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Pinestraw harvesting is an important industry in the southeastern United States. There is a need to understand how fertilization can be used efficiently to sustain or increase long-term pinestraw yields and avoid adverse environmental consequences. The effects of fertilization on needlefall nutrient concentrations, pinestraw yields, and nutrient removals on soils with contrasting soil nutrient sorption potential (Entisol vs. Ultisol) were compared using two midrotation slash pine plantations in North Florida. Diammonium phosphate was applied at 0, 144, 430, or 718 kg ha–1 in the spring of 2009 and 2010. Pinestraw was harvested annually in 2009–12. Needlefall mass, pinestraw yields, total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations in needlefall and pinestraw, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, P, K, Ca, and Mg removals increased with fertilization. Diammonium phosphate at 718 kg ha–1 year–1 increased pinestraw yield over the control by 37 and 35 percent 2 years after the second fertilization, and by 11 percent (from 21.5 to 23.8 Mg ha–1) and 12 percent (from 25.0 to 28.1 Mg ha–1) over the 4-year control totals, at Entisol and Ultisol sites, respectively. Differences between sites were larger than fertilization response for most variables. Yields, nutrient concentrations, and removals were higher at the more fertile Ultisol than Entisol and, at both sites, higher than most reported in the literature.

Aim: The nose—front line of the respiratory tract—is chronically exposed to oxidative stress, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated damage. Aanalyses of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) could provide useful information for possible clinical applications. In this study, we attempted to demonstrate the peroxide tone after nasal provocation by measuring H2O2 in nasal exhaled breath condensate (nEBC). Methods: 5 Healthy subjects and 5 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis took part in the study after providing informed consent. Using a condenser, EBC were collected by R-tube (Respiratory Research Inc. UK) before and after nasal provocation (15min., 120min.) by nasal pollen as specific antigen and 5% hypertonic saline as nonspecific challenge respectively. H2O2 level was measured by Amplex Red Hydrogen Peroxide/Peroxidase Assay Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, MS, USA). All of the studies performed were approved by the Institutional Review Board of Institutions and informed consent was obtained from all of the subjects. Results: Elevation of H2O2 level in nEBC was detected after nasal antigen challenge in the subjects with pollinosis, but not in the non-allergic subjects. On the other hand, after hypertonic saline challenge, H2O2 level in nEBC was elevated both in healthy subjects and patients with pollinosis but it varied. Conclusion: Elevation of H2O2 level in nEBC after nasal provocation was demonstrated. Analysis of H2O2 level with nEBC might be a promising approach to assess the peroxide tone and pathological status of nasal diseases including allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Introduction: Upper airway epithelial cells show a multi-potential ability to produce a variety of cytokines/chemokines in the steady-state and under external stimuli. Objective: To compare various cytokines/chemokines released from primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) derived from healthy controls and subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) in non- stimulated and IL-17A-stimulated conditions. Methods: The supernatants derived from HNECs of healthy control, AR, CRSwNPs were used to measure 20 of cytokines/chemo- kines in the non-stimulated and IL-17A-stimulated conditions. Results: AR and CRSwNPs showed significant up-regulation in the release of IL-6, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and the release of IL-6, TSLP, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in comparison with normal controls, respectively. Secretion of GM-CSF and TNFα were enhanced in patients with nasal polyps as compared with AR. Stimulation with IL-17A enhanced the secretion of IL-8 and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the normal control, IL-6 and IL-8 in AR, and IL-6, TSLP, G-CSF, GM-CSF and TNFα in nasal polyps. Conclusion: Epithelial cells derived from AR and CRSwNPs showed up-regulation of secretion of several cytokines/chemokines both in the steady state and after IL-17A stimulation, which may contribute to the inflammatory responses of AR and CRSwNPs.

