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An 8-month-old, 3.4 kg, castrated male Toy Poodle was referred for progressive tetraparesis and respiratory disorder without a history of trauma. Repeated computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with different positions of the neck revealed concurrent atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) and atlantoaxial instability (AAI) with spinal cord compression. This case was unique due to its congenital nature and the absence of trauma. The surgical treatment involved precise removal of the C1 vertebra’s ventral articular facet, which was compressing on the spinal cord, attributed to its fixed and malaligned position within the atlantooccipital joint. Following facetectomy, the stabilization of the occipital bone to the C2 vertebra was achieved by screws, wire, and polymethyl methacrylate. Two days after surgery, the dog recovered ambulation and showed gradual improvement in gait, despite mild residual ataxia. Postoperative CT and radiographs showed successful decompression of the spinal cord. The screw loosening was confirmed at 114 days, which was managed successfully by extracting the affected screws. Through the 21-month monitoring period, the dog showed a normal gait with a wide-based stance of the pelvic limbs when standing and experienced no pain. This case represents the first report of concurrent congenital AOD and AAI treated with a ventral surgical approach, contributing new insights to the understanding and management of such complex cranio-cervical junction disorders in veterinary neurosurgery.

A 2-year-old, intact female Pomeranian presented with bilateral forelimb lameness, characterized by the olecranon making contact with the ground. The patient experienced two separate incidents of falling, occurring four and three weeks before admission, respectively. Following each episode, non-weight-bearing lameness was initially observed in the left forelimb, followed by the development of crouch gait. Based on the physical examination, radiographic, and ultrasonographic findings, bilateral triceps brachii tendon disruption was diagnosed. Intraoperatively, excessive granulation tissue at the distal end of the tendon was excised. The footprint region of each triceps brachii tendon was decorticated with a high-speed burr until bleeding was observed. The triceps brachii tendon was reattached to completely cover its footprint on the olecranon using the Krackow suture technique. This method involves anchoring the suture through bone tunnels in the ulna. Trans-articular external skeletal fixation was applied to both forelimbs to immobile and stabilize the elbow joints for nine weeks. Subsequently, the dog gradually increased its walking activities while on a leash over a six-week period. At the three-year follow-up, the patient exhibited improved forelimb function and maintained a normal gait without signs of lameness. Suture-mediated anatomic footprint repair proved useful in this single case and may be an effective surgical alternative for the management of chronic triceps brachii tendon disruption in dogs.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs), concurrent with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs), are a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Surgical correction is essential when clinical signs or significant hemodynamic changes are present. We aimed to report on the successful surgical correction of an SVASD with PAPVCs, using a computed tomography (CT)-based customized 3D cardiac model. A 10-month-old male poodle was referred for corrective surgery for an ASD. Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunting flow through an interatrial septal defect and severe right-sided heart volume overload. For a comprehensive diagnosis, a CT scan was performed, which confirmed an SVASD with PAPVCs. A customized 3D cardiac model was used for preoperative decision-making and surgical rehearsal. The defect was repaired using an autologous pericardial patch under a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Temporary pacing was applied for sinus bradycardia and third-degree atrioventricular block. The patient recovered from the anesthesia without further complications. The pacemaker was removed during hospitalization and the patient was discharged without complications 2 weeks post-surgery. At the three-month follow-up, there was no shunting flow in the interatrial septum and the right-sided volume overload had been resolved. The cardiac medications were discontinued, and there were no complications. This report indicates the validity of surgical correction under CPB for an SVASD with PAPVCs, and the advantages of utilizing a CT-based 3D cardiac model for preoperative planning to increase the surgical success rate.

