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There have been many efforts to grow high-quality, single-crystalline graphene on a cheap substrate, such as a metal foil. However, control of nucleation and growth of individual flakes, as well as their seamless stitching, remains elusive. Here we demonstrate a new strategy to fast and facile synthesis of large scale single-crystal graphene on copper foil. Polycrystalline Cu foils were first converted to single-crystal Cu foils through high-temperature annealing processes. Then, a sodium chloride (NaCl) additive was introduced during chemical vapor deposition growth of graphene on the Cu foils. Investigation of early stage growth in this process suggests that the NaCl additive enhances nucleation events and depresses dendritic growth, producing high-density graphene flakes (GFs) with crystallographically well-defined edges: (i) rectangular-shaped GFs on Cu(100) and (ii) hexagonal-shaped GFs on Cu(111). Density functional theory calculations show that NaCl can assist in the elimination of remnant oxygen atoms on the Cu surface and promote epitaxial interactions between Cu and graphene. This behavior was further exploited to achieve large-scale single-crystal graphene through epitaxial, seamless stitching of hexagonal GFs within 90 s.

Background: The knowledge of 3-dimensional scapular kinematics is essential for understanding the pathological lesions of the shoulder and elbow in throwing athletes. Many studies about alterations of the resting scapular position, dynamic scapular motion, or scapular dyskinesis (SD) have been conducted, yet none of them have identified a consistent pattern of altered scapular kinematics in throwing athletes. Hypothesis/Purpose: To analyze the 3-dimensional scapular kinematics of dominant and nondominant arms in baseball players with a pathological condition of the shoulder or elbow. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Bilateral scapular positions, consisting of upward rotation (UR), superior translation (ST), internal rotation (IR), protraction (PRO), and anterior tilting (AT) with an arm at rest and at 150° forward elevation, were measured among 319 baseball players with SD using 3-dimensional computed tomography. Angular values of scapula were compared between dominant and nondominant arms with statistical analysis. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study. Results: The scapular position of dominant arms showed significantly more AT, less ST at rest and more UR and IR and less ST, PRO, and AT at 150° full forward elevation compared with the nondominant arms. The magnitude of mean change of UR, IR, PRO, and AT during arm elevation increased significantly between the paired arms (P value: UR, ST, PRO, and AT: Conclusion: When compared with the nondominant arms, UR, AT, and PRO with the arm at 150° forward elevation of dominant symptomatic arms in baseball players tilted toward positive compensation, whereas IR altered toward negative decompensation. In addition, the angular increment of the scapula increased significantly in dominant symptomatic arms compared with the nondominant arms.

Investigations on marine N2 fixation have gained momentum since 1960s with eventual establishments of relevant methodologies to identify species involved and quantify the rates. The evolution of various methodologies to understand N2 fixation and to estimate its rates were underpinned by the constant efforts of pioneers in the ocean biogeochemical research field. Those efforts succeeded in introducing various methodologies that include experimental (15N2 bubble method and acetylene reduction method), geochemical (N* and P* method), mathematical modelling, and remote sensing techniques. However, the construction of an accurate N budget is still under progress due to inseparable issues associated with each method and difficulties in conducting the experiments onboard on a larger scale. Nevertheless, the contributions by each of the methodologies are significant and helped in forming basic ideas about N2 fixation activities on a global scale. It is not only important to recognize the contributions made by the formation of various methodologies by marine research pioneers, but also vital to summarize what we have achieved in the marine N2 fixation research area so far. Hence, this review is an attempt to brief on the various milestones achieved in research on the N2 fixation mechanism, species involved, evolution of methodologies to estimate N2 fixation rates, species identification, budgets, and future concerns.

Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B), also known as COH1, is one of the VPS13 family members which is involved in transmembrane transport, Golgi integrity, and neuritogenesis. Mutations in the VPS13B gene are associated with Cohen syndrome and other cognitive disorders such as intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the pathophysiology of VPS13B-associated cognitive deficits is unclear, in part, due to the lack of animal models. Here, we generated a Vps13b exon 2 deletion mutant mouse and analyzed the behavioral phenotypes. We found that Vps13b mutant mice showed reduced activity in open field test and significantly shorter latency to fall in the rotarod test, suggesting that the mutants have motor deficits. In addition, we found that Vps13b mutant mice showed deficits in spatial learning in the hidden platform version of the Morris water maze. The Vps13b mutant mice were normal in other behaviors such as anxiety-like behaviors, working memory and social behaviors. Our results suggest that Vps13b mutant mice may recapitulate key clinical symptoms in Cohen syndrome such as intellectual disability and hypotonia. Vps13b mutant mice may serve as a useful model to investigate the pathophysiology of Vps13b-associated disorders.

This study investigated the low-temperature ethanol steam reforming (LTESR) performance of a Pd0.01Zn0.29Mg0.7Al2O4 catalyst. Although it was present in a very small amount, the Pd component was the key to the partial CO-water gas shift and CO-methanation that, eventually, helped to increase the yield of H2 during LTESR. An 80% yield of H2 was maintained even after 30 h at 450 °C on the Pd0.01Zn0.29Mg0.7Al2O4 catalyst with 100% ethanol conversion. Furthermore, the spinel structure of the catalyst remained unchanged after the reaction, and there was no increase in size owing to particle-to-particle aggregation. This study demonstrated that the Pd and Zn components could be stably located in the spinel structure of the MgAl2O4 with no sintering of the particles. Moreover, the oxygen transfer capacity of the MgAl2O4 spinel structure helped maintain the catalytic performance for long time periods by transferring oxygen to the reduced catalytic metal species (Zn or Pd) during the reaction, even though this induced oxygen defects in the spinel crystal. Overall, improved catalyst activity and an extended catalyst lifespan were observed.