Timber harvest temporarily increases water yield; however, relationships between hydrologic and nutrient chemistry changes have not been consistent. This study quantified the effects of forest harvesting and site preparation without fertilization and with modern best management practices on nutrient concentrations and yields in small headwater streams of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. We monitored two watershed pairs for 2 years prior to and 1 year following timber harvest and for 2 more years following site preparation and planting. Treatment watersheds were clearcut, and downstream portions of streamside management zones were thinned in Fall 2003. Site preparation (herbicide application and burning) and planting followed a year later. All operations followed 1999 Georgia forestry best management practices. Previously published research revealed a large increase in water yield following harvest. Nutrient concentrations varied significantly within and between monitoring periods, even in reference watersheds. Silvicultural activities had no discernible effect on phosphorus and ammonium concentrations; however, statistically significant increases in nitrate/nitrite (67–340 µg L−1) and total nitrogen concentrations (100–400 µg L−1) in treatment watersheds followed stand re-establishment. Nutrient yields increased after timber harvest largely as a result of increased water yields, although increased nutrient yields were small relative to inter-annual and inter-watershed variability and variability. Annual water yield largely explained the variability in annual nitrogen and phosphorus export from reference and treatment streams (r2 values from 0.65 to 0.98). High NOx concentrations coming from an upstream agricultural area decreased 1600–1800 µg L−1 over several hundred metres in the treatment streams by dilution, uptake or denitrification. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In this paper, we present the Novel Liquid Molding Compound and exhibit the requirements for recent Fan-out Wafer Level Package(FOWLP) including reactivity for molding process, CTE & modulus for warpage, filler size for flowability, thermal stability, moisture resistance, adhesion strength for each material. Through Mold Via(TMV) accuracy is also described.

Various progenies of Eucalyptus grandis and E. amplifolia, and clones of Populus deltoides, were evaluated for plant removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for 26 months at a municipal waste spray field in north Florida. Tertiary treated wastewater containing 2.73 mg L(-1) nitrate N and 0.30 mg L(-1) total P was applied using sprinkler irrigation (93.8 m3 ha(-1) d(-1)) to fast growing trees utilized for bioenergy. Eucalyptus amplifolia and E. grandis survived and grew very poorly as the result of severe winter injury in two successive years and were not evaluated for nutrient removal. Survival and growth of P. deltoides demonstrated suitability for phytoremediation, and selected clones were evaluated for biomass and nutrient content. Removals of total N (TN) and total P (TP) were greatest for main stem (36% and 44%, respectively) and foliage (44% and 36%, respectively). Low biomass producing clones generally had higher nutrient concentrations, but high biomass producing clones removed more TN and TP. Approximately 789 kg ha(-1) TN and 103 kg ha(-1) TP were removed by the highest biomass producing P. deltoides clone, representing 215% of N and 615% of P inputs.

To improve the fatigue strength of the splined shaft used for a car's air conditioning compressor, press fit was added to the innermost part of the spline. This shaft connection consisting of a spline and press fit is called a "hybrid joint" in this study. A torsional fretting fatigue test was performed focusing on the effect of the amount of interference on the fatigue strength. The fatigue strength of the splined shaft was drastically increased by the hybrid joint. The fatigue strength of the hybrid joint was at most 8 times higher than that of the conventional spline-joint shaft. The fatigue strength as well as the failure mode of the hybrid-jointed specimens were changed depending on the amount of interference. The reason was that the relative slip was significantly reduced with an increase in the amount of interference. The specimen consisted of a shaft, a boss and a bolt. The hybrid joint prevented loosening of the bolt, while loosening of the bolt was found to occur in the conventional spline-joint shaft.

To improve the fretting fatigue strength of splined shaft used for compressor of car air conditioner, press-fit joint was combined with the spline joint. Torsional fretting fatigue strength of the combined jointed shaft was evaluated focusing on the effect of press-fit interference which must be secured when the combined joint is applied to the production process. Torsional fretting fatigue strength of the splined shaft was drastically increased by the combination of press-fit. The improvement was achieved by sharing transmitted torque between press-fit and spline. While fretting fatigue failure occurred at the press-fitted part when the press-fit interference was relatively small, the combined jointed shaft had four times higher fatigue strength than the conventional splined shaft. The increase of press-fit interference prevented the fretting fatigue failure and brought further increase of the fatigue strength, since amount of relative slip was significantly reduced by the increase of contact pressure.