Robotic systems and the human body consist of numerous joint structures, all of which require precise angle adjustments. At present, encoder, strain gauge, and electrical resistance-based sensors are commonly used for angle measurement. However, these sensors have limitations when used in underwater or in environments with strong electromagnetic waves. Therefore, we have developed an angle sensor based on step-index profile plastic optical fiber (SI-POF), which is cost-effective and highly durable, in this study in order to overcome the limitations of existing angle measurement sensors. To this end, the amount of light loss according to the gab and angle changes that occur when the POF angle sensor is applied to the robot arm was experimentally measured, and based on the results, a simulation of the amount of light loss when the two losses occurred at the same time was conducted. In addition, the performance of the POF angle sensor was evaluated by measuring sensitivity and resolution, and comparative verification with a commonly used encoder was conducted to verify the reliability of sensors in extreme environments, such as those with electromagnetic fields and those that are underwater. Through this, the reliability and practicality of the POF angle sensor were confirmed. The results obtained in this study suggest that POF-based angle sensors can contribute to the development of the biomimetic robot industry as well as ordinary robots, especially in environments where existing sensors are difficult to apply, such as areas with underwater or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of gait patterns in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients according to disease severity. Twenty-two CMT1A patients were enrolled and classified into two groups, according to the disease severity. The healthy control group consisted of 22 subjects with no gait impairment. Full barefoot three-dimensional gait analysis with temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic data was performed among the mild and moderate CMT1A group and the control group. Minimal hip abduction, maximal hip extension generation, peak knee flexion moment at stance, ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, maximal ankle plantarflexion at push-off and maximal ankle rotation moment at stance in the CMT1A group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the moderate group, there were greater maximal hip flexion angles in swing, and smaller dorsiflexion angles at initial contact compared to the control group and mild group. CMT patients had typical gait characteristics and their gait patterns were different according to severity. The analysis of gait patterns in patients with CMT1A will help to understand gait function and provide important information for the treatment of patients with CMT in the future.

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is an uncommon congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs. This case report describes successful membranectomy for CTD via partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia in a dog. A 7-month-old intact male mixed-breed dog weighing 20.5 kg presented with a history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and anorexia. Clinical examination, radiography, echocardiography, microbubble testing, and computed tomography revealed a remnant right atrium membrane obscuring the venous blood inflow from the vena cava. Considering the potential risk of re-stenosis following interventional treatment, curative resection involving surgical membranectomy via venous inflow occlusion was performed. By performing partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia (34.5 °C), sufficient time was obtained to explore the defect and resect the remnant membrane. The dog recovered without any complications, and the clinical signs were relieved. This case illustrates that partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia is feasible for achieving curative resection of cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.

Krukovine (KV) is an alkaloid isolated from the bark of Abuta grandifolia (Mart.) Sandw. (Menispermaceae) with anticancer potential in some cancers with KRAS mutations. In this study, we explored the anticancer efficacy and mechanism of KV in oxaliplatin-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids (PDPCOs) with KRAS mutation. After treatment with KV, mRNA and protein levels were determined by RNA-seq and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by MTT, scratch wound healing assay, and transwell analysis, respectively. Patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids (PDPCOs) with KRAS mutations were treated with KV, oxaliplatin (OXA), and a combination of KV and OXA. KV suppresses tumor progression via the downregulation of the Erk-RPS6K-TMEM139 and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways in oxaliplatin-resistant AsPC-1 cells. Furthermore, KV showed an antiproliferative effect in PDPCOs, and the combination of OXA and KV inhibited PDPCO growth more effectively than either drug alone.

Background: Wearable devices for robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) provide overground gait training for the rehabilitation of neurological injuries. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of RAGT in patients with a neurologic deficit. Methods: Twenty-eight patients receiving more than ten sessions of overground RAGT using a joint-torque-assisting wearable exoskeletal robot were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Nineteen patients with brain injury, seven patients with spinal cord injury and two patients with peripheral nerve injury were included. Clinical outcomes, such as the Medical Research Council scale for muscle strength, Berg balance scale, functional ambulation category, trunk control tests, and Fugl–Meyer motor assessment of the lower extremities, were recorded before and after RAGT. Parameters for RAGT and adverse events were also recorded. Results: The Medical Research Council scale scores for muscle strength (36.6 to 37.8), Berg balance scale (24.9 to 32.2), and functional ambulation category (1.8 to 2.7) significantly improved after overground RAGT (p < 0.05). The familiarization process was completed within six sessions of RAGT. Only two mild adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Overground RAGT using wearable devices can improve muscle strength, balance, and gait function. It is safe in patients with neurologic injury.

