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The hippocampus is essential for representing spatiotemporal context and establishing its association with the sensory details of daily life to form episodic memories. The olfactory cortex in particular shares exclusive anatomical connections with the hippocampus as a result of their common evolutionary history. Here we selectively inhibit hippocampal projections to the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) during behavioural tests of contextually cued odour recall. We find that spatial odour memory and temporal odour memory are independently impaired following inhibition of distinct, topographically organized hippocampal-AON pathways. Our results not only reveal a longstanding unknown function for the AON but offer new mechanistic insights regarding the representation of odours in episodic memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Physical inactivity and sleep disturbance are frequently observed and relate to poor clinical outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients. We aimed to investigate the effect of intradialytic exercise on daily physical activity and sleep quality, measured by an accelerometer, in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods This study randomly assigned ambulatory maintenance hemodialysis patients aged ≥ 20 years on dialysis ≥ 6 months, without a hospitalization history for the previous 3 months to 4 groups: aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), combination exercise (CE), and control. A stationary bike was used for AE and a TheraBand ®/theraball for RE. A 12-week intradialytic exercise program (3 times/week) was completed in the AE (n = 11), RE (n = 10), and CE (n = 12) groups. The control group (n = 13) received only warm-up stretching. At baseline and 12-week follow-up, daily physical activity and sleep quality were measured with a triaxial accelerometer (wActiSleep-BT; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) during a continuous 7-day wear period. Results We observed a significant increase in metabolic equivalent (MET; kcal/h/kg) in the AE (1.02 ± 0.03 vs 1.04 ± 0.04, P = 0.04) and CE (1.06 ± 0.05 vs 1.09 ± 0.08, P = 0.01) groups at 12 weeks compared with baseline. When comparing between-group changes in MET, there was a significant increase in METs in the CE group (0.03 ± 0.03 vs - 0.01 ± 0.04, P = 0.02) compared with the control group. The total number of sedentary bouts (per week) decreased significantly in the AE (200 ± 37 vs 174 ± 36, P = 0.01), RE (180 ± 31 vs 130 ± 49, P = 0.03), and CE groups (180 ± 45 vs 152 ± 46, P = 0.04) at 12 weeks compared with baseline. The average sleep fragmentation index, indicating poor sleep quality, decreased significantly at 12 weeks compared with baseline in the AE (51.4 ± 8.0 vs 44.5 ± 9.6, P = 0.03) and RE groups (52.3 ± 7.3 vs 40.0 ± 15.4, P = 0.01). Conclusions Intradialytic exercise appears to be clinically beneficial in improving daily physical activity and sleep quality in maintenance hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of robotic companies develop a control programming of multi-jointed robots, which spend too much time to manually adjust the moving functions of the robots. To solve this problem, we adapt the virtual prototyping (VP) to develop the control program of the robotic behaviors. For software engineers, in order for them to easily program this robot, we also apply metamodel mechanism to convert UML models with virtual prototyping model. We propose the automatic model transformation from the virtual prototyping model to UML models, which will then develop coding based on UML models. To prove our mechanism’s efficiency, we implement Robot to UML Translator (RUT) as our transformation rules with ATLAS transformational language. Lastly, we show experimental validation about the consistency of our proposed technique with an example of multi-joined robot prototype models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(1-oxotrimethylene) (POTM) was dissolved in aqueous solutions containing ZnCl2, CaCl2, and LiCl, and the effects of boric acid introduction on the phase stability of the POTM solutions over various aging times were investigated. In the absence of boric acid, aging at 70°C for 8 h notably reduced the loss tangent (tand) for the 7.0 wt.% POTM solutions. Addition of boric acid into unaged solutions had little effect on tand over the frequency range measured, regardless of its content, whereas addition of 0.3-1.0 wt.% of boric acid into aged solutions increased tand. The dynamic viscosity of the POTM solutions with 1.0 wt.% boric acid was affected little by aging time. Conversely, the POTM solutions without boric acid exhibited increased dynamic viscosity in the low-frequency range with aging time. In addition, the slope of the solutions in the Cole-Cole plot decreased with increasing aging time in the absence of boric acid, whereas aging time had little effect in the presence of 1.0 wt.% boric acid. For dilute POTM solutions (i.e., 0.5 g/dL), the reduced viscosity decreased with increasing aging time in the absence of boric acid, while it was affected little in solutions with the addition of 1.0 wt.