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The tumor-suppressor RUNX3has a critical role in a lineage determination, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Lozenge(Lz), a Drosophilahomolog of mammalian RUNXfamily members, has integral roles in these processes and specifically in eye cell fate determination. To elucidate the genetic modifiers of Lz/RUNX3, we performed a large-scale functional screen in a fly mutant library. The screen revealed genetic interactions between the Lz, Racand Hippo pathways. Analysis of interactions among these genes revealed that the defective phenotype resulting from activation of Yki, an end point effector of the Hippo pathway, was suppressed by Lzand enhanced by Rac-Trio. Molecular biological analysis using mammalian homologs reveled that LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation-facilitated dissociation of the YAP-TEAD4 complex and association of the YAP-RUNX3 complex. When cells were stimulated to proliferate, activated RAC-TRIO signaling inhibited LATS1/2-mediated YAP phosphorylation; consequently, YAP dissociated from RUNX3 and associated with TEAD, thereby replacing the YAP-RUNX3 complex with YAP-TEAD. RUNX3 contributed to both association and dissociation of YAP-TEAD complex, most likely through the formation of the YAP-TEAD-RUNX3 ternary complex. Ectopic expression of RUNX3 in MKN28 gastric cancer cells reduced tumorigenicity, and the tumor-suppressive activity of RUNX3 was associated with its ability to interact with YAP. These results identify a novel regulatory mechanism, mediated by the Hippo and RAC-TRIO pathways, that changes the binding partner of YAP.

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome and complications of endoscopic versusopen release for the treatment of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Patients with this condition were randomised to undergo either endoscopic (n = 27) or open release (n = 25). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were measured at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Scar satisfaction was measured using a VAS scale. The mean pain and DASH scores improved significantly at 12 weeks and 24 weeks (p <  0.001) in both groups. The scores were marginally lower in the endoscopic group compared to the open group at 12 weeks (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively); however, only the DASH score showed a clinically important difference. There were no differences between the groups at 24 weeks. The mean VAS scar satisfaction score was higher in the endoscopic group at 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Transient superficial radial nerve injury occurred in three patients in the endoscopic group compared with nine in the open release group (p = 0.033).We conclude that endoscopic release for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis seems to provide earlier improvement after surgery, with fewer superficial radial nerve complications and greater scar satisfaction, when compared with open release.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2013;95-B:947–51.

A variety of lead-free solder alloys were studied for use as flip-chip interconnects including Sn-3.5Ag, Sn-0.7Cu, Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu, and eutectic Sn-37Pb as a baseline. The reaction behavior and reliability of these solders were determined in a flip-chip configuration using a variety of under-bump metallurgies (TiW/Cu, electrolytic nickel, and electroless Ni-P/Au). The solder micro-structure and intermetallic reaction products and kinetics were determined. The Sn-0.7Cu solder has a large grain structure and the Sn-3.5Ag and Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu have a fine lamellar two-phase structure of tin and Ag3Sn. The intermetallic compounds were similar for all the lead-free alloys. On Ni, Ni3Sn4formed and on copper, Cu6Sn5Cu3Sn formed. During reflow, the intermetallic growth rate was faster for the lead-free alloys, compared to eutectic tin-lead. In solidstate aging, however, the interfacial intermetallic compounds grew faster with the tinlead solder than for the lead-free alloys. The reliability tests performed included shear strength and thermomechanical fatigue. The lower strength Sn-0.7Cu alloy also had the best thermomechanical fatigue behavior. Failures occurred near the solder/intermetallic interface for all the alloys except Sn-0.7Cu, which deformed by grain sliding and failed in the center of the joint. Based on this study, the optimal solder alloy for flip-chip applications is identified as eutectic Sn-0.7Cu.

High production cost of the TFT‐LCDs is closely related to the complication of the fabrication process. To simplify the fabrication process, it is critical to reduce the number of mask‐count. In this paper, 4‐mask‐count TFT‐array process using slit (or gray‐tone) photolithography technology is introduced. Various kinds of the geometrical slit designs and the exposure conditions have been simulated and experimentally optimized. By adopting this novel process, TFT channel is defined without using additional photolithography.

The effect of corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes on reinforcing steels (rebars) was investigated at various temperatures and oxygen contents using galvanic cells and optical microscopy. Temperatures and oxygen contents were varied by applying stirring, oxygen-bubbling, high temperature, freeze-thaw cycle, and dry-wet cycle conditions to simulated concrete solutions mixed with 6% corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts, salt substitutes, and plain sodium chloride. Corrosion of reinforcing steel varied with oxygen contents and temperatures of the corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salt and salt substitute solutions. The reinforcing steels under the freeze-thaw cycle condition showed the least corrosion, whereas those under the dry-wet cycle condition showed the most severe corrosion. The effectiveness of corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes was found to vary with temperatures and dissolved oxygen contents.

Corrosion of reinforcing steel (rebar) samples was investigated in concrete-saturated solutions containing corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes as well as in plain sodium chloride solutions. Galvanic cells were used to determine the effects of corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes on rebar corrosion. The reinforcing steel samples were galvanically coupled and were recovered after 240 days. Pit depths and area percentages of corrosion were determined on the reinforcing steels with an optical microscope. Optimum concentrations were found to exist for the corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes in reducing the rebar corrosion. Dramatic changes of pH values were noted in the concrete-saturated solutions containing corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes. The formation of precipitates caused by chemical reactions between a concrete-saturated solution and corrosion-inhibitor-added deicing salts and salt substitutes was observed.

