CdS/TiO2 nano hybrid heterostructured materials for superior hydrogen production and gas sensor applications.

In efforts to minimize environmental pollution and carbon-based gas emissions, photocatalytic hydrogen production and sensing applications at ambient temperature are important. This research reports on the development of new 0D/1D materials based on TiO2 nanoparticles grown onto CdS hetersturctured nanorods via two-stage facile synthesis. The titanate nanoparticles when loaded onto CdS surfaces at an optimized concentration (20 mM), exhibited superior photocatalytic hydrogen production (21.4 mmol/h/gcat). The optimized nanohybrid was recycled for 6 cycles up to 4 h, indicating its excellent stabity for a prolonged period. Also, the photoelectrochemical water oxidation in alkaline medium was investigated to offer the optimized CRT-2 composite with 1.91 mA/cm2@0.8 V vs. RHE (0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) that was used for effective room-temperature NO2 gas detection exhibiting a higher response (69.16%) to NO2 (100 ppm) at room temperature at the lowest detection limit of ∼118 ppb than the pristine counterparts. Further, NO2 gas sensing performance of CRT-2 sensor was increased using UV light (365 nm) activation energy. Under the UV light, the sensor exhibited a remarkable gas sensing response quick response/recovery times (68/74), excellent long-term cycling stability, and significant selectivity to NO2 gas. Due to high porosity and surface area values of CdS (5.3), TiO2 (35.5), and CRT-2 (71.5 m2/g), excellent photocatalytic H2 production and gas sensing of CRT-2 is ascribed to morphology, synergistic effect, improved charge generation, and separation. Overall, 1D/0D CdS@TiO2 is proved to be an efficient material for hydrogen production and gas detection.

Mutational profiling of acral melanomas in Korean populations.

The proportion of acral melanoma (AM) is much higher in Asian populations than in Caucasian populations. Although mutational profiles associated with AM have been discovered in Caucasian populations, knowledge of its genetic alterations in Asian populations is limited. To describe the molecular nature of AM in Korean patients, we performed mutational profiling of AM and matched normal tissues in patients. Fifty-one formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded AM samples and 32 matched pairs from patients' saliva DNA were analysed by next-generation sequencing. Only mutations confirmed via digital droplet PCR or in BRAF, KIT and NRAS, the most frequently altered cancer genes in cutaneous melanoma, were considered as positive. The relationship between mutational status and clinicopathological features were examined. Of the 47 AM patients screened, alteration of BRAF, NRAS and KIT genes was observed in 6.4%, 4.3% and 8.5%, respectively. We also tested matched normal tissues of patients to identify tumor-specific mutations. Examination of the mutational profile in a cohort of 28 primary melanomas and matched normal controls found BRAF mutations in two cases (7.1%), KIT mutations in three cases (10.7%) and CTNNB1 mutations in one case (3.6%). The BRAF, NRAS and KIT mutation status did not correlate with clinicopathological characteristics. Our results show that KIT, NRAS and BRAF hotspot mutations occur at a low frequency in Korean populations. We also observed a case with the CTNNB1 mutation, which raises the possibility that other pathways are associated with AM development.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the FLT4 gene is associated with atopic dermatitis in Koreans.

BACKGROUND: The histology of atopic dermatitis includes dilated, tortuous vessels within the papillary dermis and perivascular edema. METHOD: This study included 1120 case-control samples (646 AD patients and 474 normal controls), for which we genotyped 34 SNPs from four VEGF family genes and the FLT4 gene. For the rs11607007 SNP in the VEGFB gene and three SNPs (rs10085109, rs3736062, and rs11949194) in the FLT4 gene, which had significant p-values in the initial stage, were further investigated using 1132 independent samples (440 AD patients and 692 normal controls). RESULT: Of the four SNPs, rs10085109 in the FLT4 gene was only significantly associated with the AD phenotype in both initial and replication samples. Although no SNPs in the VEGFA gene were significantly associated with AD, the rs2010963 SNP had a marginally significant effect on log-eosinophil counts. CONCLUSION: The rs10085109 SNP in the FLT4 gene were associated with susceptibility to AD.