Sulfide-based solid electrolytes exhibit good formability and superior ionic conductivity. However, these electrolytes can react with atmospheric moisture to generate H2S gas, resulting in performance degradation. In this study, we attempted to improve the stability of the interface between Li metal and an argyrodite Li6Ps5Cl solid electrolyte by partially substituting P with Sn to form an Sn–S bond. The solid electrolyte was synthesized via liquid synthesis instead of the conventional mechanical milling method. X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed that solid electrolytes have an argyrodite structure and peak shift occurs as substitution increases. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses confirmed that the particle size gradually increased, and the components were evenly distributed. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and DC cycling confirmed that the ionic conductivity decreased slightly but that the cycling behavior was stable for about 500 h at X = 0.05. The amount of H2S gas generated when the solid electrolyte is exposed to moisture was measured using a gas sensor. Stability against atmospheric moisture was improved. In conclusion, liquid-phase synthesis could be applied for the large-scale production of argyrodite-based Li6PS5Cl solid electrolytes. Moreover, Sn substitution improved the electrochemical stability of the solid electrolyte.

We present a fully analytical model and physical investigation on the source resistance (RS) in InxGa1−xAs quantum-well high-electron mobility transistors based on a three-layer TLM system. The RS model in this work was derived by solving the coupled quadratic differential equations for each current component with appropriate boundary conditions, requiring only six physical and geometrical parameters, including ohmic contact resistivity (ρc), barrier tunneling resistivity (ρbarrier), sheet resistances of the cap and channel regions (Rsh_cap and Rsh_ch), side-recessed length (Lside) and gate-to-source length (Lgs). To extract each model parameter, we fabricated two different TLM structures, such as cap-TLM and recessed-TLM. The developed RS model in this work was in excellent agreement with the RS values measured from the two TLM devices and previously reported short-Lg HEMT devices. The findings in this work revealed that barrier tunneling resistivity already played a critical role in reducing the value of RS in state-of-the-art HEMTs. Unless the barrier tunneling resistivity is reduced considerably, innovative engineering on the ohmic contact characteristics and gate-to-source spacing would only marginally improve the device performance.

Surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus is regarded as a standard treatment approach with a low complication rate if performed by experienced surgeons, and it has been performed successfully for decades in dogs. However, there are no reports describing the clinical symptoms related to granulomatous inflammation after the surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus. This report describes the clinical symptoms caused by granulomatous inflammation and subacute pericarditis in a dog that had undergone the surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus 2 years previously. Exploratory thoracotomy was performed for subtotal pericardiectomy, and a biopsy was performed to obtain specimens for histopathological examination and culture tests. The clinical symptoms were relieved after surgery. The persistent leukocytosis improved with steroid administration. This case illustrates that the granulomatous inflammatory response associated with silk suture granuloma is a rare postoperative complication of ductal ligation. In such cases, pericardiectomy can help relieve the clinical symptoms.

We presented an explicit empirical model of the thermal resistance of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors on three distinct substrates, including sapphire, SiC, and Si. This model considered both a linear and non-linear thermal resistance model of AlGaN/GaN HEMT, the thickness of the host substrate layers, and the gate length and width. The non-linear nature of channel temperature—visible at the high-power dissipation stage—along with linear dependency, was constructed within a single equation. Comparisons with the channel temperature measurement procedure (DC) and charge-control-based device modeling were performed to verify the model’s validity, and the results were in favorable agreement with the observed model data, with only a 1.5% error rate compared to the measurement data. An agile expression for the channel temperature is also important for designing power devices and monolithic microwave integrated circuits. The suggested approach provides several techniques for investigation that could otherwise be impractical or unattainable when utilizing time-consuming numerical simulations.