We have demonstrated both slow light in the absorption regime and fast light in the gain regime of a 1.55 μm quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier at room temperature. The theory with coherent population oscillations and four-wave mixing effects agrees well with the experimental results. We have observed a larger phase delay at the excited state than that at the ground state transition, likely due to the higher gain and smaller saturation power of the excited state.

Abstract: Background: Bone formation within the hydroxyapatite implant has been reported in explanted spheres in humans. Bone-specific differentiation was observed to occur earlier in the pores of spherical hydroxyapatite implants enhanced with osteogenin within the rabbit socket. We observed previously unreported bone marrow formation in a coralline hydroxyapatite implant placed into the rabbit orbit after evisceration. Methods: One eye of each of 10 New Zealand white rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kg was eviscerated and implanted with hydroxyapatite spheres. The explanted hydroxyapatite spheres 20 weeks after surgery were examined under the microscope. Results: Histopathologic examination of the excised implants showed the presence of trabeculae of mature bone with fatty marrow and hematopoietic elements. Scattered throughout the fatty tissue were bone marrow elements consisting of precursors of the granulocytic and erythroid series and also megakaryocytes. Conclusion: The osseous metaplasia with functioning bone marrow was incidentally observed in the coralline hydroxyapatite implant without the addition of any osteogenesis-inducing agents.

This study was conducted to estimate in vitro rumen digestibility and fermentation indices of tannin rich chestnut meal probiotic using a novel wireless automated gas production system. The chestnut separated to whole chestnut (WCP), endodermis (EDP), or kernel (KNP) and then ground by cutting mill. The ground chestnuts were mixed with combo inoculant (Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1.0 × 106cfu/g; Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 1.0 × 106cfu/g; and Bacillus subtilis, 4.5 × 106cfu/g), individually placed into 10-L mini-silos, and incubated at 39°C for 4 d to produce each chestnut probiotic. Each chestnut probiotic (0.5 g) was placed into the incubation bottles with rumen fluid mixture (40 mL), which was mixed with Van Soest medium in a 2:1 ratio. Rumen fluid was collected from cannulated Hanwoo heifers. Four replicates in each treatment with three blanks were incubated at 39°C for 48 h, and gas pressure was measured at 30 min intervals. The bottle contents were centrifuged at the end of incubation. The supernatant was used for pH, ammonia N, and VFA and the residue was used for in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) and NDF (IVNDFD). The KNP (76.5 and 60.1%) had greater (P< 0.05) IVDMD and IVNDFD, respectively, than WCP (49.5 and 19.2%, respectively) or EDP (46.1 and 20.1%, respectively). The KNP had greatest (P< 0.05) concentrations of total VFA (116 mM/L), propionate (26.6%), and butyrate (23.4%), whereas EDP had greatest (P< 0.05) pH (6.60) and concentrations of ammonia N (35.9 mg N/100 mL) and valerate (52.5%). Acetate concentration and acetate-to-propionate ratio in WCP (52.6% and 2.12, respectively) and EDP (52.5% and 2.14, respectively) were higher (P< 0.05) than those in KNP (46.4% and 1.75, respectively). The rapidly fermentable fraction (0.72 vs. 0.28 mL/g) in KNP was greater (P< 0.05) than in WCP. The KNP (4.93 mL/g, 5.65 mL/g, and 0.29%/h) had greatest (P< 0.05) total fermentable fractions and fractional fermentable rate. The lag phases (4.69 and 4.81 vs. 3.72 h) in EDP and KNP were greater (P< 0.05) than in WCP. In conclusion, it is suggested that KNP could be used to improve the rumen fermentation characteristics for ruminants.

This study was investigated to select a new inoculant and estimate its effects on rye silage harvested at dough stage. Twenty-four rye silages were collected from the commercial beef cattle farms. A total of 180 dominant microorganisms from these rye silages were selected and identified as Lactobacillusspp. Those were confirmed the antimicrobial activities against such as mycotoxigenic fungi through antagonism screening. The isolates also were analyzed for acidification ability through monitoring a change of bromophenol blue color and pH of MRS broth. Finally, the isolates were evaluated for fibrinolysis ability through the enzyme plate assay test using four enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, esterase, and chitinase). Eight isolates among 180 isolates indicated antimicrobial activities against Fusarium moniliforme. Two isolates indicated strong acidification ability (R4-26 and R7-24). In enzyme plate assay test, one isolate was effective for all enzymes (R48-27). Selected isolates R48-27 (LP1) and R4-26 (LP2) were evaluated on rye silage to improve fermentation quality. Rye forage was grown at the research farm of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, the Republic of Korea, and harvested at dough stage (46% DM). The forages were divided into five treatments: CON (distilled water at 2 mL/kg of fresh forage), LP1 (Lactobacillus plantarumR48-27 at 4.0 × 104cfu/g of fresh forage), LP2 (L. plantarumR4-26 at 4.0 × 104cfu/g of fresh forage), MIX (mixture of LP1 and LP2 at 1:1 ratio), and LB (Lactobacillus buchneriat 4.0 × 104cfu/g of fresh forage). The forage was chopped and ensiled into 10-L mini-silos with 4 replications for 100 d. The NDF concentration was higher (P< 0.05) in CON and MIX silages compared with the other silages, whereas ADF concentration was lower (P< 0.05) in LP2 silage than the other silages. The LB silage produced the lowest pH that was equated with higher lactate production (P< 0.05), whereas the LP2 silage produced the highest acetate and propionate (P< 0.05). The LB silage resulted in the highest lactate-to-acetate ratio (P< 0.05). Mold was not detected only in the LP2 silage. In conclusion, the new inoculant (LP2) could be suggested to improve the silage safety, which has a strong effect against mycotoxin fungi.