Our study revealed that the lower iron concentration in injured muscle was associated with the upregulation of ferroportin, an iron exporter that transports iron out of cells. Ferroportin expression was increased by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), which is activated by muscle injury, and its expression is controlled by HIF1 inhibitor treatment. Iron deprivation caused myocyte loss and a marked depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential leading to muscle atrophy, together with increased levels of myostatin, the upstream regulator of atrogin1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). Myostatin expression under iron deficiency was mediated by an orphan nuclear receptor, dosage-sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome (DAX1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of chlorine dioxide (ClO 2) or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as a disinfectant in municipal water distribution systems is a common practice to deactivate micropollutants, but their impact on the pipe material with long-term exposure has not been discussed in detail. In this study, accelerated aging experiments were conducted for evaluating the oxidation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), unplasticized polyvinylidene chloride (UPVC), and high-impact polyvinylidene chloride (Hi-PVC) pipes. The pipes were immersed in deionized (DI) water, ClO 2 , and NaOCl (2 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 10 mg/L doses) for 1200 h of aging at 40 °C. The variations in the pipes structural, thermal, and mechanical characteristics were systematically investigated by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared radiation (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and a universal testing machine (UTM). The formation of carbonyl groups due to methylene groups (C–C/C–H) oxidation resulted in an increased carbonyl index (CI) of the material exposed to accelerated aging conditions. Moreover, the XPS and ATR-FTIR results elucidated that the oxidation patterns under the exposure conditions followed from ketone/aldehyde formation to carboxylate groups (carboxylic acid/ester). The pipes were more vulnerable to the ClO 2 compared to the DI water and NaOCl solution exposure. The increase in crystallinity and the decrease in oxidation induction time (OIT) of the pipe materials confirmed that the loss of stabilizer and changes in the chain alignment resulted in chain secession, loss of ductility, and lower percent elongation at break. Furthermore, results also elucidated that oxidative stability of the HDPE/UPVC was greater than that of the LDPE/Hi-PVC under disinfectant exposure regardless of the concentration and duration. [Display omitted] • Chlorine dioxide effects more severely to pipes materials. • Oxidation stability of HDPE/UPVC > LDPE/Hi – PVC. • Degradation follows the formation of Ketones/aldehydes.→ carboxylate groups • PVC pipes mechanical strength were susceptible under chemical attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes are widely used because of their chlorine resistance and durability. However, membrane bioreactor (MBR) processes still have obstacles to overcome to be cost effective for wastewater treatment. To overcome these obstacles, stable, long-term operations of MBRs with high permeate flux and low membrane fouling are strongly desired. In this study, both a lab and a pilot scale membrane system with new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based flat sheet membrane modules were operated to monitor the effectiveness of chemical backwashing for membrane fouling control. There were two operation modes in the lab experiment. One (MBR2) was applied by chemical backwashing once a day and the other (MBR1) was operated without chemical backwashing. The transmembrane pressure (TMP) remained stable in MBR2 after 25days, while the TMP increased continuously and eventually reached the upper limit in MBR1. The R t (total resistance), R c (cake resistance) and R f (fouling resistance) of both MBR1 and MBR2 were 8.88×1011 m−1, 3.52×1011 m−1, 4.07×1011 m−1 and 5.34×1011 m−1, 2.10×1011 m−1, 1.91×1011 m−1, respectively, after 30days of operation. In the pilot scale test, chemical backwashing had similar effects on R f, but minimal influence on the control of R c. Chemical backwashing was effective for controlling R f, but there were differences in R c reduction by aeration according to membrane position. High quality effluent from filtration indicated that the activity of the microorganisms had not been harmed by chemical backwashing. Through lab and pilot scale experiments, it was confirmed that using a PTFE flat sheet membrane with chemical backwashing in an MBR system could provide high flux, twice as much as that from a conventional system. In conclusion, PTFE membranes have significant potential as next generation membrane materials replacing the currently used PVDF membranes, and chemical backwashing will compensate for the weaknesses associated with the use of flat sheet membranes in field applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Treatment of various types of cells with the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel (mKATP) opener has been shown to precondition cells to subsequent injuries and inhibit apoptosis. We exposed cultured osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with or without pretreatment with a mKATP opener, diazoxide. A marked decrease in osteoblast viability was evident after 48h exposure of 0.3mM H2O2, compared with vehicle-treated cells. Diazoxide (0.001~10μM) treatment