Growth of Highly Conductive Ga-Doped ZnO Nanoneedles

The molecular beam epitaxy growth of highly degenerate Ga-doped ZnO (GaZnO) nanoneedles (NNs) based on the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mode using Ag nanoparticles (NPs) as the growth catalyst is demonstrated. It is shown that when the growth substrate temperature is sufficiently high, a portion of a Ag NP can be melted for serving as the catalyst to precipitate GaZnO on the residual Ag NP and form a GaZnO NN. Record-low turn-on and threshold electric fields in the field emission test of the grown GaZnO NNs are observed. Also, a record-high field enhancement factor in field emission is calibrated. Such superior field emission performances are attributed to a few factors, including (1) the low work function and high conductivity of the grown GaZnO NNs due to highly degenerate Ga doping, (2) the sharp-pointed geometry of the vertically aligned GaZnO NNs, (3) the Ag doping in VLS precipitation of GaZnO for further reducing NN resistivity, and (4) the residual small Ag NP at the NN tip for making the tip even sharper and tip conductivity even higher.

Modulation behaviors of surface plasmon coupled light-emitting diode

The modulation bandwidths of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different mesa sizes with and without surface plasmon (SP) coupling effect are compared. Due to the significant increase of carrier decay rate, within the size range of LED square-mesa from 60 through 300 micron and the injected current-density range from 139 through 1667 A/cm², the SP coupling can lead to the enhancement of modulation bandwidth by 44-48%, independent of the variations of LED mesa size or injected current level. The enhancement ratios of modulation bandwidth of the samples with SP coupling with respect to those of the samples without SP coupling are lower than the corresponding ratios of the square-root of photoluminescence decay rate due to the increases of their RC time constants (the product of device resistance and capacitance). The increases of the RC time constants in the samples with SP coupling are attributed to the increases of their device resistance levels when the Ag nanoparticles and GaZnO dielectric interlayer are added to the LED surface for effectively inducing SP coupling.

Regularly patterned non-polar InGaN/GaN quantum-well nanorod light-emitting diode array

The growth and process of a regularly patterned nanorod (NR)- light-emitting diode (LED) array with its emission from sidewall non-polar quantum wells (QWs) are demonstrated. A pyramidal un-doped GaN structure is intentionally formed at the NR top for minimizing the current flow through this portion of the NR such that the injection current can be effectively guided to the sidewall m-plane InGaN/GaN QWs for emission excitation by a conformal transparent conductor (GaZnO). The injected current density at a given applied voltage of the NR LED device is similar to that of a planar c-plane or m-plane LED. The blue-shift trend of NR LED output spectrum with increasing injection current is caused by the non-uniform distributions of QW width and indium content along the height on a sidewall. The photoluminescence spectral shift under reversed bias confirms that the emission of the fabricated NR LED comes from non-polar QWs.

Extraordinary N atom tunneling in formation of InN shell layer on GaN nanorod m-plane sidewall

We report the extraordinary tunneling process that finds the lower cohesive energy route for stablizing InN shell layer on m-plane sidewall of GaN nanorod. The [0001] orientated GaN nanorod array is grown on sapphire substrate patterned with Ga nanoparticle by metal-organic vapor deposition method, based on which the simulation structures of c-plane top surface and m-plane sidewall surface is constructed for the first-principles calculations. The results show that the introduction of In wetting monolayer could effectively lower the cohesive energy of adalayers on non-polar GaN surfaces. Most importantly, it is revealed that there exists an extraordinary tunneling process in which the N atoms will drag out the In wetting atoms and tunnel through to form stable InN shell layer on the nanorod sidewall.

Phosphor-free, white-light LED under alternating-current operation

A light-emitting diode structure, consisting of a p-GaN layer, a CdZnO/ZnO quantum-well (QW) structure, a high-temperature-grown ZnO layer, and a GaZnO layer, is fabricated. Under forward bias, the device effectively emits green-yellow light, from the QW structure, at the rim of device mesa. Under reverse bias, electrons in the valence band of the p-GaN layer move into the conduction band of the GaZnO layer, through a QW-state-assisted tunneling process, to recombine with the injected holes in the GaZnO layer, for emitting yellow-red and shallow ultraviolet light over the entire mesa area. Also, carrier recombination in the p-GaN layer produces blue light. By properly designing the thickness of the high-temperature grown ZnO layer, the emission intensity under forward bias can be controlled such that, under alternating-current operation at 60 Hz, the spatial and spectral mixtures of the emitted lights of complementary colors, under forward and reverse biases, result in white light generation based on persistence of vision.

