Breathable Artificial Interphase for Dendrite-Free and Chemo-Resistive Lithium Metal Anode.

A dendrite-free and chemically stabilized lithium metal anode is required for extending battery life and for the application of high energy density coupled with various cathode systems. However, uneven Li metal growth and the active surface in nature accelerate electrolyte dissipation and surface corrosion, resulting in poor cycle efficiency and various safety issues. Here, the authors suggest a thin artificial interphase using a multifunctional poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) copolymer to inhibit the electrochemical/chemical side reaction during cycling. Based on the physical features, hardness, adhesion, and flexibility, the optimized chemical structure of SBS facilitates durable mechanical strength and interphase integrity against repeated Li electrodeposition/dissolution. The effectiveness of the thin polymer film enables high cycle efficiency through the realization of a dendrite-free structure and a chemo-resistive surface of Li metal. The versatile anode demonstrates an improvement in the electrochemical properties, paired with diverse cathodes of high-capacity lithium cobalt oxide (3.5 mAh cm-2 ) and oxygen for advanced Li metal batteries with high energy density.

Rapid and High-Density Antibody Immobilization Using Electropolymerization of Pyrrole for Highly Sensitive Immunoassay.

Polypyrrole (Ppy) is a biologically compatible polymer that is used as a matrix, in which drugs and enzymes can be incorporated by doping. Here, we suggest an inventive application of Ppy as a biorecognition film encapsulated with an antibody (Ab) as an alternative strategy for the on-site multistep functionalization of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers. The fabrication steps of the recognition films were followed by dropping pyrrole and Ab mixed solutions onto the electrode and obtaining a thin film by direct current electropolymerization. The efficiency of Ab immobilization was studied by using fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical (EC) methods. Finally, the Ab density was increased and immobilized in 1 min, and the sensing performance as an EC immunosensor was demonstrated using α-fetoprotein with a limit of detection of 3.13 pg/mL and sensing range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. This study demonstrates the potential for electrochemical functionalization of biomolecules with high affinity and rapidity.

Caries risk profiles of Korean dental patients using simplified Cariogram models.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the caries risk profiles obtained from the simplified Cariogram models and the conventional Cariogram model of Korean dental patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data required for a caries risk assessment with the Cariogram were collected from 80 young adult patients (mean: 23 years old). Three different simplified Cariogram models were produced with exclusion of either or both salivary secretion rate and lactobacilli count: group 1, conventional model; group 2, both salivary secretion rate and lactobacilli count excluded; group 3, salivary secretion rate excluded; group 4, lactobacilli count excluded. RESULTS: The mean chance of avoiding caries in group 1 (55.5%) was not significantly different from those in groups 2 and 3. Also four caries-related sectors of the Cariogram (diet, bacteria, susceptibility and circumstance) in group 1 were not significantly different than in groups 2 and 3. Group 4 showed significant differences from group 1 in the mean chance of avoiding caries and the diet, susceptibility and circumstance sectors (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all risk factors and their corresponding risk sectors (p < 0.05). Also there were significant correlations between each risk factor and the chance of avoiding caries, except for the amount of plaque, in groups 1, 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The simplified Cariogram model without salivary secretion rate and lactobacilli count did not significantly change the outcome produced from the conventional model. However, single exclusion of lactobacilli count noticeably changed the caries risk profile.

Tannic acid-assisted in-situ interfacial formation of Prussian blue-assembled adsorptive membranes for radioactive cesium removal.

There is a growing interest in advanced materials that can effectively treat wastewater contaminated with radioactive cesium (137Cs), which is an extremely hazardous material. Here, we report a new class of Cs-adsorptive membranes compactly assembled with Cs-adsorptive Prussian blue (PB) particles. The PB particle assembly was formed via an in-situ interfacial reaction between two PB precursors in the presence of tannic acid (TA) as a binder on a porous support. While the interfacial reaction enabled the formation of a defect-less PB network, TA enhanced the PB-PB and PB-support compatibilities, consequently producing a uniform, densely packed PB assembly near the support surface. The fabricated TA-assisted PB membrane (PB/TA-M) synergistically rejected Cs via a combination of adsorption and membrane filtration, although adsorption predominantly determined Cs rejection initially. Hence, the PB/TA-M membrane showed considerably higher Cs removal performance than commercial nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) polyamide (PA) membranes for a sufficiently long operation time. Furthermore, the PB/TA-M membrane displayed excellent radioactive 137Cs removal performance, significantly exceeding those of commercial NF and RO PA membranes due to its higher radiation stability, indicating its viability for application in treating actual radioactive wastewater.

