Interfacial Distribution of Nafion Ionomer Thin Films on Nitrogen-Modified Carbon Surfaces.

Chemically modified carbon supports for the cathode catalyst layers of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) show considerable promise for boosting the oxygen reduction reaction. This study evaluated the ionomer distribution of Nafion ionomer thin films on nitrogen (N)-modified carbon surfaces along their depth direction. Neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements performed using the double-contrast technique with HO and DO revealed that the introduction of N functional groups to carbon thin films promoted ionomer adsorption onto the surface under wet conditions (22 °C, 85% relative humidity).

Open wedge high tibial osteotomy does not decrease patellar height relative to femur: A three-dimensional computer model analysis.

Background: Patellar height, which decreases after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), has conventionally been assessed by tibial references using lateral radiographs of the knee; however, changes in the proximal tibia shape after OWHTO may affect this method. We aimed to evaluate the changes in patellar height position relative to the transepicondylar axis of the femur after OWHTO using in vivo three-dimensional (3D) computer models.

Methods: Fourteen patients who underwent 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 30° and 50° knee flexion before OWHTO and after hardware removal were included.

Factors Associated with Postoperative Knee Joint Line Obliquity After Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

Background: There are still few reports on factors associated with postoperative knee joint line obliquity (KJLO).

Purpose: The purpose was to determine preoperative radiographic factors that are associated with KJLO postoperatively after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) using multivariable linear regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Abrasion arthroplasty promotes improvement of degenerated femoral trochlear cartilage after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

Objectives: Several studies have reported negative effects of open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) on patellofemoral joints with cartilage degeneration and recommended performing other procedures. However, if chondral resurfacing surgery could promote improvement of cartilage degeneration in the patellofemoral joint, OWHTO would be an acceptable option. The purposes of this study were to arthroscopically evaluate the femoral trochlear articular cartilage after abrasion arthroplasty combined with OWHTO and to investigate the factors promoting improvement of that cartilage.

Advanced superhard composite materials with extremely improved mechanical strength by interfacial segregation of dilute dopants.

Control of heterointerfaces in advanced composite materials is of scientific and industrial importance, because their interfacial structures and properties often determine overall performance and reliability of the materials. Here distinct improvement of mechanical properties of alumina-matrix tungsten-carbide composites, which is expected for cutting-tool application for aerospace industries, is achieved via interfacial atomic segregation. It is found that only a small amount of Zr addition is unexpectedly effective to significantly increase their mechanical properties, and especially their bending strength reaches values far beyond those of conventional superhard composite materials.

Anterior tibial loading on the calf enhances anterior tibial translation in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee in the anterior gravity radiographic view.

Background: Lateral radiograph in the prone position with the knee flexed at 15° (anterior gravity view (AGV)) is useful as a screening for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while it is sometimes difficult to find the side-to-side difference (SSD) in anterior tibial translation. Thus, we applied a weight (three kilograms) around the lower leg to increase anterior tibial translation. We aimed to determine whether weight load confers an advantage in visualizing anterior knee laxity in ACL injuries.

Assessment of NMDA receptor inhibition of phencyclidine analogues using a high-throughput drebrin immunocytochemical assay.

Introduction: In recent years, new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been widely distributed for abuse purposes. Effective measures to counter the spread of NPS are to promptly legislate them through the risk assessment. Phencyclidine analogues having inhibitory effects toward NMDA receptor (NMDAR) have recently emerged in Japan.

Wettability of Primer-Treated AlO Surfaces by Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether: Determination of the Mechanism from Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Experiments.

This study aims to develop a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation procedure to investigate the wettability of primer-treated AlO surfaces by bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and to understand the interaction between the surface and the liquid. The MD simulation results were compared with those obtained by contact angle measurements, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and were found to be in agreement with the experimental evaluations. The results obtained from both the MD simulations and the experiments suggest that the configuration of the primers on the surface affect its wettability.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Early Healing Process After Achilles Tendon Repair.

Background: Little is known about early healing of repaired Achilles tendons on imaging, particularly up to 6 months postoperatively, when patients generally return to participation in sports.

Purpose: To examine changes in repaired Achilles tendon healing with ultrasonography for up to 12 months after surgery.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Development of functional foods.

Recent advances in intestinal microbiota research are the background for the appearance of functional foods. Lactic fermentation products are included in the functional foods and classified into 3 groups based on their mechanisms of action: probiotics, prebiotics and biogenics. Probiotics are viable microorganisms, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, that beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal bacterial balance.