We propose an efficient alignment method for liquid crystals (LCs). A brush-coating method handles film deposition and LC alignment treatment simultaneously herein, meaning a reduction in the conventional alignment layer treatment process steps. A lanthanum yttrium strontium oxide (LaYSrO) film prepared by the sol–gel process was used for the alignment layer. Topographical details of the brush-coated LaYSrO films (compared with spin-coated films) were investigated by atomic force microscopy. Spin-coated LaYSrO meant that the film formation alone without orientation treatment represented an isotropic surface. On the other hand, the 270 °C-cured brush-coated LaYSrO showed nano/microstructure with directionality. It indicates that brush-hair sweeping induced shearing stress on the sol state of the LaYSrO, which results in surface anisotropy for LC alignment. The uniform LC alignment state was confirmed by polarized optical microscopy and pretilt analysis. The brush-coated LaYSrO shows fine optical transparency compared to plain and indium-tin-oxide coated glasses, and thermal stability up to 150 °C for LC alignment. Competitive electro-optical performances of the brush-coated LaYSrO were verified in a twisted-nematic LC system compared to those of the conventionally used polyimide layer. Consequently, we expect that the brush-coating process can be an innovative technology for LC alignment.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetization transfer (MT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help detect spinal cord pathology, and tract-specific analysis of their parameters, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and MT ratio (MTR), can give microstructural information. We performed the tract-based acquisition of MR parameters of three major motor tracts: the lateral corticospinal (CS), rubrospinal (RuS) tract, and lateral reticulospinal (RS) tract as well as two major sensory tracts, i.e., the fasciculus cuneatus (FC) and spinal lemniscus, to detect pathologic change and find correlations with clinical items. MR parameters were extracted for each tract at three levels: the most compressed lesion level and above and below the lesion. We compared the MR parameters of eight cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients and 12 normal controls and analyzed the correlation between clinical evaluation items and MR parameters in patients. RuS and lateral RS showed worse DTI parameters at the lesion level in patients compared to the controls. Worse DTI parameters in those tracts were correlated with weaker power grasp at the lesion level. FC and lateral CS showed a correlation between higher RD and lower FA and MTR with a weaker lateral pinch below the lesion level.

Although smart farms are considered an alternative to traditional agriculture, they require large amounts of energy and high investment costs, hindering their efficient implementation. In the Republic of Korea, the energy supply is primarily for heating rather than cooling, necessitating the accurate prediction of the greenhouse internal temperature to determine the feasibility of agricultural management while using renewable energy. This study developed a model (TRNSYS) for predicting the internal temperature of a greenhouse using building energy simulation. A greenhouse heating experiment was conducted using a hybrid heating system simulated by TRNSYS to analyze the prediction model. The regression analysis of the experimental and simulation results revealed an R2 and RMSE of 0.8834 and 3.61, respectively. A comparative analysis was conducted with the existing hot air heating system to evaluate the heating performance and economic feasibility of the hybrid system. Overall, the heating performance exhibited satisfactory results, whereas the economic analysis, based on life cycle cost, revealed a cost reduction effect of 9.45%. Hence, greenhouse heating using renewable energy can replace conventional fossil fuels with economic advantages. Moreover, the prediction of the internal temperature of the greenhouse will facilitate the design of a systematic smart farm business to prevent duplicate investment.

We investigated the effect of phase separation on the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of InAlAs layers grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The phase separation into the In-rich InAlAs column and Al-rich InAlAs column of In0.52Al0.48As layers was observed when we grew them at a relatively low temperature of below 600 °C. From the photoluminescence spectrum investigation, we found that the band-gap energy decreased from 1.48 eV for a homogeneous In0.52Al0.48As sample to 1.19 eV for a phase-separated InxAl1−xAs sample due to the band-gap lowering effect by In-rich InxAl1−xAs (x > 0.7) region. From the current density–voltage analysis of the InAlAs Schottky diode, it was confirmed that the phase-separated InAlAs layers showed a lower SBH value of about 240 meV than for the normal InAlAs layers. The reduction in SBH arising from the phase separation of InAlAs layers resulted in the larger leakage current in InAlAs Schottky diodes.