"Antibiotic tolerance" promotes the rapid subsequent evolution of "antibiotic resistance," however, it is often overlooked because it is difficult to distinguish between tolerant and susceptible organisms. A commensal bacterium S. anginosus subsp. anginosus strain KHUD_S1, isolated from dental biofilm was found to exhibit a high MBC/MIC ratio of 32 against vancomycin. We observed KHUD_S1 cells exposed to vancomycin did not grow but maintained viability. Transmission electron microscope showed KHUD_S1 cells possessed a dense, thick capsule and maintained the cell wall integrity upon vancomycin exposure. To infer the underlying mechanisms of the vancomycin tolerance in KHUD_S1, we performed whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing. The KHUD_S1 genome carried three genes encoding branching enzymes that can affect peptidoglycan structure through interpeptide bridge formation. Global gene expression profiling revealed that the vancomycin-induced downregulation of carbohydrate and inorganic ion transport/metabolism as well as translation is less prominent in KHUD_S1 than in the vancomycin susceptible strain KHUD_S3. Based on the transcriptional levels of genes related to peptidoglycan synthesis, KHUD_S1 was determined to have a 3D peptidoglycan architecture distinct from KHUD_S3. It was found that, under vancomycin exposure, the peptidoglycan was remodeled through changes in the interpeptide bridge and transpeptidation reactions. Collectively, these features of S. anginosus KHUD_S1, including a dense capsule and differential gene expression in peptidoglycan synthesis, may contribute to vancomycin tolerance. Our results showing the occurrence of vancomycin tolerance amongst oral commensal bacteria highlight the need for considering future strategies for screening of antibiotic tolerance as an effort to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been used as tissue engineering models for bone, cartilage, muscle, marrow stroma, tendon, fat and other connective tissues. Tissue regeneration materials composed of hADSCs have the potential to play an important role in reconstituting damaged tissue or diseased mesenchymal tissue. In this study, we assessed and investigated the osteogenesis of hADSCs in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions. We confirmed that the hADSCs successfully differentiated into bone tissues by ARS staining and quantitative RT–PCR. To gain insight into the detailed biological difference between the two culture conditions, we profiled the overall gene expression by analyzing the whole transcriptome sequencing data using various bioinformatic methods. We profiled the overall gene expression through RNA-Seq and further analyzed this using various bioinformatic methods. During differential gene expression testing, significant differences in the gene expressions between hADSCs cultured in 2D and 3D conditions were observed. The genes related to skeletal development, bone development and bone remodeling processes were overexpressed in the 3D culture condition as compared to the 2D culture condition. In summary, our RNA-Seq-based study proves effective in providing new insights that contribute toward achieving a genome-wide understanding of gene regulation in mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation and bone tissue regeneration within the 3D culture system.

We report copper(II) arsenite (CuAS)-integrated polymer micelles (CuAS-PMs) as a new class of Fenton-like catalytic nanosystem that can display reactive oxygen species (ROS)-manipulating anticancer therapeutic activity. CuAS-PMs were fabricated through metal-catechol chelation-based formation of the CuAS complex on the core domain of poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) (PEG-PDOPA) copolymer micelles. CuAS-PMs maintained structural robustness under serum conditions. The insoluble state of the CuAS complex was effectively retained at physiological pH, whereas, at endosomal pH, the CuAS complex was ionized to release arsenite and cuprous Fenton catalysts (Cu

There has been strong demand for the development of an accurate but simple method to assess the freshness of food. In this study, we demonstrated a system to determine food freshness by analyzing the spectral response from a portable visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectrometer using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based machine learning algorithm. Spectral response data from salmon, tuna, and beef incubated at 25 °C were obtained every minute for 30 h and then categorized into three states of “fresh”, “likely spoiled”, and “spoiled” based on time and pH. Using the obtained spectral data, a CNN-based machine learning algorithm was built to evaluate the freshness of experimental objects. In addition, a CNN-based machine learning algorithm with a shift-invariant feature can minimize the effect of the variation caused using multiple devices in a real environment. The accuracy of the obtained machine learning model based on the spectral data in predicting the freshness was approximately 85% for salmon, 88% for tuna, and 92% for beef. Therefore, our study demonstrates the practicality of a portable spectrometer in food freshness assessment.

The cellular macromolecular contents and energy value of phytoplankton as primary food source determine the growth of higher trophic levels, affecting the balance and sustainability of oceanic food webs. Especially, proteins are more directly linked with basic functions of phytoplankton biosynthesis and cell division and transferred through the food chains. In recent years, the East/Japan Sea (EJS) has been changed dramatically in environmental conditions, such as physical and chemical characteristics, as well as biological properties. Therefore, developing an algorithm to estimate the protein concentration of phytoplankton and monitor their spatiotemporal variations on a broad scale would be invaluable. To derive the protein concentration of phytoplankton in EJS, the new regional algorithm was developed by using multiple linear regression analyses based on field-measured data which were obtained from 2012 to 2018 in the southwestern EJS. The major factors for the protein concentration were identified as chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and sea surface nitrate (SSN) in the southwestern EJS. The coefficient of determination (r2) between field-measured and algorithm-derived protein concentrations was 0.55, which is rather low but reliable. The satellite-derived estimation generally follows the 1:1 line with the field-measured data, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient, which was 0.40 (p-value &lt, 0.01, n = 135). No remarkable trend in the long-term annual protein concentration of phytoplankton was found in the study area during our observation period. However, some seasonal difference was observed in winter protein concentration between the 2003–2005 and 2017–2019 periods. The algorithm is developed for the regional East/Japan Sea (EJS) and could contribute to long-term monitoring for climate-associated ecosystem changes. For a better understanding of spatiotemporal variation in the protein concentration of phytoplankton in the EJS, this algorithm should be further improved with continuous field surveys.

Background: Periodontitis (PT) is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease that can have heterogeneous clinical presentations. The oral microbiome and its metabolites have been implicated as the causes and regulators of PT pathogenesis. In this study, we assessed the oral microbiome and its metabolome in PT patients to clarify the interactions between the microbiome and its metabolites.Methods: A total of 112 subjects were recruited. Buccal and supragingival samples were collected for microbiome analysis. Saliva samples were collected for metabolomic analyses. Microbiome and metabolome data were analyzed and further integrated for combined analysis using various bioinformatics approaches.Results: Oral metabolomic analysis identified 28 metabolites distinguishing the healthy (H) and PT groups. PT group were further clustered into two subgroups (PT_G1 and PT_G2) depending on metabolite profiles. Oral microbiome analysis revealed discriminatory bacterial species in the H, PT_G1, and PT_G2 microbiota. Interestingly, PT_G2 had significantly higher concentration of short chain fatty acids and higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Integrated analysis of the microbiome and metabolome showed close association.Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of a close interplay between the oral microbiome and metabolome. Multi-omics approach including microbiome and microbe-associated metabolites may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and enhance treatment prediction in periodontal disease.