Fibroblast growth factor 11 inhibits foot-and-mouth disease virus gene expression and replication in vitro.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, swine, and sheep. Although FMD vaccine is the traditional way to protect against the disease, the use of FMD vaccines to protect early infection is limited. The alternative strategy of applying antiviral agents is required to control the spread of FMDV in outbreak situations. Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) is a member of the intracellular FGF. Here, we identified the inhibitory effect of FGF11 on FMDV gene expression through the transcriptional and translational regulation. For the quantitative analysis of FMDV transcription/translation level, we firstly constructed a plasmid reporter system (FMDV five prime untranslated region (5' UTR) -luci) conjugating luciferase encoding gene with FMDV 5' UTR region, which is a non-coding region to control FMDV transcription/translation and includes cis-acting replication element (CRE) and internal ribosome entry site (IRES). FGF11 decreased the gene expression of FMDV 5' UTR-luci reporter in a dose-dependent manner. We further confirmed the inhibitory function of FGF11 on FMDV gene expression a replication in the FMDV-infected pig cells. FGF11 expression inhibited RNA production of FMDV RNA polymerase 3D gene in the FMDV-infected cells. In addition, while FMDV cell infection induced cytopathic effect (CPE) within 24 hr, FGF11 expression dramatically repressed CPE at the basal level. These results indicate that FGF11 inhibits FMDV gene expression and replication in vitro, implicating to provide intervention strategy for FMDV pathogenesis and transmission.

Facile preparation of highly-scattering metal nanoparticle-coated polymer microbeads and their surface plasmon resonance.

We report on the facile preparation of highly scattering metal-coated polystyrene (PS) latex beads by using solvent-controlled heterocoagulation. Starting with an aqueous dispersion of PS beads and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-capped metal nanoparticles (NPs), homogeneous and dense metal coatings were obtained by the controlled addition and removal of tetrahydrofuran (THF). Different sizes (30, 60, and 80 nm), chemistries (gold and silver), and shapes (sphere and cube) of NPs were successfully incorporated on commercially available PS beads. The resulting metal coated-PS microspheres exhibited highly enhanced scattering and tunable optical characteristics useful for biomedical imaging, sensors, and opto-electronic devices. The fabricated composite beads were stable, with no loss of metal coating, during long-term water storage. The morphology and coverage of the metal coating, and the bead's optical properties, were controllable over a wide range by the concentration of THF and metal NP, and NP size, shape, and chemistry.

Cloning and characterization of a new cold-active lipase from a deep-sea sediment metagenome.

To search for new cold-active lipases, a metagenomic library was constructed using cold-sea sediment samples at Edison Seamount and was screened for lipolytic activities by plating on a tricaprylin medium. Subsequently, a fosmid clone was selected, and the whole sequence of 36 kb insert of the fosmid clone was determined by shotgun sequencing. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of 25 open reading frames (ORF), and ORF20 (EML1) showed similarities to lipases. Phylogenetic analysis of EML1 suggested that the protein belonged to a new family of esterase/lipase together with LipG. The EML1 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified by metal-chelating chromatography. The optimum activity of the purified EML1 (rEML1) occurred at pH 8.0 and 25 degrees C, respectively, and rEML1 displayed more than 50% activity at 5 degrees C. The activation energy for the hydrolysis of olive oil was determined to be 3.28 kcal/mol, indicating that EML1 is a cold-active lipase. rEML1 preferentially hydrolyzed triacylglycerols acyl-group chains with long chain lengths of > or = 8 carbon atoms and displayed hydrolyzing activities toward various natural oil substrates. rEML1 was resistant to various detergents such as Triton X-100 and Tween 80. This study represents an example which developed a new cold-active lipase from a deep-sea sediment metagenome.

Associations of Internet Use with Oral Hygiene Based on National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of problematic Internet use with oral health behaviors and oral health status in a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescents. METHODS: Data from the 2010 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (73238 Korean adolescents; mean age 15.06±1.75 years; age range, 12-18 years) were used. Problematic Internet use was measured using the Korean Internet Addiction Proneness Scale for Youth-Short Form. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess oral health behaviors and oral health status of adolescents. RESULTS: Problematic Internet users were less likely to brush their teeth frequently [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.56-0.63] and at school after lunch (AOR=0.89; 95% CI=0.83-0.94) as well as more likely to perceive their oral health to be poorer (AOR=1.63, 95% CI=1.54-1.72) and experience oral symptoms (AOR=1.75, 95% CI=1.65-1.86) compared to usual Internet users. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that problematic Internet use may adversely affect the oral health of Korean adolescents. Thus, oral health screening and Internet-based education are needed for adolescents experiencing problematic Internet use.