significantly (P <0.05) reversed the cytotoxic effect of H2O2 and this effect was blocked by a specific mKATP blocker, glibenclamide. Pretreatment with diazoxide (0.01~1μM) also decreased the release of reactive oxygen species and the increase in oxidative damage markers (protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde) induced by H2O2 in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, H2O2-induced reduction of differentiation markers, such as alkaline phosphatase, collagen content and calcium deposition was significantly recovered in the presence of diazoxide. In addition, diazoxide (0.01~1μM) decreased the H2O2-induced production of osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL). These results suggest that diazoxide may be useful for the protection of H2O2-induced oxidative damage and dysfunction in osteoblastic cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxidative stress regulates cellular functions in multiple pathological conditions, including bone formation by osteoblasic cells. To elucidate the protective effects of dehydrocostus lactone on the response of osteoblast to oxidative stress, osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated with 0.3mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or dehydrocostus lactone (0.1–10μg/ml), and markers of osteoblast function and oxidative damage were examined. Dehydrocostus lactone (0.1–10μg/ml) significantly increased osteoblast growth compared with control (P <0.05). H2O2-induced reduction of differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen content, and calcium deposition was recovered in the presence of dehydrocostus lactone (0.4–2μg/ml). Treatment with dehydrocostus lactone (10μg/ml) decreased the production of osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors such as interleukin (IL)-6 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL) in the presence of H2O2. Moreover, dehydrocostus lactone (0.4–2μg/ml) decreased the formation of protein carbonyl (PCO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by H2O2 in osteoblasts. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dehydrocostus lactone can protect osteoblasts against H2O2-induced cellular dysfunction. These results also suggest that dehydrocostus lactone may be valuable as a protective agent against oxidative damage in osteoblasts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE--Metformin is an antidiabetic drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to determine whether metformin regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis through the orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP; NR0B2). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--We assessed the regulation of hepatic SHP gene expression by Northern blot analysis with metformin and adenovirus containing a constitutive active form of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (Ad-AMPK) and evaluated SHP, PEPCK, and G6Pase promoter activities via transient transfection assays in hepatocytes. Knockdown of SHP using siRNA SHP was conducted to characterize the metformin-induced inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatocytes, and metformin-- and adenovirus SHP (Ad-SHP)--mediated hepatic glucose production was measured in B6-Lep[sup ob/ob] mice. RESULTS--Hepatic SHP gene expression was induced by metformin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), and Ad-AMPK. Metformin-induced SHP gene expression was abolished by adenovirus containing the dominant negative form of AMPK (Ad-DN-AMPK), as well as by compound C. Metformin inhibited hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α- or FoxA2-mediated promoter activity of PEPCK and G6Pase, and the inhibition was blocked with siRNA SHP. Additionally, SHP knockdown by adenovirus containing siRNA SHP inhibited metformin-mediated repression of cAMP/dexamethasone-induced hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression. Furthermore, oral administration of metformin increased SHP mRNA levels in B6-Lep[sup ob/ob] mice. Overexpression of SHP by Ad-SHP decreased blood glucose levels and hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression in B6-Lep[sup ob/ob] mice. CONCLUSIONS--We have concluded that metformin inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis through AMPK-dependent regulation of SHP. Diabetes 57:306-314, 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knee cartilage is in an aqueous environment filled with synovial fluid consisting of water, various nutrients, and ions to maintain chondrocyte homeostasis. Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that play an important role in water exchange in cells, and AQP1, -3, and -4 are known to be expressed predominantly in cartilage. We evaluated the changes in AQP expression in chondrocytes from human knee articular cartilage in patients of different ages and identified the key factor(s) that mediate age-induced alteration in AQP expression. The mRNA and protein expression of AQP1, -3 and -4 were significantly decreased in fibrocartilage compared to hyaline cartilage and in articular cartilage from older osteoarthritis patients compared to that from young patients. Gene and protein expression of AQP1, -3 and -4 were altered during the chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. The causative factors for age-associated decrease in AQP included H2O2, TNFα, and HMGB1 for AQP1, -3, and -4, respectively. In particular, the protective effect of AQP4 reduction following HMGB1 neutralization was noteworthy. The identification of other potent molecules that regulate AQP expression