Search for a light sterile neutrino at Daya Bay

A search for light sterile neutrino mixing was performed with the first 217 days of data from the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Experiment. The experiment's unique configuration of multiple baselines from six 2.9 GW(th) nuclear reactors to six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 m and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls makes it possible to test for oscillations to a fourth (sterile) neutrino in the 10(-3) eV(2)<|Δm(41)(2) |< 0.3 eV(2) range. The relative spectral distortion due to the disappearance of electron antineutrinos was found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. The derived limits on sin(2) 2θ(14) cover the 10(-3) eV(2) ≲ |Δm(41)(2)| ≲ 0.1 eV(2) region, which was largely unexplored.

Alterations in resting state oscillations and connectivity in sensory and motor networks in women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

PURPOSE

The pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome remains incompletely understood but is thought to involve central disturbance in the processing of pain and viscerosensory signals. We identified differences in brain activity and connectivity between female patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and healthy controls to advance clinical phenotyping and treatment efforts for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined oscillation dynamics of intrinsic brain activity in a large sample of well phenotyped female patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and female healthy controls. Data were collected during 10-minute resting functional magnetic resonance imaging as part of the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain Research Network project. The blood oxygen level dependent signal was transformed to the frequency domain. Relative power was calculated for multiple frequency bands.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated altered frequency distributions in viscerosensory (post insula), somatosensory (postcentral gyrus) and motor regions (anterior paracentral lobule, and medial and ventral supplementary motor areas) in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Also, the anterior paracentral lobule, and medial and ventral supplementary motor areas showed increased functional connectivity to the midbrain (red nucleus) and cerebellum. This increased functional connectivity was greatest in patients who reported pain during bladder filling.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome have a sensorimotor component to the pathological condition involving an alteration in intrinsic oscillations and connectivity in a cortico-cerebellar network previously associated with bladder function.

The MAPP research network: design, patient characterization and operations

Background

The “Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain” (MAPP) Research Network was established by the NIDDK to better understand the pathophysiology of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndromes (UCPPS), to inform future clinical trials and improve clinical care. The evolution, organization, and scientific scope of the MAPP Research Network, and the unique approach of the network’s central study and common data elements are described.

Methods

The primary scientific protocol for the Trans-MAPP Epidemiology/Phenotyping (EP) Study comprises a multi-site, longitudinal observational study, including bi-weekly internet-based symptom assessments, following a comprehensive in-clinic deep-phenotyping array of urological symptoms, non-urological symptoms and psychosocial factors to evaluate men and women with UCPPS. Healthy controls, matched on sex and age, as well as “positive” controls meeting the non-urologic associated syndromes (NUAS) criteria for one or more of the target conditions of Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), were also evaluated. Additional, complementary studies addressing diverse hypotheses are integrated into the Trans-MAPP EP Study to provide a systemic characterization of study participants, including biomarker discovery studies of infectious agents, quantitative sensory testing, and structural and resting state neuroimaging and functional neurobiology studies. A highly novel effort to develop and assess clinically relevant animal models of UCPPS was also undertaken to allow improved translation between clinical and mechanistic studies. Recruitment into the central study occurred at six Discovery Sites in the United States, resulting in a total of 1,039 enrolled participants, exceeding the original targets. The biospecimen collection rate at baseline visits reached nearly 100%, and 279 participants underwent common neuroimaging through a standardized protocol. An extended follow-up study for 161 of the UCPPS participants is ongoing.