% boric acid. In the UV-Vis spectra, the aging-time-dependent increase of the absorbance peak at 390 nm was associated with the generation of a chromophoric complex in the POTM solutions. Conversely, the disappearance of the peak due to the addition of boric acid indicated suppression of complex formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gorham's disease is a rare disorder of the bone characterized by progressive massive osteolysis. The pathophysiology is unknown, and diagnosis is often difficult. Most cases are often recognized retrospectively. There is no standardized treatment and management for Gorham's disease. We report a case of an 18-year-old male presenting with a pathologic fracture in the humerus shaft diagnosed with Gorham's disease. Patient was treated with autogenous vascularized fibular graft with wide excision and a 10 years followup after first surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We found that 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake in malignant lesion was enhanced, and it was decreased in the inflammatory lesion after the use of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist in our previous preclinical study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PPAR-γ agonist on malignant lesions in clinical 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. Methods: Forty-three patients were enrolled in this prospective study. We received the approval for the investigator-initiated trials for a phase II human clinical trial from the Korean Food and Drug Administration. On the first day, 18F-FDG PET/CT images were acquired from patients without administration of pioglitazone (PIO), which is a PPAR-γ agonist. On the next day, 18F-FDG PET/CT images were acquired once again from the same patients after administration of PIO. We measured the 18F-FDG uptake in malignant lesions or inflammatory lesions from two 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Four different PET parameters were used to compare between the two studies: SUVmax, SUVmean, average activity over 30 % of the isocontour (isocontour, Bq/mL), and isocontour-mediastinal activity (Bq/mL). Additionally, we classified the patients into two groups: the responder or non-responder group according to the presence of PIO effect on skeletal muscle. Furthermore, PET parameters of malignant lesions were analyzed based on the type of malignancy and were compared with those of inflammatory lesions. Results: All four PET parameters of malignant lesions in the responder group showed increasing patterns after the use of PIO. In the subgroup analysis, the similar pattern was observed in gastrointestinal cancer. In hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer, SUVmean and isocontour showed statistically significant increase in the presence of PIO. On the other hand, in the non-responder group, all four PET parameters showed decreasing patterns in both malignant and inflammatory lesions after the use of PIO. There was no statistically significant difference in PET parameters of malignant lesions in the non-responder group. Conclusions: In this study, we found that PIO had the potential to increase 18F-FDG uptake of malignant lesions in the patients who showed PIO effect on skeletal muscle. Contrary to our preclinical studies, clinical results had limitations to evaluate malignant lesions in non-responder group. Further larger-scale studies are necessary to elucidate the potential role of PIO on 18F-FDG uptake in malignant or inflammatory lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of sensing capabilities with an interactive signage through wireless communication is enabling the development of smart packaging wherein wireless (13.56 MHz) power transmission is used to interlock the smart packaging with a wireless (13.56 MHz) reader or a smart phone. Assembly of the necessary componentry for smart packaging on plastic or paper foils is limited by the manufacturing costs involved with Si based technologies. Here, the issue of manufacturing cost for smart packaging has been obviated by materials that allow R2R (roll-to-roll) gravure in combination with R2R coating processes to be employed. R2R gravure was used to print the wireless power transmission device, called rectenna (antenna, diode and capacitor), and humidity sensor on poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) films while electrochromic signage units were fabricated by R2R coating. The signage units were laminated with the R2R gravure printed rectenna and sensor to complete the prototype smart packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial strains of a polyploid, distiller's Saccharomyces cerevisiae that produces glucoamylase and α-amylase was used for the direct fermentation of raw starch to ethanol. Strains contained either Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase gene ( GA1), Debaryomyces occidentalis glucoamylase gene ( GAM1) or D. occidentalis α-amylase gene ( AMY), singly or in combination, integrated into their chromosomes. The strain expressing both GA1 and AMY generated 10.3% (v/v) ethanol (80.9 g l) from 20% (w/v) raw corn starch after 6 days of fermentation, and decreased the raw starch content to 21% of the initial concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgels were prepared by physically cross-linking β-cyclodextrin-grafted polyethyleneimine (βCD-PEI) using a hydrophobic acidic compound, naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Under a strong acidic condition (e.g., pH 3.0), fibrous microgels were observed on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) possibly due to the intermolecular electrostatic interaction of NAA with PEI. In the range of pH 4.0 to pH 8.0, globular microgels were found possibly because an intramolecular