represents a promising therapeutic approach to suppress cartilage degeneration during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurotoxic mechanism of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has not been completely elucidated. In this study we investigated the possible role of cell cycle regulators and their dependence on arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the TCDD-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation using a human neuronal cell system. TCDD suppressed DNA synthesis of SK-N-SH human neuronal cells determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation which was significantly prevented either by pretreatment with α-naphthoflavone (α-NF), a partial AhR antagonist, or 8-methoxypsoralen (MOP), a binding inhibitor of activated AhR to dioxin response elements. Cell cycle analysis showed that TCDD induced a G1 cell cycle arrest, which was also significantly prevented by pretreatment with α-NF and MOP. TCDD did not alter the expression of cyclin D, cyclin E, p21 and p53. However, TCDD induced an enhanced expression of p27 and a hypophosphorylation of pRb, which was prevented by α-NF and MOP. Combined, these results suggest that the TCDD-induced inhibition of neuronal cell proliferation may be due to the AhR-dependent G1 arrest through an enhanced expression of p27 and a hypophosphorylation of pRB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanism of apoptosis induced by cyclosporin A (CsA) in a human hepatoma cell line was investigated. CsA induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. CsA induced Cl− efflux, which was significantly blocked by niflumic acid (NA), a specific inhibitor, and flufenamic acid (FA), 5-nitro-2-(3-phenyl-propylamino)-benzoate (NPPB), and 4,4′-diisothiocyanoto-stibene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), non-specific inhibitors of Ca2+-activated Cl−channels (CaCCs), not by calyculin A, an inhibitor of K+, Cl−-cotransport. In addition, CsA did not alter intracellular K+ concentration. Moreover, CsA increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and treatment with BAPTA/AM, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, significantly inhibited the CsA-induced Cl− efflux, indicating that CsA induced Cl− efflux through the activation of CaCCs. Treatment with these CaCC inhibitors (NA, FA, NPPB, and DIDS) markedly prevented the CsA-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that CaCCs may mediate apoptosis induced by CsA in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, these results provide a new insight into the novel function of CaCCs in the regulation of cancer cell apoptosis associated with perturbation of intracellular Ca2+ signal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chirped femtosecond laser pulses are generated by adjusting the grating separation of a pulse compressor in a chirped-pulse amplification laser and characterized using a single-shot frequency-resolved optical grating technique. Laser chirp parameters in time and frequency domains, such as group delay dispersion and linear chirp coefficient, are analyzed with respect to grating detuning. It is observed that the linear chirp coefficient rapidly increases without significant pulse broadening around the zero detuning, necessitating precise chirp characterization. The pulse broadening is slightly asymmetric to the grating detuning because of residual third- and fourth-order dispersion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study is to manufacture lightweight aggregates for the recycling of water treatment sludge (WTS), to identify the physical properties of the aggregates, and to present a means by which to utilize the manufactured lightweight aggregates. The chemical composition and thermal properties were examined via a raw materials analysis. The aggregate examined here was fired by the rapid sintering method and the single-particle density and water absorption rate were measured. WTS has a high LOI and the calcined inorganic material has high refractoriness. When 30 wt% of purified sludge was added, the single-particle density of the aggregates was in the range of 0.8–1.2g/㎤ at temperatures of 1150–1200 °C. At temperatures of 1200 °C or higher, ultra-lightweight aggregates having a single-particle density of 0.8 or less could be produced. When applied to concrete by replacing the general aggregate in the concrete, a specimen with strength values of 20–45 ㎫ at 28 days was obtained, and when applied as a filter material, the performance was equal to or exceeded that of ordinary sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reactions such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are essential for energy conversion applications such as water electrolysis and fuel cells. Furthermore, Pt or Ir-related materials have been extensively utilized as electrocatalysts for the OER, ORR, and MOR. To reduce the utilization of precious metals, innovative catalyst structures should be proposed. Herein, we report a bi-metallic phosphide (Ni 2 P and PdP 2) structure surrounded by graphitic carbon (Ni–Pd–P/C) with an enhanced electrochemical activity as compared to conventional electrocatalysts. Despite the low Pd content of 3 at%, Ni–Pd–P/C exhibits a low overpotential of 330 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in the OER, high specific activity (2.82 mA cm−2 at 0.8 V) for the ORR, and a high current density of 1.101 A mg−1 for the MOR. The superior electrochemical performance of Ni–Pd–P/C may be attributed to the synergistic effect of the bi-metallic phosphide structure and core-shell structure formed by graphitic carbon. [Display omitted] • Bi-metallic phosphide surrounded by graphitic carbon as an electrocatalyst was synthesized. • The electrocatalyst showed an enhanced activity compared to conventional catalysts. • The superior performance may be attributed to the synergistic effect and core-shell structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We show the effect of surface treatment between the Al2O3 and the recess-etched GaN. [•] We have investigated the effect of TMAH surface treatment. [•] The C–V characteristics were improved with the surface treatment. [•] We result low effective oxide charge and interface trap density. [•] We result less charge trapping in the gate dielectric. