Site-specific R-loops induce CGG repeat contraction and fragile X gene reactivation.

Here, we describe an approach to correct the genetic defect in fragile X syndrome (FXS) via recruitment of endogenous repair mechanisms. A leading cause of autism spectrum disorders, FXS results from epigenetic silencing of FMR1 due to a congenital trinucleotide (CGG) repeat expansion. By investigating conditions favorable to FMR1 reactivation, we find MEK and BRAF inhibitors that induce a strong repeat contraction and full FMR1 reactivation in cellular models. We trace the mechanism to DNA demethylation and site-specific R-loops, which are necessary and sufficient for repeat contraction. A positive feedback cycle comprising demethylation, de novo FMR1 transcription, and R-loop formation results in the recruitment of endogenous DNA repair mechanisms that then drive excision of the long CGG repeat. Repeat contraction is specific to FMR1 and restores the production of FMRP protein. Our study therefore identifies a potential method of treating FXS in the future.

SELENBP1 overexpression in the prefrontal cortex underlies negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

The selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) has been reported to be up-regulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of schizophrenia patients in postmortem reports. However, no causative link between SELENBP1 and schizophrenia has yet been established. Here, we provide evidence linking the upregulation of SELENBP1 in the PFC of mice with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. We verified the levels of SELENBP1 transcripts in postmortem PFC brain tissues from patients with schizophrenia and matched healthy controls. We also generated transgenic mice expressing human SELENBP1 (hSELENBP1 Tg) and examined their neuropathological features, intrinsic firing properties of PFC 2/3-layer pyramidal neurons, and frontal cortex (FC) electroencephalographic (EEG) responses to auditory stimuli. Schizophrenia-like behaviors in hSELENBP1 Tg mice and mice expressing Selenbp1 in the FC were assessed. SELENBP1 transcript levels were higher in the brains of patients with schizophrenia than in those of matched healthy controls. The hSELENBP1 Tg mice displayed negative endophenotype behaviors, including heterotopias- and ectopias-like anatomical deformities in upper-layer cortical neurons and social withdrawal, deficits in nesting, and anhedonia-like behavior. Additionally, hSELENBP1 Tg mice exhibited reduced excitabilities of PFC 2/3-layer pyramidal neurons and abnormalities in EEG biomarkers observed in schizophrenia. Furthermore, mice overexpressing Selenbp1 in FC showed deficits in sociability. These results suggest that upregulation of SELENBP1 in the PFC causes asociality, a negative symptom of schizophrenia.

Clinical outcomes of conjunctivochalasis treatment with a new ophthalmic radiofrequency device.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a new micro-controlled radiofrequency device for treatment of conjunctivochalasis (Cch). METHODS: Data of 127 patients (230 eyes) who underwent ophthalmic radiofrequency treatment for Cch from January 2020 to June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Cch coagulation was performed with a radiofrequency electrode tip (OcuRF®, Ilooda, Korea) and a high-frequency radio-wave electric unit (0.6 ~ 0.8 watts, 2 MHz, Acutron™, Ilooda, Korea). Pre- and postoperative Cch grading, slit-lamp photography, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and bulbar conjunctival hyperemia using Keratograph 5 M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) were evaluated. Cch grade 0 or 1 after surgery was regarded as 'success'. Complications, recurrence, and additional treatment rates were analyzed. RESULTS: In 227 (98.7%) eyes, the radiofrequency treatment led to marked improvement of Cch, with 224 (97.4%) eyes achieving grade 0 or 1 at 2 months postoperatively. Eight eyes (3.5%) received additional treatment. TBUT improved from 3.17 ± 0.82 s to 5.28 ± 1.10 s after surgery (P < 0.001). The total bulbar conjunctival hyperemia value showed an improvement from 1.7 ± 0.6 to 1.4 ± 0.6 postoperatively (P < 0.05). No serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The novel ophthalmic radiofrequency device led to a marked improvement of Cch with no serious adverse events during the entire follow-up period. Our results suggest that the radiofrequency device presents a safe and efficacious treatment option for Cch.

Wafer-scale striped network transistors based on purified semiconducting carbon nanotubes for commercialization.

