Ultra-Wideband Electromagnetic Composite Absorber Based on Pixelated Metasurface with Optimization Algorithm

An ultra-wideband electromagnetic (EM) absorber is proposed. The proposed absorber consists of two thin metasurfaces, four dielectric layers, a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which works as a conductive reflector. The thin metasurfaces are accomplished with 1-bit pixelated patterns and optimized by a genetic algorithm. Composite materials of GFRP and CFRP are incorporated to improve the durability of the proposed absorber. From the full-wave simulation, more than 90% absorption rate bandwidth is computed from 2.2 to 18 GHz such that the fractional bandwidth is about 156% for the incidence angles from 0° to 30°. Absorptivity is measured using the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) arch method in an EM anechoic environment. It was shown that the measured results correlated with the simulated results. In addition, the proposed absorber underwent high temperature and humidity tests under military environment test conditions in order to investigate its durability.

Fabrication of Highly Sensitive Capacitive Pressure Sensors Using a Bubble-Popping PDMS

Attempts have been made to introduce microstructures or wrinkles into the elastomer surface to increase the sensitivity of the elastomer. However, the disadvantage of this method is that when a force is applied to the pressure sensor, the contact area with the electrode is changed and the linear response characteristic of the pressure sensor is reduced. The biggest advantage of the capacitive pressure sensor using an elastomer is that it is a characteristic that changes linearly according to the change in pressure, so it is not suitable to introduce microstructures or wrinkles into the elastomer surface. A method of increasing the sensitivity of the capacitive pressure sensor while maintaining the linearity according to the pressure change is proposed. We proposed a bubble-popping PDMS by creating pores inside the elastomer. The sensitivity of the pressure sensor made of the bubble-popping PDMS was approximately 4.6 times better than that of the pressure sensor without pores, and the pressure sensor made of the bubble-popping PDMS showed a high linear response characteristic to the external pressure change. These results show that our pressure sensor can be used to detect applied pressures or contact forces of e-skins.

Optimal application of compressive palatal stents following mesiodens removal in pediatric patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

There is no scientific evidence supporting the choice of a palatal stent in patients who underwent removal of an impacted supernumerary tooth. We aimed to investigate the effects of palatal stents in patients who underwent supernumerary tooth removal through a palatal approach and to suggest the optimal stent thickness and material.

Material and Methods

We recruited 144 patients who underwent extraction of a supernumerary tooth between the maxillary anterior teeth. Subjects were assigned to a control group (CG) or one of four compressive palatal stent groups (CPSGs) classified by the thickness and material of the thermoplastic acrylic stent used. Palatal gingival swelling and objective indices (healing, oral hygiene, gingival, and plaque) were evaluated before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 7, and 14; pain/discomfort and the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) were assessed as subjective indices of the effects of the stent.

Results

The CPSGs showed faster healing than did the CG on PODs 7 (P<0.001) and 14 (P=0.043); swelling was measured by 1.64±0.88 mm and 4.52±0.39 mm, respectively. Although swelling was least in the 4-mm hard group (0.92±0.33 mm), the difference compared with that in the 2-mm hard group (1.01±0.18 mm) was not significant (P=0.077). The CPSGs showed better COHIP (P<0.001-0.036) and pain scores (P<0.001) than did the CG on PODs 1-3.

Conclusions

Compressive palatal stents reduce discomfort by decreasing pain and alleviating swelling. Although a stent is effective regardless of its thickness and material, 2-mm hard stents maximized such positive effects with minimal discomfort.

Key words:Supernumerary tooth, tooth Extraction, postoperative care, oral Health, pediatric dentistry.

Machine learning for predicting fractional flow reserve based on optical coherence tomography in intermediate coronary stenosis

Background

Machine learning approaches using intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict fractional flow reserve (FFR) have not been previously investigated. The objective of the study was to evaluate a machine learning method to estimate FFR based on intravascular OCT images in intermediate coronary lesions.

Methods

Data from both OCT- and wire-based FFR methods were obtained for lesions of the left anterior descending artery in 125 patients. Based on the total number of lesions, training and testing groups were partitioned at a ratio of 5:1. For the training group, 36 features, including 16 clinical and lesion characteristics, and 21 OCT features, were used to model machine learning-FFR. machine learning-FFR values were then derived for the testing group and compared with wire-based FFR values in terms of a diagnosis of ischemia (FFR &lt;0.8).

