Konkuk University

About: Konkuk University is a education organization based out in Seoul, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Apoptosis. The organization has 13405 authors who have published 27027 publications receiving 506313 citations.

Cohesion energetics of carbon allotropes: quantum Monte Carlo study.

Abstract: We have performed quantum Monte Carlo calculations to study the cohesion energetics of carbon allotropes, including sp 3-bonded diamond, sp 2-bonded graphene, sp–sp 2 hybridized graphynes, and sp-bonded carbyne. The computed cohesive energies of diamond and graphene are found to be in excellent agreement with the corresponding values determined experimentally for diamond and graphite, respectively, when the zero-point energies, along with the interlayer binding in the case of graphite, are included. We have also found that the cohesive energy of graphyne decreases systematically as the ratio of sp-bonded carbon atoms increases. The cohesive energy of γ-graphyne, the most energetically stable graphyne, turns out to be 6.766(6) eV/atom, which is smaller than that of graphene by 0.698(12) eV/atom. Experimental difficulty in synthesizing graphynes could be explained by their significantly smaller cohesive energies. Finally, we conclude that the cohesive energy of a newly proposed graphyne can be accurately estimated with the carbon–carbon bond energies determined from the cohesive energies of graphene and three different graphynes considered here.

SERS imaging of HER2-overexpressed MCF7 cells using antibody-conjugated gold nanorods

Abstract: Antibody-conjugated gold nanorods (GNRs) have been used for the targeting and imaging of specific cancer markers expressed on the surface membrane of cancer cells. GNRs with various aspect ratios were fabricated, and their surface-enhanced Raman scattering enhancement effects were evaluated. To attach the GNRs selectively onto the targets in cancer cells, specific antibodies were immobilized on the surface of GNRs using the layer-by-layer deposition method. First, Raman reporter molecules, mercaptopyridine, were attached to the surface of GNRs, and their surface charge was modified using poly(sodium 4-styrene-sulfonate) to make the surface charge negative. Then, anti-rabbit IgGs were immobilized onto the surface of the GNRs by electrostatic interactions. HER2 markers, expressed on the cell surface, were treated with anti-HER2 primary antibodies. Finally, the functionalized nanoprobes, conjugated with secondary antibodies, were attached to the markers on cancer cells by antibody–antibody interactions. In the present study, MCF7 cells overexpressing breast cancer marker HER2 were used as the optical imaging targets. Our experimental results demonstrate the potential feasibility of antibody-conjugated GNRs for the highly sensitive targeting and imaging of biomarkers expressed on the surface membrane of cancer cells.

Microwave-Induced Synthesis of Chitosan Schiff Bases and Their Application as Novel and Green Corrosion Inhibitors: Experimental and Theoretical Approach.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly three chitosan Schiff bases (CSBs) were first time synthesized under microwave irradiation by the reaction of chitosan and aldehydes [benzaldehyde (CSB-1), 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde (CSB-2), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (CSB-3)] and characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition performance of the synthesized inhibitors was studied by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). The results show that all the Schiff bases (CSBs) act as effective corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution. Among the synthesized Schiff bases, CSB-3 exhibited the maximum inhibition efficiency of 90.65% at a very low concentration of 50 ppm. The EIS results showed that the CSBs inhibit corrosion by the adsorption mechanism. The PDP results show that all the three Schiff bases are mixed-type inhibitors. The formation of inhibitor films on the mild steel surface was supported by scanning electron microscopy/energy dis...

Does preoperative rehabilitation for patients planning to undergo joint replacement surgery improve outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract: Objectives The clinical impact of preoperative physiotherapy on recovery after joint replacement remains controversial. This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical impact of prehabilitation before joint replacement. Design We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL up to November 2015 for randomised controlled trials comparing prehabilitation versus no prehabilitation before joint replacement surgery. Postoperative pain and function scores were converted to Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales (0–100, high scores indicate worse outcome). Random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate weighted mean differences (WMD, 95% CI), subgrouped by hip and knee surgery. Primary and secondary outcomes Postoperative pain and function scores, time to resume activities of daily living, quality of life, length of hospital stay, total cost, patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, any adverse events and discontinuations. Results Of 22 studies (1492 patients), 18 had high risk of bias. Prehabilitation slightly reduced pain scores within 4 weeks postoperatively (WMD −6.1 points, 95% CI −10.6 to −1.6 points, on a scale of 0–100), but differences did not remain beyond 4 weeks. Prehabilitation slightly improved WOMAC function score at 6–8 and 12 weeks (WMD −4.0, 95% CI −7.5 to −0.5), and time to climbing stairs (WMD −1.4 days, 95% CI −1.9 to −0.8 days), toilet use (−0.9 days, 95% CI −1.3 to −0.5 days) and chair use (WMD −1.2 days, 95% CI −1.7 to −0.8 days). Effects were similar for knee and hip surgery. Differences were not found for SF-36 scores, length of stay and total cost. Other outcomes of interest were inadequately reported. Conclusions Existing evidence suggests that prehabilitation may slightly improve early postoperative pain and function among patients undergoing joint replacement; however, effects remain too small and short-term to be considered clinically-important, and did not affect key outcomes of interest (ie, length of stay, quality of life, costs).