Highly purified and solution-processed semiconducting carbon nanotubes (s-CNTs) have developed rapidly over the past several decades and are near-commercially available materials that can replace silicon due to its large-area substrate deposition and room-temperature processing compatibility. However, the more s-CNTs are purified, the better their electrical performance, but considerable effort and long centrifugation time are required, which can limit commercialization due to high manufacturing costs. In this work, we therefore fabricated 'striped' CNT network transistor across industry-standard 8 inch wafers. The stripe-structured channel is effective in lowering the manufacturing cost because it can maintain good device performance without requiring high-purity s-CNTs. We evaluated the electrical performances and their uniformity by demonstrating striped CNT network transistors fabricating from various s-CNT solutions (e.g. 99%, 95%, and 90%) in 8 inch wafers. From our results, we concluded that by optimizing the CNT network configurations, CNTs can be sufficiently utilized for commercialization technology even at low semiconducting purity. Our approach can serve as a critical foundation for future low-cost commercial CNT electronics.

Effect of Dynamic Taping versus Kinesiology Taping on Pain, Foot Function, Balance, and Foot Pressure in 3 Groups of Plantar Fasciitis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND Biomechanical dynamic tape supports muscles, joints, and ligaments and is used in ankle and foot injuries. Kinesiology tape (KT), also known as elastic tape, is widely used in sports medicine. Plantar fasciitis, due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, is a common cause of heel pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of dynamic taping and KT on pain, function, and balance in 3 groups of patients with plantar fasciitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-nine patients with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to the dynamic taping with physical therapy (PT) group, the KT with PT group, and the control group (23 each). All groups received conservative physical therapy. Dynamic taping and KT were performed twice a week for 4 weeks, and the taping was removed after 12 h of application. Patients' pain, foot function, and balance were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), and Y-balance test (YBT), respectively, before and immediately after the intervention. RESULTS In the FFI and YBT, the treatment provided to the dynamic taping with PT group with PT showed a greater effect than in the KT with PT group with PT (P<0.05), and the control group showed the lowest effect. Dynamic taping and KT with PT did not show significant differences in VAS and foot pressure, but both were more effective than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that dynamic taping with PT is the most effective method for FFI and YBT in patients with plantar fasciitis, and that dynamic taping and KT with PT are effective methods for treating pain and foot pressure.

Cost-effective method for fabricating carbon nanotube network transistors by reusing a 99% semiconducting carbon nanotube solution.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one-dimensional materials that have been proposed to replace silicon semiconductors and have been actively studied due to their high carrier mobility, high current density, and high mechanical flexibility. Specifically, highly purified, pre-separated, and solution-processed semiconducting CNTs are suitable for mass production. These CNTs have advantages, such as room-temperature processing compatibility, while enabling a fast and straightforward manufacturing process. In this paper, CNT network transistors were fabricated on a total of five 8 inch wafers by reusing a highly purified and pre-separated 99% semiconductor-enriched CNT solution. The results confirmed that the density of semiconducting CNTs deposited on the five selected wafers was notably uniform, even though the CNT solution was reused up to four times after the initial CNT deposition. Moreover, there was no significant degradation in the key CNT network transistor metrics. Therefore, we believe that our findings regarding this CNT reuse method may provide additional guidance in the field of wafer-scale CNT electronics and may contribute strongly to the development of practical device applications at an ultralow cost.

A Study to Identify the Optimum Forearm Floss Band Intensity in 29 Young Adults Performing Blood Flow Restriction Training.

BACKGROUND A floss band is used in resistance training and consists of a heavy-duty rubber resistance band to compress a joint or muscle group while performing a range of motion. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training combines low-intensity exercise with occlusion of blood flow, resulting in the effects of high-intensity training. This study aimed to identify the optimum forearm floss band intensity in 29 young adults while performing BFR training. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-nine young and healthy adults voluntarily participated in this experiment. One of 4 types of floss bands with different intensities was randomly selected from the subjects and wound around their forearms. The tension of the floss band was calculated to be the length of the participant's forearm when stretched by 105%, and then wound around the forearm. Blood flow was measured 4 times at regular intervals (pretest: 1 min, during: 2 min, posttest [1]: 1 min, posttest [2]: 2 min) using laser Doppler imaging. RESULTS We found that the application of floss bands resulted in a significant interaction between the intensity (colors) and time (pre/during/post) with regard to the hemodynamic changes (P<0.05). The hemodynamic evaluation revealed a reduction in the blood flow (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study shows that the use of blood flow restriction training requires support from guidelines for optimal floss band intensity, particularly with the increasing clinical use of this method.

