Metal Films on Two-Dimensional Materials: van der Waals Contacts and Raman Enhancement.

Electronic devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials will need ultraclean and defect-free van der Waals (vdW) contacts with three-dimensional (3D) metals. It is therefore important to understand how vdW metal films deposit on 2D surfaces. Here, we study the growth and nucleation of vdW metal films of indium (In) and non-vdW metal films of gold (Au), deposited on 2D MoS2 and graphene. In follows a 2D growth mode in contrast to Au that follows a 3D growth mode. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to image the morphology of metal clusters during growth and quantify the nucleation density. As compared to Au, In atoms exhibit nearly 50 times higher diffusivity (3.65 × 10-6 µm-2 s-1) and half the nucleation density (64.9 ± 2.46 µm-2), leading to larger grain sizes (∼60 nm for 5 nm In on monolayer MoS2). The grain size of In can be further increased by reducing the 2D surface roughness, while the grain size for Au is limited by its high nucleation density due to the creation of interface defects during deposition. The vdW gap between In and MoS2 and graphene leads to strong enhancement (>103) in their Raman signal intensity due to localized surface plasmon resonance. In the absence of a vdW gap, the plasmon-mediated enhancement in Raman does not occur.

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Osteotomy Plane Violation by D-Hole Screws in Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Simulation and Comparative Study.

Background and Objectives: Stable fixation is essential for successful healing after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) to minimize the risk of non-union and correction loss. In Asians, potential complications such as D-hole screw osteotomy plane violation (D-hole violation) and inadequate plate fitting arise due to improper plate size. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for D-hole violation and compare the conventional anatomic (CA) plate with an individualized anatomic (IA) plate in MOWHTO procedures. Materials and Methods: A simulation study on D-hole violation using the CA plate was conducted, involving preoperative radiographs and CT scans of 64 lower extremities from 47 MOWHTO patients. Additionally, a randomized controlled study compared CA and IA plates in MOWHTO procedures with 34 patients (17 in the CA plate group; 18 in the IA plate group). Patient demographics, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and radiological measures were analyzed. Results: In the simulation study, the rates of D-hole violation ranged from 20.3% to 59.4%, with an increase observed as the plate was distalized from 5 mm to 10 mm away from the joint line. Short stature was identified as an independent risk factor for D-hole violation (p < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 155.3 cm. In the randomized controlled study, no significant difference in PROMs and D-hole violation was observed between the CA plate and IA plate groups. However, the IA plate group showed better plate fitting compared to the CA plate group (p = 0.041). Conclusions: This study identified a high risk of D-hole screw osteotomy plane violations in MOWHTO procedures, particularly when the plate is positioned more distally and in individuals with a stature below 155.3 cm. It also revealed that individualized plates provide better tibial fitting compared to conventional anatomic plates, particularly in Asian populations where tibial morphology tends to be shorter than in Western populations. Therefore, evaluating patient stature and selecting tailored plates are essential to optimize plate positioning and minimize plate-related complications in MOWHTO procedures.

MeCP2 dysfunction prevents proper BMP signaling and neural progenitor expansion in brain organoid.

OBJECTIVES: Sporadic mutations in MeCP2 are a hallmark of Rett syndrome (RTT). Many RTT brain organoid models have exhibited pathogenic phenotypes such as decreased spine density and small size of soma with altered electrophysiological signals. However, previous models are mainly focused on the phenotypes observed in the late phase and rarely provide clues for the defect of neural progenitors which generate different types of neurons and glial cells. METHODS: We newly established the RTT brain organoid model derived from MeCP2-truncated iPS cells which were genetically engineered by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By immunofluorescence imaging, we studied the development of NPC pool and its fate specification into glutamatergic neurons or astrocytes in RTT organoids. By total RNA sequencing, we investigated which signaling pathways were altered during the early brain development in RTT organoids. RESULTS: Dysfunction of MeCP2 caused the defect of neural rosette formation in the early phase of cortical development. In total transcriptome analysis, BMP pathway-related genes are highly associated with MeCP2 depletion. Moreover, levels of pSMAD1/5 and BMP target genes are excessively increased, and treatment of BMP inhibitors partially rescues the cell cycle progression of neural progenitors. Subsequently, MeCP2 dysfunction reduced the glutamatergic neurogenesis and induced overproduction of astrocytes. Nevertheless, early inhibition of BMP pathway rescued VGLUT1 expression and suppressed astrocyte maturation. INTERPRETATION: Our results demonstrate that MeCP2 is required for the expansion of neural progenitor cells by modulating BMP pathway at early stages of development, and this influence persists during neurogenesis and gliogenesis at later stages of brain organoid development.