Discussion

The MAPP Research Network represents a novel, comprehensive approach to the study of UCPPS, as well as other concomitant NUAS. Findings are expected to provide significant advances in understanding UCPPS pathophysiology that will ultimately inform future clinical trials and lead to improvements in patient care. Furthermore, the structure and methodologies developed by the MAPP Network provide the foundation upon which future studies of other urologic or non-urologic disorders can be based.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01098279 “Chronic Pelvic Pain Study of Individuals with Diagnoses or Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis and/or Chronic Prostatitis (MAPP-EP)”. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01098279

Establishment of a novel, eco-friendly transgenic pig model using porcine pancreatic amylase promoter-driven fungal cellulase transgenes

Competition between humans and livestock for cereal and legume grains makes it challenging to provide economical feeds to livestock animals. Recent increases in corn and soybean prices have had a significant impact on the cost of feed for pig producers. The utilization of byproducts and alternative ingredients in pig diets has the potential to reduce feed costs. Moreover, unlike ruminants, pigs have limited ability to utilize diets with high fiber content because they lack endogenous enzymes capable of breaking down nonstarch polysaccharides into simple sugars. Here, we investigated the feasibility of a transgenic strategy in which expression of the fungal cellulase transgene was driven by the porcine pancreatic amylase promoter in pigs. A 2,488 bp 5'-flanking region of the porcine pancreatic amylase gene was cloned by the genomic walking technique, and its structural features were characterized. Using GFP as a reporter, we found that this region contained promoter activity and had the potential to control heterologous gene expression. Transgenic pigs were generated by pronuclear microinjection. Founders and offspring were identified by PCR and Southern blot analyses. Cellulase mRNA and protein showed tissue-specific expression in the pancreas of F1 generation pigs. Cellulolytic enzyme activity was also identified in the pancreas of transgenic pigs. These results demonstrated the establishment of a tissue-specific promoter of the porcine pancreatic amylase gene. Transgenic pigs expressing exogenous cellulase may represent a way to increase the intake of low-cost, fiber-rich feeds.

Dependencies of the emission behavior and quantum well structure of a regularly-patterned, InGaN/GaN quantum-well nanorod array on growth condition

To achieve green emission from the sidewall non-polar quantum wells (QWs) of a GaN nanorod (NR) light-emitting diode, regularly patterned InGaN/GaN QW NR arrays are grown under various growth conditions of indium supply rate, QW growth temperature, and QW growth time for comparing their emission wavelength variations of the top-face c-plane and sidewall m-plane QWs based on photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements. Although the variation trends of QW emission wavelength by changing those growth conditions in the NR structure are similar to those in the planar structure, the emission wavelength range of the QWs on an NR is significantly shorter than that in a planar structure under the same growth conditions. Under the growth conditions for a longer NR QW emission wavelength, the difference of emission wavelength between the top-face and sidewall QWs is smaller. Also, the variation range of the emission wavelength from the sidewall QWs over different heights on the sidewall becomes larger. On the other hand, strain state analysis based on transmission electron microscopy is undertaken to calibrate the average QW widths and average indium contents in the two groups of QW of an NR. The variation trends of the calibrated QW widths and indium contents are consistent with those of the CL emission wavelengths from various portions of NR QWs.

Women in Urology 2014

INTRODUCTION

We reviewed the significance and achievements of female urologists and urological researchers who have impacted the field of urology.

METHODS

We reviewed the past and current status of female urologists and researchers in urological investigation.

RESULTS

Since 1962, the year that the first woman was board certified as a urologist, the number of women working in urological practice and urological research has steadily increased. As of January 2014 there are 350 female board certified urologists and in tandem a progressive increase in female researchers engaged in urological investigation. Indeed, slightly more than a quarter of urology residents today are women and the match rate is equivalent for men and women seeking a residency slot. Women are beginning to assume leadership positions in academic urology and research environments, working in all areas of the field.

CONCLUSIONS

As the number of women urologists and female scientists in urological investigation increased in the last 50 years, their contributions significantly advanced the practice of urology and our understanding of the previously unrecognized causes of urological disease.

Photothermal optical coherence tomography based on the localized surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoring

The conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) images based on enhanced scattering and the photothermal (PT) images based on enhanced absorption of the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance of Au nanorings (NRIs) in a bio-tissue sample are demonstrated with the scans of an OCT system (1310-nm system), in which the spectral range covers the LSP resonance peak wavelength, and another OCT system (1060-nm system), in which the spectral range is away from the LSP resonance peak wavelength. A PT image is formed by evaluating the modulation frequency (400 Hz) response of an excitation laser with its wavelength (1308 nm) close to the LSP resonance peak at 1305 nm of the Au NRI solution. With the scan of the 1310-nm OCT system, the Au NRI distribution in the bio-tissue sample can be observed in both conventional OCT and PT images. However, with the scan of the 1060-nm OCT system, the Au NRI distribution can be clearly observed only in the PT image. The diffusion process of Au NRIs in the bio-tissue sample can be traced with the scan of either OCT system. Based on phantom experiments, it is shown that the PT image can help in resolving the ambiguity of a conventional OCT image between the enhanced scattering of Au NRIs and the strong scattering of a tissue structure in the 1310-nm OCT scanning. Also, under the condition of weak intrinsic sample scattering, particularly in the scan of the 1060-nm system, the PT signal can be lower than a saturating level, which is determined by the excitation power. By increasing OCT system signal-to-noise ratio or M-mode scan time, the PT signal level can be enhanced.

Efficiency improvement of a vertical light-emitting diode through surface plasmon coupling and grating scattering

The enhancement of output intensity, the generation of polarized output, and the reduction of the efficiency droop effect in a surface plasmon (SP) coupled vertical light-emitting diode (LED) with an Ag nano-grating structure located between the p-GaN layer and the wafer bonding metal for inducing SP coupling with the InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) are demonstrated. In fabricating the vertical LED, the patterned sapphire substrate is removed with a photoelectrochemical liftoff technique. Based on the reflection measurement from the metal grating structure and the numerical simulation result, it is found that the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance induced around the metal grating crest plays the major role in the SP-QW coupling process although a hybrid mode of LSP and surface plasmon polariton can be generated in the coupling process. By adding a surface grating structure to the SP-coupled vertical LED on the n-GaN side, the output intensity is further enhanced, the output polarization ratio is further increased, and the efficiency droop effect is further suppressed.

Independent variations of applied voltage and injection current for controlling the quantum-confined Stark effect in an InGaN/GaN quantum-well light-emitting diode

A reverse-biased voltage is applied to either device in the vertical configuration of two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on patterned and flat Si (110) substrates with weak and strong quantum-confined Stark effects (QCSEs), respectively, in the InGaN/GaN quantum wells for independently controlling the applied voltage across and the injection current into the p-i-n junction in the lateral configuration of LED operation. The results show that more carrier supply is needed in the LED of weaker QCSE to produce a carrier screening effect for balancing the potential tilt in increasing the forward-biased voltage, when compared with the LED of stronger QCSE. The small spectral shift range in increasing injection current in the LED of weaker QCSE is attributed not only to the weaker QCSE, but also to its smaller device resistance such that a given increment of applied voltage leads to a larger increment of injection current. From a viewpoint of practical application in LED operation, by applying a reverse-biased voltage in the vertical configuration, the applied voltage and injection current in the lateral configuration can be independently controlled by adjusting the vertical voltage for keeping the emission spectral peak fixed.

Enhancements of the emission and light extraction of a radiating dipole coupled with localized surface plasmon induced on a surface metal nanoparticle in a light-emitting device

The radiated power enhancement and more congregated radiation of a radiating dipole within a GaN material when it is coupled with the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance modes induced on a surface Ag nanoparticle (NP) are numerically demonstrated. The numerical study is based on an algorithm including the induction of LSP resonance on the Ag NP by the source dipole and the feedback effect of the LSP resonance field on the source dipole behavior. The spectral peaks of radiated power enhancement correspond to the substrate LSP resonance modes with mode fields mainly distributed around the bottom of the Ag NP such that the coupling system radiates mainly into the GaN half-space. By moving the radiating dipole laterally away from the bottom of the Ag NP, the spectral peaks of radiated power enhancement red shift and their levels diminish with increasing lateral distance. The radiation patterns in the GaN half-space show more congregated radiation around the vertical direction, indicating that the light extraction efficiency can be enhanced in an LSP-coupled light-emitting device with surface metal NPs.

The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate decision support for men with localized prostate cancer: a multi-center randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this trial was to compare usual patient education plus the Internet-based Personal Patient Profile-Prostate, vs. usual education alone, on conflict associated with decision making, plus explore time-to-treatment, and treatment choice.