Effect of Physiotherapy to Correct Rounded Shoulder Posture in 30 Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea Using a Telerehabilitation Exercise Program to Improve Posture, Physical Function, and Reduced Pain, with Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy to correct rounded shoulder posture (RSP) in 30 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea using telerehabilitation exercise programs to improve posture and physical function and reduce pain, with evaluation of patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty participants with RSP participated in this study for 4 weeks from May to June 2021. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n=15) or control group (CG, n=15). Both groups performed shrug exercise 3 days a week for 4 weeks, while the EG performed self-upper-extremity neural mobilization (SUENM) for 7 more minutes. The pectoralis minor length index for posture, neck range of motion (ROM) and scapular muscle activity for physical function, pressure pain threshold (PPT) for pain, and questionnaires for telerehabilitation satisfaction were assessed. All exercises were conducted at home using videoconferencing. RESULTS The EG significantly improved PPT and ROM of extension and right-side bending of the neck compared to the CG (P<0.05) and it significantly reduced the muscle activity of the upper trapezius at 60°, 90°, and 120° shoulder flexion compared to the CG (P<0.05). In the satisfaction survey, participants cited the freedom of time and space as an advantage of telerehabilitation (100%) and reported difficulty in performing correct action as a disadvantage (69.2%). CONCLUSIONS These findings support those from recent studies on real-time telerehabilitation physiotherapy exercise programs. However, long-term controlled studies are required to develop evidence-based protocols for implementing and evaluating clinical outcomes of remote physiotherapy programs.

Layout-to-Bitmap Conversion and Design Rules for Inkjet-Printed Large-Scale Integrated Circuits.

Digital inkjet printing (IJP) can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost and waste of flexible large-area electronics by adding micro-fine patterns onto plastic foils. Advanced system design using IJP has been limited by the lack of an electronic design automation (EDA) approach. An EDA approach based on a vector-based layout drawing requires parameterized IJP design rules. This study proposes a layout-to-bitmap (L2B) conversion procedure and line-based design rules that leverage the existing circuit layout EDA tools for advanced IJP designs. The L2B conversion is accomplished by optimizing the parameters of the horizontal and vertical lines by varying the drop spacings and platen temperatures. Next, the line-based layouts are converted to bitmap files which are used as IJP input data for printing multiple metal layers. This study systematically investigated the development of an IJP process employing Ag nanoparticles. The physical characteristics of the proposed process were evaluated based on theories concerning inkjet-printed bead formation. The design rules for fabricating printed thin-film transistor (TFT) circuits were documented. Documentation is the first step in creating an IJP process design kit for advanced electronics design. Using the optimized L2B conversion procedure and the design rules, a 10 × 10 array of printed organic TFTs was fabricated to demonstrate the reliability of the developed process. Additionally, the fabricated printed organic TFTs indicated that the proposed process could be extended to large-scale system designs.

Defect spectroscopy of sidewall interfaces in gate-all-around silicon nanosheet FET.

Through time-dependent defect spectroscopy and low-frequency noise measurements, we investigate and characterize the differences of carrier trapping processes occurred by different interfaces (top/sidewall) of the gate-all-around silicon nanosheet field-effect transistor (GAA SiNS FET). In a GAA SiNS FET fabricated by the top-down process, the traps at the sidewall interface significantly affect the device performance as the width decreases. Compare to expectations, as the width of the device decreases, the subthreshold swing (SS) increases from 120 to 230 mV/dec, resulting in less gate controllability. In narrow-width devices, the effect of traps located at the sidewall interface is significantly dominant, and the 1/f 2 noise, also known as generation-recombination (G-R) noise, is clearly appeared with an increased time constant (τ i ). In addition, the probability density distributions for the normalized current fluctuations (ΔI D) show only one Gaussian in wide-width devices, whereas they are separated into four Gaussians with increased in narrow-width devices. Therefore, fitting is performed through the carrier number fluctuation-correlated with mobility fluctuations model that separately considered the effects of sidewall. In narrow-width GAA SiNS FETs, consequently, the extracted interface trap densities (N T ) distribution becomes more dominant, and the scattering parameter ([Formula: see text]) distribution increases by more than double.

Directly drawn top-gate semiconducting carbon nanotube thin-film transistors and complementary inverters.

As the emerging demand for electronic devices that are simple, cost effective and capable of rapid fabrication has increased, novel fabrication techniques for designing and manufacturing such devices have attracted remarkable research interest. One method for prototyping these electronic devices is to draw them using a handwriting tool that is commonly available. In this work, we demonstrate a transistor and complementary logic inverter that are directly drawn using a brush and that are based on solution-based materials such as semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silver ink and paste, and cross-linked poly(4-vinylphenol) (cPVP). The directly drawn CNT thin-film transistor (TFT) has p-type behavior due to the adsorption of oxygen and moisture, a high current on/off ratio (approximately 103), and a low operating voltage. By employing a solution-based chemical doping treatment with an amine-rich polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), that has strong electron-donating ability, the drawn p-type CNT-TFT is successfully converted to an n-type CNT-TFT. Therefore, we fabricate a drawn complementary logic inverter consisting of the p-type CNT-TFT and PEI-treated n-type CNT-TFT and evaluate its electrical performance.