The effectiveness of early treatment in segmental vitiligo: retrospective study according to disease duration.

Segmental vitiligo (SV) is usually characterized by a unilateral-dermatomal distribution, earlier onset and rapid progression followed by stabilization. The response to phototherapy in patients with SV is limited. We evaluated the treatment response in 39 cases of SV according to disease duration. Ten cases (50.0%) of Group 1 (duration ≤ 5 months) and five cases (26.3%) of Group 2 (duration > 5 months) showed more than 50% repigmentation. Contrary to previous reports, patients in our study responded well to medical treatments like oral steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and phototherapy when treated early after onset. The results suggest that early treatment is important.

Microstructural characterization of high indium-composition InXGa1-XN epilayers grown on c-plane sapphire substrates.

The growth of high-quality indium (In)-rich In(X)Ga(1-X)N alloys is technologically important for applications to attain highly efficient green light-emitting diodes and solar cells. However, phase separation and composition modulation in In-rich In(X )Ga(1-X)N alloys are inevitable phenomena that degrade the crystal quality of In-rich In(X)Ga(1-X)N layers. Composition modulations were observed in the In-rich In(X)Ga(1-X)N layers with various In compositions. The In composition modulation in the In X Ga1-X N alloys formed in samples with In compositions exceeding 47%. The misfit strain between the InGaN layer and the GaN buffer retarded the composition modulation, which resulted in the formation of modulated regions 100 nm above the In(0.67)Ga(0.33)N/GaN interface. The composition modulations were formed on the specific crystallographic planes of both the {0001} and {0114} planes of InGaN.

Effect of Reinforcement Ratio and Bond Characteristic on Flexural Behavior of Carbon Textile-Reinforced Concrete Panels.

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is highly anticipated as an alternative to reinforced concrete due to its ability to enable lightweight design, free formability, and improved ductility. In this study, TRC panel test specimens were fabricated and four-point loading flexural tests were performed to examine the flexural characteristics of TRC panels reinforced with carbon fabric, and to investigate the effect of the fabric reinforcement ratio, anchorage length, and surface treatment of fabric. Furthermore, the flexural behavior of the test specimens was numerically analyzed using the general section analysis concept of reinforced concrete and compared with the experimental results. Due to bond failure between the carbon fabric and the concrete matrix, the TRC panel showed a large decrease in flexural performance in terms of flexural stiffness, flexural strength, cracking behavior, and deflection. This low performance was improved by increasing the fabric reinforcement ratio, anchoring length, and sand-epoxy surface treatment of the anchorage. Comparing the numerical calculation results with the experimental results, the deflection of the experimental results was approximately 50% larger than the numerical calculation results. This is because the perfect bond between the carbon fabric and the concrete matrix failed, and slip occurred.

The presence and localization of onychodermis (specialized nail mesenchyme) containing onychofibroblasts in the nail unit: a morphological and immunohistochemical study.

AIMS: Due to its limited availability there has been very little research on the mesenchyme of the nail unit. Recently, we discovered specialized mesenchymal cells beneath the nail matrix and proposed to call them onychofibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to further delineate more precisely by histology and immunohistochemistry the specialized nail mesenchyme. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty supernumerary digits were obtained during operations to correct polydactyly. Longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks. In sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, a mesenchymal area that showed much more cellularity and less eosinophilic, loose connective tissue was identified beneath the nail matrix and nail bed. Using Alcian blue staining, mucin was detected in this mesenchymal area below the nail matrix and nail bed. Immnunohistochemically, CD10 and versican were expressed strongly in the mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts under the nail matrix and nail bed. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the presence and localization of a specialized nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts in a well-defined area beneath the nail matrix and nail bed. Thus, we propose the term onychodermis for this specialized nail mesenchyme that is histologically and immunohistochemically distinct from the dermis of other parts of the nail unit.

World Health Organization-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification of cutaneous lymphoma in Korea: a retrospective study at a single tertiary institution.