electrostatic interaction prevails over an intermolecular interaction. At pH 9.0 and pH 10.0, neither fibrous nor globular microgels were observed due to lack of the electrostatic interaction and the hydrophobic interaction of NAA with βCD-PEI. The release of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran; M.W., 10,000) from the microgels increased with increasing pH. At pHs higher than pH 3.0, not only the diffusion of the solute, but also the dissolution of the microgels could contribute to the release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: To determine the effects of alpha-blocker, extracorporeal magnetic innervations (ExMI) alone and combination treatment on female bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Methods: Sixty women with BOO were divided into three groups according to the treatment. After 3 months, the clinical outcomes were evaluated by clinical examination, international prostatic symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), 3-day voiding diary, uroflowmetry and post-void residual. Results: At 3 months, symptom improvement was 52.6% in alpha-blocker monotherapy (group I), 50.0% in ExMI monotherapy (group II), and 57.1% in combination therapy (group III). Maximum flow rate increased and total IPSS decreased significantly in all groups ( p < 0.05). Storage symptom subscore was more reduced in groups II and III and QOL improved significantly in group III ( p < 0.05) Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both alpha-blocker and ExMI were effective in female BOO, and ExMI may be more effective for improving storage symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To construct Candida tropicalis strains that produce a high yield of xylitol with no requirement for co-substrates, we engineered the yeast with an attenuated xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) and then assessed the efficiency of xylitol production The mutants, strains XDH-5 (with only one copy of the XDH gene), and ARSdR-16 (with a mutated XDH gene) showed 70 and 40% of wild type (WT) XDH activity, respectively. Conversions of xylose to xylitol by WT, XDH-5, and ARSdR-16 were 62, 64, and 75%, respectively, with productivities of 0.52, 0.54, and 0.62 g l h, respectively. The ARSdR-16 mutant strain produced xylitol with high yield and high productivity in a simple process that required no co-substrates, such as glycerol. This strain represents a promising alternative for efficient and cost-effective xylitol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive surgery for malignant pediatric tumors remains controversial, and few cases have been published. The present study reports on our initial experiences of laparoscopic surgical resection for selected pediatric malignant solid tumors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from ten pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic surgical resection for malignant solid tumors at our institute between April 2005 and January 2010. Results: There were four boys and six girls, including one neonate and four infants. The mean age at surgery was 23.3 months (range, 13 days-69 months). Six patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for neuroblastoma ( n = 5) or adrenocortical carcinoma ( n = 1). Two patients underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy for hepatoblastoma, one patient underwent a laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy for yolk sac tumor, and one a laparoscopic tumor excision for rhabdomyosarcoma in the pelvis. Complete tumor resection was performed in all cases. Tumors ranged from 2.5 to 5.3 cm maximum diameter. Tumors were placed inside endobags and removed safely without spillage. The mean operation time was 132 (range, 65-250) min. There were no open conversions and no postoperative complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.9 (range, 2-7) days, and all surgical wounds showed good cosmetic results. There were no local tumor recurrences during the 17.3-month median follow-up period. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgical resection for selected pediatric malignant solid tumors was found to be feasible and safe. Long-term follow-up data are essential to confirm oncologic safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) are distinct clinical syndromes, and their co-occurrence is rarely encountered. The authors report the case of a 56-year-old female patient with RA of 3 years duration who suddenly developed ASS, and include a review of the literature. The patient was diagnosed with ASS based on; positivity for anti-histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1) antibody, interstitial lung disease, polyarthritis, and mechanic's hands. High-dose corticosteroid and pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide were used to control the ASS. This case demonstrates that ASS should be considered during clinical presentations due to its potential overlap with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have been recently reported that veterinary antibiotics released into the environment have a detrimental effect on humans such as the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, only limited information is available regarding to the release of antibiotics in environmental compartments in Korea. