The sensing behavior of SnO2-based thick film gas sensors in a flow system in the presence of a very low concentration (ppb level) of chemical agent simulants such as acetonitrile, dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPGME), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and dichloromethane (DCM) was investigated. Commercial SnO2 [SnO2(C)] and nano-SnO2 prepared by the precipitation method [SnO2(P)] were used to prepare the SnO2 sensor in this study. In the case of DCM and acetonitrile, the SnO2(P) sensor showed higher sensor response as compared with the SnO2(C) sensors. In the case of DMMP and DPGME, however, the SnO2(C) sensor showed higher responses than those of the SnO2(P) sensors. In particular, the response of the SnO2(P) sensor increased as the calcination temperature increased from 400 °C to 800 °C. These results can be explained by the fact that the response of the SnO2-based gas sensor depends on the textural properties of tin oxide and the molecular size of the chemical agent simulant in the detection of the simulant gases (0.1–0.5 ppm).

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[Purpose] Many assumptions have been made about taping and several studies have considered tape application methods; however, the true effect of taping on muscle strength remains unclear. Most previous studies compared application techniques using Kinesio tape (KT), but studies that compared muscle strength using non-elastic tape (NT) are limited. Moreover, no studies have applied KT and NT in the same way to assess grip strength in normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of application of two tapes with different elastic properties on maximal grip strength in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adults were divided into two groups (KT and NT). Maximal grip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Forearm extensor muscles of the dominant hand were then taped and subjects were immediately asked to perform hand grip movement with maximum strength in the same standardized manner. [Results] In the KT group, maximal grip strength was significantly increased compared to the initial value; however, in the NT group, there was no significant difference in maximal grip strength. [Conclusion] This study suggests that only Kinesio tape can increase maximal grip strength immediately after application on the extensor region of the forearm.

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The receptor−ligand interactions in cells are dynamically regulated by modulation of the ligand accessibility. In this study, we utilize size-tunable magnetic nanoparticle aggregates ordered at both nanometer and atomic scales. We flexibly anchor magnetic nanoparticle aggregates of tunable sizes over the cell-adhesive RGD ligand (Arg-Gly-Asp)-active material surface while maintaining the density of dispersed ligands accessible to macrophages at constant. Lowering the accessible ligand dispersity by increasing the aggregate size at constant accessible ligand density facilitates the binding of integrin receptors to the accessible ligands, which promotes the adhesion of macrophages. In high ligand dispersity, distant magnetic manipulation to lift the aggregates (which increases ligand accessibility) stimulates the binding of integrin receptors to the accessible ligands available under the aggregates to augment macrophage adhesion-mediated pro-healing polarization both in vitro and in vivo. In low ligand dispersity, distant control to drop the aggregates (which decreases ligand accessibility) repels integrin receptors away from the aggregates, thereby suppressing integrin receptor− ligand binding and macrophage adhesion, which promotes inflammatory polarization. Here, we present "accessible ligand dispersity" as a novel fundamental parameter that regulates receptor−ligand binding, which can be reversibly manipulated by increasing and decreasing the ligand accessibility. Limitless tuning of nanoparticle aggregate dimensions and morphology can offer further insight into the regulation of receptor−ligand binding in host cells.

Timing of CIN is predictive of prognosis in patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving gemcitabine/platinum doublet chemotherapy. Better clinical outcomes were achieved when onset of neutropenia was early versus late or absent altogether. Further research is warranted to determine whether above findings are applicable to other chemotherapeutic regimens.

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Background/AimsEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is accepted as a treatment for gastric neoplasms and usually requires deep sedation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of deep sedation induced by continuous propofol infusion with or without midazolam during ESD.MethodsA total of 135 patients scheduled for ESDs between December 2008 and June 2010 were included in this prospective study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the propofol group or the combination group (propofol plus midazolam).ResultsThe propofol group reported only one case of severe hypoxemia with no need of mask ventilation or intubation. Additionally, 18 cases of mild hypotension were observed in the propofol group, and 11 cases were observed in the combination group. The combination group had a lower mean total propofol dose (378 mg vs 466 mg, p<0.012), a longer mean recovery time (10.5 minutes vs 7.9 minutes, p=0.027), and a lower frequency of overall adverse events (32.8% vs 17.6%, p=0.042).ConclusionsDeep sedation induced by continuous propofol infusion was shown to be safe during ESD. The combination of continuous propofol infusion and intermittent midazolam injection can decrease the total dose and infusion rate of propofol and the overall occurrence of adverse events.