Results

Clinical and lesion characteristics and OCT features between the training and testing groups were similar. During the machine learning modeling of the training group, six important features of machine learning-FFR were identified: minimal luminal area, percentage of the stenotic area, lesion length, proximal luminal area, pre-procedural platelet count, and hypertension. machine learning-FFR values showed a good correlation (r=0.853, P&lt;0.001) with wire-based FFR values (Figure 1A). The diagnostic power of an FFR value less than 0.8, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of machine learning-FFR values for the testing group were 85.7%, 100%, 100%, 77.8%, and 90.5%, respectively (Figure 1B). Additionally, OCT-based machine learning-FFR values showed a good diagnostic accuracy compared with other image-based FFR values.

Conclusions

The OCT-based machine learning-FFR method can be used to simultaneously acquire information on both image and functional modalities using one invasive procedure, suggesting that it may be used to optimize treatments for intermediate coronary artery stenosis, as well as save time and cost.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (no. 2017R1A2B2003191)

Omnidirectionally Stretchable Organic Transistors for Use in Wearable Electronics: Ensuring Overall Stretchability by Applying Nonstretchable Wrinkled Components

With the emergence of wearable human interface technologies, new applications based on stretchable electronics, such as skin-attached sensors or wearable displays, must be developed. Difficulties associated with developing electronic components with the high stretchabilities required for such applications have restricted the range of appearance and utilization of cost- or process-efficient stretchable electronics. Herein, we present omnidirectionally stretchable wrinkled transistors having a shape that replicates human skin, which operates stably on deformable objects or complex surfaces. Our device offers excellent mechanical and electrical stabilities for preserving relative field-effect mobilities within a standard deviation of nearly 5.6%, under a strain level of up to 62%. Even after 10 000 cycles of stretching to 60% strain, the devices exhibited stable operation with little performance changes. These results indicate that the devices display stretchability properties superior to those of organic transistor arrays by utilizing existing nonstretchable device components.

Modification of the RANKL-RANK-binding site for the immunotherapeutic treatment of osteoporosis

Here, we proposed the use of mutated RANKL as an immunogen for active immunization and to induce anti-cytokine antibodies for osteoporosis treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption in bone-related disorders. Anti-cytokine therapeutic antibodies such as denosumab are effective for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, problems with antibody manufacturing and the immunogenicity caused by multiple antibody doses have led to the use of auto-cytokines as immunogens to induce anti-cytokine antibodies.

METHODS

RANKL was point-mutated based on the crystal structure of the complex of RANKL and its receptor RANK.

RESULTS

As a proof of concept, immunization with RANKL produced high levels of specific antibodies and blocked osteoclast development in vitro and inhibited osteoporosis in RANKL-treated or ovariectomized mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate the successful use of mutated RANKL as an immunogen for the induction of anti-RANKL immune response. This strategy is useful in general anti-cytokine immunotherapy to avoid toxic side effects of osteoporosis treatment.

P4393Current smoking and gender difference in South Korean AMI patients who underwent PCI with DES

Background

There is some debate on whether or not there is a gender difference is present between current smoking and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose

We decide to evaluate the impact of sex difference on the 2-year clinical outcomes in Korean acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who currently smoke and who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES).

Methods

The data of this study was obtained from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction (KAMIR) registry. More than fifty high-volume universites or community hospitals with facilities for primary PCI and onsite cardiac surgery participated in this KAMIR registry. A total of 12565 current smoker AMI patients were enrolled and divided into the male (n=11767, 93.6%) or female (n=798, 6.4%) group. The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), and total repeat revascularization.

Results

Before risk adjustment, the cumulative incidences of MACE (7.2% vs. 10.0%, hazard ratio [HR], 1.419; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.125–1.790; P=0.003), all-cause death (HR, 1.988; 95% CI, 1.417–2.789; P<0.001), and re-MI (HR, 1.885; 95% CI, 1.154–3.078; P=0.011) were significantly higher in the female group compared with the male group. However, after adjustment the cumulative incidences of MACE (adjusted HR, 1.047; 95% CI, 0.756–1.450; P=0.782), all-cause death, re-MI, total repeat revascularization, TLR, TVR, and non-TVR were similar between the two groups.