胃酸による食道外の粘膜上皮障害の機序をより明らかにするため，摘出モルモット気管上皮の初代培養細胞を作成し，上皮膜抵抗を測定することで酸による電気的バリアの変化を検索した。塩酸を頂膜側より投与しpHを徐々に変化させると，pH 3より上皮膜抵抗は低下し，初代培養気管粘膜上皮細胞の電気的バリアのdown regulationが有意に認められた。培養液中にプロトンポンプインヒビターであるランソプラゾールを投与していた群では，pHを変化させても，上皮膜抵抗の有意な変動はみられなかった。この細胞の上皮膜抵抗が，どの因子から構成されているかの手がかりを得るため，代表的なイオンチャネルであるクロライドイオンおよびナトリウムイオンチャネルのブロッカーを頂膜側より順次投与し，上皮膜抵抗を測定した。それぞれ，上皮膜抵抗の有意な上昇効果をきたしたが，これらの効果はランソプラゾール投与群，非投与群との間では，有意な差を認めなかった。また，その後，酸を投与したところ，上皮膜抵抗は減少した。これらの結果から，酸暴露により，気道上皮の電気的バリアの破綻が惹起されることが示され，この反応は一部上皮の頂膜側のイオンチャネルを介していることが示唆された。また，プロトンポンプインヒビター投与は，酸暴露時の電気的バリアの障害を部分的に防止する効果を持つ可能性が証明された。

This paper describes how climate influences the hydrology of an ephemeral depressional wetland. Surface water and groundwater elevation data were collected for 7 years in a Coastal Plain watershed in South Carolina USA containing depressional wetlands, known as Carolina bays. Rainfall and temperature data were compared with water-table well and piezometer data in and around one wetland. Using these data a conceptual model was created that describes the hydrology of the system under wet, dry, and drought conditions. The data suggest this wetland operates as a focal point for groundwater recharge under most climate conditions. During years of below-normal to normal rainfall the hydraulic gradient indicated the potential for groundwater recharge from the depression, whereas during years of above-normal rainfall, the hydraulic gradient between the adjacent upland, the wetland margin, and the wetland centre showed the potential for groundwater discharge into the wetland. Using high-resolution water-level measurements, this groundwater discharge condition was found to hold true even during individual rainfall events, especially under wet antecedent soil conditions. The dynamic nature of the hydrology in this Carolina bay clearly indicates it is not an isolated system as previously believed, and our groundwater data expand upon previous hydrologic investigations at similar sites which do not account for the role of groundwater in estimating the water budget of such systems.

The first case of oncocytic carcinoma which arose from the inferior turbinate of the nasal cavity with orbital invasion through the nasolacrimal canal and widespread lymph node metastases in the neck and face is reported here. The tumor metastasized rapidly, spread widely to the whole neck and face, and produced tumor emboli in the lymphatics and extranodal extension by rupture of the lymph node capsule in the absence of clinically palpable regional lymph node enlargement. We think the oncocytic carcinoma of the nasal cavity may be a high-grade malignancy tumor.

Objective The effect of tonicity changes in nebulizer solutions and irrigations on nasal mucosa is not well known. The present study aims to determine the basic mechanism of hypertonic solution on airway epithelial barrier. Study design and setting We investigated the electrical potential difference (PD) that is influenced by both active transport and the transepithelial electrical resistance of the epithelial mucosa in the human nose in vivo. The short circuit current (SCC) revealed net ion transport across the epithelium in the guinea pig trachea in vitro. Finally, the size dependency of macromolecules across the tracheal mucosa was determined in vitro using FITC-labeled dextrans of different sizes. Results PD was significantly decreased after topical application of hypertonic solution both in human and in guinea pig nose. SCC was significantly decreased after application of hypertonic solution. The transport of these dextrans from the basolateral to the apical side was not increased significantly after apical application of hypertonic saline. Conclusions Hypertonic saline enhances the electrical permeability of the airway epithelial mucosa but not transport of macromolecule in the short term.