Nonporous Oxide-Terminated Multicomponent Bulk Anode Enabling Energy-Dense Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as power sources for large-scale storage owing to their abundant and inexpensive sodium (Na) source, but their limited energy density hinders their commercialization. High-capacity anode materials, such as antimony (Sb), which are potential energy boosters for SIBs, suffer from battery degradation owing to large-volume-changes and structural instability. The rational design of bulk Sb-based anodes to enhance the initial reversibility and electrode density inevitably requires atomic- and microscale-considered internal/external buffering or passivation layers. However, unsuitable buffer engineering causes electrode degradation and lowers energy density. Herein, the rationally designed intermetallic inner and outer oxide buffers for bulk Sb anodes are reported. The two chemistries in the synthesis process provide an atomic-scale aluminum (Al) buffer within the dense microparticles and an external mechanically stabilizing dual oxide layer. The prepared nonporous bulk Sb anode maintained excellent reversible capacity at a high current density and Na-ion full battery evaluations with Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) showing negligible capacity decay over 100 cycles. The demonstrated buffer designs for commercially favorable micro-sized Sb and intermetallic AlSb shed light on the stabilization of high-capacity or large-volume-change electrode materials for various metal-ion rechargeable batteries.

Effects of Iron on Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy Using Photolon in a Mouse Model of CT26 Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) -a minimally invasive anti-cancer therapy-is undergoing experimental studies to increase its anti-cancer effects. This study investigated the influence of iron on the anti-cancer effects of PDT. METHODS: PDT was performed in a cancer-bearing mouse model, which was created by using a murine colon carcinoma (CT26) cell line after administration of Photolon and iron. Tumor volume and the results of TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), 8-OHdG, and TBARS assays were used to measure anti-cancer effect. RESULTS: On day 14, tumor volume had increased by 49% in the PDT group and decreased by 72% in the iron+PDT group. The percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in tumor tissues was 45% in the PDT group and 69% in the iron+PDT group, suggesting that the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells had increased in the iron+PDT group. The 8-OHdG content in tumor tissues was 33% higher in the iron+PDT group than in the PDT group. The TBARS content in tumor tissues was 46% higher in the iron+PDT group than in the PDT group. CONCLUSIONS: Iron enhances the anti-cancer effect of PDT using Photolon, most likely by increasing oxidative damage.

Implementation of a Nurse-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adherence and Depression of People Living with HIV in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence and depression (CBT-AD) performed by clinical psychologists is an effective treatment for improving the depression in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, because access to clinical psychologists is limited in most clinics, CBT-AD is rarely performed for PLWH in Korea. This pilot study evaluates whether CBT-AD can be effectively performed by a nurse trained and supervised by a clinical psychologist, with a view to the wider provision of CBT-AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One clinical psychologist developed manuals, educated and supervised one nurse. PLWH with depression or adherence to self-reported antiretroviral therapy <90% were enrolled, and CBT-AD was conducted once weekly for 12 sessions. PLWH were assessed for adherence by visual analog scale, Beck depression inventory (BDI) for depression, PozQoL for quality of life, and Berger's 40-item stigma scale for stigma at baseline, after the 6th, 12th session, at 4-, and 8-months after CBT-AD. Acceptability for PLWH and feasibility for providers were evaluated through surveys. RESULTS: Five male PLWH have completed the study protocols (mean age 29.2 years). All study participants showed improving depression (mean BDI at baseline 33.0 ± 7.0, and after the 12th session 13.4 ± 3.5), and the effect was maintained at the 8-month follow-up (BDI 15.4 ± 6.4). Quality of life showed a tendency to improve (mean PozQoL at baseline 28.0 ± 7.7, after 12th session 36.8 ± 4.4, and at the 8-month follow-up 38.2 ± 7.9), but stigma did not show clear improvement (Berger's 40-item stigma scale at baseline 121.0 ± 3.9, after 12th session 107.6 ± 8.8. and at the 8-month follow-up 107.6 ± 5.0). All study participants received great help from CBT-AD and expressed their desire to continue. All providers agreed that nurse-delivered CBT-AD could be implemented in routine clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a nurse-delivered CBT-AD could be feasible and acceptable for PLWH through structured interventions. It has been shown to have the potential to help PLWH, especially for their depression and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03823261.