Establishment of intestinal bacteriology.

Research on intestinal bacteria began around the end of the 19th century. During the last 5 decades of the 20th century, research on the intestinal microbiota made rapid progress. At first, in my work, I first developed a method of comprehensive analysis of the intestinal microbiota, and then I established classification and identification methods for intestinal anaerobes.

Recollections of my young days: -the pleasure of creation-.

I was bashful by nature. In elementary school, I was enthusiastic about painting pictures, posters, and calligraphy, and making butterfly specimens and models. When I entered the middle school of Seikei Gakuen, I was fortunate to have good teachers and friends.

2012 white paper on recent issues in bioanalysis and alignment of multiple guidelines.

Over 400 professionals representing pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies participated in the 6th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (WRIB). Like the previous sessions, this event was in the format of a practical, focused, highly interactive and informative workshop aiming for high-quality, improved regulatory compliance and scientific excellence. Numerous 'hot' topics in bioanalysis of both small and large molecules were shared and discussed, leading to consensus and recommendations among panelists and attendees representing the bioanalytical community.

[Visualization of laryngopharynx during swallowing of negative contrast media (air) with cine mode 64-row MDCT].

Video fluoroscopic examination of swallowing generally needs a contrast media such as a barium sulfate. Since the examination is usually performed in patients with dysphasia, there is a risk of aspiration. We tried to visualize the laryngopharynx during swallowing of negative contrast media (air) with 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (64-MDCT).

Safety of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for cartilage repair in 41 patients with 45 joints followed for up to 11 years and 5 months.

Among autologous somatic stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the most widely used worldwide to repair not only mesenchymal tissues (bone, cartilage) but also many other kinds of tissues, including heart, skin, and liver. Autologous BMSCs are thought to be safe because of the absence of immunological reaction and disease transmission. However, it is possible that they will form tumours during long-term follow-up.

Synthesis and optical properties of monolayer organosilicon nanosheets.

The synthesis of silicon nanosheets for fabricating electronic devices, without using conventional vacuum processes and vapor deposition, is challenging and is anticipated to receive significant attention for a wide range of applications. Here, we report the synthesis of oxygen-free, phenyl-modified organosilicon nanosheets with atomic thickness. In organic solvents, a consequence of this new silicon structure is its uniform dispersion and the possibility of exfoliation into unilamellar nanosheets.

Silicon nanosheets and their self-assembled regular stacking structure.

Silicon nanomaterials are encouraging candidates for application to photonic, electronic, or biosensing devices, due to their size-quantization effects. Two-dimensional silicon nanosheets could help to realize a widespread quantum field, because of their nanoscale thickness and microscale area. However, there has been no example of a successful synthesis of two-dimensional silicon nanomaterials with large lateral size and oxygen-free surfaces.

The location-specific healing response of damaged articular cartilage after ACL reconstruction: short-term follow-up.

Although many different interventions have been proposed for treating cartilage lesions at the time of ACL reconstruction, the normal healing response of these injuries has not been well documented. To address this point, we compared the arthroscopic status of chondral lesions at the time of ACL reconstruction with that obtained at second-look arthroscopy. We hypothesized that there might be a location-specific difference in the healing response of damaged articular cartilage.

Medial marginal fracture of the patella following patellar dislocation.

Among patients with patellar dislocation, a small fragment is occasionally found along the medial border of the patella. However, the detailed pathology of this fracture has not been clearly described, especially in relation to the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). The purpose of this study was to describe the pathology of this fracture in relation to the MPFL.

[Assessment of pathophysiology based on the left ventricular shape in five patients with midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

Objectives: The pathophysiology of midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (MVO) is unknown. Patients with MVO and MVO-like cardiomyopathy were classified into three groups based on the cardioimaging morphological characteristics of the left ventricle to investigate their complications and treatment.

Methods: Four patients with MVO and one patient with disease-like MVO were admitted in our hospital from 1999 to 2005.

Bi-socket ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons: high versus low femoral socket placement.

To clarify the importance of the femoral socket location in bi-socket Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Subjects included 261 patients with an average age of 26 years who received ACL reconstruction via the high-femoral socket procedure (Group H) and 43 patients with an average age of 29 years who received ACL reconstruction via the low-femoral socket procedure (Group L) with a minimal follow-up of 24 months. In Group H, the femoral sockets were created at 1:00 or 11:00 and 2:00-2:30 or 9:30-10:00 of the intercondylar notch.