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The resistivity of nano-scaled thin nickel film can be controlled so as to be applicable to MEMS-based micro-bolometric infrared image sensor technology. DC-sputtered 60nm-thick thin nickel film on a SiO2/Si substrate was oxidized in O2 ambient. From XRD and electrical analyses, a phase transformation from the metallic nickel film to crystalline nickel oxide films was verified. The thin oxidized nickel films showed a negative TCR (temperature coefficient of resistance (above −3.22%/°C)) which is indicative of a semiconductor behavior. A 1/f noise result ranging from 1Hz to 100Hz was also acquired. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate the effect of local parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration on rotator cuff tendon‐to‐bone healing in a rat model compared with systemic PTH injection and untreated controls. PTH‐alginate scaffold was prepared and sustained release of PTH was confirmed. Bilateral supraspinatus tendon repairs were performed in 39 rats (group 1, supraspinatus repair only; group 2, supraspinatus repair with systemic PTH injection; group 3, supraspinatus repair with local PTH administration via an absorbable scaffold; n = 13 each). Biomechanical (cross‐sectional area, mode of failure, load to failure, and ultimate stress: right side) and histological analyses (hematoxylin and eosin stain, Masson's Trichrome stain Picrosirius red stain, Immunohistochemistry for BMP2, PTH1R, ColI, and ColIII: Left side) were performed to evaluate tendon‐to‐bone healing quality at 8 weeks after repair, and blood test (osteocalcin and procollagen type I N‐terminal pro‐peptide [PINP] levels) was performed in all rats. There was no intergroup difference in the healing failure rate (p = 0.910) or failure mode (p = 0.585). Biomechanically, subjects in groups 2 and 3 exhibited significantly larger cross‐sectional areas and higher ultimate failure loads and ultimate stress than those in group 1 (all p < 0.05); however, no differences were noted between groups 2 and 3 (all p > 0.05). Histologically, groups 2 and 3 exhibited more organized tendon‐to‐bone interface structures with higher density, parallel orientation, and collagen fiber continuity than group 1 (all p < 0.05 except collagen fiber continuity in group 1 vs. 2); however, no differences in histological parameters between groups 2 and 3 (all p > 0.05). The protein levels of bone morphogenic protein 2, PTH 1 receptor, and collagen I and III and the serum level of PINP were increased in groups 2 and 3 versus group 1 (all p < 0.05) without showing differences between groups 2 and 3 (all p > 0.05). Local PTH administration using an absorbable scaffold improved the biomechanical and histological outcomes of rotator cuff tendon‐to‐bone healing comparable with systemic PTH injection at 8 weeks after repair in a rat model. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:82–91, 2020 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the presence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in skeletal muscle cells, the relationship between VDR expressions and muscle mass or function has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to compare VDR gene and protein expression in the forearm muscle between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic individuals who have sustained distal radius fractures. Twenty samples of muscle tissue from sarcopenic patients (mean age 63.4 ± 8.1 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched control tissues (62.1 ± 7.9 years) were acquired from the edge of dissected pronator quadratus muscle during surgery for distal radius fractures. The mRNA expression levels of VDR as well as the myokines of interest that may be associated with muscle mass change (myogenin and myostatin) were analyzed with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry for VDR were performed. Sarcopenic patients showed a significantly lower level of gene expression for VDR and myogenin, but a greater level of gene expression for myostatin than the controls according to qRT-PCR analysis. The density of VDR protein expressions was 2.1 times greater, while that of myostatin was 2.6 times lower, in the control group than in the sarcopenic group according to Western blot analysis. On immunohistochemical analysis, the density of the cells expressing VDR was significantly decreased in the sarcopenic patients. Sarcopenic patients who sustained distal radius fractures presented lower vitamin D receptor gene and protein expression in skeletal muscles compared to non-sarcopenic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • AlGaN/GaN heterostructures were grown with the AlIn(Ga)N back barrier grown at 400 torr was almost lattice-matched to GaN layer. • The AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with 10 and 15 nm-thick AlIn(Ga)N back barrier exhibited improved 2-DEG properties, compared