Selective neurodegeneration of the hippocampus caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: F-18 FDG PET study in rats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is known to induce Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, but its mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the cerebral regions that are affected by CCH, and to evaluate the development of AD pathology in a rat model of CCH. METHODS: A rat model of CCH was established by bilaterally ligating the common carotid arteries in adult male rats (CCH group). The identical operations were performed on sham rats without arteries ligation (control group). Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was evaluated at 1 and 3 months after bilateral CCA ligation using positron emission tomography with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose. The expression levels of amyloid ß40 (Aß40), amyloid ß42 (Aß42), and hyperphosphorylated tau were evaluated using western blots at 3 months after the ligation. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Y-maze test at 3 months after the ligation. RESULTS: At 1 month after the ligation, cerebral glucose metabolism in the entorhinal, frontal association, motor, and somatosensory cortices were significantly decreased in the CCH group compared with those in the control group. At 3 months after the ligation, cerebral glucose metabolism was normalized in all regions except for the anterodorsal hippocampus, which was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. The expression of Aß42 and the Aß42/40 ratio were significantly higher in the CCH group than those in the control group. The phosphorylated-tau levels of the hippocampus in the CCH group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Cognitive function was more impaired in the CCH group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CCH causes selective neurodegeneration of the anterodorsal hippocampus, which may be a trigger point for the development of AD pathology.

Differences in Facial Expressions between Spontaneous and Posed Smiles: Automated Method by Action Units and Three-Dimensional Facial Landmarks.

Research on emotion recognition from facial expressions has found evidence of different muscle movements between genuine and posed smiles. To further confirm discrete movement intensities of each facial segment, we explored differences in facial expressions between spontaneous and posed smiles with three-dimensional facial landmarks. Advanced machine analysis was adopted to measure changes in the dynamics of 68 segmented facial regions. A total of 57 normal adults (19 men, 38 women) who displayed adequate posed and spontaneous facial expressions for happiness were included in the analyses. The results indicate that spontaneous smiles have higher intensities for upper face than lower face. On the other hand, posed smiles showed higher intensities in the lower part of the face. Furthermore, the 3D facial landmark technique revealed that the left eyebrow displayed stronger intensity during spontaneous smiles than the right eyebrow. These findings suggest a potential application of landmark based emotion recognition that spontaneous smiles can be distinguished from posed smiles via measuring relative intensities between the upper and lower face with a focus on left-sided asymmetry in the upper region.

An investigation of the inhibitory mechanism of α-glucosidase by chysalodin from Aloe vera.

The aim of our study is to provide new type skeleton of α-glucosidase inhibitor from food source. A new 6'-O-(E)-cinnamoyl-7-methoxy-aloin A (1) was isolated from Aloe vera. Also, known chysalodin (2) was the first report for A. vera. These structures were identified with based on HR-ESI Mass and 1/2D-NMR spectra. These isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase by using spectrophotometer. Of these, compound 2 exhibited inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 13.4 ± 1.5 µM. An enzyme kinetic study identified the mechanism of binding of the ligand with the enzyme; the ligand binds in the active site of the enzyme in a competitive mode. Additionally, fluorescence quenching between the ligand and receptor revealed a two-to-one reaction. Finally, this finding provides that anthraquinone dimer (2) could be a starting point for the design of new class of α-glucosidase inhibitor.

The effect of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease: A positron emission tomography study in rats.

Cerebrovascular disease is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although acute cerebral hypoperfusion causes neuronal necrosis and infarction, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion induces apoptosis in neurons, but its effects on the cognitive impairment are not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on AD pathology and cerebral glucose metabolism. A model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was established by ligating the common carotid arteries bilaterally in adult male rats (CAL group). Sham-operated rats underwent the same procedures without artery ligation (control group). At 12 weeks after ligation, expression levels of amyloid-ß (Aß) and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau), as well as the regional cerebral glucose metabolism, were evaluated using Western blots and positron emission tomography with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, respectively. The expression levels of Aß in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and of p-tau in the temporal cortex were significantly higher in the CAL group than those in the control group. The cerebral glucose metabolism of the amygdala, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus was significantly decreased in the CAL group compared to that in the control. These results suggest that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion can induce AD pathology and may play a significant role in AD development.