METHODS

A randomized, multi-center clinical trial was conducted with measures at baseline, 1-, and 6 months. Men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer (CaP) who sought consultation at urology, radiation oncology, or multi-disciplinary clinics in 4 geographically-distinct American cities were recruited. Intervention group participants used the Personal Patient Profile-Prostate, a decision support system comprised of customized text and video coaching regarding potential outcomes, influential factors, and communication with care providers. The primary outcome, patient-reported decisional conflict, was evaluated over time using generalized estimating equations to fit generalized linear models. Additional outcomes, time-to-treatment, treatment choice, and program acceptability/usefulness, were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 494 eligible men were randomized (266 intervention; 228 control). The intervention reduced adjusted decisional conflict over time compared with the control group, for the uncertainty score (estimate -3.61; (confidence interval, -7.01, 0.22), and values clarity (estimate -3.57; confidence interval (-5.85,-1.30). Borderline effect was seen for the total decisional conflict score (estimate -1.75; confidence interval (-3.61,0.11). Time-to-treatment was comparable between groups, while undecided men in the intervention group chose brachytherapy more often than in the control group. Acceptability and usefulness were highly rated.

CONCLUSION

The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate is the first intervention to significantly reduce decisional conflict in a multi-center trial of American men with newly diagnosed localized CaP. Our findings support efficacy of P3P for addressing decision uncertainty and facilitating patient selection of a CaP treatment that is consistent with the patient values and preferences.

Light-emitting device with regularly patterned growth of an InGaN/GaN quantum-well nanorod light-emitting diode array

A light-emitting device consisting of a two-dimensional regularly patterned InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) nanorod (NR) light-emitting diode (LED) array is implemented and characterized. The NR p-i-n structure includes n-GaN NR core and essentially conformal p-GaN shell. The active regions include nonpolar sidewall QWs and polar top-face QWs. A conformal layer of transparent GaZnO of low resistivity is deposited onto the NR LED structure for spreading the injection current over the sidewalls. It is found that the blue-shift range of the output spectral peak in increasing injection current is smaller than that of a planar LED of about the same operation wavelength in a similar variation range of injection current density although it is nonzero. The small blue-shift range is attributed to the mixed emission contributions from the nonpolar sidewall QWs and polar top-face QWs.

Bladder management in multiple sclerosis

This article reviews the basic principles and therapeutic options in the management of the neurogenic bladder due to multiple sclerosis (MS), written primarily for the non-urology provider. An algorithm for the initial management of the MS patient with lower urinary tract symptoms is provided.

Vertical light-emitting diodes with surface gratings and rough surfaces for effective light extraction

For enhancing the light extraction of a light-emitting diode, surface grating fabrication based on a simple method of combining photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching with phase mask interferometry has been demonstrated. To understand the optimum grating period in forming a surface grating on a vertical light-emitting diode (VLED), we construct a Llyod's interferometer within PEC electrolyte (KOH) to fabricate surface gratings of various periods on VLEDs for comparing their light extraction efficiencies. Also, to compare the effectiveness of light extraction enhancement between surface grating and rough surface, VLEDs with the rough surfaces fabricated with two different KOH wet etching methods are fabricated. The comparisons of VLED characterizations show that among those grating VLEDs, the light extraction is more effective in a VLED of a smaller grating period. Also, compared with VLEDs of rough surfaces, the grating VLEDs of short grating periods (<2 μm) have the higher light extraction efficiencies, even though the root-mean-square roughness of the rough surface is significantly larger than the grating groove depth.

Neuromodulation in male chronic pelvic pain syndrome: rationale and practice

INTRODUCTION

This review explores the treatment of male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) (i.e., chronic prostatitis) through the use of neuromodulation, which is the electrical stimulation of the nervous system. Neuromodulation has been used for the treatment of chronic pain for decades, and this review will examine the theory and use of neuromodulation and the various techniques available for the treatment of CPPS.

METHODS

Existing literature on the use of neuromodulation of the pelvic nerves for the treatment of chronic urogenital pelvic pain was reviewed. Because of limited published research, much of the data are not explicitly for male CPPS.