Improved production of isobutanol in pervaporation-coupled bioreactor using sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate in engineered Enterobacter aerogenes.

A process of isobutanol production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates in Enterobacter aerogenes was developed here with a pervaporation-integrated procedure. Isobutanol pathway was overexpressed in a mutant strain with eliminated byproduct-forming enzymes (LdhA, BudA, and PflB). A glucose-and-xylose-coconsuming ptsG mutant was constructed for effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Toxic effects of isobutanol were alleviated by in situ recovery via a pervaporation procedure. Compared to single-batch fermentation, cell growth and isobutanol titer were improved by 60% and 100%, respectively, in the pervaporation-integrated fermentation process. A lab-made cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane membrane was cast on polyvinylidene fluoride and used in the pervaporation process. The membrane-penetrating condensate contained 55-226 g m-2 h-1 isobutanol with 6-25 g L-1 ethanol after separation. This study offers improved fermentative production of isobutanol from lignocellulosic biomass with a pervaporation procedure.

Analysis of the FGF gene family provides insights into aquatic adaptation in cetaceans.

Cetacean body structure and physiology exhibit dramatic adaptations to their aquatic environment. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of essential factors that regulate animal development and physiology; however, their role in cetacean evolution is not clearly understood. Here, we sequenced the fin whale genome and analysed FGFs from 8 cetaceans. FGF22, a hair follicle-enriched gene, exhibited pseudogenization, indicating that the function of this gene is no longer necessary in cetaceans that have lost most of their body hair. An evolutionary analysis revealed signatures of positive selection for FGF3 and FGF11, genes related to ear and tooth development and hypoxia, respectively. We found a D203G substitution in cetacean FGF9, which was predicted to affect FGF9 homodimerization, suggesting that this gene plays a role in the acquisition of rigid flippers for efficient manoeuvring. Cetaceans utilize low bone density as a buoyancy control mechanism, but the underlying genes are not known. We found that the expression of FGF23, a gene associated with reduced bone density, is greatly increased in the cetacean liver under hypoxic conditions, thus implicating FGF23 in low bone density in cetaceans. Altogether, our results provide novel insights into the roles of FGFs in cetacean adaptation to the aquatic environment.

Effect of pH and temperature on orthodontic NiTi wires immersed in acidic fluoride solution.

Orthodontic arch wires can confront diverse pH and temperature conditions in the oral cavity after replacement. The current study evaluated the effect of pH and temperature on orthodontic NiTi arch wires after immersion in an acidic fluoride solution. The acetic acid added for the adjustment of pH forms hydrofluoric acid (HF). More HF was formed in a solution of lower pH with higher temperature than that of the higher pH with lower temperature. Within the same pH value, the temperature of the solution affected the concentration of HF. Each as-received wire exhibited quite different microhardness values. The reduction of microhardness, 1.2-5.7%, occurred after immersion. Within the same product, however, the pH and temperature had minor influence on the reduction. The volumetric weight change, concentration of the released elements, and surface morphology were influenced by pH and temperature. At pH 3.5 of 60 degrees C solution, the greatest weight loss, release of elements, and corrosion of surface occurred from the wires. At pH 6, on the other hand, no such loss or release occurred regardless of temperature. At 5 degrees C solution, the surface exhibited minor corrosion regardless of pH value.

Proximal Tibia Chondroblastoma Treated With Curettage and Bone Graft and Cement Use.

Chondroblastoma has a predilection for the epiphyses or apophyses of long tubular bones. Management of lesions in the proximal tibia is challenging because it is difficult to gain access to intraepiphyseal lesions for completion of curettage. From October 2007 to December 2011, 9 patients with de novo chondroblastoma of the proximal tibia underwent surgery at the authors' institution. All patients initially presented with pain, and 5 patients had limitation of range of motion of the ipsilateral knee. Four lesions abutted the tibial attachment sites of the cruciate ligaments. Surgical procedures included intralesional tumor curettage, additional burring, and packing of the defect with bone graft and/or bone cement. The extra-articular approach was used according to tumor location. The medial or lateral parapatellar approach was used when the tumor was located in the anterior two-thirds of the horizontal plane. When a lesion was located in the posterior third, the posteromedial or posterolateral approach was used as the lesion was cornered. Mean duration of follow-up was 47.2 months (range, 27-80 months). No local recurrence or pulmonary metastasis was noted at latest follow-up. Mean functional score was 29.3 points (range, 28-30 points). All patients fully recovered range of motion in the affected knee. No avulsion fracture or anteroposterior instability of the knee joint was detected. Results of the current study suggest that intralesion curettage followed by additional burring with an extra-articular approach is a successful treatment option for chondroblastoma of the proximal tibia.