Tumors of sweat glands usually originate from apocrine glands and can develop throughout the body but are rare in dogs. This report describes the retroperitoneal metastasis of primary cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma. An 8-year-old, spayed female beagle dog, weighing 11.7 kg, presented with a history of anorexia, hypodynamia, and weight loss. Clinical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography revealed a skin mass on the dorsum of the right metatarsal region, an enlarged ipsilateral popliteal lymph node, and a retroperitoneal mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the popliteal lymph node suggested metastasis of an apocrine sweat gland tumor. Surgical excision of the skin mass, popliteal lymph node, and retroperitoneal mass was performed. The retroperitoneal mass was diagnosed as a metastasis of primary cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin 7 but negative for cytokeratin 20 and S100 proteins. There were no postoperative complications, except for temporary hindlimb edema, including local recurrence or metastasis, in the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. This case illustrates that although malignant apocrine gland tumors are rare in dogs, a wide resection of primary cutaneous apocrine gland adenocarcinomas is recommended because of the risk of local invasion or distant metastasis.

Symphyseal distraction osteotomy (SDO) with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spacer is an effective surgical treatment for cats with pelvic stenosis. This study reports the successful treatment of urethral obstruction due to ischiocavernosus muscle (IM) tension after SDO with a PMMA spacer. A 2-year-old castrated male Korean domestic shorthair feline had megacolon and pelvic canal stenosis. The ratio of the maximal diameter of the colon to the L5 length and the pelvic canal diameter ratio were 1.6 and 0.45, respectively. Pelvic SDO was performed with a PMMA spacer, leading to pelvic canal enlargement (pelvic canal diameter ratio: 0.73). Two days after surgery, dysuria was identified immediately after removing the preoperatively placed urinary catheter. Complete blood counts and serum biochemical profiles were within the reference intervals, and a positive contrast retrograde urethrogram confirmed urethral obstruction at the level of the membranous–pelvic urethra region. Increased tension of the IM leading to a narrowed urethra was suspected as the cause of urethral obstruction. After IM release at the level of origin on the ischium, the patient had an uneventful recovery with spontaneous urination. Muscle release resulted in excellent functional restoration, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications reported during the 12-month long-term follow-up. Therefore, SDO with IM release could be a feasible therapeutic option for severe pelvic stenosis without complications, such as urethral obstruction, in cats.

The continued use of fossil fuels is contributing to severe environmental pollution and the establishment of an abnormal climate; consequently, alternative renewable energy sources are being actively investigated worldwide. Further, following global trends, numerous countermeasures aimed at improving carbon neutrality, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing fossil fuel dependence are being implemented in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the application of renewable energies for greenhouse heating in the Republic of Korea. Three hybrid systems, numbered 1–3, were constructed using a pellet boiler, hydrothermal heat pump, and solar heat collection system, respectively. Thereafter, the heating performance, combined heat efficiency, energy consumption per temperature lifting, and energy cost per temperature lifting of the systems were compared. The combined thermal efficiency results showed no significant differences. However, in terms of energy consumption and cost, hybrid system 1 demonstrated 25.7 and 24.1% savings, respectively, compared with the other systems. Moreover, based on economic analysis via the net present value and life cycle cost analysis methods, the system reduced costs by 29.2 and 27.7%, respectively, compared with conventional fossil fuel boilers. Thus, hybrid system 1 was identified as the most economical system.

Global warming is accelerating due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, research on the use of biomass as energy sources, is being actively conducted worldwide to reduce CO2 emissions. Although the production of agro-byproducts is vast, their utilization for energy production has not been fully investigated. This study suggests an optimal torrefaction process condition for agro-byproducts, such as grape branch and perilla, that have moisture content but low calorific values. To determine whether these agro-byproducts can be used for energy sources as substituents of fossil fuels, a mass reduction model was established and validated via experimental results. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted for different heating rates, and the activation energy and frequency factor were derived through the analysis. The model was developed by changes in rate constants, moisture content, ash content, and lignocellulose content in biomass. To ascertain the optimal torrefaction conditions, fuel characteristic analysis and changes in energy yield of torrefied grape branch and perilla were investigated. The optimal torrefaction conditions for grape branch and perilla were 200 °C for 40 min and 230 °C for 30 min, respectively. The comparison result of the experiment and simulation at the optimum conditions of mass reduction were 1.42%p and 1.51%p, and 15 °C/min and 7.5 °C/min at heating rate, respectively.