Background: The nose is chronically exposed to oxidative stress, which can easily lead to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated damage and lipid oxidative damage of the upper airway. ROS may also participate in various diseases, including those of the airway, although many details are not yet known. ROS is generated by various enzymatic reactions and chemical processes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) are representative scavengers. ROS are also generated through arachidonic acid cascades. One of the primary prostaglandins (PG), PGD2, is the major PG in most types of tissue, including the nose. We attempted to evaluate the peroxide tone by measuring these factors. Methods: A total of 42 Japanese patients with and without nasal allergies were enrolled in this study. We determined the contents of lipid peroxide (LPO) and PGD2, as well as the activities of SOD, catalase, and GSH-Px of the anterior portion of the mucosa of the inferior turbinate, obtained by inferior turbinotomy. Results: LPO and PGD2 contents increased significantly in the nasal allergy group. No statistically significant difference appeared in the activities of SOD, catalase, and GSH-Px were demonstrated in the nasal allergy group compared with the subjects without nasal allergy. Conclusion: The imbalance of the peroxide tone in the nasal mucosa caused by stimulation of the cyclooxygenase pathway of the arachidonic acid cascade and ROS formation was demonstrated. Moreover, the increased number of ROS was not well metabolized in the nasal mucosa with allergy.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is recognized as being not purely a histamine-related disease. Three arachidonate metabolites, i.e. leukotriene (LT), thromboxane (TX) A2 and prostaglandin (PG) D2, have gathered more interest because of increasing evidence supporting a causal relationship for these mediators. We attempted to evaluate changes in the contents of these three mediators not only in nasal lavage but also in mucosal tissue. Methods: The contents of three arachidonic acid metabolites; PGD2, TXB2, LT C4, D4 and E4 (LTs), in nasal lavage and nasal mucosal tissues in subjects with allergic rhinitis after antigen challenge were measured. Results: The highest level of these three mediators in nasal lavage was achieved at 15 min after challenge. In most subjects that showed the late NAR response, an apparent second mediator rise was observed. While the secondary rise of PGD2 and TXB2 was seen from 4 to 8 hr. after the challenge at which the NAR response was seen, that of LTs was seen 2 to 4 hr. after the challenge and preceded the late NAR response by about 2 hrs. In the non-allergic subjects, the contents of PGD2, TXB2, and LTs were not significantly altered by the exposure to HD allergen. In the challenged side of the allergic subjects, the contents of all the three mediators were significantly high. Conclusion: The relative content of the three arachidonic acid metabolites in the mucosa after provocation was found to be different from that observed in the lavage fluid; the amount found in the lavage does not reflect the relative amount formed in the mucosa.

Ground-based timber harvesting operations in forested wetlands have the potential to cause soil disturbances. Soil disturbances on upland sites have been linked to reduced site productivity, but the effects of such disturbances on the long-term site productivity of bottomland hardwoods is not well documented. In 1986, a long-term research project was established to compare the effects of helicopter and skidder timber harvesting on the regeneration, growth, and development of naturally regenerated water tupelo ( Nyssa aquatica )–baldcypress ( Taxodium distichum ) stands. At stand age 16-years, both treatments have well-stocked, vigorously growing stands composed of coppice-regenerated water tupelo, Carolina ash ( Fraxinus caroliniana ), baldcypress, and seed-origin black willow ( Salix nigra ). Although both treatments are well stocked, the skidder treatment favored the establishment and growth of water tupelo, while the helicopter treatment had greater densities and growth rates for Carolina ash. Apparently, the initial effects of the skidder traffic puddled the soils and resulted in more reduced soil conditions, which favored the very flood tolerant water tupelo rather than the less flood tolerant species. Stand growth parameters suggest that both treatments will produce stands that will be similar to the previous stand in terms of species and volumes. Recovery in this area was speeded by annual inputs of nutrient rich sediment, the shrink-swell nature of the soil, and rapid growth of the coppice regeneration.

(Background) Ramatroban, which is a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated to improve nasal obstruction. Ramatroban was reported to suppress eosinophil aggregation in the nasal mucous membranes. In this study, we investigated whether ramatroban has an effect on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and action on eosinophil.(Method) In the present study, ramatroban was administered for one month to 20 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis that was otherwise untreated. We assessed RAST scores, ECP in serum and nasal discharge, the total number of eosinophils and the rate of necrosis in nasal discharge, the number of eosinophils in blood, and changes in self-reported symptom scores after treatment with ramatroban.(Result) After one month of treatment, all three of the major symptoms, sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction had clearly decreased. Significant difference in RAST scores was observed after treatment with ramatroban. The amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ after treatment with ramatroban, but the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased.(Conclusion) All nasal symptoms were improved. Nevertheless, the amount of eosinophils in nasal discharge did not significantly differ, although the rate of necrosis of eosinophils was decreased. This study suggests that ramatroban contributed to preventing local necrosis of eosinophils.