Rational molecular design of PEOlated ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane membranes for high performance CO2 removal.

Poly(methoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl-co-methacryloxypropyl) silsesquioxane membranes with different copolymer ratios were successfully fabricated via UV-induced crosslinking with mechanical stability. By selectively introducing polyethylene oxide (PEO) groups covalently bound to the ladder-structured polysilsesquioxane, we effectively suppressed the PEO crystallization, allowing for excellent CO2/H2 and CO2/N2 separation under single as well as mixed gas conditions.

Changes on NiTi orthodontic wired due to acidic fluoride solution.

The effect of acidic fluoride solution on NiTi arch wires was examined by testing crystal structure, tensile strength, morphology after fracture, and element release from wire under four different test solutions after 1 or 3 d immersion. Three-day immersion in a 0.2%/pH 4 solution did not form any new crystal structure. However, tensile strength after immersion was changed compared to the as-received wires. 3M wires showed increased tensile strength whereas G&H and Ormco wires showed decreased strength. Significant difference in tensile strength was associated with the immersion period. The fractured wires showed dimple patterns in the inner part of the wire, and ductile features on the outer part. Element release in the test solution increased as NaF concentration and the period of immersion increased, and as pH valued decreased. Wires immersed in a 0.2%/pH 4 solution released several-fold greater amount of elements than wires in a 0.05%/pH 4 solution. Tensile strength and element release were affected by acidic fluoride solution. In particular, NaF concentration, pH value, and the period of immersion were the factors affecting these properties.

Caries risk profile of Korean dental patients with severe intellectual disabilities.

This study evaluated the caries risk profile of patients with severe intellectual disabilities (IDs) who received dental treatment under general anesthesia. One hundred and two patients with ID [ID group, mean age (SD); 23.8(9.3)] and 100 healthy patients without ID [NID group, mean age (SD); 23.19(3.3)] were included. Medication, disability type, oral hygiene maintenance, and cooperation of the patients were investigated. Dietary habits, plaque index, mutans streptococci counts, fluoride availability, and salivary buffering were scored and analyzed using the Cariogram. The mean chance of avoiding caries (SD) was 28.1(20.4) in the ID group and 54.7(18.4) in the NID group. The ID group had significantly higher numbers of decayed and missing teeth, but fewer filled teeth than the NID group (p < .05). Significant disparities existed in the distributions of all caries-related factors except for mutans streptococci counts between the two groups (p < .05). The low chance to avoid future caries in ID patients was closely associated with insufficient oral hygiene maintenance (p < .05). Fluoride availability was strongly associated with the chance of avoiding caries in the ID group. Dental patients with severe ID exhibited a higher risk of developing caries than normal patients. Among several caries-related factors, insufficient oral hygiene maintenance and low fluoride availability most contributed to the high risk.

Severe dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome in a child.

Dapsone (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS), a potent anti-inflammatory agent, is widely used in the treatment of leprosy and several chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Dapsone therapy rarely results in development of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, which is characterized by fever, hepatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, and lymphadenopathy. Here, we describe the case of an 11-year-old Korean boy who initially presented with high fever, a morbilliform skin rash, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and leukopenia after 6 weeks of dapsone intake. Subsequently, he exhibited cholecystitis, gingivitis, colitis, sepsis, aseptic meningitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, pneumonia, pleural effusions, peritonitis, bronchiectatic changes, exfoliative dermatitis, and acute renal failure. After 2 months of supportive therapy, and prednisolone and antibiotic administration, most of the systemic symptoms resolved, with the exception of exfoliative dermatitis and erythema, which ameliorated over the following 4 months. Agranulocytosis, atypical lymphocytosis, aseptic meningitis, and bronchiectatic changes along with prolonged systemic symptoms with exfoliative dermatitis were the most peculiar features of the present case.

Dye-labeled polystyrene latex microspheres prepared via a combined swelling-diffusion technique.

A series of water-insoluble, biologically compatible dyes, meso-tetraphenylchlorin, meso-tetraphenylporphyrin and chlorophyll-a, were successfully incorporated into beads composed of linear polystyrene (PS) via a tunable combined swelling-diffusion process. Dyed PS beads were prepared by the addition of a dye solution in tetrahydrofuran to an aqueous suspension of 10 µm PS beads in the presence of a poly((ethylene glycol)-b-(propylene glycol)-b-(ethylene glycol)) block copolymer surfactant. The presence of surfactant was found to be beneficial to prevent particle aggregation, especially at tetrahydrofuran contents above 30%. Dye loading was shown to be tunable by simple adjustments in dye composition. Confocal fluorescence microscopy indicated that dyes were distributed uniformly throughout the entire PS bead, but heterogeneously with ~500 nm diameter droplets, indicative of a separate dye phase within the PS matrix. The stability of dyed beads, indicated by resistance to dye leaching in solvent, was found to be governed by the degree of swelling of PS in the solvent medium. Hence, no leaching was observed even when a good solvent for the dye was used (ethanol), as long as that solvent did not swell the carrier particle, PS. No leaching of dyes from the beads was observed during long-term (2 years) storage in water.

