Early Life Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Psychiatric Illness of Adulthood.

Stress exposure during early stages of life elevates the risk of developing psychopathologies and psychiatric illness in later life. The brain and immune system are not completely developed by birth and therefore continue develop after birth; this post birth development is influenced by several psychosocial factors; hence, early life stress (ELS) exposure can alter brain structural development and function. A growing number of experimental animal and observational human studies have investigated the link between ELS exposure and increased risk of psychopathology through alternations in the immune system, by evaluating inflammation biomarkers. Recent studies, including brain imaging, have also shed light on the mechanisms by which both the innate and adaptive immune systems interact with neural circuits and neurotransmitters, which affect psychopathology. Herein, we discuss the link between the experience of stress in early life and lifelong alterations in the immune system, which subsequently lead to the development of various psychiatric illnesses.

Direct Chemisorption-Assisted Nanotransfer Printing with Wafer-Scale Uniformity and Controllability.

Nanotransfer printing techniques have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and high throughput. However, conventional methods via a chemical medium hamper the efficient fabrication with large-area uniformity and rapid development of electronic and photonic devices. Herein, we report a direct chemisorption-assisted nanotransfer printing technique based on the nanoscale lower melting effect, which is an enabling technology for two- or three-dimensional nanostructures with feature sizes ranging from tens of nanometers up to a 6 in. wafer-scale. The method solves the major bottleneck (large-scale uniform metal catalysts with nanopatterns) encountered by metal-assisted chemical etching. It also achieves wafer-scale, uniform, and controllable nanostructures with extremely high aspect ratios. We further demonstrate excellent uniformity and high performance of the resultant devices by fabricating 100 photodetectors on a 6 in. Si wafer. Therefore, our method can create a viable route for next-generation, wafer-scale, uniformly ordered, and controllable nanofabrication, leading to significant advances in various applications, such as energy harvesting, quantum, electronic, and photonic devices.

Raman scattering study of GeSn under 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 0〉 uniaxial stress.

The application of strain into GeSn alloys can effectively modulate the band structures, thus creating novel electronic and photonic devices. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing strain; however, the lack of Raman coefficient makes it difficult for accurate determination of strain in GeSn alloys. Here, we have investigated the Raman-strain function of Ge1-xSnxalong 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 0〉 directions. GeSn nanomembranes (NMs) with different Sn compositions are transfer-printed on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. External strain is introduced by bending fixtures with different radii, leading to uniaxial tensile strain up to 0.44%. Strain analysis of flexible GeSn NMs bent along 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 0〉 directions are performed by Raman spectroscopy. The linear coefficients of Raman-strain for Ge0.96Sn0.04are measured to be -1.81 and -2.60 cm-1, while those of Ge0.94Sn0.06are decreased to be -2.69 and -3.82 cm-1along 〈1 0 0〉 and 〈1 1 0〉 directions, respectively. As a result, the experimental ratio of linear coefficient (ROLC) of Ge, Ge0.96Sn0.04and Ge0.94Sn0.06are 1.34, 1.44 and 1.42, which agree well with theoretical ROLC values calculated by elastic compliances and phonon deformation potentials (PDPs). In addition, the compositional dependence of PDPs is analyzed qualitatively. These fundamental parameters are important in designing high performance strained GeSn electronic and photonic devices.

High Performance Flexible Visible-Blind Ultraviolet Photodetectors with Two-Dimensional Electron Gas Based on Unconventional Release Strategy.

Interdigitated photodetectors (IPDs) based on the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the AlGaN/GaN interface have gained prominence as high sensitivity ultraviolet (UV) PDs due to their excellent optoelectronic performance. However, most 2DEG-IPDs have been built on rigid substrates, thus limiting the use of 2DEG-IPDs in flexible and wearable applications. In this paper, we have demonstrated high performance flexible AlGaN/GaN 2DEG-IPDs using AlGaN/GaN 2DEG heterostructure membranes created from 8 in. AlGaN/GaN on insulator (AlGaN/GaNOI) substrates. The interdigitated AlGaN/GaN heterostructure has been engineered to reduce dark current by disconnecting the conductive channel at the heterostructure interface. Photocurrent has been also boosted by the escaped carriers from the 2DEG layer. Therefore, the utilization of a 2DEG layer in transferrable AlGaN/GaN heterostructure membranes offers great promises for high performance flexible 2DEG-IPDs for advanced UV detection systems that are critically important in myriad biomedical and environmental applications.