Clinical outcomes at 2-year Outcomes Cumulative Events at 2-year (%) Unadjusted Adjusted* Propensity-score adjusted Male Female Log-rank Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value MACE 819 (7.2) 78 (10.0) 0.003 1.419 (1.125–1.790) 0.003 1.047 (0.756–1.450) 0.782 1.133 (0.871–1.473) 0.352 All-cause death 283 (2.5) 38 (4.8) <0.001 1.988 (1.417–2.789) <0.001 0.764 (0.457–1.279) 0.306 1.105 (0.744–1.641) 0.620 Cardiac death 224 (1.9) 25 (3.2) 0.016 1.654 (1.094–2.500) 0.017 0.512 (0.261–1.005) 0.052 0.822 (0.511–1.322) 0.419 Re-MI 142 (1.3) 18 (2.4) 0.010 1.885 (1.154–3.078) 0.011 1.741 (0.887–3.419) 0.107 1.835 (1.109–3.375) 0.062 Total revascularization 444 (4.0) 27 (3.6) 0.594 0.900 (0.610–1.327) 0.594 1.069 (0.654–1.748) 0.789 0.956 (0.627–1.458) 0.835 TLR 121 (1.1) 8 (1.1) 0.956 0.980 (0.479–2.004) 0.956 0.955 (0.366–2.497) 0.926 0.868 (0.395–1.910) 0.726 TVR 228 (2.1) 14 (1.9) 0.726 0.908 (0.529–1.558) 0.726 1.051 (0.518–2.135) 0.890 0.935 (0.519–1.684) 0.823 Non-TVR 223 (2.0) 13 (1.7) 0.602 0.862 (0.493–1.508) 0.602 1.060 (0.536–2.097) 0.867 0.942 (0.514–1.726) 0.847

Conclusion

Before risk adjustment, a gender difference was suggested in the female group compared with the male in these current smoker South Korean AMI patients during a 2-year follow-up period. However, after adjustment, gender difference was not observed in these AMI patients with a history of current smoking.

P833Two-year clinical outcomes between statin with ACE inhibitor or ARB in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after successful PCI with DES

Background

Limited comparative data are available.

Purpose

We decided to compare 2-year major clinical outcomes between statin with ACEI and statin ARB therapy in patients with STEMI after PCI with drug-eluting stents (DES).

Methods

A total 11706 STEMI patients who underwent PCI with DES and who prescribed statin were enrolled and they were divided into two groups, the statin with ACEI group (n=8705) and the statin with ARB group (n=3001). The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), non-TVR. The secondary endpoints were the cumulative incidences of individual components of MACE and target vessel failure (TVF), a composite of death related to the target vessel, re-MI, or clinically driven TVR.

Results

Two PSM groups (2835 pairs, n=5670, C-statistic = 0.680) were generated. The relative risk of MACE was higher in the statin with ARB group compared to statin with ACEI groups after propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.323, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.085–1.613, p=0.006). The relative risks of cardiac death (HR: 1.831, 95% CI: 1.199–2.740, p=0.005), total repeat revascularization (HR: 1.487, 95% CI: 1.133–1.950, p=0.004), and non-TVR (HR: 1.696, 95% CI: 1.122–2.564, p=0.012) were also higher in the statin with ARB group after PSM.

Outcomes Cumulative Events at 2-year (%) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value Statin + ACEI Statin + ARB Log-rank Propensity score matched Patients MACE 173 (6.5) 225 (8.5) 0.006 1.323 (1.085–1.613) 0.006 All-cause death 58 (2.2) 80 (3.0) 0.054 1.391 (0.992–1.950) 0.056 Cardiac death 35 (1.3) 63 (2.3) 0.004 1.831 (1.199–2.740) 0.005 Re-MI 39 (1.5) 44 (1.7) 0.548 1.141 (0.742–1.756) 0.548 Total repeat revascularization 88 (3.4) 128 (4.9) 0.004 1.487 (1.133–1.950) 0.004 TLR 26 (1.0) 40 (1.5) 0.075 1.561 (0.953–2.558) 0.077 TVR 53 (2.0) 71 (2.8) 0.086 1.364 (0.955–1.946) 0.088 Non-TVR 36 (1.4) 60 (2.3) 0.011 1.696 (1.122–2.564) 0.012 TVF 140 (5.3) 173 (6.6) 0.050 1.249 (1.000–1.561) 0.050

Conclusions

In this study, we suggest that the combination of statin with ACEI may be beneficial for reducing the cumulative incidences of MACE, total repeat revascularization rate, and non-TVR rather than the statin with ARB after PCI with DES in STEMI patients.

P5362Impact of statin therapy on long-term clinical outcomes between STEMI and NSTEMI after stent implantation

Background

Although European guideline recommends that statin should be given to all patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), irrespective of cholesterol concentration, limited studies were focused on the long-term effects of statin therapy between ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI).