BACKGROUND: The relative frequency and the clinicopathological characteristics of lymphoma may vary according to geography and ethnicity. Data are limited regarding the features of cutaneous lymphoma (CL) presented according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification (2005) in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The study determined the relative frequency of CL in Korea and presented the clinical relevance of CL based on the WHO-EORTC classification. METHODS: We reclassified the cases of CL collected over a 16-year period in a tertiary institution-based dermatologic setting in Korea. RESULTS: In all, 164 cases were divided into 96 primary and 68 secondary CL. The group of primary CL consisted of T- and natural killer-cell lymphomas (84.3%), B-cell lymphomas (13.5%), and immature hematopoietic malignancies (2%). The Korean population presented with a higher rate of T-cell and natural killer-/T-cell CL and a lower rate of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma than Western countries. Compared with 2003 Korean data, the rate of mycosis fungoides was lower and the rate of nasal and nasal-type natural killer-/T-cell lymphomas was higher. LIMITATIONS: This study was retrospective and based on a single-center experience. CONCLUSION: As the relative frequency of lymphomas differs widely with geography and ethnicity, there is a need to collect more data to describe the epidemiologic characteristics in the Far East.

Dermatomyositis associated with generalized subcutaneous edema and Evans syndrome.

Although periorbital edema is a common manifestation of dermatomyositis (DM), generalized subcutaneous edema associated with DM is extremely rare. Evans syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which an individual's antibodies attack one's own red blood cells and platelets. Evans syndrome is rarely a presenting feature of DM. DM has been rarely reported to be associated with either generalized edema or Evans syndrome. We report the case of a 52-year-old Korean woman who presented with generalized subcutaneous edema, an erythematous rash, dysphagia, and proximal muscle weakness, and subsequently developed features of Evans syndrome. Treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids and an immunosuppressive agent controlled the DM, the generalized subcutaneous edema, and the Evans syndrome.

Effects of isorhamnetin on tyrosinase: inhibition kinetics and computational simulation.

We studied the inhibitory effects of isorhamnetin on mushroom tyrosinase by inhibition kinetics and computational simulation. Isorhamnetin reversibly inhibited tyrosinase in a mixed-type manner at Ki=0.235±0.013 mM. Measurements of intrinsic and 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate(ANS)-binding fluorescence showed that isorhamnetin did not induce significant changes in the tertiary structure of tyrosinase. To gain insight into the inactivation process, the kinetics were computed via time-interval measurements and continuous substrate reactions. The results indicated that inactivation induced by isorhamnetin was a first-order reaction with biphasic processes. To gain further insight, we simulated docking between tyrosinase and isorhamnetin. Simulation was successful (binding energies for Dock6.3: -32.58 kcal/mol, for AutoDock4.2: -5.66 kcal/mol, and for Fred2.2: -48.86 kcal/mol), suggesting that isorhamnetin interacts with several residues, such as HIS244 and MET280. This strategy of predicting tyrosinase interaction in combination with kinetics based on a flavanone compound might prove useful in screening for potential natural tyrosinase inhibitors.

Cutaneous mastocytosis associated with congenital alopecia.

Mastocytosis is a rare disorder that shows accumulation of mast cells in tissues. Atypical clinical features may mimic impetigo, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and carcinoid syndrome; however, only 1 case of scarring alopecia associated with mastocytosis has been reported. We present the first case of cutaneous mastocytosis associated with congenital alopecia areata in a 3-year-old Korean girl. This case showed an atypical clinical presentation of congenital alopecia areata, but histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous mastocytosis.

Effects of Nozzle Details on Print Quality and Hardened Properties of Underwater 3D Printed Concrete.

This study developed a 3D concrete printing (3DCP) system that can print not only in air but also underwater. This underwater 3DCP system is equipped with many distinct technologies, such as a technology to supply the printing material to the nozzle tip at a constant rate by detecting its amount in the printer hopper. Using the developed 3DCP system, the effect of nozzle details on underwater print quality and hardened properties was investigated. The straight-line printing performance underwater was evaluated using five nozzles: a nozzle without a trowel (Nozzel#1), a nozzle with fixed trowels attached to both sides (Nozzle#2), a nozzle with trowels attached to the back and both sides to constrain five sides (Nozzle#3), a nozzle with a three-sided trowel inclined by 30° (Nozzle#4), and a nozzle with a roof added to Nozzle#4 opening (Nozzle#5). Nozzle#4 yielded the best print quality and hardened properties. In addition, an underwater curved shape printing test was performed using Nozzle#4, the problems that occurred in this test were analyzed and solutions were suggested.

Adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper (APPL1) regulates the protein level of EGFR by modulating its trafficking.

The EGFR-mediated signaling pathway regulates multiple biological processes such as cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Previously APPL1 (adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper 1) has been reported to function as a downstream effector of EGF-initiated signaling. Here we demonstrate that APPL1 regulates EGFR protein levels in response to EGF stimulation. Overexpression of APPL1 enhances EGFR stabilization while APPL1 depletion by siRNA reduces EGFR protein levels. APPL1 depletion accelerates EGFR internalization and movement of EGF/EGFR from cell surface to the perinuclear region in response to EGF treatment. Conversely, overexpression of APPL1 decelerates EGFR internalization and translocation of EGF/EGFR to the perinuclear region. Furthermore, APPL1 depletion enhances the activity of Rab5 which is involved in internalization and trafficking of EGFR and inhibition of Rab5 in APPL1-depleted cells restored EGFR levels. Consistently, APPL1 depletion reduced activation of Akt, the downstream signaling effector of EGFR and this is restored by inhibition of Rab5. These findings suggest that APPL1 is required for EGFR signaling by regulation of EGFR stabilities through inhibition of Rab5.

Optical properties of Si microwires combined with nanoneedles for flexible thin film photovoltaics.

A combined wire structure, made up of longer periodic Si microwires and short nanoneedles, was prepared to enhance light absorption using one-step plasma etching via lithographical patterning. The combined wire array exhibited light absorption of up to ~97.6% from 300 to 1100 nm without an anti-reflection coating. These combined wire arrays on a Si substrate were embedded into a transparent polymer. A large-scale wire-embedded soft film was then obtained by peeling the polymer-embedded wire portion from the substrate. Optically attractive features were present in these soft films, making them suitable for use in flexible silicon solar cell applications.

An antimicrobial protein, lactoferrin exists in the sweat: proteomic analysis of sweat.

The main function of the eccrine gland has been considered to be thermoregulation. Recently, it has been reported that antimicrobial peptides including cathelicidin and dermcidin exist in the sweat. Lactoferrin is found in body fluids such as milk tears and saliva. It is known as a component of host defense against infection and inflammation. In this study, we explored whether lactoferrin is produced by eccrine glands, thereby establishing its potential role in the skin defense. By immunohistochemistry, lactoferrin was detected in eccrine glands of normal human skin. In Western blot analysis, lactoferrin was found in sweat and skin surface substances obtained from healthy volunteers. By proteomic analysis, lactoferrin and other antimicrobial peptides were detected in sweat. In addition, we measured the concentration of lactoferrin in sweat by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These findings suggest that lactoferrin may contribute to skin defense against infection through its secretion in sweat.

Association of polymorphisms in genes encoding IL-4, IL-13 and their receptors with atopic dermatitis in a Korean population.

Th2-dominated immune responses are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). IL-4 and IL-13 are typical pleiotropic Th2 cytokines that play a central role in IgE-dependent inflammatory reactions. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-4 and IL-13 have been reported in patients with allergic disease from numerous countries. Gene-gene interactions among genes have been identified in patients with asthma, although negative results have been reported. To investigate the associations of SNPs in these genes and the interactions between these genes in AD, we genotyped 23 SNPs of the IL-4, IL-13, IL-4R, IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2 genes for 1089 case-control samples (631 AD patients and 458 controls) and analysed the SNPs and haplotypes in these genes. We also searched for gene-gene interactions among these five genes. Our data identified an association between rs3091307 and rs20541 in the IL-13 gene and between rs2265753 and rs2254672 in the IL-13Rα1 gene and the AD phenotype. In particular, three of the four SNPs were especially predictive of the allergic type of AD (ADe), and the haplotype TCGG in the IL-13Rα1 gene showed significant association with AD, especially ADe. Furthermore, the combination of rs3091307 GG/ rs2265753 GG (IL-13/IL-13Rα1) conveyed a significantly higher risk for developing ADe. However, we did not identify any SNPs in the IL-4, IL-4R and IL-13Rα2 genes that were associated with AD. As IL-13Rα1 is most likely expressed in Th17 cells rather than in Th2 cells, these data suggest diversity in the classification of Th cells that needs to be verified in future studies.