Keratin is known to be a major protein in hair, but the biological function of keratin in hair growth is unknown, which led us to conduct a pilot study to elucidate biological function of keratin in hair growth via cellular interactions with hair forming cells. Here, we show hair growth is stimulated by intradermal injection of keratin into mice, and show that outer root sheath cells undergo transforming growth factor-β2-induced apoptosis, resulting in keratin exposure. Keratin exposure appears to be critical for dermal papilla cell condensation and hair germ formation as immunodepletion and silencing keratin prevent dermal papilla cell condensation and hair germ formation. Furthermore, silencing keratin in mice resulted in a marked suppression of anagen follicle formation and hair growth. Our study imply a new finding of how to initiate hair regeneration and suggests the potent application of keratin biomaterial for the treatment of hair loss.

Background: A labral retear is an important contributing factor to surgical failure after arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. However, surgeons frequently encounter poor tissue conditions in the anterior capsule, such as capsular tears, during revision surgery. Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcomes and failure rates of revision arthroscopic stabilization after failed Bankart repair based on the tissue conditions of the anterior capsule and the labrum. Outcomes were compared for revision after failed Bankart repair because of a labral retear versus a healed labrum but with capsular tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 55 patients who underwent revision arthroscopic stabilization after failed Bankart repair were included. Revision surgery was indicated if patients had a history of recurrent instability with positive apprehension test results, regardless of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a labral retear. Patients were allocated into 2 groups based on arthroscopic findings at the time of revision surgery: group 1 consisted of patients who had a healed labrum with definite anterior capsular tears, and group 2 comprised patients who had labral retears without capsular tears. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Rowe score, and surgical failure rate. Results: Overall, 10 patients were included in group 1, and 45 patients were included in group 2. No capsular tears were detected on preoperative MRI or magnetic resonance arthrography scans in either group, whereas all patients in group 2 had evidence of anterior labral retears on imaging scans. After revision surgery, 9 patients (16.4%) showed surgical failure by 25.6 months postoperatively. Patients in group 1 had a significantly higher surgical failure rate than did those in group 2 (4 patients [40.0%] vs 5 patients [11.1%], respectively; P = .04). The incidence of capsular tears was significantly higher in patients with surgical failure versus those without surgical failure (44.4% vs 13.0%, respectively; P = .04). Conclusion: A capsular tear of the anterior capsulolabral complex was an important indicator for surgical failure after revision arthroscopic stabilization. If patients demonstrate symptomatic instability after arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization without evidence of labral retears on imaging scans, an anterior capsular tear should be considered as a possible factor for recurrence.

Here we show that intradermal injection of keratin promotes hair growth in mice, which results from extracellular interaction of keratin with hair forming cells. Extracellular application of keratin induces condensation of dermal papilla cells and the generation of a P-cadherin-expressing cell population (hair germ) from outer root sheath cells via keratin-mediated microenvironmental changes. Exogenous keratin-mediated hair growth is reflected by the finding that keratin exposure from transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2)-induced apoptotic outer root sheath cells appears to be critical for dermal papilla cell condensation and P-cadherin-expressing hair germ formation. Immunodepletion or downregulation of keratin released from or expressed in TGFβ2-induced apoptotic outer root sheath cells negatively influences dermal papilla cell condensation and hair germ formation. Our pilot study provides an evidence on initiating hair regeneration and insight into the biological function of keratin exposed from apoptotic epithelial cells in tissue regeneration and development.

BackgroundRNA editing generates modifications to the RNA sequences, thereby increasing protein diversity and shaping various layers of gene regulation. Recent studies have revealed global shifts in editing levels across many cancer types, as well as a few specific mechanisms implicating individual sites in tumorigenesis or metastasis. However, most tumor-associated sites, predominantly in noncoding regions, have unknown functional relevance.ResultsHere, we carry out integrative analysis of RNA editing profiles between epithelial and mesenchymal tumors, since epithelial-mesenchymal transition is a key paradigm for metastasis. We identify distinct editing patterns between epithelial and mesenchymal tumors in seven cancer types using TCGA data, an observation further supported by single-cell RNA sequencing data and ADAR perturbation experiments in cell culture. Through computational analyses and experimental validations, we show that differential editing sites between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes function by regulating mRNA abundance of their respective genes. Our analysis of RNA-binding proteins reveals ILF3 as a potential regulator of this process, supported by experimental validations. Consistent with the known roles of ILF3 in immune response, epithelial-mesenchymal differential editing sites are enriched in genes involved in immune and viral processes. The strongest target of editing-dependent ILF3 regulation is the transcript encoding PKR, a crucial player in immune and viral response.ConclusionsOur study reports widespread differences in RNA editing between epithelial and mesenchymal tumors and a novel mechanism of editing-dependent regulation of mRNA abundance. It reveals the broad impact of RNA editing in cancer and its relevance to cancer-related immune pathways.