Purpose

The authors conducted the study to compare the relative beneficial role of statin on 2-year major clinical outcomes between STEMI and NSTEMI in patients who underwent successful PCI with DES.

Methods

Finally, a total of 26317 AMI patients who underwent stent implantation and who were prescribed the statin were enrolled and they were separated into two groups; the STEMI group (n=15002) and the NSTEMI group (n=11315). The clinical endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), total coronary revascularization (target lesion revascularization [TLR], target vessel revascularization [TVR], non-TVR) during 2-year follow-up period.

Results

After propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, two PSM groups (7746 pairs, n=15492, C-statistic = 0.766) were generated. In the total study population, the cumulative incidences of MACE, all-cause death, and cardiac death were significantly higher in the NSTEMI group. However, after PSM, the cumulative incidence of all-cause death (Hazard ratio, 1.386; 95% CI, 1.133–1.696; p=0.002) was significantly higher in the NSTEMI group. The cumulative incidences of MACE, cardiac death, re-MI, total revascularization, TLR, TVR, and non-TVR were similar between the two groups (Table 1).

Outcomes Cumulative Events at 2-year (%) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value STEMI NSTEMI Log-rank Propensity score matched patients MACE 532 (7.2) 584 (8.1) 0.092 1.106 (0.984–1.244) 0.092 All-cause death 163 (2.2) 224 (3.1) 0.001 1.386 (1.133–1.696) 0.002 Cardiac death 121 (1.5) 148 (2.0) 0.088 1.232 (0.969–1.566) 0.089 Re-MI 117 (1.6) 107 (1.5) 0.545 0.922 (0.710–1.199) 0.545 Total revascularization 291 (4.1) 307 (4.4) 0.422 1.068 (0.910–1.254) 0.423 TLR 92 (1.3) 89 (1.2) 0.880 0.978 (0.731–1.309) 0.880 TVR 173 (2.4) 184 (2.6) 0.478 1.078 (0.876–1.327) 0.478 Non-TVR 123 (1.7) 130 (1.9) 0.593 1.070 (0.836–1.369) 0.539

Conclusion

The mortality reduction capability of statin was more prominent in the STEMI group compared with the NSTEMI group.

P5494Impact of the gender difference on long-term clinical outcomes in dyslipidemic South Korean AMI patients who underwent PCI with new-generation DES

Background

There are limited comparative data concerning long-term major clinical outcomes between male and female in dyslipidemic AMI patients after PCI with new-generation DES.

Purpose

We thought to investigate the impact of gender difference on the 2-year clinical outcomes.

Methods

Finally, a total of 2403 eligible dyslipidemic AMI patients who underwent PCI with new-generation DES were enrolled and they were separated into two groups; the male group (n=1800) and the female group (n=603). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of the individual components of MACE and target vessel failure (TVF), a composite of death related to the target vessel, re-MI, or clinically driven TVR

Results

Two propensity score-matched (PSM) groups (422 pairs, n=844, C-statistic = 0.850) were generated. In the total study population, the cumulative incidences of MACE, all-cause death, re-MI, and TVF were significantly higher in the female group compared with the male group. However, after propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, the cumulative incidences of MACE (HR, 0.971; 95% CI, 0.628–1.501; p=0.895), all-cause death (HR, 1.061; 95% CI, 0.536–2.100; p=0.865), re-MI (HR, 1.212; 95% CI, 0.433–2.907; p=0.813), and TVF (HR, 0.764; 95% CI, 0.474–1.229; p=0.267) were similar between the two groups. In addition, the cumulative incidences of cardiac death, TLR, TVR were not significantly different between the two groups (Table 1).

Outcomes Cumulative Events at 2-year (%) Hazard Ratio (95% CI) p value Male Female Log-rank Propensity score matched patients MACE 41 (10.4) 40 (10.3) 0.895 0.971 (0.628–1.501) 0.895 All-cause death 16 (4.0) 17 (4.2) 0.865 1.061 (0.536–2.100) 0.865 Cardiac death 13 (3.3) 9 (2.2) 0.391 0.691 (0.295–1.616) 0.393 Re-MI 8 (2.0) 9 (2.4) 0.813 1.212 (0.433–2.907) 0.813 TLR 7 (1.8) 6 (1.6) 0.781 0.857 (0.298–2.550) 0.781 TVR 16 (4.3) 10 (2.7) 0.236 0.623 (0.283–1.373) 0.241 TVF 39 (10.2) 30 (7.8) 0.265 0.764 (0.474–1.229) 0.267

Conclusion

The gender difference was not apparent in these dyslipidemic South Korean AMI patients who underwent PCI with new-generation DES during 2-year follow-up period.