Gait dysfunction is a leading cause of long-term disability after stroke. The mechanisms underlying recovery of gait function are unknown. We retrospectively evaluated the association between structural connectivity and gait function in 127 patients with unilateral supratentorial stroke (>1 month after stroke). All patients underwent T1-weighted, diffusion tensor imaging and functional ambulation categorization. Voxel-wise linear regression analyses of the images were conducted using fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and mode of anisotropy mapping as dependent variables, while the functional ambulation category was used as an independent variable with age and days after stroke as covariates. The functional ambulation category was positively associated with increased fractional anisotropy in the lesioned cortico-ponto-cerebellar system, corona radiata of the non-lesioned corticospinal tract pathway, bilateral medial lemniscus in the brainstem, and the corpus callosum. The functional ambulation category was also positively associated with increased mode of anisotropy in the lesioned posterior corpus callosum. In conclusion, structural connectivity associated with motor coordination and feedback affects gait function after stroke. Diffusion tensor imaging for evaluating structural connectivity can help to predict gait recovery and target rehabilitation goals after stroke.

Imaging devices attached to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used for crack measurements of railway bridges constructed for high-speed trains. This research aims to investigate track-side wind induced by high-speed trains and its effect on UAV thrust near the railway bridge. Furthermore, the characteristics of train-induced wind in three axial directions along a track, wind velocity, and the effect of train-induced wind on the UAV thrust were analyzed. This was achieved by installing 3-axis ultrasonic anemometers and a UAV thrust measurement system on top of a PSC box girder bridge. The changes in the train-induced wind velocity were monitored along the train travel, width, and height directions. The train-induced wind was measured at distances of 0.8, 1.3, 2.3, and 2.8 m away from the train’s body to analyze wind velocity based on distance. It was found that the maximum wind velocity decreased linearly as the distance from the train’s body increased. The UAV thrust increased by up to 20% and 60%, owing to train-induced wind when the leading and trailing power cars of a high-speed train passed, respectively. Thus, it is necessary to conduct further research to develop robust control and a variable pitch-propeller that can control thrust.

This study represents a comparison of the border trap behavior and reliability between HfO2 and ZrO2 films on n-In0.53Ga0.47As with an Al2O3 interfacial layer. The effect of different post metal annealing conditions on the trap response was analyzed and it was found that the N2:H2 mixed FGA passivates the border trap quite well, whereas N2-based RTA performs better on interface traps. Al2O3/HfO2 showed more degradation in terms of the threshold voltage shift while Al2O3/ZrO2 showed higher leakage current behavior. Moreover, Al2O3/ZrO2 showed a higher permittivity, hysteresis, and breakdown field than Al2O3/HfO2.

Artificial vessels capable of long-term patency are essential clinical tools in vascular surgery that involves small vessels. On-going attempts to develop artificial vessels that complements restenosis have not been entirely successful. Here, we report on the fabrication of small-sized artificial vessels using a three-dimensional bio-printer. The fabrication employed biodegradable polycaprolactone and autologous MSCs harvested from the bone-marrow of canines. The MSCs were cultured and differentiated into endothelial-like cells. After confirming differentiation, artificial vessels comprising three-layers were constructed and implanted into the arteries of canines. The autologous MSCs printed on artificial vessels (cell-derived group) maintained a 64.3% patency (9 of 14 grafts) compared with artificial vessels without cells (control group, 54.5% patency (6 of 11 grafts)). The cell-derived vessels (61.9 cells/mm2 ± 14.3) had more endothelial cells on their inner surfaces than the control vessels (21 cells/mm2 ± 11.3). Moreover, the control vessels showed acute inflammation on the porous structures of the implanted artificial vessels, whereas the cell-derived vessels exhibited fibrinous clots with little to no inflammation. We concluded that the minimal rejection of these artificial vessels by the immune system was due to the use of autologous MSCs. We anticipate that this study will be of value in the field of tissue-engineering in clinical practice.

An advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), based on lane detection technology, detects dangerous situations through various sensors and either warns the driver or takes over direct control of the vehicle. At present, cameras are commonly used for lane detection; however, their performance varies widely depending on the lighting conditions. Consequently, many studies have focused on using radar for lane detection. However, when using radar, it is difficult to distinguish between the plain road surface and painted lane markers, necessitating the use of radar reflectors for guidance. Previous studies have used long-range radars which may receive interference signals from various objects, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and buildings, thereby hampering lane detection. Therefore, we propose a lane detection method that uses an impulse radio ultra-wideband radar with high-range resolution and metal lane markers installed at regular intervals on the road. Lane detection and departure is realized upon using the periodically reflected signals as well as vehicle speed data as inputs. For verification, a field test was conducted by attaching radar to a vehicle and installing metal lane markers on the road. Experimental scenarios were established by varying the position and movement of the vehicle, and it was demonstrated that the proposed method enables lane detection based on the data measured.

Forest biomass has recently been highlighted as a renewable energy source in South Korea. As the Renewable Energy Certificate weight has been revised to encourage the use of forest biomass for energy production, forest operations have focused on the development of new technologies and harvesting methods for the extraction and utilization of forest biomass. This study examined the application of a drum chipper to forest biomass and analyzed the effects of screen size (40, 50, 65, and 80 mm) on productivity, cost, and particle size distribution. When the screen size was 40 mm to 65 mm, the chipping productivity improved by up to 3.6 times, the fuel consumption decreased by up to 29.7%, and the chipping cost was reduced by up to 31.9%. The fines content tended to decrease with an increase in screen size. The size of woodchips was less than 100 mm in length and ranged from 10 to 63 mm. The 65 mm screen was the most effective (e.g., producing optimal wood chip size at an acceptable production rate) for the chipping operation. Harvesting methods and drying time are also important factors that determine the utilization efficiency of forest biomass. Therefore, further research should be focused on the effect of moisture content on chipping productivity, power required, and fine particle size in forest biomass productions.

This study presents the characteristics of HfAlO films for a series of Al incorporation ratios into a HfO2 dielectric by atomic layer deposition on a Si substrate. A small amount of Al doping into the HfO2 film can stabilize the tetragonal phase of the HfO2, which helps to achieve a higher dielectric constant (k) and lower leakage current density, as well as a higher breakdown voltage than HfO2 film on its own. Moreover, assimilation of Al2O3 into HfO2 can reduce the hysteresis width and frequency dispersion. These are indications of border trap reduction, which was also verified by the border trap extraction mechanism. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis also verified the HfAlO microstructural properties for various Al compositions. In addition, higher amounts of Al2O3 in HfAlO resulted in better interface and dielectric behavior through trap minimization, although the equivalent-oxide-thickness (EOT) values show the opposite trend.

This paper presents a technique for a simple sensing principle that can be used for the measurement of displacement. The proposed sensor head is composed of a reflective grating panel and an optical fiber as a transceiver. The simplified layout contributes to resolving the issues of space restraints during installation and complex cabling problems in transmission fiber optic sensors. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique, it is important to obtain the sinusoidal signal reflected from the grating for reasonable phase tracking. In the numerical analysis, a real wave based optical beam model is proposed for the extraction of predicted signal according to the grating width and ratio of reflection bar width to spacing. The grating pattern design to obtain a sine wave reflected sensor signal was determined within an R-square value of 0.98 after sine curve fitting analysis. Consequently, the proposed sensor principle achieved the in-plane displacement measurement with a maximum accuracy error of 5.34 µm.