The East China Sea (ECS) is the largest marginal sea in the northern western Pacific Ocean. In comparison to various physical studies, little information on the seasonal patterns in community structure of phytoplankton is currently available. Based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment analysis, spatiotemporal variations in phytoplankton community compositions were investigated in the northern ECS. Water temperature and salinity generally decreased toward the western part of the study area but warmer conditions in August led to strong vertical stratification of the water column. In general, major inorganic nutrient concentrations were considerably higher in the western part with a shallow water depth, and consistent with previous results, had no discernable vertical pattern during our observation period except in August. This study also revealed PO4-limited environmental conditions in May and August. The monthly averaged integral chlorophyll-a concentration varied seasonally, highest (35.2 &plusmn, 20.22 mg m&minus, 2) in May and lowest (5.2 &plusmn, 2.54 mg m&minus, 2) in February. No distinct vertical differences in phytoplankton community compositions were observed for all the sampling seasons except in August when cyanobacteria predominated in the nutrient-deficient surface layer and diatoms prevailed at deep layer. Canonical correlation analysis results revealed that nutrient distribution and the water temperature were the major drivers of the vertical distribution of phytoplankton communities in August. Spatially, a noticeable difference in phytoplankton community structure between the eastern and western parts was observed in November with diatom domination in the western part and cyanobacteria domination in the eastern part, which were significantly (p &lt, 0.01) correlated with water temperature, salinity, light conditions, and nutrient concentrations. Overall, the two major phytoplankton groups were diatoms (32.0%) and cyanobacteria (20.6%) in the northern ECS and the two groups were negatively correlated, which holds a significant ecological meaning under expected warming ocean conditions.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the osteogenic potential of human maxillary sinus membrane (hMSM)-derived cells, and the role of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in the inflammatory response of hMSM-derived cells and gingival fibroblasts following sinus floor elevation procedure (SFE). hMSM-derived cells from the samples were isolated, subcultured, and analyzed using immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. The hMSM-derived cells obtained from passage 6 were used for Alizarin Red staining and quantitative reverse transcription-quantitative PCR to observe its osteogenic activity and inflammatory reaction upon supplementation with rhBMP-2. The hMSM-derived cells were shown to be heterogeneous, as indicated by their positive expression of human mesenchymal stem cell markers (STRO-1, high mobility group AT-hook 2, CD44, CD105 and OCT-3/4), fibroblast cell marker (fibroblast-specific protein 1) and epithelial cell marker (epithelial cell adhesion molecule). Calcium nodules were found to be more notably evident in the rhBMP-2 group, following osteogenic differentiation. The gene expression of osteogenic markers was significantly upregulated in the cells supplemented with rhBMP-2. Supplementation with rhBMP-2 also enhanced the expression of inflammatory markers in hMSM-derived cells and gingival fibroblasts; however, NF-κB and TNF-α expression was not significantly increased compared with the control in the hMSM-derived cells. hMSM contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) capable of differentiating into osteogenic cells. The supplementation of rhBMP-2 enhanced osteogenic differentiation and induced an inflammatory response which was greater in gingival fibroblasts compared with hMSM-derived cells. In summary, the hMSM is a potential contributor to the osteogenic process following SFE, and the use of rhBMP-2 may increase the inflammatory response accordingly. The gingival tissue may be responsible for the increased inflammatory response by rhBMP-2 and postoperative complications.

In this study, we propose a rational route to create wrinkling patterns with individually controllable location and direction in thin polymer films. Optical and atomic force microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of straight wrinkles with a typical width of 1.51 to 1.55 μm and a height of 60 to 65 nm. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that each wrinkle produces a continuous hollow channel that interconnects neighboring holes in the polymer film, demonstrating potential applications as nanoscale fluidic channel and reactor. Moreover, we propose a mechanism that considers the elastic deformation energy and interface energies as crucial parameters that govern the mechanical instabilities, which provides scaling relationships between the height, width, and thickness of the wrinkles. This offers additional opportunities for control over the size and aspect ratio of the wrinkles and channels.

Cohen syndrome (CS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, has been associated with genetic mutations in the VPS13B gene, which regulates vesicle-mediated protein sorting and transport. However, the cellular mechanism underlying CS pathogenesis in patient-derived human neurons remains unknown. We identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation, due to homozygous variation of biparental origin and heterozygous variation inherited from the father, in the VPS13B gene in a 20-month-old female patient. To understand the cellular pathogenic mechanisms, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the fibroblasts of the CS patient. The iPSCs were differentiated into forebrain-like functional glutamatergic neurons or neurospheres. Functional annotation from transcriptomic analysis using CS iPSC-derived neurons revealed that synapse-related functions were enriched among the upregulated and downregulated genes in the CS neurons, whereas processes associated with neurodevelopment were enriched in the downregulated genes. The developing CS neurospheres were small in size compared to control neurospheres, likely due to the reduced proliferation of SOX2-positive neural stem cells. Moreover, the number of SV2B-positive puncta and spine-like structures was significantly reduced in the CS neurons, suggesting synaptic dysfunction. Taking these findings together, for the first time, we report a potential cellular pathogenic mechanism which reveals the alteration of neurodevelopment-related genes and the dysregulation of synaptic function in the human induced neurons differentiated from iPSCs and neurospheres of a CS patient.

Significant clinical symptoms of Cohen syndrome (CS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, include intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, postnatal microcephaly, retinal dystrophy, and intermittent neutropenia. CS has been associated with mutations in the VPS13B (vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B) gene, which regulates vesicle-mediated protein sorting and transport; however, the cellular mechanism underlying CS pathogenesis in patient-derived neurons remains uncertain. This report states that autophagic vacuoles accumulate in CS fibroblasts and the axonal terminals of CS patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (CS iPSC)-derived neurons; additionally, autophagic flux was significantly increased in CS-derived neurons compared to control neurons. VPS13B knockout HeLa cell lines generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system showed significant upregulation of autophagic flux, indicating that VSP13B may be associated with autophagy in CS. Transcriptomic analysis focusing on the autophagy pathway revealed that genes associated with autophagosome organization were dysregulated in CS-derived neurons. ATG4C is a mammalian ATG4 paralog and a crucial regulatory component of the autophagosome biogenesis/recycling pathway. ATG4C was significantly upregulated in CS-derived neurons, indicating that autophagy is upregulated in CS neurons. The autophagy pathway in CS neurons may be associated with the pathophysiology exhibited in the neural network of CS patients.

Periodontitis is a chronic and multifactorial inflammatory disease that can lead to tooth loss. At present, the diagnosis for periodontitis is primarily based on clinical examination and radiographic parameters. Detecting the periodontal pathogens at the subgingival plaque requires skilled professionals to collect samples. Periodontal pathogens are also detected on various mucous membranes in patients with periodontitis. In this study, we characterized the oral microbiome profiles from buccal mucosa and supragingival space in a total of 272 healthy subjects as a control group, and periodontitis patients as a disease group. We identified 13 phyla, 193 genera, and 527 species and determined periodontitis-associated taxa. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticolar, Filifactor alocis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Fretibacterium fastiosum and Peptostreptococcus species were significantly increased in both the buccal mucosa and the supragingival space in periodontitis patients. The identified eight periodontitis-associated bacterial species were clinically validated in an independent cohort. We generated the prediction model based on the oral microbiome profiles using five machine learning algorithms, and validated its capability in predicting the status of patients with periodontitis. The results showed that the oral microbiome profiles from buccal mucosa and supragingival space can represent the microbial composition of subgingival plaque and further be utilized to identify potential microbial biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontitis. Besides, bacterial community interaction network analysis found distinct patterns associated with dysbiosis in periodontitis. In summary, we have identified oral bacterial species from buccal and supragingival sites which can predict subgingival bacterial composition and can be used for early diagnosis of periodontitis. Therefore, our study provides an important basis for developing easy and noninvasive methods to diagnose and monitor periodontitis.