RESULTS

Neuromodulation techniques used for chronic pelvic pain conditions include SNS, PTNS and pudendal nerve stimulation. Only SNS and PTNS are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of urinary symptoms, and none of these methods are acknowledged as standard therapies for treating chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The improvement of urinary symptoms is more clearly defined than improvements in pain, but at least a subset of patients in most of the published studies and case series derive some benefit in the short term and limited evidence suggests that long-term improvement of symptoms is possible. However, explantation rates are high in all long-term series of patients receiving implantable neuromodulation devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuromodulation appears to provide benefits for patients with CPPS. However, because of the paucity of data and the limitations of small studies, the conclusions of the existing literature must be carefully considered. Because we are still becoming familiar with the pathophysiology of the pain syndromes and the mechanism of neuromodulation on urinary and pain symptoms, we cannot yet predict a particular individual's response to neuromodulation. To determine the long-term efficacy of this therapy, more clinical study is needed to explore the use of neuromodulation in the treatment of male CPPS.

Childhood sexual trauma in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a case control study

Background: The impact of early lifetime trauma on symptomseverity and quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladderpain syndrome (IC/BPS) has not been fully elucidated. Wewanted to determine and compare the prevalence and impact ofchildhood traumatic events, with an emphasis on childhood sexualabuse, on patient symptoms, quality of life and other biopsychosocialparameters.Methods: Subjects (female patients with IC/BPS and controls withoutIC/BPS) completed psychosocial phenotyping questionnaires,including a demographics/history form, and validated questionnairesfocused on presenting symptoms (IC symptom indices, pain),psychosocial parameters (depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing,sexual functioning, social support) and quality of life. Participantsalso completed the Childhood Traumatic Events Scale.Results: Questionnaires were completed by 207 IC/BPS patientsand 117 controls matched for age, partner status and education. Itwas found that before 17 years of age, the IC/BPS cases reportedhigher prevalence of “raped or molested” compared to controls(24.0% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.047). Within the IC/BPS group, casesreporting previous sexual abuse endorsed greater sensory pain,depression and poorer physical quality of life at the present timecompared to IC cases without a sexual abuse history. In the controlsonly, those reporting previous sexual abuse endorsed more depression,anxiety, stress, social maladjustment poorer mental qualityof life in the present time. When the analysis was corrected forpotential multiple comparison error, none of the findings remainedsignificant in either the IC/BPS or control groups.Interpretation: Childhood traumatic events, in particular sexualabuse and extreme illness, are reported as more common in IC/BPS patients than controls. Early trauma, such as the occurrenceof sexual abuse, is associated with some differences in patientadjustment (e.g., pain, quality of life, depression) but this impactappears to be, at most, very modest.

Oral carcinoma with perineural invasion has higher nerve growth factor expression and worse prognosis

BACKGROUND

This study elucidated the association between histopathological factors and the prognosis of oral carcinoma. As the histopathological factors were determined from the surgical specimen and this can only be used for the choices of postoperative regimens, this study also investigated the linkage between prognostic factors and the expression of key molecules to examine the feasibility of markers as predictors.

METHODS

Clinicopathological factors of 101 oral carcinomas were cross-analyzed with disease-free survival. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor, tyrosine kinase A receptor, was assayed with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Nodal metastasis was the most crucial clinical predictor for disease-free survival. Perineural invasion (PNI) was an independent histopathological predictor for both nodal metastasis (P = 0.004) and disease-free survival (P = 0.019). Patients with advanced tumor and PNI exhibited the high hazard for tumor progression and poor disease-free survival. NGF immunoreactivity in tumors was correlated with PNI (P = 0.005) and neck lymph node metastasis (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Perineural invasion is the indicator of worst prognosis. As NGF immunoreactivity was found to be associated with PNI and nodal metastasis, the NGF immunoreactivity of oral carcinoma revealed by diagnostic biopsy suggests that alternative therapeutic approaches might be appropriate.

On-substrate fabrication of a bio-conjugated Au nanoring solution for photothermal therapy application

The on-substrate fabrication of a bio-conjugated Au nanoring (NRI) solution with the localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance wavelength in the 1200-1300 nm range is demonstrated. Also, the effects of photothermal therapy through LSP resonance-induced absorption enhancement are illustrated by applying the bio-conjugated Au NRIs to human liver cancer cells and illuminating the cells with a laser of 1315 nm in wavelength. The Au NRI fabrication is based on the techniques of nano-imprint lithography and metal secondary sputtering. The procedure for on-substrate surface modification of Au NRIs leads to a high production yield of bio-conjugated NRIs. The threshold levels of the local laser intensity for injuring cancer cells based on the LSP resonances of Au NRIs of two different samples are determined.