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the concentrations of antibiotics in water, sediment, and soil adjacent to a composting facility in Korea and to determine the dilution effects of antibiotics when released into the environment. Seven antibiotics of chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfathiazole, and tylosin were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry following pretreatment using solid-phase extraction to clean the samples. Results showed that the highest concentration of each antibiotic in both aqueous and solid samples was detected from a site adjacent to the composting facility. We also found that the studied water, sediment, and soil samples are contaminated by veterinary antibiotics throughout comparison with studies from other countries. However, relatively lower concentrations of each antibiotic were observed from the rice paddy soil located at the bottom of the water stream. Further research is necessary to continuously monitor the antibiotics release into ecosystems, thereby developing an environmental risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lthough the de novo biosynthetic mechanism of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) in glycerol-fermenting microorganisms is still unclear, the propanediol utilization protein (PduP) of Lactobacillus species has been suggested to be a key enzyme in this regard. To verify this hypothesis, a pduP gene from Lactobacillus reuteri was cloned and expressed, and the encoded protein was characterized. Recombinant L. reuteri PduP exhibited broad substrate specificity including 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde and utilized both NAD and NADP as a cofactor. Among various aldehyde substrates tested, the specific activity was highest for propionaldehyde, at pH 7.8 and 37 °C. The K and V values for propionaldehyde in the presence of NAD were 1.18 mM and 0.35 U mg, respectively. When L. reuteri pduP was overexpressed in Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3-HP production remarkably increased as compared to the wild-type strain (from 0.18 g L to 0.72 g L) under shake-flask culture conditions, and the highest titer (1.38 g L 3-HP) was produced by the recombinant strain under batch fermentation conditions in a bioreactor. This is the first report stating the enzymatic properties of PduP protein and the probable role in biosynthesis of 3-HP in glycerol fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H1 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) isolated from migratory birds and domestic ducks from 2003 to 2007 were analyzed to determine their genetic relationship. Phylogenic analysis with nucleotide sequences of all eight gene segments showed that 13 H1 AIVs from migratory birds and domestic ducks belonged to Eurasian avian lineages and were closely related to each other. Compared with H1 influenza viruses of swine or human origin in Korea, there was no evidence of reassortment among the human, swine, and avian hosts. Our results show that H1 AIVs isolated in Korea from 2003 to 2007 were genetically stable. However, continued surveillance is needed considering the role of migratory birds and domestic duck as a source of AIVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symplocarpus L. (Araceae) is a disjunct genus including S. foetidus (L.) Nutt. var. latissimus (Makino) S. Hara, S. nipponicus Makino, and S. nabekuraensis Otsuka & K. Inoue in temperate eastern Asia; S. egorovii N. S. Pavlova & V. A. Nechaev in the Russian far east; and S. foetidus (L.) Nutt. in temperate northeastern North America. For the first time, pollen morphology of Symplocarpus was investigated by light and scanning electron microscopes. Symplocarpus foetidus var. latissimus and S. foetidus had reticulate surfaces and rounded (obtuse), long, equatorial axis tips, whereas S. nipponicus had microreticulate surfaces and acute tips. Symplocarpus foetidus in North America had larger pollen grains than S. foetidus var. latissimus in eastern Asia. Thus, based on pollen characteristics, S. foetidus var. latissimus is more closely related to S. foetidus than to S. nipponicus. Other lines of evidence, such as molecular phylogenetic studies and phenology, support the phylogenetic relationships among these species proposed in this study. The slightly modified acetolysis procedure conducted in this paper is a promising application to study weak exine or exineless pollen grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Web Services, a distributed component technology based on XML and the Internet, is used for integrating heterogeneous systems under a distributed environment. Since CAD data is used as master data across the lifecycle of a product, it is important to share CAD data efficiently among the systems that are used for collaborative product development in a distributed environment. In this study, the concept of Web Services for CAD (WSC), which provides CAD data when required by organizations participating in the collaborative product development, is introduced. In addition, the technical details of WSC, including the system architecture of WSC, XML-based neutral CAD model, and interface for retrieving CAD model data are discussed. Finally, the implementation of WSC to Pro/ENGINEER and its experimental result are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a highly pure chlorin e(6) (Ce(6)), against various pathogenic bacteria. To examine the antimicrobial effect of Ce(6)-mediated PDT against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, inhibition zone formation, CFU quantification, and bacterial viability were evaluated. Inhibition zone analysis showed that