Background This study evaluated the clinical outcome of arthroscopic treatment for anterior shoulder dislocation in elite and professional baseball players. Methods This study included 51 baseball players who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2008 and 2015. The follow-up duration was set at 24 months or longer, based on clinic visit or telephone survey. After surgery, players who played in 1 or more official games were considered to have returned to play (RTP), and those who participated in more than 10 official games were considered to have solidly returned to play (sRTP). The RTP and sRTP rates were analyzed by player position (pitcher, catcher, and in-fielder), and the period of RTP after surgery (rehabilitation period) was investigated. Results Of 51 baseball players (mean age, 20.9 years), 14 were pitchers, 6 were catchers, and 31 were in-fielders. Pitchers showed 64% RTP and 57% sRTP, catchers, 83% RTP and 83% sRTP, and in-fielders, 90% RTP and 90% sRTP. The overall RTP and sRTP rates were 82% and 80%, respectively. The average RTP period after surgery (rehabilitation period) was 8.4 months, with 9.6, 9.1, and 7.4 months for pitchers, catchers, and in-fielders, respectively. Conclusions The RTP after arthroscopic Bankart repair shows favorable results, with the nonthrowing shoulder and in-field position yielding the best results. Players undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and the surgeon should be aware of the possible outcomes based on the throwing/nonthrowing arm and various positions.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of early weight-bearing and rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) of calcaneal fracture. This retrospective study was conducted on 78 patients with unilateral calcaneal fracture who underwent OR/IF. A mean follow-up period was 45.8 months (range 12–135). Two weeks after surgery, the range of motion (ROM) exercise was started, brace or heel off shoe was applied, and forefoot weight-bearing was allowed. Four weeks after surgery, tolerable weight-bearing ambulation without crutch was allowed. When the patient was not walking, the braces were removed to perform peritalar ROM exercises. Radiologic evaluation was performed by measuring the Bohler angle and incongruency of the subtalar joint surface. Paley grade was used to assess traumatic arthritis. Clinical evaluation was performed by measuring the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and ankle ROM. The mean postoperative Bohler angle was 31.7° (P

Background: In spite of the probable advantages of Bankart repair with modified Mason-Allen technique, there has been no study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the modified Mason-Allen technique for Bankart repair. Purpose: To prospectively compare the anatomic and clinical outcomes between the vertical simple stitch and the modified Mason-Allen stitch with respect to the labral height, retear rate, redislocation/apprehension, and various functional outcome scores. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with double-loaded suture anchors were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: the vertical simple stitch method (SS; n = 45) or the Bankart repair using modified Mason-Allen technique (BRUMA; n = 41). All patients underwent computed tomography arthrography at 6 months postoperatively and various functional outcome measurements at least 2 years postoperatively. The labral height and width at the 3-, 4-, and 5-o’clock positions were measured preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery on axial computed tomography arthrography; the redislocation/apprehension rate, the retear rate, and various functional outcome scores were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Results: Postoperative labral height and width were significantly increased at all locations (all P < .001) in both groups, but they were not statistically different between groups (all P > .05). Two patients in the SS group (4.4%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) experienced redislocation after surgery, and 4 patients in the SS group (8.9%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) group showed apprehension after surgery. Additionally, 5 patients in the SS group (11.1%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) showed retear at 6 months ( P = .239). There were no differences in any functional outcome scores (all P > .05). Conclusion: There was no difference in the radiologic outcomes at 6 months and the clinical outcomes assessed at least 2 years after surgery between the groups.

Biochemical composition of phytoplankton is a key indicator of the physiological and nutritional status of phytoplankton. A balanced biochemical pattern represents a healthy and productive metabolism in the autotrophic levels which can facilitate proper functioning of higher level organisms. The estimation of biochemical compositions was initiated in the early 1970’s. However, there has been a significant set of modifications in the extraction method and improvements in the sampling and analysis techniques since then. Similarly, the extent of biochemical measurements from various aquatic ecosystems around the globe has also increased. Recently, biochemical patterns are being used as a tool to track the changes in the physiological status of phytoplankton as a response to climate change. Such investigations are also forming part of research works on marine food webs and the nutritional status of ecosystems. This article is a brief review of research works carried out so far in an attempt to understand the biochemical compositions of phytoplankton in the global oceans and the implications with regard to changing environmental conditions.

PURPOSE: To investigate outcomes of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab in association with choroidal morphology in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHOD: Eighty-six PCV eyes (83 patients) treated with PDT in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab and followed for 1 year were evaluated. Choroidal morphological features including subfoveal choroidal thicknesses, diameter of pachyvessel, and choroidal vascularity were analyzed for association with responsiveness and recurrence. RESULT: Total choroid, Haller’s layer, and pachyvessel were thicker in responders (n = 70) compared with non-responders (n = 16) at baseline (298 vs. 227 μm, 213 vs. 144 μm, and 276 vs. 210 μm, respectively; all P ≤ 0.001). Choroidal vascularity was significantly higher (0.68 vs 0.60, P

Background Valganciclovir is widely used to prevent post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in kidney transplant patients. However, the currently used dose remains controversial because the continuous use of this drug decreases kidney function and can induce leukopenia. Objective The purpose of this study was to measure the appropriate dose of valganciclovir required to prevent CMV infection. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by using a random effects model. The Cochrane Central Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases were searched up to April 15, 2017. We conducted analysis on low-dose (450 mg) and standard-dose (900 mg) valganciclovir groups. Results After completion of the research, the analysis revealed that the glomerular filtration rate, graft loss, tacrolimus level, antibody-mediated rejection, and fungal and Candida infection rates did not differ between the 2 groups. However, the incidence of CMV tended to decrease in the low-dose group (0.584 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.352–0.967]; P = .036). The biopsy-proven rejection rate decreased by 0.427 times in the low-dose group compared with the standard-dose group (95% CI, 0.274–0.667; P = .002). Furthermore, the incidence of leukopenia decreased by 0.371 times in the low-dose group compared with the standard-dose group (95% CI, 0.264–0.523; P = .001). Conclusions The 450-mg dose of valganciclovir effectively prevented post-transplantation CMV infection and decreased drug-induced side effects such as leukopenia. In the future, the lower dose of valganciclovir should be considered to prevent CMV infection and enhance cost-effectiveness.