Hypoxia improves hair inductivity of dermal papilla cells via nuclear NADPH oxidase 4-mediated reactive oxygen species generation'

BACKGROUND

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair regeneration and morphogenesis. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been made to promote DPC hair inductivity.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the mitogenic and hair inductive effects of hypoxia on DPCs and examine the underlying mechanism of hypoxia-induced stimulation of DPCs.

METHODS

DPCs' hair inductivity was examined under normoxia (20% O₂ ) and hypoxia (2% O₂ ).

RESULTS

Hypoxia significantly increased the proliferation and delayed senescence of DPCs via Akt phosphorylation and downstream pathways. Hypoxia upregulated growth factor secretion of DPCs through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Hypoxia-preconditioned DPCs induced the telogen-to-anagen transition in C₃ H mice, and also enhanced hair neogenesis in a hair reconstitution assay. Injected green fluorescent protein-labelled DPCs migrated to the outer root sheath of the hair follicle, and hypoxia-preconditioning increased survival and migration of DPCs in vivo. Conditioned medium obtained from hypoxia increased the hair length of mouse vibrissa follicles via upregulation of alkaline phosphatase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. We examined the mechanism of this hypoxia-induced stimulation, and found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role. For example, inhibition of ROS generation by N-acetylcysteine or diphenyleneiodonium treatment attenuated DPCs' hypoxia-induced stimulation, but treatment with ROS donors induced mitogenic effects and anagen transition. NADPH oxidase 4 is highly expressed in the DPC nuclear region, and NOX4 knockout by CRISPR-Cas9 attenuated the hypoxia-induced stimulation of DPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that DPC culture under hypoxia has great advantages over normoxia, and is a novel solution for producing DPCs for cell therapy. What's already known about this topic? Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair regeneration and morphogenesis, but they are difficult to isolate and expand for use in cell therapy. Tremendous efforts have been made to increase proliferation of DPCs and promote their hair formation ability. What does this study add? Hypoxia (2% O₂ ) culture of DPCs increases proliferation, delays senescence and enhances hair inductivity of DPCs. Reactive oxygen species play a key role in hypoxia-induced stimulation of DPC. What is the translational message? Preconditioning DPCs under hypoxia improves their hair regenerative potential, and is a novel solution for producing DPCs for cell therapy to treat hair loss.

A photonic sintering derived Ag flake/nanoparticle-based highly sensitive stretchable strain sensor for human motion monitoring

Recently, the demand for stretchable strain sensors used for detecting human motion is rapidly increasing. This paper proposes high-performance strain sensors based on Ag flake/Ag nanocrystal (NC) hybrid materials incorporated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The addition of Ag NCs into an Ag flake network enhances the electrical conductivity and sensitivity of the strain sensors. The intense localized heating of Ag flakes/NCs is induced by intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation, to achieve efficient sintering of the Ag NCs within a second, without damaging the PDMS matrix. This leads to significant improvement in the sensor sensitivity. Our strain sensors are highly stretchable (maximum strain = 80%) and sensitive (gauge factor = 7.1) with high mechanical stability over 10 000 stretching cycles under 50% strain. For practical demonstration, the fabrication of a smart glove for detecting the motions of fingers and a sports band for measuring the applied arm strength is also presented. This study provides an effective method for fabricating elastomer-based high-performance stretchable electronics.

Associations of a social network typology with physical and mental health risks among older adults in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an empirical typology of social networks in older Koreans; and (2) examine its effect on physical and mental health.

METHOD

A sample of 6900 community-dwelling older adults in South Korea was drawn from the 2014 Korean National Elderly Survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to derive social network types using eight common social network characteristics (marital status, living arrangement, the number and frequency of contact with close family/relatives, the number and frequency of contact with close friends, frequency of participation in social activities, and frequency of having visitors at home). The identified typologies were then regressed on self-rated health and depressive symptoms to explore the health risks posed by the group membership.

RESULTS

The LPA identified a model with five types of social network as being most optimal (BIC = 153,848.34, entropy = .90). The groups were named diverse/family (enriched networks with more engagement with family), diverse/friend (enriched networks with more engagement with friends), friend-focused (high engagement with friends), distant (structurally disengaged), and restricted (structurally engaged but disengaged in family/friends networks). A series of regression analyses showed that membership in the restricted type was associated with more health and mental health risks than all types of social networks except the distant type.