Dopamine dysregulation in psychotic relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation: an [18F]DOPA and [11C]raclopride PET study in first-episode psychosis.

Although antipsychotic drugs are effective for relieving the psychotic symptoms of first-episode psychosis (FEP), psychotic relapse is common during the course of the illness. While some FEPs remain remitted even without medication, antipsychotic discontinuation is regarded as the most common risk factor for the relapse. Considering the actions of antipsychotic drugs on presynaptic and postsynaptic dopamine dysregulation, this study evaluated possible mechanisms underlying relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation. Twenty five FEPs who were clinically stable and 14 matched healthy controls were enrolled. Striatal dopamine activity was assessed as Kicer value using [18F]DOPA PET before and 6 weeks after antipsychotic discontinuation. The D2/3 receptor availability was measured as BPND using [11C]raclopride PET after antipsychotic discontinuation. Healthy controls also underwent PET scans according to the corresponding schedule of the patients. Patients were monitored for psychotic relapse during 12 weeks after antipsychotic discontinuation. 40% of the patients showed psychotic relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation. The change in Kicer value over time significantly differed between relapsed, non-relapsed patients and healthy controls (Week*Group: F = 4.827, df = 2,253.193, p = 0.009). In relapsed patients, a significant correlation was found between baseline striatal Kicer values and time to relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation (R2 = 0.518, p = 0.018). BPND were not significantly different between relapsed, non-relapsed patients and healthy controls (F = 1.402, df = 2,32.000, p = 0.261). These results suggest that dysfunctional dopamine autoregulation might precipitate psychotic relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation in FEP. This finding could be used for developing a strategy for the prevention of psychotic relapse related to antipsychotic discontinuation.

Dual nanotransfer printing for complementary plasmonic biosensors.

One of the main challenges in the widespread utilization of localized plasmon resonance-based biosensors is the fabrication of large-area and low-cost plasmonic nanostructures. In this work, we fabricated large-area and low-cost complementary plasmonic biosensors such as nanohole and nanodisk arrays using dual nanotransfer printing (NTP) with a single metal deposition and a single reusable mold. The suspended nanohole arrays and the suspended nanodisk arrays were fabricated using the subsequent dry etching process. We confirmed a maximum enhancement in bulk sensitivity in experiments and simulations by controlling the vertical and lateral etching depths of the dielectric layer underneath the gold (Au) nanohole and nanodisk arrays. Furthermore, we show that the surface sensitivity evaluated by atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide increased because appropriate vertical and lateral etching depths allow the target analyte to access the additional near-field formed at the bottom of the Au nanostructure. The dual NTP method provides a practical solution for the realization of large-area and low-cost label-free plasmonic biosensing systems, with a reduction in complexity and cost of the fabrication process of complementary plasmonic structures and metasurfaces.

Transparent Displays Utilizing Nanopatterned Quantum Dot Films.

We report the realization of a transparent display using glass covered by a nanopatterned quantum dot (QD) film with good transmittance. The film was fabricated by nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and spin coating of colloidal QDs with specificexcitation maxima. The produced nanopatterned QD film was attached to transparent glass, enabling active image generation using a laser light source of a specific wavelength. Selective light emission was induced by strongly exciting the laser-exposed film surface, creating desired images, with color modulationenabled by controlling the QD layer (dozens of nanometers in size) via nanopatterning. The nanopatterned QD film used for image generation exhibits excellent transmittance (>80%), and can be used for transparent displays, with image realization in both bright and dark spaces. The fabricated displays have wide viewing anglesowing to their good light emission characteristics, and the fabrication through spin coating renders the fabrication process simple and applicable to large areas.

Sudden Intraoperative Hyperkalemia during Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy in a Patient with Underlying Renal Insufficiency.

