Paintable Decellularized-ECM Hydrogel for Preventing Cardiac Tissue Damage.

The tissue-specific heart decellularized extracellular matrix (hdECM) demonstrates a variety of therapeutic advantages, including fibrosis reduction and angiogenesis. Consequently, recent research for myocardial infarction (MI) therapy has utilized hdECM with various delivery techniques, such as injection or patch implantation. In this study, a novel approach for hdECM delivery using a wet adhesive paintable hydrogel is proposed.

Comparative analysis of supercritical fluid-based and chemical-based decellularization techniques for nerve tissue regeneration.

Axon regeneration and Schwann cell proliferation are critical processes in the repair and functional recovery of damaged neural tissues. Biomaterials can play a crucial role in facilitating cell proliferative processes that can significantly impact the target tissue repair. Chemical decellularization and supercritical fluid-based decellularization methods are similar approaches that eliminate DNA from native tissues for tissue-mimetic biomaterial production by using different solvents and procedures to achieve the final products.

Decellularized brain extracellular matrix based NGF-releasing cryogel for brain tissue engineering in traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injuries(TBI) pose significant challenges to human health, specifically neurological disorders and related motor activities. After TBI, the injured neuronal tissue is known for hardly regenerated and recovered to their normal neuron physiology and tissue compositions. For this reason, tissue engineering strategies that promote neuronal regeneration have gained increasing attention.

Effect of Blended Perfluorinated Sulfonic Acid Ionomer Binder on the Performance of Catalyst Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

In this study, blended perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers with equivalent weights (EWs, g/mol) of ~1000, 980, and 830 are prepared. Catalyst layers (CLs), using blended PFSA ionomers, with different side chain lengths and EWs are investigated and compared to CLs using single ionomers. The ion exchange capacity results confirm that blended ionomers have the target EWs.

Shared decision-making intervention regarding dialysis modality in patients with CKD stage 5.

Background: Patients with kidney failure must make complicated decisions about the dialysis modalities used either at home or in-hospital. Different options have varying levels of impact on patients' physical and psychological conditions and their social life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of an intervention designed to achieve shared decision making (SDM) in patients' options for dialysis.

Synthesis of soluble melanin nanoparticles under acidic conditions using tyrosinase and their characterization.

Melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) used for biomedical applications are often synthesized the chemical auto-oxidation of catecholic monomers such as dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) under alkaline conditions. However, the synthetic method for the chemical synthesis of MNP (cMNP) is relatively straightforward and more robust to control their homogenous particle size and morphology than the corresponding enzymatic synthetic methods. In this study, we demonstrated that the simple enzymatic synthesis of MNPs (eMNPs) with homogenous and soluble (<20 nm diameter) properties is possible using dopamine and tyrosinase (Ty) under acidic conditions (, pH 3.

Supercritical Fluid-Based Decellularization Technologies for Regenerative Medicine Applications.

Supercritical fluid-based extraction technologies are currently being increasingly utilized in high purity extract products for food industries. In recent years, supercritical fluid-based extraction technology is transformed in biomaterials process fields to be further utilized for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. In particular, supercritical fluid-based decellularization protocols have great advantage over the conventional decellularization as it may allow preservation of extracellular matrix components and structures.

All 3D-Printed Flexible ZnO UV Photodetector on an Ultraflat Substrate.

An all three-dimensional (3D)-printed flexible ZnO ultraviolet (UV) photodetector is demonstrated, where the 3D-printing method is used not only for the electrode and photosensitive material but also for creating a substrate. An ultraflat and flexible substrate capable of serving as the backbone layer is developed using a water-dissolvable polymer layer for surface planarization. A two-layered printing followed by surface treatment is demonstrated for the substrate preparation.

On-Demand Printing of Wearable Thermotherapy Pad.

Thermotherapy is an effective method for pain relief, recovery from injury, and general healthcare. The ordinary heat pad used for thermotherapy at home is not usually tailored to the individual but supplied in a few different pre-fixed sizes and shapes for mass marketing. A customized wearable heat pad often requires expert support.

Assessment of antibiotic resistance in bacteriophage-insensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae.

This study was design to evaluate the physiological properties of bacteriophage-insensitive Klebsiella pneumoniae (BIKP) mutants in association with the antibiotic cross-resistance, β-lactamase activity, and gene expression. Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 23357(KP), ciprofloxacin-induced antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae ATCC 23357 (KP), and clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant K.

Carbon Nanotube Based γ Ray Detector.

A single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based γ ray detector is demonstrated without a conventional scintillation mechanism. The change in the conductance of a two terminal SWCNT resistor in response to γ ray exposure is exploited as a sensing mechanism. Radiation-induced ambient oxygen dissociation and subsequent adsorption of oxygen species on the SWCNT surface alter its electrical properties.

Analysis of Technical and Biological Variability in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

Profiling the transcriptomes of individual cells with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been widely applied to provide a detailed molecular characterization of cellular heterogeneity within a population of cells. Despite recent technological advances of scRNA-seq, technical variability of gene expression in scRNA-seq is still much higher than that in bulk RNA-seq. Accounting for technical variability is therefore a prerequisite for correctly analyzing single-cell data.