CONCLUSION

Findings demonstrate the importance of family and friends as a source of social network and call attention to not only structural but also non-structural aspects of social isolation. Findings and implications are discussed in cultural contexts.

Selective Light-Induced Patterning of Carbon Nanotube/Silver Nanoparticle Composite To Produce Extremely Flexible Conductive Electrodes

Recently, highly flexible conductive features have been widely demanded for the development of various electronic applications, such as foldable displays, deformable lighting, disposable sensors, and flexible batteries. Herein, we report for the first time a selective photonic sintering-derived, highly reliable patterning approach for creating extremely flexible carbon nanotube (CNT)/silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) composite electrodes that can tolerate severe bending (20 000 cycles at a bending radius of 1 mm). The incorporation of CNTs into a Ag NP film can enhance not only the mechanical stability of electrodes but also the photonic-sintering efficiency when the composite is irradiated by intense pulsed light (IPL). Composite electrodes were patterned on various plastic substrates by a three-step process comprising coating, selective IPL irradiation, and wiping. A composite film selectively exposed to IPL could not be easily wiped from the substrate, because interfusion induced strong adhesion to the underlying polymer substrate. In contrast, a nonirradiated film adhered weakly to the substrate and was easily removed, enabling highly flexible patterned electrodes. The potential of our flexible electrode patterns was clearly demonstrated by fabricating a light-emitting diode circuit and a flexible transparent heater with unimpaired functionality under bending, rolling, and folding.

Flexible piezocapacitive sensors based on wrinkled microstructures: toward low-cost fabrication of pressure sensors over large areas

Wrinkled elastomeric templates prepared by stretching and releasing are utilized for demonstrating highly sensitive, simple, and low-cost piezocapacitive pressure sensors over large area.

Effect of Insufficient Light Exposure on Polymerization Kinetics of Conventional and Self-adhesive Dual-cure Resin Cements

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of insufficient light exposure on the polymerization of conventional and self-adhesive dual-cure resin cements under ceramic restorations.

Methods: Two conventional dual-cure resin cements (Rely-X ARC, Duolink) and two self-adhesive resin cements (Rely-X U200, Maxcem Elite) were polymerized under different curing modes (dual-cure or self-cure), curing times (20 and 120 seconds), and thickness of a ceramic overlay (2 and 4 mm). Polymerization kinetics was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the initial 10 minutes and after 24 hours. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA/Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test, and paired t-test (α=0.05).

Results: When light-curing time was set to 20 seconds, the presence of the ceramic block significantly affected the degree of conversion (DC) of all resin cements. Especially, the DC of the groups with 20 seconds of light-curing time under 4 mm of ceramic thickness was even lower than that of the self-cured groups at 24 hours after polymerization (p&lt;0.05). However, when light-curing time was set to 120 seconds, a similar DC compared with the group with direct light exposure (p&gt;0.05) was achieved in all dual-cure groups except Maxcem Elite, at 24 hours after polymerization.

Conclusions: For both conventional and self-adhesive dual-cure resin cements, insufficient light exposure (20 seconds of light-curing time) through thick ceramic restoration (4 mm thick) resulted in a DC even lower than that of self-curing alone.

Distribution of Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus in Different Organs of the Hybrid of a Landrace and a Jeju Domestic Pig in Korea

Xenotransplantation offers a solution to the shortage of available organs for transplantation, and the pig represents an ideal source of such organs. However, porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), whose genome is integrated in pigs, has been suggested to pose a potential risk of xenotransmission. Expression of PERVs in different organs of pigs was carefully measured at DNA, mRNA, and protein levels, providing information valuable for the application of pig organs in xenotransplantation. An analysis of PERV DNA showed that a very similar number of PERV copies was present in the genome of all organs, whereas mRNA and protein levels of PERV varied depending on the organ, with kidney, liver, and spleen expressing high levels of both mRNA and protein. In contrast, mRNA and protein levels were dissimilar in the lung and brain, where mRNA levels were low but protein levels were high. This discrepancy indicates that mRNA levels are not always reflected in protein expression. In addition, the difference between mRNA and protein highlights the importance of choosing the proper analysis method for diagnosing viral infection. In summary, this study provides insight into the distribution of PERV in various organs at the DNA, mRNA, and protein levels, and also informs the proper selection of tissues or organs for future clinical xenotransplantation.