Change in renal function after sodium phosphate preparation for screening colonoscopy.

AIM: To investigate the changes in renal function at 12-24 mo in patients following sodium phosphate (NaP) preparation for screening colonoscopy. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on the results from patients who received health check-up services as part of an employer-provided wellness program performed between August 2006 and May 2008 and who were followed up for 12-24 mo. Prior to screening colonoscopy, 224 patients underwent bowel cleansing with NaP (NaP group) and 113 patients with polyethylene glycol (PEG group). The control group comprised 672 age-matched patients. We compared the changes in the creatinine levels and the glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) from baseline to 12-24 mo between the NaP, PEG, and control groups using two-way repeated measured analysis of variance. In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for a decreased GFR. RESULTS: The baseline mean serum creatinine level in the NaP, PEG, and control groups was 1.12 +/- 0.15, 1.12 +/- 0.16, and 1.12 +/- 0.15 mg/dL, which increased to 1.15 +/- 0.15, 1.15 +/- 0.18, and 1.15 +/- 0.15 mg/dL, respectively, after 12-24 mo. The baseline mean GFR in the NaP, PEG, and control groups was 69.0 +/- 7.7, 68.9 +/- 8.0, and 69.6 +/- 6.7 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), which decreased to 66.5 +/- 7.8, 66.5 +/- 8.3, and 67.4 +/- 6.4 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively, after 12-24 mo. The changes in serum creatinine levels and GFRs were not significantly between the NaP, PEG, and control groups (P = 0.992 and P = 0.233, respectively). Using multivariate linear regression analysis, only the baseline GFR was associated with the change in GFR (P < 0.001). Indeed, the bowel preparations were not associated with the change in GFR (P = 0.297). CONCLUSION: NaP bowel preparation in subjects with normal renal function was not associated with renal injury, and NaP can thus be used safely for screening colonoscopy.

Characterization of ragweed pollen adhesion to polyamides and polystyrene using atomic force microscopy.

Pollen is a leading contributor to asthma and allergies, yet pollen adhesion to common indoor surfaces is not well understood. We report the adhesive behavior of short ragweed (A. artemisiifolia) pollen grains with Nylon 6 (N6) and Nylon 6,6 (N66), chosen due to their use in synthetic carpet, and three control surfaces: polyamide 12 (PA12), polystyrene (PS), and silicon. The forces were measured by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) under controlled humidity, where single pollen grains were attached to tipless AFM cantilevers. Pollen grains had an average adhesion of 10 +/- 3 nN with the surfaces, independent of surface type or relative humidity from 20% to 60%. van der Waals forces are the primary molecular attraction driving pollen adhesion to these surfaces. The results also indicate that ragweed pollen contacts the polymer surface via its exine surface spikes, and the total adhesion force scales with the number of contacts. The pollen surface spikes are strong, resisting fracture and compliance up to a load of 0.5 GPa.

Endoscopic bilateral metal stent placement for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a pilot study of a newly designed Y stent.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic stent placement is now generally accepted as a palliative method of treatment in unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, exclusively endoscopic placement of bilateral metal stents has been considered very difficult and complex. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical and clinical efficacy of endoscopic placement of dual, newly designed stents in a Y configuration. DESIGN: Prospective, uncontrolled, single center. SETTING: Tertiary referral university hospital. PATIENTS: Ten patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma of Bismuth type II or higher. INTERVENTIONS: For bilateral metal stent placement, a biliary Y stent with central wide-open mesh was used exclusively at first. A second stent was placed into the contralateral hepatic duct through the central open mesh of the Y stent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Technical success, functional success, early complications, and short-term clinical outcome. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 8 of 10 patients (80%). Among 8 patients in whom bilateral stents were successfully placed by endoscopy, functional success was 100%, the early complication rate was 0%, and the stent occlusion rate was 25%. The median stent patency period was 217 days. LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients, uncontrolled study, short-term follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: We described a technique for endoscopic bilateral metal stent placement by using the newly designed Y stent for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma that resulted in a high success rate of 80%.