Wearable UV Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotube-Coated Cotton Thread.

A fabric-compatible UV sensor is presented using a cellulose-based thread coated with single-wall carbon nanotube ink. Two-terminal resistive responses of the thread were measured upon exposure to UV, and the effects of intensity, wavelength, and on/off cycling were studied. The sensor was tested in the field under direct sunlight, demonstrating practical usability for a wearable/flexible UV sensor system.

A Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) Variation-Tolerant Nanosensor.

Successful transition to commercialization and practical implementation of nanotechnology innovations may very well need device designs that are tolerant to the inherent variations and imperfections in all nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and others. As an example, a single-walled carbon nanotube network based gas sensor is promising for a wide range of applications such as environment, industry, and biomedical and wearable devices due to its high sensitivity, fast response, and low power consumption. However, a long-standing issue has been the production of extremely high purity semiconducting nanotubes, thereby contributing to the delay in the market adoption of those sensors.

Basins of distinct asymptotic states in the cyclically competing mobile five species game.

We study the dynamics of cyclic competing mobile five species on spatially extended systems originated from asymmetric initial populations and investigate the basins for the three possible asymptotic states, coexistence of all species, existences of only two independent species, and the extinction. Through extensive numerical simulations, we find a prosperous dependence on initial conditions for species biodiversity. In particular, for fixed given equal densities of two relevant species, we find that only five basins for the existence of two independent species exist and they are spirally entangled for high mobility.

Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Based Air Pocket Encapsulated Ultraviolet Sensor.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is a promising candidate as a sensor material for the sensitive detection of gases/vapors, biomarkers, and even some radiation, as all these external variables affect the resistance and other properties of nanotubes, which forms the basis for sensing. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation does not impact the nanotube properties given the substantial mismatch of bandgaps and therefore, CNTs have never been considered for UV sensing, unlike the popular ZnO and other oxide nanwires. It is well-known that UV assists the adsorption/desorption characteristics of oxygen on carbon nanotubes, which changes the nanotube resistance.

Association between Parity and Blood Pressure in Korean Women: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2010-2012.

Background: Pregnancy considerably alters cardiovascular dynamics, and thereby affects the transition of blood pressure after delivery in women. We aimed to analyze the association between parity and blood pressure in Korean adult women.

Methods: We included 8,890 women who participated in Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2012.

Microbial reduction of nitrate in the presence of zero-valent iron and biochar.

The denitrification of nitrate (NO3(-)) by mixed cultures in the presence of zero-valent iron [Fe(0)] and biochar was investigated through a series of batch experiments. It was hypothesized that biochar may provide microbes with additional electrons to enhance the anaerobic biotransformation of nitrate in the presence of Fe(0) by facilitating electron transfer. When compared to the anaerobic transformation of nitrate by microbes in the presence of Fe(0) alone, the presence of biochar significantly enhanced anaerobic denitrification by microbes with Fe(0).

Identification of a resveratrol tetramer as a potent inhibitor of hepatitis C virus helicase.

Background And Purpose: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for various chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Here, we have identified a naturally occurring compound with anti-HCV activity and have elucidated its mode of antiviral action.

Experimental Approach: Luciferase reporter and real-time RT-PCR assays were used to measure HCV replication.

Carbon nanotube coated paper sensor for damage diagnosis.

A carbon nanotube coated paper sensor has been developed for the detection of damages in structural components. Electrical resistance tomography is used to measure changes in electrical potential at various locations induced by applying a small electrical current to the sample. The spatial locations and magnitudes of multiple damages are predicted accurately with a sensitivity of 73 ppm in sensing area.

Emergence and scaling of synchronization in moving-agent networks with restrictive interactions.

In fields such as robotics and sensor networks, synchronization among mobile and dynamic agents is a basic task. We articulate an effective strategy to achieve synchronization in dynamic networks of moving chaotic agents. Our counterintuitive idea is to restrict agents' ability to interact with each other, which can be implemented by designating a finite number of fixed zones in the space, in which agents are allowed to interact with each other but agents outside the zones are deprived of the ability of mutual interaction.

Note: Two-dimensional resistivity mapping method for characterization of thin films and nanomaterials.

A two-dimensional resistivity mapping method is presented as an analysis tool for thin films. The spatial distribution of resistivity in the interior of the film is reconstructed with the data measured on its periphery. A square window with four electrodes on each side is fabricated as the test vehicle.

Randomized trial to compare the dosage of darbepoetin alfa by administration route in haemodialysis patients.

Aim: The doses of darbepoetin alfa required to maintain target haemoglobin levels after s.c. or i.

High prevalence of leukoaraiosis in cerebral magnetic resonance images of patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Background: Leukoaraiosis is a term used to define the abnormal appearance of subcortical white matter of the brain by means of neuroimaging and is regarded as an intermediate surrogate of stroke. The goal of this study is to identify the prevalence of leukoaraiosis and analyze predictors of risk of leukoaraiosis.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.