Effects of Palm Kernel Expellers on Productive Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and White Blood Cells of Lactating Sows

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of palm kernel expellers on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, and changes in white blood cells (WBC) of lactating sows. A total of 14 sows (200±12 kg of average body weight [BW]; 2.5 of average parity) were used and moved from gestation room to farrowing room on d 109 of gestation. Sows were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments were a diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and CON added with 20% of palm kernel expellers (PKE). Sows were fed the treatments for 28 days (weaning) after farrowing. Blood was collected from each sow and 4 randomly selected piglets from each sow before farrowing or on d 3, 7, or 14 of lactation. Sows were fed respective treatments containing 0.2% chromic oxide from d 15 to 21 of lactation. Fecal samples were collected daily for the last 3 days after the 4-d adjustment period. Measurements were performances and WBC changes of sows and litter, nutrient digestibility of sows, and daily diarrhea of litter. Sows fed PKE had greater average daily feed intake (7.38 vs 7.10 kg/d; p<0.05) and lost less BW (−6.85 vs −8.54 kg; p<0.05) and backfat depth (−0.42 vs −0.71 mm; p<0.05) than those fed CON. However, there were no differences on digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy and weaning to estrus interval of sows fed either CON or PKE. Piglets from sows fed PKE gained more BW (203 vs 181 g/d; p = 0.08) and had less frequency of diarrhea (6.80 vs 8.56%; p = 0.07) than those from sows fed CON. On the other hand, no difference was found on preweaning mortality of piglets from sows fed either CON or PKE. Sows fed PKE had lower number of WBC (9.57 vs 11.82 ×10³/μL; p = 0.09) before farrowing than those fed CON, but no difference on d 3 and 7. Similarly, piglets from sows fed PKE had also lower number of WBC (7.86 vs 9.80 ×10³/μL; p<0.05) on d 14 of lactation than those from sows fed CON, but no difference on d 3 and 7. In conclusion, addition of 20% palm kernel expellers to lactation diet based on corn and soybean meal had no negative effects on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, and WBC changes of lactating sows.

Effects of Palm Kernel Expellers on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Profiles of Weaned Pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of palm kernel expellers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles of weaned pigs. A total of 88 weaned pigs (6.94±0.76 kg body weight [BW]; 28 d old) were randomly allotted to 2 dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 11 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (sex as a block). The dietary treatments were a typical nursery diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and CON added with 20% of palm kernel expellers (PKE). Pigs were fed for 6 wk using a 3-phase feeding program with declining diet complexity and with phases of 1, 2, and 3 wk, respectively. Blood was collected from randomly selected 2 pigs in each pen before weaning and on d 7 after weaning. Pigs were fed respective dietary treatments containing 0.2% chromic oxide from d 29 to 35 after weaning. Fecal samples were collected from randomly selected 2 pigs in each pen daily for the last 3 days after the 4-d adjustment period. Measurements were growth performances, digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and energy, white and red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, and incidence of diarrhea. The PKE increased average daily gain (ADG) (246 vs 215 g/d; p = 0.06) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (470 vs 343 g/d; p<0.05) and decreased gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) (0.522 vs 0.628 g/g; p<0.05) during phase 2 compared with CON, but did not affect growth performance during phase 1 and 3. During overall experimental period, PKE increased ADG (383 vs 362 g/d; p = 0.05) and ADFI (549 vs 496 g/d; p<0.05) compared with CON, but did not affect G:F. However, no differences were found on digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy between CON and PKE. The PKE reduced frequency of diarrhea (15% vs 25%; p = 0.08) for the first 2 wk after weaning compared with CON. Similarly, PKE decreased white blood cells (8.19 vs 9.56×10(3)/μL; p = 0.07), red blood cells (2.92 vs 3.25×10(6)/μL; p = 0.09), and packed cell volume (11.1% vs 12.6%; p = 0.06) on d 7 after weaning compared with CON. In conclusion, addition of 20% palm kernel expellers to nursery diet based on corn and soybean meal had no negative effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles of weaned pigs.

γ-Secretase inhibition promotes fibrotic effects of albumin in proximal tubular epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Albuminuria is an important biomarker of renal dysfunction and is a major mediator of renal damage and fibrosis during kidney disease. The mechanisms underlying albumin-induced renal fibrosis remain unclear. There has been significant interest in γ-secretase activity in tubular epithelial cells in recent times; however, its potential role in albumin-induced fibrosis has not been investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of γ-secretase in albumin-induced fibrotic effects in proximal tubular cells. The effects of increasing albumin concentrations on fibrosis indicators and mediators in the human HK-2 cell line were examined in the presence and absence of a γ-secretase inhibitor, compound E.