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can increase morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant (KT) patients. Chemoprophylaxis with valganciclovir (VGCV) is recommended for ABO-incompatible (ABOi) KT patients as it significantly reduces CMV disease and infection. The recommended dose of VGCV for prevention of CMV in a KT recipient is 900 mg once daily, and the treatment duration is 6 months. However, because it is expensive, sufficient amounts might not be administered. Methods We investigated whether ultralow-dose VGCV (450 mg every other day) and short dosing period (3 months) was sufficient to prevent CMV infection after ABOi KT. We retrospectively evaluated 74 adult CMV-seropositive donor/CMV-seropositive recipient (D+/R+) ABOi KT recipients from June 2009 to July 2016 who received ultralow-dose VGCV prophylaxis for 3 months. The primary outcome was occurrence of CMV infection. Secondary outcomes were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Result All patients received intravenous rituximab 200 mg once and plasmapheresis for reduction of anti-A/B antibodies and interleukin-2 antibodies before undergoing ABOi KT. Mean prophylaxis and follow-up durations were 3 and 52 months, respectively. One patient died of bacterial pneumonia. Four patients lost graft function and were undergoing hemodialysis; 3 cases were caused by antibody-mediated rejection, and 1 was due to mechanical complication after surgery. Fortunately, CMV infection did not occur in any patient. Conclusion Ultralow-dose VGCV is an effective prophylaxis for D+/R+ ABOi KT recipients. Especially, ultralow-dose VGCV CMV infection prevention protocol in Asian populations reduced the side effects and cost.

To compare choroidal vascular characteristics of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by qualitative and quantitative analyses using swept-source en face optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images. Eyes with non-neovascular AMD (n = 32), neovascular AMD (n = 30), thick and thin choroid PCV (n = 33 and 27), and CSC (n = 34) were enrolled. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and the presence and patterns of pachyvessels were assessed. En face images of the large choroidal vessel layer were converted to binary images for the analysis of vascular density. Pachyvessels were identified in 8 (25%), 14 (46%), 28 (85%), 26 (96%), and 34 (100%) non-neovascular AMD, neovascular AMD, thin choroid PCV, thick choroid PCV, and CSC eyes, respectively (P

The biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) is very important to understand in relation to the trophic conditions of marine ecosystems since it forms the primary trophic base. The present study investigated the biochemical compositions (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) of POM monthly from January to December 2015 in Geoje-Hansan Bay to determine if the macromolecular composition of POM is coupled between the water columns and sediment. A spatial difference in the macromolecular compositions was observed in the water columns between the inner and outer bays, which may be caused by the different physiological conditions of phytoplankton growth that are due to the water circulation pattern in the bay. In contrast, no distinctive spatial difference in the macromolecular compositions was found in the sedimentary organic matter. Overall, while carbohydrates were the dominant (45.7%) macromolecules of the POM in the water columns, proteins were dominant (47.9%) in the sedimentary organic matter during our observation period. Decoupling of the macromolecular compositions between the water columns and underneath the sediment in Geoje-Hansan Bay appears to be a result of the various effects of selective filter feeding by oysters and protein-dominant benthic microalgae and fouling organisms.

This research focuses on the synergy of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane (CH4) by simultaneously introducing light and heat as dynamic sources to activate the catalyst. A CaTiO3@Ni-Pt catalyst, loaded with 30.0 wt.% Ni and 1.0 wt.% Pt on a perovskite CaTiO3 support was introduced. The photo-thermal catalytic hybrid system has two features that distinguish it from other photo- or thermal-catalytic systems. First, unlike the CO2 thermal-methanation reaction where CO2 and H2 react at a molar ratio of 1:4, 2.0 mol of H2 was replaced with 2.0 mol H2O in the photo-thermal catalytic hybrid system compared to the thermal-methanation reaction requiring 4.0 mol of H2. Second, by loading Ni and Pt, which are catalytic active species with excellent CO2 and H2 adsorption abilities, the CO2 reduction (46.48%) was promoted and the CH4 selectivity (99.46%) in the product was increased compared to the photo-methanation reaction. The CaTiO3@Ni-Pt not only inhibited the recombination of the photo-generated charges, but also facilitated the adsorption of the reactants in the photo-thermal hybrid system. The quantum efficiency of the CaTiO3@Ni-Pt catalyst measured for the photo-thermal hybrid system steadily increased to 180 °C. Nevertheless, this study implies that a photo-thermal hybrid system can be useful to photo-reducing CO2 by adding a small amount of heat. From a thermal reaction standpoint, a photo-thermal hybrid system can be used to reduce the reaction temperature during CO2 thermal-methanation and to reduce the consumption of H2 in half.

Background: In arthroscopic Bankart repair, anchor positions can affect glenoid labral height and functional outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate anchor placement on the glenoid during Bankart lesion repair and determine which placement would lead to better functional outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Method: This study included 90 patients (74 males, 16 females; average age, 23.7 years; range, 18-47 years) who underwent surgery for Bankart lesions between December 2009 and March 2014. The mean follow-up duration was 32.7 months (range, 26-48 months). We divided anchor positions into 2 groups: on the glenoid face and at the glenoid edge. The anchor position on the glenoid and the labral height were examined with computed tomography (CT) arthrography at 4.5-month follow-up, and Rowe scores were calculated at 2-year follow-up. Results: The group with the anchor placed on the glenoid face contained 63 patients, and the group with the anchor placed at the glenoid edge or rim contained 27 patients. Mean labral heights at 4.5 months postoperatively in the 2 groups were 5.4 ± 0.22 mm and 3.2 ± 0.16 mm, respectively ( P < .01), and mean Rowe scores at 2 years were 94.7 and 79.5, respectively ( P < .01). Rowe scores calculated at 2-year follow-up were significantly related to anchor position ( P < .01). Conclusion: Anchors positioned on the glenoid face resulted in the greatest restored labral height and better functional outcome (Rowe score). Thus, anchor placement on the glenoid face should be considered, as it may yield better functional outcome in arthroscopic Bankart repair.

Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss in diabetic patients is especially common regardless of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The correlations between nonglaucomatous RNFL loss and systemic characteristics in diabetic patients have aroused interests in many aspects. 167 subjects with type 2 diabetes who underwent evaluation for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular autonomic function using heart rate variability (HRV) were included in this study. Arterial stiffness was measured using cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine factors influencing the presence of RNFL loss according to age. Factors determining the superior location of diabetic RNFL loss were also investigated. CAVI were worse in patients with RNFL loss, especially in those with old age (≥50 yrs) (p = 0.037). Influential factor of RNFL defect in old group was ABI (p = 0.007). However, in young group (p = 0.040). Significant determinants of superior RNFL defect in old subjects were CAVI and ABI (p = 0.032 and p = 0.024). For young diabetic patients, autonomic dysfunction may have relationship with RNFL loss, but as patients get older, arterial stiffness could aggravate vascular autoregulation and diabetic RNFL loss. RNFL loss in diabetes may be correlated with systemic vascular conditions.

Rodents are important reservoirs of diseases affecting people and livestock, and are major sources of parasite contamination of agricultural products. We surveyed the infection status of intestinal helminths in 2 species of field mice, Apodemus agrarius and A. peninsulae, captured in the agricultural fields of Gangwon-do and Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. Total 83 mice (57 A. agrarius and 26 A. peninsulae) were collected in 2 surveyed areas, and the intestines of each mouse were opened with scissors, and then intestinal contents were examined with microscope. Total 6 species of intestinal helminth were detected in 61 (73.5%) out of 83 mice examined. Four species of nematode, i.e., Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Heterakis spp. and ascarid, were found in 40 (48.2%), 14 (16.9%), 11 (13.3%) and 13 (15.7%) mice respectively. One species of cestode, Hymenolepis diminuta and 1 unidentified egg were also detected in the intestines of 14 (16.9%) and 1 (1.2%) mice, respectively. Conclusively, this study identified 5 helminth species in the gastrointestinal tracts of wild rodents captured in some areas in central and northern Korea, and N. brasiliensis was the most prevalent (dominant) species rather than zoonotic ones.

There has been no study on radiologic changes after medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstruction and related clinical features.Data from 39 baseball players who underwent MUCL reconstruction were collected and analyzed. The baseball players were classified into 2 groups according to the starting point of the humeral tunnel: (1) the lower tip of the medial epicondyle (group NA, n = 21) and (2) the remnant of the MUCL (group A, n = 18). Bone tunnel characteristics and changes were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) at 3 and 9 months postoperatively. Outcome measures consisted of the visual analog scale, range of motion (ROM), the Conway scale, and the presence of ulnar nerve irritation postoperatively.The mean diameter of the humeral entry was 4.0 mm (range, 3.4-5.1 mm) on the first CT scan, which increased to 5.5 mm (range, 3.2-7.2 mm) on the follow-up CT scan (P .001). The mean diameter of the ulnar tunnel was 2.8 mm (range, 1.1-3.3 mm) on the first CT scan, which decreased to 1.6 mm (range, 0-4.3 mm) on the follow-up CT scan (P .001). The between-group comparison revealed no differences in the changes in the diameter of the humeral and ulnar tunnels. A statistically significant correlation was not found between athletic performance measured by the Conway scale and the radiologic changes on CT evaluation (P = .182). Group A showed improvement in extension from 7° preoperatively to 1° postoperatively (P .001) and in flexion from 126° preoperatively to 136° postoperatively (P .001), while group NA did not achieve statistical significance in ROM improvement after the operation.Humeral tunnel widening was commonly observed, while the ulnar tunnel was maintained or became narrowed conversely. The humeral tunnel placements did not affect tunnel changes after the surgical procedure; however, MUCL reconstruction with the anatomic location of the humeral tunnel yielded substantial improvement in elbow ROM.

The high nutrient concentration associated with the mixing dynamics of two warm and cold water masses supports high primary production in the Yellow Sea. Although various environmental changes have been reported, no recent information on small phytoplankton contribution to the total primary production as an important indicator for marine ecosystem changes is currently available in the Yellow Sea. The major objective of this study is to determine the small (< 2 μm) phytoplankton contribution to the total primary production in the Yellow Sea during August, 2016. In this study, we found relatively lower chlorophyll a concentrations in the water column than those previously reported in the central waters of the Yellow Sea. Moreover, the overall contribution of small phytoplankton (53.1%) to the total chlorophyll a concentration was considerably higher in this study than that (10.7%) observed previously. Based on the N/P ratio (67.6 ± 36.6) observed in this study, which is significantly higher than the Redfield ratio (16), we believe that phytoplankton experienced P-limiting conditions during the study period. The average daily carbon uptake rate of total phytoplankton in this study was 291.1 mg C m-2 d-1 (± 165.0 mg C m-2 d-1) and the rate of small phytoplankton was 205.7 mg C m-2 d-1 (± 116.0 mg C m-2 d-1) which is 71.9% (± 8.8%) of the total daily carbon uptake rate. This contribution of small phytoplankton observed in this study appears to be higher than that reported previously. Our recent measured primary production is approximately 50% lower than the previous values decades ago. The higher contributions of small phytoplankton to the total chlorophyll a concentration and primary production might be caused by P-limited conditions and this resulted in lower chlorophyll a concentration and total primary production in this study compared to previous studies.

Lee, J.H.; Kim, H.C.; Lee, T.; Lee, W.C.; Kang, J.J.; Jo, N.; Lee, D.; Kim, K.W.; Min, J.-O.; Kang, S., and Lee, S.H., 2018. Intracellular nutrient pools in the Jaran Bay, South Korea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 331–335. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. It is important to understand intracellular nutrient pools of phytoplankton as a major nutrient remover in coastal areas. The water samples for intracellular nutrient concentrations (ammonium, nitrite + nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) of different sizes phytoplankton and nutrient conditions in ambient water column were monthly obtained in a southern coastal area of Korea, Jaran Bay from February to December 2016. The intracellular nutrients of phytoplankton were extracted by the method of osmotic shock combined with heating. The intracellular nutrient concentrations durin...