This study was undertaken to optimize extraction using evolutionary operation-factorial (EVOP) design technique to elicit the antibacterial activity of Perilla frutescens var. acuta leaf against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538. Higher antibacterial activity was achieved at higher extraction temperature and over a longer extraction time. Antibacterial activity was not affected by differentiation of the ethanol concentration in the extraction solvent. The maximum antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of P. frutescens leaf against S. aureus was obtained at 75 °C (R = −0.7904**) extraction temperature, 24 h (R = −0.7273**) extraction time, and 45% (R = −0.0635) ethanol concentration. The population of S. aureus was decreased from 7.535 log CFU/mL in the initial set to 4.865 log CFU/mL in the third set by EVOP factorial design technique, as well as to 2.600 log CFU/mL by extraction with ethyl acetate. Further, the ethyl acetate extract revealed the highest phenolic contents (111.3 ± 8.6 mg% of dry sample) as compared to the other extracts. Also, the scanning electronic microscopic study of the ethanolic extract of P. frutescens revealed potential detrimental effect on the morphology of S. aureus.

Tracheal resection has limited applicability. Although various tracheal replacement strategies were performed using artificial prosthesis, synthetic stents and tissue transplantation, the best method in tracheal reconstruction remains to be identified. Recent advances in tissue engineering enabled 3D bioprinting using various biocompatible materials including living cells, thereby making the product clinically applicable. Moreover, clinical interest in mesenchymal stem cell has dramatically increased. Here, rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bMSC) and rabbit respiratory epithelial cells were cultured. The chondrogenic differentiation level of bMSC cultured in regular media (MSC) and that in chondrogenic media (d-MSC) were compared. Dual cell-containing artificial trachea were manufactured using a 3D bioprinting method with epithelial cells and undifferentiated bMSC (MSC group, n = 6) or with epithelial cells and chondrogenic-differentiated bMSC (d-MSC group, n = 6). d-MSC showed a relatively higher level of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation and chondrogenic marker gene expression than MSC in vitro. Neo-epithelialization and neo-vascularization were observed in all groups in vivo but neo-cartilage formation was only noted in d-MSC. The epithelial cells in the 3D bioprinted artificial trachea were effective in respiratory epithelium regeneration. Chondrogenic-differentiated bMSC had more neo-cartilage formation potential in a short period. Nevertheless, the cartilage formation was observed only in a localized area.

Restenosis at a vascular anastomosis site is a major cause of graft failure and is difficult to prevent by conventional treatment. Perivascular drug delivery has advantages as drugs can be diffused to tunica media and subintima while minimizing the direct effect on endothelium. This in vivo study investigated the comparative effectiveness of paclitaxel, sirolimus, and sunitinib using a perivascular biodegradable microneedle cuff. A total of 31 New Zealand white rabbits were used. Rhodamine was used to visualize drug distribution (n = 3). Sirolimus- (n = 7), sunitinib- (n = 7), and paclitaxel-loaded (n = 7) microneedle cuffs were placed at balloon-injured abdominal aortae and compared to drug-free cuffs (n = 7). Basic histological structures were not affected by microneedle devices, and vascular wall thickness of the device-only group was similar to that of normal artery. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly decreased neointima formation in all drug-treated groups (p < 0.001). However, the tunica media layer of the paclitaxel-treated group was significantly thinner than that of other groups and also showed the highest apoptotic ratio (p < 0.001). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were significantly reduced in all drug-treated groups. Sirolimus or sunitinib appeared to be more appropriate for microneedle devices capable of slow drug release because vascular wall thickness was minimally affected.

The aim of this study was to investigate the additional effects of cerebellar rTMS on the motor recovery of facilitatory rTMS over affected primary motor cortex (M1) in subacute stroke patients. Twenty-eight subacute stroke patients were recruited in this single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The Cr-Cbll group received Cr-Cbll rTMS stimulation consisting of high-frequency rTMS over affected M1 (10 min), motor training (10 min), and high-frequency rTMS over contralesional Cbll (10 min). The Cr-sham group received sham rTMS instead of high-frequency rTMS over the cerebellum. Ten daily sessions were performed for 2 weeks. A Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was measured before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 months after the intervention (T2). A total of 20 participants (10 in the Cr-Cbll group and 10 in the Cr-sham group) completed the intervention. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups at T0. FMA was significantly improved after the intervention in both Cr-Cbll and Cr-sham groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant interaction in FMA between time and group. In conclusion, these results could not demonstrate that rTMS over the contralesional cerebellum has additional effects to facilitatory rTMS over the affected M1 for improving motor function in subacute stroke patients.