Increased interest in sustainable forestry has intensified the need for information on the interactions of forest soils, harvesting methods, site disturbances, and the efficacy of methods for ameliorating disturbances. On wet pine flats, such as those commonly found in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains, conditions such as frequent rainfall, low relief, and poor internal soil drainage often predispose forest soils to harvest disturbances and potential damage. Typical forest operations use heavy logging equipment, such as rubber-tired feller-bunchers and skidders. During dry soil conditions, these machines cause little soil disturbance, but under moist to saturated conditions, such operations may compact soils and interfere with normal soil drainage. Many studies have been conducted to characterize soil disturbance and site preparation effects on tree seedling survival and growth and to evaluate the amelioration effect of site preparation on disturbed soils. However, results are sometimes contradictory due to site specificity, and results have not been summarized in the context of pine plantation management. This article summarizes previous research results of the wet-weather harvesting and bedding effects on soil properties as related to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) productivity for a variety of Coastal Plain region sites types. South. J. Appl. For. 28(3):137–151.

The surface water table is an important factor determining soil chemical, physical and biological processes, and thus affects the functions of forested wetlands. The objective of this study was to assess surface water table dynamics from timber harvesting through early forest plantation establishment in a coastal plain wetland area located in the southeastern United States. Simulated harvesting patterns included two replicates of clear-cutting when soils were dry (dry-weather harvest), three replicates of clear-cutting when soils were wet (wet-weather harvest), and one replicate of uncut control in three 20 ha wetland loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests of ages 20, 23 and 25 years. After harvesting, two site preparation levels (non-bed and bed; bedding is a tillage process of preparing a series of parallel ridges) were randomly assigned to both dry-weather and wet-weather harvested plots, while an additional level (mole-plow+bed) was assigned only to the wet-weather harvested plots. The harvest treatments were designed to create a broad gradient of surface soil disturbance, while the site preparation treatments were done to encompass a range of site drainage and aeration conditions. Areal changes in soil bulk density, macro- and total porosities, and saturated hydraulic conductivity following harvesting were quantified. The depths of water table were recorded at monthly intervals on a grid across the 15 clear-cut and three uncut control plots (a total of 1409 PVC slotted wells) over 6 years (1992–1998), subdivided into five periods: pre-harvest, post-harvest, site preparation, and first year and second year after forest plantation establishment. The results showed that compared to the uncut control, the surface water table depth during a 1-year post-harvest period rose 14 cm for the dry-weather harvested site and 21 cm for the wet-weather harvested site. The difference in the water table rise between the two harvest treatments was small during the dormant season ( 10 cm). These results indicate the large influence of tree removal on the surface hydrology in forested wetlands and the strong impact of wet-weather harvesting on transpiring ground vegetation due to a larger surface area of soil disturbance. Bedding initially lowered water tables on both dry-weather and wet-weather harvested sites. However, this effect decreased rapidly during the first 2 years after forest plantation establishment. Among all treatments, the dry-weather harvested sites without bedding presented the fastest recovery of water table depth to that of the non-harvested references, suggesting that bedding may have been a further disturbance with respect to wetland surface hydrology.

Objectives/Hypothesis The role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still controversial. The present study was conducted to detect and identify fungal species from the nasal polyp tissues of eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS, and to determine the role of fungal antigens in cytokine production. Study Design Prospective study. Methods Thirty-five specimens of nasal polyps were collected from patients with CRS and examined for fungus using culture, histology, and polymerase chain reaction analysis. The secretion of 14 cytokines stimulated by fungal extracts using dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs) was determined by multiplex immunoassay. Results There was no microbiological growth (including fungus) in the cultures of homogenized nasal polyps. Furthermore, Grocott methanamine silver staining for all nasal polyps showed no fungal bodies. Sixteen of 35 samples of the nasal polyps showed amplification of fungal DNA. In none of the mucosa of the sphenoid sinus was fungal DNA detected. The number of eosinophils in the nasal polyps in which fungal DNA was detected was significantly higher than in the nasal polyps in which fungal DNA was not detected (P

Ion-specific swelling of poly(allylamine) (PAlAm) gel and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel was investigated in various aqueous salt solutions. Both the gels slightly swelled in the presence of small cations (e.g. Li+) and markedly deswelled in the presence of small anions (e.g. F−), in a similar way as previously found for poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) gel. However, a significant difference was observed among the gels swollen in aqueous NaCl system; only PVA gel showed a remarkable deswelling at the higher NaCl concentration region. These ion-specific swelling behaviors were interpreted in terms of ion effects on the hydrogen-bonding hydration to the pertinent polar groups.