Transmission electron microscopy analysis of octanethiol-coated Cu powders.

In this study, microstructures of Cu powders coated with octanethiol were analyzed using (scanning) transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, aging process of the octanethiol-coated layer as time passes by was analyzed using the electron energy loss spectroscopy technique. The octanethiol layer coated on the surface of Cu powders was kept until it was exposed to air for around 30 days. As days passes by, the coating layer had been decomposed and then a Cu(2)O layer was formed on the surface of powders.

Immunohistochemical study of specialized nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts in transverse sections of the nail unit.

In the frozen longitudinal section of the nail unit, CD10 was previously found in nail mesenchymal cells beneath nail matrix, and we proposed calling the nail mesenchymal cells onychofibroblasts. In this study, to further characterize nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts, we examined the expression of several mesenchymal markers immunohistochemically in transverse paraffin sections of the nail unit. CD10 was strongly expressed in the nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts beneath the nail matrix. However, CD10 was not observed in dermal fibroblasts and surrounding extracellular matrix of the lateral nail fold (LNF), except around blood vessels and eccrine structures. In addition, versican was expressed diffusely in the nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts in contrast to the dermis of LNF. Fibrillin, which is a major component of elastic fiber in the dermis, was expressed very weakly on the nail mesenchyme below the nail matrix but was expressed strongly in the dermis of LNF. These findings support the existence of specialized nail mesenchyme containing onychofibroblasts that is distinguished from the dermis of LNF.

Comparison of Properties of 3D-Printed Mortar in Air vs. Underwater.

Research and technological advancements in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) have led to the idea of applying it to offshore construction. The effect of gravity is reduced underwater, which can have a positive effect on 3DCP. For basic verification of this idea, this study printed and additively manufactured specimens with the same mortar mixture in air and underwater and evaluated properties in the fresh state and the hardened state. The mechanical properties were evaluated using the specimens produced by direct casting to the mold and specimens produced by extracting from the additive part through coring and cutting. The results of the experiment show that underwater 3D printing required a greater amount of printing output than in-air 3D printing for a good print quality, and buildability was improved underwater compared to that in air. In the case of the specimen layered underwater, the density and compressive strength decreased compared to the specimen layered in air. Because there are almost no effects of moisture evaporation and bleeding in water, the interlayer bond strength of the specimen printed underwater was somewhat larger than that printed in air, while there was no effect of the deposition time interval underwater.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Prurigo Nodularis in 209 Patients: Clinicopathological Analysis between Atopic and Non-Atopic Patients and between Treatment Response Groups.

BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a highly pruritic disease that significantly impairs patient quality of life. Although the mechanism that causes pruritus is not clear, one hypothesis argues that neural hyperplasia, mast cell, and Merkel cell neurite complexes may be associated with PN pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze whether special staining outcomes differed depending on the presence of atopic dermatitis (AD) and treatment response. METHODS: A total of 209 patients diagnosed with PN was analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence or past history of AD and by treatment response. Histopathologic features were obtained using the following stains: Giemsa, S-100, neuron-specific enolase, cytokeratin (CK)-20, CAM5.2, and CK8/CK18. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients (60.29%) had AD, and 68 (32.54%) showed clinical improvement. There were no statistically significant differences in the staining results between the PN groups with AD (PN c AD) and without AD (PN s AD). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in staining results between the improved and non-improved groups. CONCLUSION: Implementing the special stains helped to identify PN pathogenesis. Because there were no statistically significant differences in the special stain results between the improved and non-improved groups, we conclude that mast cell proliferation, neural hyperplasia, and Merkel cell hyperplasia may not have a significant effect on treatment response.