Effects of genistein on anti-tumor activity of cisplatin in human cervical cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of genistein on the anticancer effects of chemotherapeutic agents, we examined the effect of a genistein and cisplatin combination on CaSki human cervical cancer cells. METHODS: After the cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells, CaSki cells) had been cultured, cisplatin and genistein were added to the culture medium, and the cell activity was measured using MTT assay. The CaSki cells were cultured in a medium containing cisplatin and genistein, and then, the cells were collected in order to measure p53, Bcl2, ERK, and caspase 3 levels by western blotting. RESULTS: Both the HeLa and CaSki cells had decreased cell viabilities when the cisplatin concentration was 10 µM or higher. When combined with genistein, the cell viabilities of the HeLa and CaSki cells decreased at cisplatin concentrations of 8 µM and 6 µM, respectively. The administration of genistein increased the toxicity of cisplatin in the HeLa and CaSki cells. In the CaSki cells, the p-ERK1/2 level decreased by 37%, the p53 expression level increased by 304%, and the cleaved caspase 3 level increased by 115% in the cisplatin+genistein group compared to that in the cisplatin group. Bcl2 expression was reduced by 69% in the cisplatin+genistein group compared to that in the cisplatin group. CONCLUSION: Genistein enhances the anticancer effect of cisplatin in CaSki cells, and can be used as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant to increase the activity of a chemotherapeutic agent.

Effect of quercetin on the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin in EMT6 breast tumor-bearing mice.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of quercetin on the antitumor activity of cisplatin and its side-effects. METHODS: EMT6 cells, a mouse breast cancer cell line, were injected subcutaneously in mice to generate a breast tumor-bearing mouse model. Experimental groups were divided into four groups: control (C), quercetin (Q), cisplatin (CP), and cisplatin+quercetin (CP+Q). RESULTS: The tumor volume of the CP+Q group was significantly lower than that of the CP group. Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in the CP+Q group were lower than those in the CP group. Renal γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly higher in the CP+Q group than in the CP group, and the content of renal thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly lower in the CP+Q group than that in the CP group. These results suggested that quercetin and cisplatin synergistically increased cellular toxicity in breast cancer cells and mediated cancer growth inhibition, thereby enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin compared to when only cisplatin was administered. Quercetin also reduced renal toxicity, which arose as a potential a side effect of cisplatin. CONCLUSION: The enhanced antitumor effect of cisplatin and decreased renal toxicity after quercetin treatment suggested the applicability of quercetin as an adjuvant for chemotherapeutic agents.

Controlled Synthesis of Sulfur-Rich Polymeric Selenium Sulfides as Promising Electrode Materials for Long-Life, High-Rate Lithium Metal Batteries.

High-energy lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries still suffer from unsatisfactory cycle life and poor rate capability caused by the polysulfides shuttle and insulating nature of S cathodes. Here, we report our findings in the controlled synthesis of selenium (Se)-containing S-rich co-polymers of various compositions as novel cathode materials through a facile inverse vulcanization of S with selenium disulfide (SeS2) and 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene (DIB) as co-monomers. Nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that divinyl functional groups of DIB were chemically cross-linked with S/SeS2 chain radicals through a ring-opening polymerization. The newly formed bonds of C-S, C-Se, and S-Se in novel S-SeS2-DIB co-polymers effectively alleviate the shuttle effects of polysulfides/polyselenides. Furthermore, various electrochemical techniques confirm the positive roles of Se-containing co-polymers in enhancing the electrode reaction kinetics and the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase layer with low charge-transfer resistance, leading to improved high-rate performances. The as-synthesized co-polymer was then infiltrated into well-interconnected, porous nanocarbon networks (Ketjenblack EC600JD, KB600) to provide effective paths for the fast electron transport. Due to the synergistic combination of chemical and physical confinement of the reaction intermediates during cycling, good reversibility for 500 cycles with a low decay rate of 0.0549% per cycle was achieved at 1000 mA g-1. These encouraging results suggest that the combination of chemical incorporation of SeS2 into S-rich co-polymer and the physical confinement of carbon networks is a promising strategy for advancing Li/S batteries and their viability for practical applications.

Decolorization of textile dyes in an air-lift bioreactor inoculated with Bjerkandera adusta OBR105.