Maintenance and enhancement of soil productivity is central to the long-term success of intensive forest management. A simple technique is required for monitoring the effects of different management practices on soils as an aid in developing codes of practice that foster maintenance and enhancement of soil productivity. The objective of our work was to determine if management impacts on soil productivity could be assessed using the soil-quality concepts developed in agriculture. A soil-quality index (SQI) model, that measures the effects of management practices on five key growth-determining attributes of forest soils, namely (1) promote root growth, (2) store, supply and cycle nutrients, (3) accept, hold, and supply water, (4) promote gas exchange, and (5) promote biological activity, was developed and tested as part of a controlled study in intensively-managed pine plantations on the Lower Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Three 20-ha, 20-year-old loblolly pine plantations were harvested under wet and dry conditions to create a broad gradient in soil disturbance. Within each harvested plantation, a subset of 3-ha plots were site prepared by either bedding or mole-plowing plus bedding, then all sites were established as third-rotation pine plantations. Field data were collected spatially for soil bulk density, net N mineralization, water table depth, soil aeration, and soil moisture. Literature-based sufficiency values were determined for each property and substituted into the SQI model as surrogate indicators for the five key attributes, thus obtaining spatial SQI predictions within each harvesting and site preparation treatment. Our study results demonstrate how SQI monitoring could be used to identify the effects of management practices on soil productivity, which should aid in developing codes of practice as a component of achieving long-term sustainability in domesticated forests.

1. TxA2 receptor (TP-receptor) antagonists such as S-1452 and Bay u 3405 have been shown to be effective in alleviating nasal blockage in patients with allergic rhinitis as well as guinea-pig allergic rhinitis models. The present study was conducted to examine the existence and localization of the TP-receptor in human and guinea-pig nasal mucosa by in vitro receptor binding autoradiography using radiolabelled (+)-S-145, which is a potent and specific TP-receptor antagonist with an extremely slow dissociation rate. 2. We ascertained the binding specificity of [3H]-(+ )-S-145 in human and guinea-pig platelet membranes by comparing the ability of four TP-receptor ligands of U-46619, (+)-S-145, I-(+)-S-145 and Bay u 3405 to displace the specific binding of [3H]-(+)-S-145 and [3H]-U-46619. The rank order of potency (Ki) for the displacement was correlated highly with that determined from [3H]-U-46619 binding to the same preparations. 3. Quantitative autoradiography using a radioluminographic imaging plate system, in which the radioactivity of [3H]-(+)-S-145 is expressed as photostimulated luminescence (PSL) per area (mm2), revealed that specific binding of [3H]-(+)-S-145 to human and guinea-pig nasal mucosa was saturable. Scatchard analysis showed about three fold higher affinity and two fold greater maximal binding to the nasal mucosa of humans than that of guinea-pigs: the KD and Bmax values in human mucosa were 2.82+/-0.35 nM and 6.47+/-0.33 PSL mm(-2) and those in guinea-pig mucosa were 8.23+/-1.93 nM and 3.37+/-0.66 PSL mm(-2), respectively. 4. Specific [3H]-(+)-S-145 binding to cryostat sections of human and guinea-pig nasal mucosa was displaced by another TP-receptor antagonist, Bay u 3405, and a TP-receptor agonist, U-46619. The order of potency (Ki value: nM) was (+)-S-145 (2.5) > Bay u 3405 (15.4) > > U-46619 (359.6) in human nasal mucosa and (+)-S-145 (22.8) > U-46619 (49.8) approximately Bay u 3405 (62.1) in guinea-pig nasal mucosa. These rank orders showed rather good correlation with those obtained for the respective platelet membranes. 5. Autoradiographs of human nasal mucosa demonstrated that specific [125I]-(+)-S-145 binding sites mainly exist on the smooth muscle layers of venous sinusoids and arterioles in the lamina propria, with few or no binding sites in the epithelium and nasal gland. 6. We concluded that radiolabelled (+)-S-145 can be used as a TP-receptor ligand for autoradiographic study, and that the TP-receptor is exclusively located on smooth muscle layers of venous sinusoids and arterioles in the nasal mucosa. The potent vasoconstrictive activity of TxA2 may cause reduction of local blood flow followed by mucosal oedema probably through mechanisms of vascular injury such as ischaemia-reperfusion.

The origin of airway secretion is thought to be in the seromucous glands, goblet cells, transudation from capillary secretions and cell debris from leucocytes. We demonstrated that ciliated airway epithelial cells have chloride channel activities and can secrete chloride ions after administration of isoproterenol, ATP, UTP and acetylcholine using the patch-clamp technique. The activated chloride channel activities were significantly inhibited by macrolide. We concluded that the periciliary layer of low viscosity in which the cilia beat may originated with the ciliated epithelial cell themselves.