KEY RESULTS

Treatment with albumin resulted in a number of pro-fibrotic effects, including up-regulation of fibronectin, TGF-β1 and the EGF-R. Interestingly, similar effects were observed in response to treatment with the γ-secretase inhibitor, compound E. Co-treatment of cells with albumin and an EGF-R inhibitor, AG-1478, resulted in significant inhibition of the observed pro-fibrotic effects, suggesting a major role for the EGF-R in albumin-induced fibrotic events. Albumin-induced effects on the EGF-R appeared to be mediated through inhibition of γ-secretase activity and were dependent on ERK-MAPK signalling.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of albumin-induced fibrotic effects in tubular epithelial cells, suggesting important roles for the γ-secretase and the EGF-R. These results suggest that the proposed use of γ-secretase inhibitors as anti-fibrotic agents requires further investigation.

Genetic polymorphisms of CCND1 and PTEN in progression of esophageal squamous carcinoma

Cyclin D1 (CCND1) plays a significant role in G1-S transition of cell cycle, and phosphatase and a tensin homologue (PTEN) negatively regulate cell cycle through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. CCND1 and PTEN genetic polymorphisms might induce susceptibility to the occurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Three hundred and four ESCC patients and 413 healthy controls from Anyang, China, were enrolled in this study. All genotyping at CCND1 (807 G/A) and PTEN (rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between the polymorphisms and the susceptibility to develop ESCC. Statistically significant differences were observed between cases and controls in distribution of genotypes or alleles at PTEN rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G, with either haplotype TG or CG possessing notably higher proportion in cases than in the controls. However, such difference could not be found in the distribution of the polymorphisms at CCND1 807 G/A. In summary, the polymorphisms of PTEN rs701848 T/C and rs2735343 C/G might represent crucial modifying factors for development of ESCC.

A randomised, double-blind, parallel design, multi-institutional, non-inferiority phase IV trial of imidafenacin versus fesoterodine for overactive bladder

AIMS

Our objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of imidafenacin over fesoterodine in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

This study is a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, fesoterodine-controlled study in patients with continuous OAB symptoms for ≥ 3 months, daily mean voiding frequency (DMVF) ≥ 8, and daily mean urgency or urgency incontinence frequency ≥ 2. A twice-daily 0.1 mg imidafenacin with placebo, or once-daily 4 mg fesoterodine with placebo were administered for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was the difference in DMVF at 12 weeks. The secondary efficacy end-points were differences in daily mean: (i) voiding frequency at 4 and 8 weeks; (ii) urgency frequency; (iii) urgency incontinence frequency; (iv) incontinence frequency; (v) nocturia frequency; and (vi) quality of life score. The variables for safety analysis were adverse events, vital signs, residual urine volume and clinical laboratory tests. An efficacy analysis was conducted in per-protocol patients and the safety analysis was conducted in all randomised patients.

RESULTS

The differences in DMVF at 12 weeks were -3.38 ± 3.63 and -2.45 ± 3.73 in the imidafenacin and fesoterodine groups, respectively, and the difference was not significant between the two groups. Imidafenacin was non-inferior to fesoterodine, and the lower limit of 95% two-sided confidence intervals was -0.53. The other six secondary end-points and variables for safety analysis showed no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Imidafenacin was non-inferior to fesoterodine in terms of efficacy, and showed no significant difference in terms of safety.

Fabrication and characterization of flexible thin film super-capacitor with silver nano paste current collector

Flexible thin film super-capacitors with the silver paste current collector were printed and their electrochemical characteristics were investigated to apply for a low cost solution-based printing process. The silver paste current collector was printed on a flexible Polyethylene Telephtalate (PET) substrate and the activated carbon electrode was printed in a sequence by using a mature screen printing. In experimental evaluation, three silver pastes with different solid contents were prepared and compared because sheet resistance depended on the thickness of the current collector. By using the confocal image, the thickness of the printed electrode of the activated carbon was measured to be 27.8 microm. Cyclic voltammogram, the specific capacitance and impedence together with capacitance retension were examined to determine the performance of the printed super-capacitor. The highest specific capacitance of 53.05 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s was obtained. The measurement results show that the printed super-capacitors with the silver paste current collector have a great potential to apply for wearable electronics and protable electronic devices.