We experienced a case of severe intraoperative hyperkalemia during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in a 60-year-old male patient with renal insufficiency, whose hypertension had been managed by preoperative angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and adrenergic beta-antagonist. After renal vessel ligation, his intraoperative potassium concentration suddenly increased to 7.0 mEq/L, but his electrocardiography (ECG) did not show any significant change. While preoperative ARB therapy has been regarded as a contributing factor for further aggravation of underlying renal insufficiency, we assumed that nephrectomy itself and rhabdomyolysis caused by surgical trauma also aggravated the underlying renal dysfunction and resulted in sudden hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia was managed successfully with calcium gluconate, insulin, furosemide and crystalloid loading during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods, and potassium concentration decreased to 5.0 mEq/L at 8 hours after the operation. The patient's hospital course was uncomplicated, but his renal function deteriorated further.

Shape-Controlled 3D Periodic Metal Nanostructures Fabricated via Nanowelding.

A novel method for fabricating 3D metallic nanostructures to be used in polarized color filters based on nanoimprint lithography, electron-beam evaporation, and nanowelding is proposed. The shape of the nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting the temperature for the nanowelding process. Ag nanowires deposited on polymer patterns are accumulated by the nanowelding process to build up diverse 3D nanostructures. The morphologies of the fabricated 3D nanostructures are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and focused ion beam; the heating temperature is varied from 90 to 130 °C in steps of 10 °C. In order to analyze the recrystallization phenomenon after welding, transmission electron microscopy is utilized. The 3D metallic nanostructure has different morphologies and optical properties corresponding to welding temperature conditions and accumulated layer thicknesses. Based on preliminary experimental results, the process parameters are optimized and a polarized color filter is fabricated. Optical characteristics of the filter are evaluated using polarizer and spectrometer. Through this work, it is shown that the proposed method is an effective way to realize various 3D metallic nanostructures for special optical properties, therefore the method based on nanowelding can be utilized in fabrication of functional metamaterials, optical filters, biosensors, and others.

Flexible Plasmonic Color Filters Fabricated via Nanotransfer Printing with Nanoimprint-Based Planarization.

We investigated the preparation and performance of large-area transmission-type flexible plasmonic color filters (PCFs). These large-area PCFs were fabricated based on a nanotransfer printing (nTP) process that involves nanoimprint-based planarization. This process is a simple surface treatment for easy transfer of a metal to a flexible plastic substrate and formation of patterned aluminum nanodots and nanoholes on a substrate surface with poor roughness. Rabbit-ear structures can form during the nTP process, and this phenomenon was analyzed by numerical simulation. As defects were not detected in a 10 000-round bending test, the PCFs fabricated using this nTP process have excellent mechanical properties.

High-Grade Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma in the Cecum: A Case Report.

Gastrointestinal neoplasms with an exocrine and a neuroendocrine component are rare. Such neoplasms are called "mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas" (MANECs) according to the most recent World Health Organization classification of gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. MANECs have no specific findings that distinguish them from pure adenocarcinomas. In addition, the optimal management strategy of MANECs is largely unknown. We describe the case of a 32-year-old man with dizziness and abdominal bloating. A cecal mass was suspected based on an image study done at a local clinic. We evaluated the cecal mass by using colonoscopy, contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen, positron emission tomography-computed tomography, and laboratory studies. The patient underwent a right hemicolectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. The final histopathological diagnosis was a high-grade MANEC of the ascending colon, tumor stage T3N2M0.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation for neuropathic pain after brachial plexus injury: two case reports.

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) often causes severe neuropathic pain that becomes chronic and difficult to treat pharmacologically or surgically. Here, we describe two cases of successful treatment of BPI with peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). Both patients had experienced severe neuropathic pain after incomplete BPI for a long time (32 and 17 years) and did not response to medication, radiofrequency neuroablation, or spinal cord stimulation. After PNS using ultrasound, their pain was relieved by more than 50% over the course of 1 year. Both patients were satisfied with their improved sleep and quality of life. We conclude that PNS could be an alternative therapeutic modality for neuropathic pain after BPI as it provides direct nerve stimulation, has few complications, and is easy to perform.

Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury after Cesarean Section in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious adverse reaction of transfusion, and presents as hypoxemia and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema within 6 hours of transfusion. A 14-year-old primigravida woman at 34 weeks of gestation presented with upper abdominal pain without dyspnea. Because she showed the syndrome of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count), an emergency cesarean section delivery was performed, and blood was transfused. In the case of such patients, clinicians should closely observe the patient's condition at least during the 6 hours while the patient receives blood transfusion, and should suspect TRALI if the patient complains of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea. Furthermore, echocardiography should be performed to distinguish between the different types of transfusion-related adverse reactions.