Jo, N.; Kang, J.J.; Park, W.G.; Lee, B.R.; Lee, J.H.; Kim, Y.; Ahn, S.H.; Lee, D.; Min, J.-O.; Kang, C.-K., and Lee, S.H., 2018. Carbohydrate-dominant phytoplankton and protein-high zooplankton in the northern part of the southwestern East/Japan Sea in 2015. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 371–375. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The biochemical compositions of phytoplankton and zooplankton were monthly investigated in the northern part of the southwestern East/Japan Sea from May to October in 2015 except August. Among the biochemical compositions of phytoplankton, carbohydrate composition (55.5 ± 7.3%) was most dominant during the study period. A significant negative relationship (r = −0.855, p < 0.01, n = 39) was found between the carbohydrate and lipid compositions of phytoplankton in this study, which can be due to a switc...

Background Rejection and infection can occur after kidney transplantation and are important factors in preserving graft kidney function. The use of immunosuppressant agents in transplantation is therefore important, and the question of which induction therapy should be used as an immunosuppressant is controversial. Objective The goal of this study was to assess the comparative benefits and harms of various maintenance immunosuppressive induction agents in adults undergoing kidney transplantation by using a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the different immunosuppressive regimens according to their safety and efficacy. Methods CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trial registers were searched until May 2017 to identify randomized controlled trials on immunosuppression for kidney transplantation. Results Twenty-seven studies involving 4484 participants were eligible for analysis. Induction and maintenance treatments were administered for 12 months. There was no evidence of differences in outcomes between therapies on all-cause mortality, graft loss, cytomegalovirus, BK virus, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and biopsy-proven acute rejection. However, compared with intravenous basiliximab (an interleukin-2 receptor antagonist [IL-2RA]), the most effective treatments to decrease biopsy-proven acute rejection were intravenous alemtuzumab and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG). The odds ratios were 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–40.78) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.42–0.95), respectively. As a side effect, rATG was accompanied by more bacterial infection than the IL-2RA (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.01–2.8]). Conclusions The determination of induction in kidney transplantation is important for future prognosis of the graft kidney. Alemtuzumab and rATG exhibited lower biopsy-proven acute rejection than the IL-2RA. As a side effect, rATG produced frequent bacterial infections.

Graphene has attracted great attention as an alternative to conventional metallic or transparent conducting electrodes. Despite its similarities with conventional electrodes, recent studies have shown that a single-atom layer of graphene possesses unique characteristics, such as a tunable work function and transparencies for electric potential, reactivity, and wetting. Nevertheless, a systematic analysis of graphene and semiconductor junction characteristics has not yet been carried out. Here, we report the photoresponse characteristics of graphene-on-GaN Schottky junction photodiodes (Gr-GaN SJPDs), showing a typical rectifying behavior and distinct photovoltaic and photoelectric responses. Following the initial abrupt response to UV illumination, the Gr-GaN SJPDs exhibited a distinct difference in photocarrier dynamics depending on the applied bias voltage, which is characterized by either a negative or positive change in photocurrent with time. We propose underlying mechanisms for the anomalous photocarrier dynamics based on the interplay between electrostatic molecular interactions over the one-atom-thick graphene and GaN junction and trapped photocarriers at the defect states in the GaN thin film.

This study has investigated the propane steam reforming (PSR) performance of M/Ni/YSZ catalysts (M = Ru, Rh, Pd, and Ag) for effective hydrogen production. To improve the catalytic performance, particularly with respect to the duration of the catalyst, YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) is used as a support and noble metals such as Ru, Rh, Pd, and Ag are introduced as promoters. YSZ is used to suppress carbon deposition as it provides lattice oxygen to carbon coke on the catalyst. Noble metals provide synergy, assisting Ni metal in improving dehydrogenation. Preferentially, the PSR performance of 1.0 wt.% M/Ni/YSZ catalysts are measured to find which noble metal is suitable as a promoter. The result confirms that the Rh component is the best promoter for M/Ni/YSZ. This study also demonstrates the appropriate amount of Rh to use, based on the PSR performance over Ni/YSZ and 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt.% Rh/Ni/YSZ for 100 h. The results confirm that Ni/YSZ becomes deactivated at 76 h, but the catalysts with the Rh promoter have much higher durability. Thus, this study concludes that 0.5 wt.% Rh/Ni/YSZ is the best catalyst because it does not have excessive Rh content and also does not show any discernable decrease in the PSR performance. Moreover, the Rh/Ni/YSZ catalysts had a higher resistance to carbon deposition because of the presence of the Rh promoter, which could improve lattice oxygen mobility of the Rh/Ni/YSZ catalyst.

Background Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction has become increasingly popular in elite athletes. However, the prevalence of heterotopic ossification (HO) formation after UCL reconstruction has not yet been reported. We sought to determine the prevalence of HO formation after UCL reconstruction and the clinical outcomes following HO treatment. Materials and Methods From October 2005 to April 2014, 179 patients underwent primary UCL reconstruction. Of the 179 patients, 161 with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate HO formation and clinical outcomes. Results Among 161 patients, HO was detected in 8 cases (5%). Of these 8 patients, 2 were asymptomatic and another 2 complained about transient ulnar neuropathy. The remaining 4 patients had pain; 2 were treated with open excision, and 1 underwent arthroscopic excision. The odds of HO in patients in whom transient ulnar neuropathy develops after UCL reconstruction are 6 times higher than those without transient ulnar neuropathy (odds ratio, 5.957; 95% confidence level, P = .04). Of the 8 patients, 7 returned to the same level or a higher level of competition. HO was found, on average, 5 months (range, 3-9 months) after UCL reconstruction. Conclusion The prevalence of HO formation was approximately 5% after UCL reconstruction and increased with transient ulnar neuropathy. After UCL reconstruction, the surgeon should carefully observe HO formation, especially in the early stages after the operation. With appropriate treatment, the clinical outcomes of HO treatment after UCL reconstruction are favorable.