Influence of Polypyrrole on Phosphorus- and TiO-Based Anode Nanomaterials for Li-Ion Batteries.

Phosphorus (P) and TiO have been extensively studied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high specific capacities. However, P is limited by low electrical conductivity and significant volume changes during charge and discharge cycles, while TiO is hindered by low electrical conductivity and slow Li-ion diffusion. To address these issues, we synthesized organic-inorganic hybrid anode materials of P-polypyrrole (PPy) and TiO-PPy, through in situ polymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of the nanoscale inorganic materials.

Highly Conductive and Long-Term Stable Phosphorene-Based Nanocomposite for Radio-Frequency Antenna Application.

In this study, an omnidirectional and high-performance free-standing monopole patch radio-frequency antenna was fabricated using a urea-functionalized phosphorene/TiO/polypyrrole (UTP) nanocomposite. The UTP nanocomposite antenna was fabricated via ball milling of urea-functionalized phosphorene, chemical oxidative polymerization of the UTP nanocomposite, and mechanical pelletizing of the composite. Based on experiments, the proposed UTP nanocomposite-based antenna exhibited long-term stability in terms of electrical conductivity.

Fabrication of Ternary Titanium Dioxide/Polypyrrole/Phosphorene Nanocomposite for Supercapacitor Electrode Applications.

In this paper, we report a titanium dioxide/polypyrrole/phosphorene (TiO/PPy/phosphorene) nanocomposite as an active material for supercapacitor electrodes. Black phosphorus (BP) was fabricated by ball milling to induce a phase transition from red phosphorus, and urea-functionalized phosphorene (urea-FP) was obtained by urea-assisted ball milling of BP, followed by sonication. TiO/PPy/phosphorene nanocomposites can be prepared via chemical oxidative polymerization, which has the advantage of mass production for a one-pot synthesis.

Mortality rates of hip fracture patients with non-operative treatment.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyze patient mortality rate after non-operative treatment of hip fractures to determine the distribution of causes of death and to compare factors affecting mortality.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2013 and March 2019, a total of 93 patients (17 males, 76 females; mean age: 86.0±7.

Two-Dimensional Metallic Niobium Diselenide for Sub-micrometer-Thin Antennas in Wireless Communication Systems.

The state-of-the-art of the Internet of things (IoT) and smart electronics demands advances in thin and flexible radio frequency (RF) antennas for wireless communication systems. So far, nanostructured materials such as metals, carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXene, and conducting polymers have been investigated due to their noteworthy electrical conductivity. However, most antennas based on metallic materials are thick, which limits their application in miniaturized and portable electronic devices.

Reliable Multistate Data Storage with Low Power Consumption by Selective Oxidation of Pyramid-Structured Resistive Memory.

Multilevel data storage using resistive random access memory (RRAM) has attracted significant attention for addressing the challenges associated with the rapid advances in information technologies. However, it is still difficult to secure reliable multilevel resistive switching of RRAM due to the stochastic and multiple formation of conductive filaments (CFs). Herein, we demonstrate that a single CF, derived from selective oxidation by a structured Cu active electrode, can solve the reliability issue.

Paralabral Cyst of the Hip Compressing Common Femoral Vein Treated with Sono-guided Cyst Aspiration Followed by Arthroscopic Labral Debridement: A Case Report.

Paralabral cyst around hip is reported to be a cause of compression of the major neurovascular structures. Although, arthroscopic cyst and labral debridement is generally accepted as the effective treatment, there is limited literature available regarding treatment options for paralabral cysts in the hip. We present a case of paralabral cyst compressing left common femoral vein in the hip that was treated with sono-guided cyst aspiration followed by arthroscopic labral debridement.

The Results of Long-term Follow-up of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Hydroxyapatite-coated Cups.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the long-term outcome and the failure mechanism of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated acetabular cup.

Materials And Methods: From January 1992 to May 1994, a total of 123 consecutive cementless primary THAs were performed using a HA-coated acetabular cup with metal-on-polyethylene articulation. We retrospectively evaluated 66 hips available for follow-up at a mean 18.

Vitamin D deficiency adversely affects early post-operative functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Vitamin D has received considerable attention in recent years owing to the increasing evidence of its importance in muscle function and physical performance. The present study attempted to determine whether patients with low serum vitamin D levels had impairment in early functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that included 92 patients.

Reversibly Stretchable, Optically Transparent Radio-Frequency Antennas Based on Wavy Ag Nanowire Networks.

We report a facile approach for producing reversibly stretchable, optically transparent radio-frequency antennas based on wavy Ag nanowire (NW) networks. The wavy configuration of Ag NWs is obtained by floating the NW networks on the surface of water, followed by compression. Stretchable antennas are prepared by transferring the compressed NW networks onto elastomeric substrates.

Highly Omnidirectional and Frequency Controllable Carbon/Polyaniline-based 2D and 3D Monopole Antenna.

Highly omnidirectional and frequency controllable carbon/polyaniline (C/PANI)-based, two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) monopole antennas were fabricated using screen-printing and a one-step, dimensionally confined hydrothermal strategy, respectively. Solvated C/PANI was synthesized by low-temperature interfacial polymerization, during which strong π-π interactions between graphene and the quinoid rings of PANI resulted in an expanded PANI conformation with enhanced crystallinity and improved mechanical and electrical properties. Compared to antennas composed of pristine carbon or PANI-based 2D monopole structures, 2D monopole antennas composed of this enhanced hybrid material were highly efficient and amenable to high-frequency, omnidirectional electromagnetic waves.

