InAs self-assembled quantum dots (SAQDs) were grown on InP at various temperatures and V/III ratios by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The density, size distribution, and shape of the InAs SAQDs changed significantly with temperature and V/III ratio. Careful analysis of the total volume of the dots grown at various conditions showed that the volume far exceeded the amount of deposition supplied from the gas-phase sources. The amount of excess InAs and the aspect ratio (height/lateral size) of the SAQD increased with temperature and V/III ratio, strongly suggesting that the As/P exchange reaction at the surface played an important role in the kinetics of SAQD formation. Insertion of a lattice-matched InGaAs buffer layer suppressed the excess InAs formation, and lowered the aspect ratio, confirming the effect of the As/P exchange reaction.

In the Visible Korean project, 642 three-dimensional (3D) surface models have been built from the sectioned images of a male cadaver. It was recently discovered that popular PDF file enables users to approach the numerous surface models conveniently on Adobe Reader. Purpose of this study was to present a PDF file including systematized surface models of human body as the beneficial contents. To achieve the purpose, fitting software packages were employed in accordance with the procedures. Two-dimensional (2D) surface models including the original sectioned images were embedded into the 3D surface models. The surface models were categorized into systems and then groups. The adjusted surface models were inserted to a PDF file, where relevant multimedia data were added. The finalized PDF file containing comprehensive data of a whole body could be explored in varying manners. The PDF file, downloadable freely from the homepage (http://anatomy.co.kr), is expected to be used as a satisfactory self-learning tool of anatomy. Raw data of the surface models can be extracted from the PDF file and employed for various simulations for clinical practice. The technique to organize the surface models will be applied to manufacture of other PDF files containing various multimedia contents.

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is difficult to manage and can result in significant patient morbidity. Currently, the clinical use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for painful tendons has received attention, but its efficacy remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of PRP and its biological components. A total of 156 patients with LE were randomly divided into group 1, treated with a single injection of 2-ml autologous PRP, and group 2, treated with a control received only physical therapy without injection. Both groups used a tennis elbow strap and performed stretching and strengthening exercises during 24 weeks' follow-up. Pain and functional improvements were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), Modified Mayo Clinic Performance Index for the elbow, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). White blood cell count, platelet count, and levels of platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), PDGF-BB, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor, epithelial growth factor, and interleukin-1 β in PRP were measured and investigated for statistical correlation with the clinical score. At 24 weeks, all pain and functional variables, including VAS score, Mayo Clinic performance scores, and MRI grade, improved significantly in group 1 (p < 0.05). PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β levels were more significantly increased in PRP than in whole blood. TGF-β level significantly correlated with Mayo Clinic performance score and MRI grade improvement. Thus, TGF-β level in PRP is considered to play a pivotal role in tendon healing. These results may contribute to identifying the best protocol for PRP application in tendinopathies. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:913-920, 2018.

In the Visible Korean project, serially sectioned images of the pelvis were made from a female cadaver. Outlines of significant structures in the sectioned images were drawn and stacked to build surface models. To improve the accessibility and informational content of these data, a five-step process was designed and implemented. First, 154 pelvic structures were outlined with additional surface reconstruction to prepare the image data. Second, the sectioned and outlined images (in a browsing software) as well as the surface models (in a PDF file) were placed on the Visible Korean homepage in a readily-accessible format. Third, all image data were visualized with interactive elements to stimulate creative learning. Fourth, two-dimensional (2D) images and three-dimensional (3D) models were superimposed on one another to provide context and spatial information for students viewing these data. Fifth, images were designed such that structure names would be shown when the mouse pointer hovered over the 2D images or the 3D models. The state-of-the-art sectioned images, outlined images, and surface models, arranged and systematized as described in this study, will aid students in understanding the anatomy of female pelvis. The graphic data accompanied by corresponding magnetic resonance images and computed tomographs are expected to promote the production of 3D simulators for clinical practice.

This study analyzed the effectiveness of suprascapular nerve block under ultrasonographic guidance in patients with perishoulder pain. Patients with perishoulder pain were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the first group of 25 patients (12 men and 13 women), nerve block was applied under ultrasonographic guidance. Mean patient age in this group was 55.1 years. In the control group, 25 patients (11 men and 14 women) underwent nerve block without ultrasonographic guidance; mean patient age was 51.6 years. Degree of pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant shoulder score (CSS) before the nerve block, immediately following the procedure, and 1 month after the procedure. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in VAS score and CSS before the procedure (P>.05). Immediately after the procedure, both the study and control groups revealed significantly improved VAS and CSS patterns (P<.05). However, the study group showed better VAS and CSS patterns than the control group at 1-month follow-up (P<.05). No complications occurred in the study group. In the control group, there were 2 cases of arterial punctures and 3 cases of direct nerve injury with neurological deficit for 2 months. Ultrasonography-guided suprascapular nerve injection is a safe, accurate, and useful procedure compared to the blind technique.