Wafer-scale carbon nanotube network transistors.

Highly purified, preseparated semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold great potential for high-performance CNT network transistors due to their high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength, and room-temperature processing compatibility. In this paper, we report our recent progress on CNT network transistors integrated on an 8-inch wafer. We observe that the key device performance parameters of CNT network transistors at various locations on an 8-inch wafer are highly uniform and that the device yield is impressive. Therefore, this work validates a promising path toward mass production and will make a significant contribution to the future field of wafer-scale CNT electronics.

Analysis of Masticatory Muscle Activity Based on Presence of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to analyze the activity of masticatory muscles depending on the presence of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) when foods of various hardness are masticated. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 20 subjects (13 men and 7 women) who met our selection criteria, and they were divided into 3 groups (the Disorder Group, the Malalignment Group, and the Control Group) based on surveys and screening inspection. The average of reference voluntary contraction (RVC) was used to measure masticatory muscle activity. Using surface electromyography (SEMG) for each group during masticatory activity, the activities of the masseter muscle and temporalis muscle were measured based on the hardness of 3 different foods (soft, sticky, and hard). RESULTS Characteristics of these 3 groups prior to the experiment were identical, and subsequent findings were as follows: First, when masticating sticky food, the Disorder Group and Malalignment Group showed significant differences from the Control Group in activities of the masseter muscle and temporalis muscle (p<0.05). Second, when masticating hard food, the Malalignment Group and Control Group showed significant differences from the Disorder Group in the masseter muscle and temporalis muscle activities (p<0.05). Based on these findings, the study showed that malalignment affects movement of the temporomandibular joint during mastication of sticky food, and the temporomandibular joint movement was affected by the presence of pain during mastication of hard food. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide basic data useful in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder, as well as guiding future studies on this topic.

High Magnetic Field Sensitivity in Ferromagnetic-Ferroelectric Composite with High Mechanical Quality Factor.

In this study, composite devices were fabricated using ferromagnetic FeSiB-based alloys (Metglas) and ferroelectric ceramics, and their magnetic field sensitivity was evaluated. Sintered 0.95Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3-0.05Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3 (PZT-PMS) ceramic exhibited a very dense microstructure with a large piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g31 = -16.8 × 10-3 VmN-1) and mechanical quality factor (Qm > 1600). Owing to these excellent electromechanical properties of the PZT-PMS, the laminate composite with a Metglas/PZT-PMS/Metglas sandwich structure exhibited large magnetoelectric voltage coefficients (αME) in both off-resonance and resonance modes. When the length-to-width aspect ratio (l/w) of the composite was controlled, αME slightly varied in the off-resonance mode, resulting in similar sensitivity values ranging from 129.9 to 146.81 VT-1. Whereas in the resonance mode, the composite with small l/w exhibited a large reduction of αME and sensitivity values. When controlling the thickness of the PZT-PMS (t), the αME of the composite showed the largest value when t was the smallest in the off-resonance mode, while αME was the largest when t is the largest in the resonance mode. The control of t slightly affected the sensitivity in the off-resonance mode, however, higher sensitivity was obtained as t increased in the resonance mode. The results demonstrate that the sensitivity, varying with the dimensional control of the composite, is related to the mechanical loss of the sensor. The composite sensor with the PZT-PMS layer exhibited excellent magnetic field sensitivity of 1.49 × 105 VT-1 with a sub-nT sensing limit, indicating its potential for application in high-performance magnetoelectric sensor devices.

Violation of Ohm's law in a Weyl metal.

Ohm's law is a fundamental paradigm in the electrical transport of metals. Any transport signatures violating Ohm's law would give an indisputable fingerprint for a novel metallic state. Here, we uncover the breakdown of Ohm's law owing to a topological structure of the chiral anomaly in the Weyl metal phase. We observe nonlinear I-V characteristics in Bi0.96Sb0.04 single crystals in the diffusive limit, which occurs only for a magnetic-field-aligned electric field (E∥B). The Boltzmann transport theory with the charge pumping effect reveals the topological-in-origin nonlinear conductivity, and it leads to a universal scaling function of the longitudinal magnetoconductivity, which completely describes our experimental results. As a hallmark of Weyl metals, the nonlinear conductivity provides a venue for nonlinear electronics, optical applications, and the development of a topological Fermi-liquid theory beyond the Landau Fermi-liquid theory.