Objective: Gastric acid can affect the laryngopharyngeal mucous membranes recognized as laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). The aim of this study is to 1) Evaluate the electrical barrier function induced by acid by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of tracheal epithelial cells. 2) Determine the effect of proton pump inhibiter (PPI) on TER.Method: Tracheal epithelial cells were harvested from the trachea excised from a guinea pig (n = 20). Measurement of TER was performed after application of acid, PPI, and ion channel blockers in vitro. TER was measured with an epithelial voltameter (EVOM, WPI, Sarasota, USA) equipped with STX-2 “chopstick” electrodes.Results: After the apical administration of hydrochloric acid at a variety of pH values, TER of the epithelial cells decreased, and the electrical barrier was significantly down regulated from pH3. In the groups of cells cultured with a PPI, Lansoprazol (10-50 µM), there was no significant variation in TER of the epithelial cells, re...

When conservative therapies are not effective in treating sinus infections, alternate steps can be taken to improve paranasal cavity ventilation. These measures may include surgical procedures such as intranasal endoscopic or maxillary sinus fenestration, and other procedures such as placement of a maxillary sinus tube or a YAMIK sinus catheter. We conducted a prospective study of 25 patients to investigate the effects on the nasal mucosa of improved ventilation between the nasal and paranasal cavities. We accomplished this by comparing (1) the results of simultaneously measured nasal cavity and intramaxillary sinus pressures before and after widening of ventilation openings, (2) changes in mucociliary transport function as measured by the saccharin test, and (3) changes in nasal airway resistance. Just as multiple transit routes between the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus give rise to greater fluctuations in intramaxillary sinus pressure, and just as rapid breathing gives rise to even greater pressure fluctuations than does quiet breathing, we believe that both intranasal cavity airflow velocity and the number of ventilation openings present have an effect on the state of ventilation between the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. We also suggest that the establishment of maxillary sinus ventilation openings improves mucociliary clearance.

In a 50-year-old housewife anterior nasal atresia was diagnosed and treated with surgical enlargement of the stenosis with a skin flap transplantation technique under local anesthesia.She was able to breathe comfortably through the nose after the operation. Rhinomanometry, which is an objective evaluation of nasal patency, showed obvious reduction of nasal resistance to airflow after the surgical repair. The stenosis has not recurred during the approximately two years since the skin flap transplantation operation.We reviewed the 49 reported cases of anterior nasal atresia in Japan, including our case, and discuss this rare condition.

Watersheds dominated by managed forests often produce high quality water. This results from the forest products industry and others utilizing and promoting sustainable forest management regimes that include adherence to state forestry best management practices (BMPs). Despite high rates of BMP compliance and implementation reported for managed forests throughout the US, these forests are often listed as sources of sediment and nutrient impairment for some Section 303(d) listed stream segments. As a result, the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) and member companies have been actively addressing research needs in light of total maximum daily load regulations. To effectively address these concerns, NCASI has supported several watershed research projects in the South and West, as well as modeling efforts, to quantify forest management contributions to stream water impairment. Results of these studies overwhelmingly indicate that properly installed and maintained BMPs effectively reduce sediment and nutrient impacts, as well as maintain stream water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels. Furthermore, observed variations from the pre-treatment 'water quality norm' that have resulted from management prescriptions are often biologically insignificant and short-lived. While successes gained through BMP implementation cannot be understated, several challenges continue to face the forest products industry. These challenges include continued refinement of performance measures used to assess BMP effectiveness, ensuring BMP prescriptions remain economically sustainable and assessing impacts of both disturbance events and legacy conditions on BMP performance. NCASI research is actively addressing these challenges, particularly regarding forest road contributions to stream water impairment and streamside management zone influences on water quality maintenance.

Background Regulation of the barrier function in the nasal epithelium seems to be affected by the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. The measurement of transepidermal water loss has proven to be an important noninvasive method for assessing the efficiency of the skin as a protective barrier. Although the nasal mucosal epithelium also has such a protective function, the precise mechanism still is unknown. Methods We studied the alteration of nasal mucosal water loss in the basal state and after the nontraumatic applications of physiological saline, hypertonic saline (10% NaCl), nasal barrier cream, and 10% glycerol on the mucosal surface of the inferior turbinate. Results We observed that nasal mucosal water loss was increased by hypertonic saline and decreased by nasal cream and glycerol. Conclusion For the first time, we showed the human nasal mucosal water loss both in the basal state and after topical application of various substances.