to those of the conventional AlGaN/GaN heterostructure without the back barrier. • The high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) fabricated on the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with a 15 nm-thick AlIn(Ga)N back barrier exhibited a very low off-state leakage current of ∼2 × 10−7 A/mm. Abstract AlGaN/GaN heterostructures were successfully grown with the AlIn(Ga)N back barrier at 900 °C. However, the atomic composition of the AlIn(Ga)N layer was strongly dependent on the growth pressure, which resulted in a different lattice constant of the layer. The AlIn(Ga)N back barrier grown at 400 torr was almost lattice-matched to GaN layer. The AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with 10 and 15 nm-thick AlIn(Ga)N back barrier exhibited improved 2-DEG properties, compared to those of the conventional AlGaN/GaN heterostructure without the back barrier. The high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) fabricated on the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with a 15 nm-thick AlIn(Ga)N back barrier exhibited a very low off-state leakage current of ∼2 × 10−7 A/mm which is about 1 order lower in magnitude than the value of the device without the back barrier. The AlIn(Ga)N back barrier is a promising candidate as an alternative to conventional AlGaN and InGaN back barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon liver intoxication with malnutrition or high-fat diet feeding, fibrinogen is synthesized by hepatocytes and secreted into the blood in human and mouse. Its primary function is to occlude blood vessels upon damage and thereby stop excessive bleeding. High fibrinogen levels may contribute to the development of pathological thrombosis, which is one mechanism linking fatty liver disease with cardiovascular disease. Our previous results present ERRγ as key regulator of hepatocytic fibrinogen gene expression in human. In a therapeutic approach, we now tested ERRγ inverse agonist GSK5182 as regulator of fibrinogen levels in mouse hyperfibrinogenemia caused by diet-induced obesity and in mouse hepatocytes. ACEA, a CB1R agonist, up-regulated transcription of mouse fibrinogen via induction of ERRγ, whereas knockdown of ERRγ attenuated the effect of ACEA (10 µM) on fibrinogen expression in AML12 mouse hepatocytes. Deletion analyses of the mouse fibrinogen γ (FGG) gene promoter and ChIP assays revealed binding sites for ERRγ on the mouse FGG promoter. ACEA or adenovirus ERRγ injection induced FGA, FGB and FGG mRNA and protein expression in mouse liver, while ERRγ knockdown with Ad-shERRγ attenuated ACEA-mediated induction of fibrinogen gene expression. Moreover, mice maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD) expressed higher levels of fibrinogen, whereas cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)-KO mice fed an HFD had nearly normal fibrinogen levels. Finally, GSK5182 (40 mg/kg) strongly inhibits the ACEA (10 mg/kg) or HFD-mediated induction of fibrinogen level in mice. Taken together, targeting ERRγ with its inverse agonist GSK5182 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ameliorating hyperfibrinogenemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GaN gate-all-around ( GAA ) vertical nanowire MOSFET ( VNWMOSFET ) with channel length of 300 nm and diameter of 120 nm, the narrowest GaN-based vertical nanowire transistor ever achieved from the top-down approach, was fabricated by utilizing anisotropic side-wall wet etching in TMAH solution and photoresist etch-back process. The VNWMOSFET exhibited output characteristics with very low saturation drain voltage of less than 0.5 V, which is hardly observed from the wide bandgap-based devices. Simulation results indicated that the narrow diameter of the VNWMOSFET with relatively short channel length is responsible for the low voltage operation. The VNWMOSFET also demonstrated normally-off mode with threshold voltage ( V TH ) of 0.7 V, extremely low leakage current of ∼10 −14  A, low drain-induced barrier lowering ( DIBL ) of 125 mV/V, and subthreshold swing ( SS ) of 66–122 mV/decade. The GaN GAA VNWMOSFET with narrow channel diameter investigated in this work would be promising for new low voltage logic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrinogen, 1 of 13 coagulation factors responsible for normal blood clotting, is synthesized by hepatocytes. Detailed roles of the orphan nuclear receptors regulating fibrinogen gene expression have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) as a novel transcriptional regulator of human fibrinogen gene expression. Overexpression of ERRγ specially increased fibrinogen expression in human hepatoma cell line. Cannabinoid receptor types 1(CB1R) agonist arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA) up-regulated transcription of fibrinogen via induction of ERRγ, whereas knockdown of ERRγ attenuated fibrinogen expression. Deletion analyses of the fibrinogen γ (FGG) gene promoter and ChIP assays revealed binding sites of ERRγ on human fibrinogen γ gene promoter. Moreover, overexpression of ERRγ was sufficient to increase fibrinogen gene expression, whereas treatment with GSK5182, a selective inverse agonist of ERRγ led to its attenuation in cell culture. Finally, fibrinogen and ERRγ gene expression were elevated in liver tissue of obese patients suggesting a conservation of this mechanism. Overall, this study elucidates a molecular mechanism linking CB1R signaling, ERRγ expression and fibrinogen gene transcription. GSK5182 may have therapeutic potential to treat hyperfibrinogenemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]