Decursin attenuates the amyloid-ß-induced inflammatory response in PC12 cells via MAPK and nuclear factor-κB pathway.

Decursin, the major bioactive component of Angelica gigas Nakai, exhibited neuroprotective properties. Our previous studies showed that decursin conferred neuroprotective effects in PC12 cells induced by Amyloid-ß (Aß)25-35 via antiapoptosis and antioxidant. In this study, the antiinflammatory effects of decursin against PC12 cells injury stimulated by Aß25-35 were assessed. Our results demonstrated that decursin suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 protein and prostaglandin E2 content which was stimulated by Aß25-35 in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB in Aß25-35 -treated PC12 cells was also inhibited by decursin. In addition, decursin suppressed phosphorylation of the two upstream pathway kinases, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Overall, our findings indicate that decursin exerts protective effects against neuroinflammation stimulated by Aß25-35 in PC12 cells by abolishing cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression through inactivation of nuclear factor-κB via the upstream kinases including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. This work provides a new insight into the pharmacological mode of decursin and should facilitate its therapeutic application in treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Correlation between Cycling Power and Muscle Thickness in Cyclists.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between muscle thickness (MT) and cycling power in varsity cyclists using ultrasonography (US) and to identify any differences in MT between short- and long-distance cyclists. Twelve cyclists participated in this study. Real-time two-dimensional B-mode US was used to measure the MT in the anterior thigh, anterior lower leg, and trunk, especially in the abdominal and lumbar regions. A cycle ergometer was used to measure cycling power parameters such as maximum anaerobic power (over 5 s), mean anaerobic power (over 30 s), and aerobic power (over 3 min). This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Korea National Sports University. There was a significant relationship between the MT and cycling power for the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) in the thigh, the rectus abdominis (RA) in the abdominal region, and the erector spinae (ES) in the lower back. The MT values of the RF, VL, and ES were strongly associated with the maximum and mean anaerobic power. There were significant differences between short- and long-distance cyclists in the MT of the RF in the thigh, the RA, the external abdominal oblique, the internal abdominal oblique, and the transverse abdominis muscle in the abdomen. We suggest that training programs attempting to improve cycling performance focus on improving the VL and ES via resistance weight or cycle training and also the core muscles for short-distance cyclists. Clin. Anat. 31:899-906, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Immediate Effects of Thoracic Spinal Manipulation on Pulmonary Function in Stroke Patients: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic spinal manipulation (TSM) on pulmonary function in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-six volunteers with stroke (20 men, 16 women) were recruited and randomized to a TSM group (n = 18) and a sham group (n = 18). All participants underwent initial pulmonary function test and then rested supine for 10 minutes before the intervention. Pulmonary function test was repeated immediately after the intervention. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, and residual volume were measured by a spirometer in preintervention and post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were observed in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the TSM group (P < .05). No significant changes in dependent variables were seen in the sham group. CONCLUSION: The pulmonary function values for patients in the TSM group were significantly enhanced with no significant improvement in maximum voluntary ventilation and residual volume. Mechanical factors may be responsible for the improved pulmonary function in the TSM group.

Cu and Zn Concentrations in Seawater and Marine Sediments Along Korean Coasts from the Perspective of Antifouling Agents.

Concentrations were measured three times from 2006 to 2013 at major harbors and marine areas along the Korean coast. The Cu concentration in seawater and sediments increased, while the Zn concentration first decreased and then increased. The pattern of increase in Cu concentration with time was consistent with the increased total tonnage of ships moored at the sampling area and with the increased discharge of organic antifouling agents. To confirm the relationship between seawater and marine sediments in heavy metal pollution, all data were arrayed and compared depending on concentrations. The results revealed that the slope of Cu between seawater and marine sediment rapidly decreased, attributed to the increase in the application of copper-based antifouling agents to vessels after the ban on the use of tributyltin in 2008, rather than the contamination caused by industrial areas.

Virtual Reality Training With Three-Dimensional Video Games Improves Postural Balance and Lower Extremity Strength in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Avatar-based three-dimensional technology is a new approach to improve physical function in older adults. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional video gaming technology in virtual reality training to improve postural balance and lower extremity strength in a population of community-dwelling older adults. The experimental group participated in the virtual reality training program for 60 min, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Both experimental and control groups were given three times for falls prevention education at the first, third, and fifth weeks. The experimental group showed significant improvements not only in static and dynamic postural balance but also lower extremity strength (p < .05). Furthermore, the experimental group was improved to overall parameters compared with the control group (p < .05). Therefore, three-dimensional video gaming technology might be beneficial for improving postural balance and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.