Dry nose is a common complaint in the elderly. Age distribution of transepithelial water loss of human nasal mucosa (TEWL) value was evaluated in this study.Eighty-eight volunteers (50 men and 30 women) ranging from 10 to 75 years old were recruited for this study. Measurement of TEWL was performed on the inferior nasal turbinate. TEWL was measured with an evaporation meter applying Fick's law (Tewameter TM 300; Courage and Khazaka, Cologne, Germany).TEWL value tends to increase in order of age, indicating that the barrier function of epithelium may decline with age.The measurement of transepithelial water loss should be contributed to assess the efficiency of nasal mucosal barrier disorders in the elderly.

Airway surface liquid is thought to be regulated by the ion transport processes across the airway epithelium in a vectorial manner. Short circuit current (Isc) measured by Ussing chamber is an indication of electric permeability because of mutually related transportation of amount of ion between apical and basolateral membrane.Guinea pig trachea was mounted on Ussing chamber and short-circuited current was determined continuously. After basolateral application of eicosanoids such as PGD2 and LTC4/LTD4/LTE4, Ramatroban, CRTH2 receptor antagonist and Pranlucast, LT receptor antagonist was added from basolateral side. A typical Cl-channel blocker, NPPB, was added from apical side.Isc were increased after basolateral application of eicosanoids. These effects were partly inhibited by each antagonist. Cl- channel blocker suppressed effects of each eicosanoids.Eicosanoids alter the ion transport mechanism via chloride channels on the airway epithelium that can be blocked by those antagonists.

Problem: Active transport of chloride ions by the human nasal epithelium have been well shown to be critical determinants of airway surface liquids and important in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Topical steroids are now believed to be one of the most common therapies of allergic rhinitis. Significant clinical efficacy of steroids on suppressing the watery rhinorrhea of the patients of allergic rhinitis has been estimated, although its mechanism is still obscure. Methods: Experiments were performed using human nasal epithelial cells excised from patients of allergic rhinitis who underwent inferior turbinotomy. After isolation of epithelial cells individually, whole cell patch-clamp recordings of chloride channels were performed. To investigate the direction of the chloride ion transport of the nasal epithelium, determination of short circuit currents of the inferior turbinate on the Ussing chamber were performed. Results: Whole-cell chloride currents were considerably evoked by the addition of 1 microM dexamethasone. By Ussing chamber study, the enhancement of the absorption of chloride ions was demonstrated. Conclusion: The human nasal epithelium excised from patients of allergic rhinitis showed enhancement of absorption of chloride ions by dexamethasone. Significance: The enhancement of absorption of chloride ions on nasal epithelium by steroids as shown in this study would contribute to the alleviation of the clinical symptoms by way of suppressing the hypersecretion of the patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. Support: None reported.

Managing forested wetland landscapes for water quality improvement and productivity requires a detailed understanding of functional linkages between ecohydrological processes and management practices. Studies are being conducted at Center for Forested Wetlands Research (CFWR), USDA Forest Service to understand the fundamental hydrologic and biogeochemical processes linking aquatic and terrestrial eco-systems. The first study is based on the long-term experimental watersheds established in 1960s on the USDA Forest Service Santee Experimental Forest, with the purpose of quantifying the soil moisture dynamics, flow regimes, and water chemistry of low gradient forested wetlands in South Carolina. In a cooperative research with North Carolina State University, a long-term study is being conducted at Weyerhaeuser Company’s managed pine forest in Carteret County, North Carolina to quantify the effects of various water and silvicultural management impacts on the hydrology and water quality. A third long-term ecosystem study on MeadWestvaco’s Coosawhatchie River bottomland hardwood site in South Carolina addresses recent public concerns on the need of protection, restoration, and sustainable management of forested wetlands. A fourth study conducted between 1997 and 2000 evaluated the plantations hydrology and water quality of intensively managed Short Rotation Woody Crops on International Paper’s Trice Experimental Forest in the upper coastal plain of SC. A fifth study was recently conducted at MeadWestvaco’s Carolina Bay site also in the SC upper coastal plain to assess the surface water and groundwater interactions between Carolina bays and their surrounding uplands.