Enhanced magnetorheological performance of highly uniform magnetic carbon nanoparticles.

Magnetic carbon nanoparticles (MC NPs) are prepared on a multi-gram scale through carbonization of iron-doped polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs). Three different-sized MC NPs (ca. 40, 60 and 90 nm) are prepared and adopted as dispersing materials for magnetorheological (MR) fluids to investigate the influence of particle size on MR properties.

Highly sensitive and multifunctional tactile sensor using free-standing ZnO/PVDF thin film with graphene electrodes for pressure and temperature monitoring.

We demonstrate an 80-μm-thick film (which is around 15% of the thickness of the human epidermis), which is a highly sensitive hybrid functional gauge sensor, and was fabricated from poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and ZnO nanostructures with graphene electrodes. Using this film, we were able to simultaneously measure pressure and temperature in real time. The pressure was monitored from the change in the electrical resistance via the piezoresistance of the material, and the temperature was inferred based on the recovery time of the signal.

Clinical outcomes of the endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer are comparable between absolute and new expanded criteria.

Background/aims: Advances in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) techniques have led to the development of expanded criteria for endoscopic resection of early gas-tric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes for ESD using indication cri-teria.

Methods: A total of 1,105 patients underwent ESD for EGC at six medical centers.

Highly conductive, flexible and scalable graphene hybrid thin films with controlled domain size as transparent electrodes.

Highly conductive, transparent, flexible and scalable graphene hybrid thin films with controlled domain size were successfully fabricated via a mechanochemical method, screen printing and pressure-assisted reduction process.

Graphene size control via a mechanochemical method and electroresponsive properties.

Highly dispersible graphene oxide (GO) sheets of uniform submicrometer size were successfully fabricated from pristine graphite using a simple mechanochemical process. The GO flake morphology was transformed into a spherical form, and the density was decreased slightly via the ball-milling process. Ball-milled GO can be used as an electrorheological (ER) material because of its small particle size, low conductivity, and outstanding dispersibility in silicone oil.

One-step fabrication of a highly conductive and durable copper paste and its flexible dipole tag-antenna application.

A highly conductive and durable copper (Cu) paste was successfully fabricated via acid treatment and mechanical blending with corrosion inhibitors. A screen-printed Cu pattern was evaluated as a dipole tag-antenna with long term and thermal stability, and structural flexibility.

Enhanced frequency response of a highly transparent PVDF-graphene based thin film acoustic actuator.

A high-performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based thin film acoustic actuator with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene electrodes was successfully fabricated. Importantly, it showed 60, 19, and 22% enhancement in the bass, middle and treble frequency response, respectively.

Graphene/polyaniline/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) hybrid film with uniform surface resistance and its flexible dipole tag antenna application.

A graphene/polyaniline/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (G/PANI/PSS)-based conducting paste is successfully fabricated by introducing a PANI/PSS nanofiller into a multilayer graphene matrix by mechanical blending. As a compatibilizer, the PSS binder increases the dispersibility, interfacial interactions, and mechanical interlocking between the multilayer graphene matrix and PANI, thereby allowing surface resistance with narrow distribution. High concentrations of this PSS binder, obtained using ex situ polymerization, further improve the adhesion of the hybrid film to a flexible substrate.

Ligament reconstruction in congenital absence of the anterior cruciate ligament: a case report.

Congenital absence of the cruciate ligament is an extremely rare condition that was first reported in Giorgi's radiographic study in 1956. The authors report on a case of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed on a 21-year-old female patient with congenital anterior cruciate ligament absence. We also discuss radiographic evidence that could provide clues to the congenital absence and possible difficulties that may be encountered during surgery with a review of the relevant literature.

Medial meniscal tears in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees: effects of posterior tibial slope on medial meniscal tear.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of meniscal tears in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees, and to determine the influence of posterior tibial slope (PTS) on medial meniscal tears in ACL-deficient knees.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed 174 patients (174 knees) with a mean age of 30.7 years who underwent ACL reconstruction for chronic ACL tears.

The cap-assisted technique enhances colonoscopy training: prospective randomized study of six trainees.

Background: Colonoscopy and polypectomy procedures have effectively reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer. Currently, competence in colonoscopy is an essential part of the education program for gastrointestinal (GI) trainees. However, considerable training is required for the optimal performance of a colonoscopy.

Spatially controlled carbon sponge for targeting internalized radioactive materials in human body.

Carbon sponge, an adsorbent with spatially controlled structure is demonstrated for targeting internalized radiocesium and other radionuclides in human body. Three dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) carbons derived from inverse opal replicas of colloidal-crystal template exhibit large surface area and high porosity, resulting in highly efficient adsorbents for radionuclides. It is also possible to enhance binding affinity and selectivity to radionuclide targets by decoration of 3DOM carbon surfaces with Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles, and synthesized PB nanoparticles reveal low toxicity toward macrophage cells with potential advantages over oral administration.

Influence of obesity on the severity and clinical outcome of acute pancreatitis.

Background/aims: Obesity tends to be associated with increased mortality and morbidity in acute pancreatitis. However, in Asian populations, higher morbidity and mortality have been reported in patients with low body mass indexes (BMIs). This study was undertaken to evaluate the relation between obesity and outcome, and to investigate the occurrence of complications by overweightedness in acute pancreatitis.

A case of hemocholecyst associated with hemobilia following radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is performed as an alternative to surgical resection for primary or secondary liver malignancies. Although RFA can be performed safely in most patients, early and late complications related to mechanical or thermal damage occur in 8-9.5% cases.