A new decolorizing white-rot fungus, OBR105, was isolated from Mount Odae in South Korea and identified by the morphological characterization of its fruit body and spores and partial 18s rDNA sequences. The ligninolytic enzyme activity of OBR105 was studied to characterize their decolorizing mechanism using a spectrophotometric enzyme assay. For the evaluation of the decolorization capacity of OBR105, the isolate was incubated in an erlenmeyer flask and in an airlifte bioreator with potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium supplemented with each dye. In addition, the decolorization efficiency of real textile wastewater was evaluated in an airlift bioreactor inoculated with the isolate. The isolate was identified as Bjerkandera adusta and had ligninolytic enzymes such as laccase, lignin peroxidase (LiP), and Mn-dependent peroxidase (MnP). Its LiP activity was higher than its MnP and laccase activities. B. adusta OBR105 successfully decolorized reactive dyes (red 120, blue 4, orange 16, and black 5) and acid dyes (red 114, blue 62, orange 7, and black 172). B. adusta OBR105 decolorized 91-99% of 200 mg L-1 of each dye (except acid orange 7) within 3 days in a PDB medium at 28°C, pH 5, and 150 rpm. This fungus decolorized only 45% of 200 mg L-1 acid orange 7 (single azo-type dye) within 3 days, and the decolorization efficiency did not increase by prolonging the cultivation time. In the air-lift bioreactor, B. adusta OBR105 displayed a high decolorization capacity, greater than 90%, for 3 acid dyes (red 114, blue 62, and black 172) and 1 reactive dye (blue 4) within 10-15 h of treatment. B. adusta OBR105 could decolorize real textile wastewater in the air-lift bioreactor. This result suggests that an air-lift reactor employing B. adusta OBR105 is a promising bioreactor for the treatment of dye wastewater.

Decolorization of acid, disperse and reactive dyes by Trametes versicolor CBR43.

The mycoremediation has been considered as a promising method for decolorizing dye wastewater. To explore new bioresource for mycoremediation, a new white-rot fungus that could decolorize various dyes commonly used in textile industries was isolated, and its ligninolytic enzyme activity and decolorization capacity were characterized. The isolated CBR43 was identified as Trametes versicolor based on the morphological properties of its fruit body and spores, as well as through partial 18S rDNA gene sequences. Isolated CBR43 displayed high activities of laccase and Mn-dependent peroxidase, whereas its lignin peroxidase activity was relatively low. These ligninolytic enzyme activities in potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium were enhanced by the addition of yeast extract (1-10 g L-1). In particular, lignin peroxidase activity was increased more than 5 times in the PDB medium amended with 10 g L-1 of yeast extract. The CBR43 decolorized more than 90% of 200 mg L-1 acid dyes (red 114, blue 62 and black 172) and reactive dyes (red 120, blue 4, orange 16 and black 5) within 6 days in the PDB medium. CBR43 decolorized 67% of 200 mg L-1 acid orange 7 within 9 days. The decolorization efficiencies for disperse dyes (red 1, orange 3 and black 1) were 51-80% within 9 days. The CBR43 could effectively decolorize high concentrations of acid blue 62 and acid black 172 (500-700 mg L-1). The maximum dye decolorization rate was obtained at 28°C, pH 5, and 150 rpm in the PDB medium. T. versicolor CBR43 had high laccase and Mn-dependent peroxidase activities, and could decolorize a wide variety of dyes such as acid, disperse and reactive textile dyes. This fungus had decolorizing activities of azo-type dyes as well as anthraquinone-type dyes. T. versicolor CBR43 is one of promising bioresources for the decolorization of textile wastewater including various dyes.

Urinary Albumin Excretion Reflects Cardiovascular Risk in Postmenopausal Women without Diabetes: The 2011 to 2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study was to determine whether there was an association between urinary albumin excretion and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by estimating the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in postmenopausal women without diabetes. METHODS: This study was based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2011 to 2013. Data on 2,316 postmenopausal women from a total of 24,594 participants was included in the analysis. RESULTS: The mean FRS was significantly different in each of the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) subgroups, and it increased with UACR. The FRS was 12.69±0.12 in the optimal group, 14.30±0.19 in the intermediate normal group, 14.62±0.26 in the high normal group, and 15.86±0.36 in the microalbuminuria group. After fully adjusting for potential confounding factors, high normal levels and microalbuminuria were significantly associated with the highest tertile of FRS ([odds ratio (OR), 1.642; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.124 to 2.400] and [OR, 3.385; 95% CI, 2.088 to 5.488], respectively) compared with the optimal subgroup. High normal levels and microalbuminuria were also significantly associated with a ≥10% 10-year risk of CVD ([OR, 1.853; 95% CI, 1.122 to 3.060] and [OR, 2.831; 95% CI, 1.327 to 6.037], respectively) after adjusting for potential confounding covariates. CONCLUSION: Urinary albumin excretion reflects CVD risk in postmenopausal women without diabetes, and high normal levels and microalbuminuria were independently associated with a higher risk of CVD.