Four Cases of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection from January to March in 2014.

Infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other multidrug resistant bacteria has increased rapidly in Korea. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,609 cases of CRE infection in the country in 2013. The risk factors for CRE infection include history of treatment with antibiotics such as cephalosporins or carbapenem, trauma, diabetes, cancer, and history of ventilator support. Herein, we report four cases of CRE infection seen during a 3-month period in our hospital in 2014. CRE infection is associated with a high mortality rate of 30% to 50%, even with combination antibiotic therapy. Prevention of CRE infection in hospital settings is fundamental to controlling its transmission. Key preventive measures include, contact precautions, hand hygiene, education of healthcare personnel, screening for CRE when indicated, and exercising discretion in prescribing carbapenem or cephalosporins.

Nonlinear secret image sharing scheme.

Over the past decade, most of secret image sharing schemes have been proposed by using Shamir's technique. It is based on a linear combination polynomial arithmetic. Although Shamir's technique based secret image sharing schemes are efficient and scalable for various environments, there exists a security threat such as Tompa-Woll attack. Renvall and Ding proposed a new secret sharing technique based on nonlinear combination polynomial arithmetic in order to solve this threat. It is hard to apply to the secret image sharing. In this paper, we propose a (t, n)-threshold nonlinear secret image sharing scheme with steganography concept. In order to achieve a suitable and secure secret image sharing scheme, we adapt a modified LSB embedding technique with XOR Boolean algebra operation, define a new variable m, and change a range of prime p in sharing procedure. In order to evaluate efficiency and security of proposed scheme, we use the embedding capacity and PSNR. As a result of it, average value of PSNR and embedding capacity are 44.78 (dB) and 1.74t⌈log2 m⌉ bit-per-pixel (bpp), respectively.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Heart-Rate Variability among North Korean Defectors.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among North Korean defectors and their level of suicidal ideation and the correlation between these and heart-rate variability (HRV) to explore the possibility of using HRV as an objective neurobiological index of signs of autonomic nervous system disorder. METHODS: A total of 32 North Korean defectors (nine men, 23 women) were selected as subjects, and their HRV was measured after they completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-PTSD (MMPI-PTSD) scale and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: 1) Low-frequency (LF)/high-frequency (HF) ratios in the HRV index and MMPI-PTSD scores were correlated (r=0.419, p<0.05), as were BDI item 9 (suicidal ideation) and MMPI-PTSD scores (r=0.600, p<0.01). 2) A regression analysis of LF/HF ratios and MMPI-PTSD scores revealed an R-value of 13.8% (Adj. R(2)=0.138, F=4.695, p=0.041), and a regression analysis of BDI item 9 and MMPI-PTSD scores showed an R-value of 32.8% (Adj. R(2)=0.328, F=11.234, p=0.003). In other words, the LF/HF ratio (ß=0.419) and BDI item 9 (ß=0.600) appear to be risk factors in predicting MMPI-PTSD scores. CONCLUSION: The LF/HF ratio, a standard index of autonomic nervous system activity, can be used as an objective neurobiological index to analyze PTSD among North Korean defectors presenting with various mental and physical symptoms, and the approximate level of suicide -ideation can act as a predicting factor for PTSD.

A comparative study of root coverage using acellular dermal matrix with and without enamel matrix derivative.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare root coverage using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with and without enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on the percentage of root coverage, probing attachment level, and the amount of keratinized tissue in the treatment of localized recession. METHODS: Eighty-two contralateral sites in 14 patients with >or=2 mm of Miller Class I or III buccal tissue recession were treated. Forty-one test sites were treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) using ADM in conjunction with EMD, whereas 41 control sites were treated with CAF using ADM alone. A split-mouth design was used for this study with 82 sites. Patients were followed for 3 and 6 months. A paired t test was conducted with the subject as the unit of analysis. RESULTS: Based on paired t tests, both groups had significant improvement in the percentage of root coverage, probing attachment levels, and increased keratinized tissue. Only keratinized tissue in the test group demonstrated a statistically significant greater increase compared to controls at the 6-month evaluation (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The use of EMD in conjunction with ADM resulted in a statistically significant effect on keratinized tissue increase, but no significant effects on probing attachment level or percentage of root surface coverage.