Zinc-Reduced Mesoporous TiOx Li-Ion Battery Anodes with Exceptional Rate Capability and Cycling Stability.

We demonstrate a unique synthetic route for oxygen-deficient mesoporous TiOx by a redox-transmetalation process by using Zn metal as the reducing agent. The as-obtained materials have significantly enhanced electronic conductivity; 20 times higher than that of as-synthesized TiO2 material. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) measurements are performed to validate the low charge carrier resistance of the oxygen-deficient TiOx . The resulting oxygen-deficient TiOx battery anode exhibits a high reversible capacity (∼180 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge rate of 1 C/1 C after 400 cycles) and an excellent rate capability (∼90 mA h g-1 even at a rate of 10 C). Also, the full cell, which is coupled with a LiCoO2 cathode material, exhibits an outstanding rate capability (>75 mA h g-1 at a rate of 3.0 C) and maintains a reversible capacity of over 100 mA h g-1 at a discharge/charge of 1 C/1 C for 300 cycles.

3D graphene-based hybrid materials: synthesis and applications in energy storage and conversion.

Porous 3D graphene-based hybrid materials (3D GBHMs) are currently attractive nanomaterials employed in the field of energy. Heteroatom-doped 3D graphene and metal, metal oxide, and polymer-decorated 3D graphene with modified electronic and atomic structures provide promising performance as electrode materials in energy storage and conversion. Numerous synthesis methods such as self-assembly, templating, electrochemical deposition, and supercritical CO2, pave the way to mass production of 3D GBHMs in the commercialization of energy devices. This review summarizes recent advances in the fabrication of 3D GBHMs with well-defined architectures such as finely controlled pore sizes, heteroatom doping types and levels. Moreover, current progress toward applications in fuel cells, supercapacitors and batteries employing 3D GBHMs is also highlighted, along with the detailed mechanisms of the enhanced electrochemical performance. Furthermore, current critical issues, challenges and future prospects with respect to applications of 3D GBHMs in practical devices are discussed at the end of this review.

Amphiphilic Graft Copolymers as a Versatile Binder for Various Electrodes of High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

It is known that grafting one polymer onto another polymer backbone is a powerful strategy capable of combining dual benefits from each parent polymer. Thus amphiphilic graft copolymer precursors (poly(vinylidene difluoride)-graft-poly(tert-butylacrylate) (PVDF-g-PtBA)) have been developed via atom transfer radical polymerization, and demonstrated its outstanding properties as a promising binder for high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) by using in situ pyrolytic transformation of PtBA to poly(acrylic acid) segments. In addition to its superior mechanical properties and accommodation capability of volume expansion, the Si anode with PVDF-g-PtBA exhibits the excellent charge and discharge capacities of 2672 and 2958 mAh g(-1) with the capacity retention of 84% after 50 cycles. More meaningfully, the graft copolymer binder shows good operating characteristics in both LiN0.5 M1.5 O4 cathode and neural graphite anode, respectively. By containing such diverse features, a graft copolymer-loaded LiN0.5 M1.5 O4 /Si-NG full cell has been successfully achieved, which delivers energy density as high as 546 Wh kg(-1) with cycle retention of ≈70% after 50 cycles (1 C). For the first time, this work sheds new light on the unique nature of the graft copolymer binders in LIB application, which will provide a practical solution for volume expansion and low efficiency problems, leading to a high-energy-density lithium-ion chemistry.

Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Korean Patients with Inactive Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psychological distress is highly prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the disease characteristics and socioeconomic factors associated with anxiety and depression in Korean patients with quiescent IBD. METHODS: In total, 142 IBD patients (67 with Crohn's disease [CD] and 75 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) completed self-report questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, the Modified Morisky Adherence Scale-8, the socioeconomic deprivation score, and the Crohn's and Colitis Knowledge Score questionnaires. RESULTS: In the CD group, 30 patients (44%) were anxious, and 10 patients (15%) were depressed; in the UC group, 31 patients (41%) were anxious, and 18 patients (24%) were depressed. Using multivariate analysis, in the CD group, socioeconomic deprivation was associated with anxiety (p=0.03), whereas disease duration (p=0.04) and socioeconomic deprivation (p=0.013) were associated with depression. In the UC group, there was no significant independent predictor of anxiety and/or depression; however, low income tended to be associated with depression (p=0.096). CONCLUSIONS: Despite clinical remission, a significant number of IBD patients present with anxiety and depression. IBD patients in remission, particularly those who are socioeconomically deprived, should be provided with appropriate psychological support.