Ce(6)-mediated PDT is very effective to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, but has only minor effect to E. coli and S. Typhimurium, which was dependent on the energy density of laser and dose of Ce(6). Ce(6)-mediated PDT also nearly inhibited the colony formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and partially inhibited that of E. coli and S. Typhimurium. In addition, the number of viable bacteria decreased greatly after PDT application with LS-chlorin e6 of 10 microM and laser and energy density of 20 J/cm(2). These results show that Ce(6)-mediated PDT can be an effective alternative for antimicrobial treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In diesel engines, it is inevitable that the torsional vibration is produced by the fluctuation of engine torque. Therefore, it is necessary to establish preventive measures to diminish the torsional vibration. A sleeve spring damper is one such measure to reduce the torsional vibration. In this study, the closed form equations to predict the spring constant of a sleeve spring and the dynamic characteristics of the torsional vibration damper are proposed to calculate stiffness of the damper, and verified their availability through the finite element analysis. Our theoretical values are in good agreement with results obtained from finite element analysis and experiments. Results obtained from the derived equation enable designers to be more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a tool path generation method for contour parallel milling based on an incomplete two-manifold mesh model, namely, an inexact polyhedron which is widely used in recent commercialized computer-aided manufacturing software systems is presented. The method consists of three major steps: machining area detection, 2D offset, and path linking. Machining areas obtained from a mesh model are closed 2D lines. Thus, offsetting closed lines is essential to generate mesh-based contour parallel tool path. For contour parallel path elements, a new offset algorithm for closed 2D lines with islands is introduced and the result is illustrated. The main point of the proposed algorithm is that every point is set to be an offset using bisectors, and then invalid offset lines, which are not to be participated in offsets, are detected in advance and handled with an invalid offset edge handling algorithm in order to generate raw offset lines without local invalid loops. As a result, the proposed offset method is proved to be robust and simple, moreover, has a near O( n) time complexity, where n denotes the number of input lines. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and tested with 2D lines of various shapes. Finally, contour parallel path is made through linking offset path elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is a complex, chronic and common skin disorder of pilosebaceous units. Hyperkeratinization of keratinocytes, increased sebum excretion from sebocytes via androgen stimulation and inflammatory cytokines are the major factors involved in the pathophysiology of acne. In addition, it is known that keratinocytes play an important role in acne synthesizing a number of inflammatory cytokines. However, the nature of the association between inflammatory cytokines and sebocytes in acne remains unclear. Culture of sebocytes provides a new insight into the participation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the production of inflammatory cytokines in acne. To examine the possible involvement of DHT in the production of inflammatory cytokines in the cultured sebocytes, we used immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR to compare the expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Upregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α in immunohistochemistry, and increase in RNA amplification for IL-6 and TNF-α were observed after addition of DHT compared with the control. This study suggests that DHT may not only be involved in sebum production but also in production of proinflammatory cytokines in acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a full Bayesian GEV distribution estimation method (BAYBETA), which contains a semi-Bayesian framework of generalized maximum likelihood estimator (GMLE), to make full use of several advantages of the Bayesian approach especially in uncertainty analysis. For the full Bayesian framework, the optimal hyperparameter of beta prior distribution on the shape parameter of the GEV distribution is found as (6.4990, 8.7927) through simulation-based analysis. In a performance comparison analysis, the performances of BAYBETA, which adopts beta(6.4990, 8.7927) as prior density on the shape parameter of the GEV distribution, are almost the same as or slightly better than GML, outperforming MOM, ML, and LM in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) and bias when the shape parameter is negative. Also, a case study of two hydrologic extreme value data shows that the traditional uncertainty analysis using asymptotic approximation of ML and GML has limitations in describing the uncertainty in high upper quantiles, while the proposed full Bayesian estimation method BAYBETA provides a consistent and complete description of the uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, we developed a computerized technique that measured degree of chest-wall deformity in funnel chest patients using several image processing techniques, such as, active contour model. It could calculate quantitative indices for chest-wall deformity using patient’s CT image. However, the algorithm contained manual initialization processes that required clinicians to obtain additional training processes to understand engineering contents and be familiar with the technique. In this study, we suggested a fully automatic algorithm that can measure the degree of chest-wall deformity by automating initialization processes. The initialization processes to segment CT images were automated by applying various image processing techniques such as histogram analysis, point detection, and object recognition. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, both the previous algorithm (semi-automatic) and newly suggested algorithm (fully automatic) were applied to preoperative CT images of 61 funnel chest patients to calculate several indices that represented chest-wall deformity quantitatively and to measure their processing time of our algorithm using a computer. The time required for initialization processes was 28.12 s using the semi-automatic algorithm and 0.07 s using the fully automatic algorithm (99.75% speed enhancement) and the time required for whole index calculation process was 61.12 s in semi-automatic algorithm and 30.09 s in fully automatic algorithm (50.76% speed enhancement). In most indices, calculation results of the two algorithms showed no significant difference between each other. The proposed algorithm could calculate chest-wall deformity more accurately with relatively shorter processing time than our previous method. Applying this algorithm is expected to facilitate more efficient diagnosis and evaluation processes of funnel chest patients for clinical doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that produces ethanol directly from starch, two integrative vectors were constructed to allow the simultaneous multiple integration of the Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase gene ( GA1) and the Debaryomyces occidentalis α-amylase gene ( AMY) and glucoamylase with debranching activity gene ( GAM1) into the chromosomes of an industrial strain of S. cerevisiae. The GA1 and AMY genes were constitutively expressed under the ADC1 promoter in S. cerevisiae using the double δ-integration system. The GAM1 gene was constitutively expressed under the corresponding promoter using the double 18S rDNA-integration system. The recombinant industrial strain secreting biologically active α-amylase, glucoamylase and debranching enzyme was able to ferment starch to ethanol in a single step. The new strain produced 8% (v/v) ethanol (62.8 g l−1) from 20% (w/v) soluble starch after 2 days, fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of actin microfilament structure on pacemaker currents and calcium oscillation in cultured murine intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) by whole-cell patch-clamp technique and calcium imaging technique. Cytochalasin B, a disruptor of actin microfilaments, decreased the amplitude and frequency of pacemaker currents from 491.32 +/- 160.33 pA and 11.73 +/- 0.79 cycles/min to 233.12 +/- 92.00 pA and 10.29 +/- 0.76 cycles/min. Cytochalasin B also decreased the amplitude and frequency of calcium oscillation from 0.32 +/- 0.08 (DeltaF/F0) and 2.75 +/- 0.17 cycles/min to 0.02 +/- 0.01 (DeltaF/F0) and 1.20 +/- 0.08 cycles/min. Phalloidin, a stabilizer of actin microfilaments, increased the amplitude and frequency of pacemaker currents from 751.79 +/- 282.82 pA and 13.93 +/- 1.00 cycles/min to 1234.34 +/- 607.83 pA and 14.68 +/- 1.00 cycles/min. Phalloidin also increased the amplitude and frequency of calcium oscillation from 0.26 +/- 0.01 (DeltaF/F0) and 2.27 +/- 0.18 cycles/min to 0.43 +/- 0.03 (DeltaF/F0) and 2.87 +/- 0.07 cycles/min. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB), an IP(3) receptor blocker, suppressed both pacemaker currents and calcium oscillations. 2-APB also blocked the phalloidin-induced increase in pacemaker currents and calcium oscillation. Ryanodine, an inhibitor of calcium-induced calcium release, did not affect pacemaker current but suppressed calcium oscillations. Ryanodine had no effect on altering phalloidin-induced increases in pacemaker current and calcium oscillation. These results suggest that actin microfilaments regulate pacemaker activity via the IP(3)-induced calcium release signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop wireless Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) device and to analyze its effect on image transfer from portable imaging modalities to the main PACS server. Using a laptop computer equipped with wireless local area network (LAN), the authors developed a wireless PACS device with DICOM modality worklist and DICOM storage server modules. This laptop computer could be easily fixed to portable imaging modalities such as ultrasound machines. From May to August 2007, 112 portable examinations were evaluated. Of these, 62 were done with wireless LAN-based PACS device, and 50 were done without wireless PACS device. To evaluate the impact of the wireless LAN-based PACS device on productivity and workflow, we analyzed the mean time delay and standard deviations (SD) both in cases where wireless LAN-based PACS device was used and in cases where it was not used. Statistical analysis was performed using a t test. The mean time interval from image acquisition to storage in the main PACS when the wireless LAN-based PACS device was used was 342.4 s (5 min and 42.4 s, SD = 509.2 s). When the wireless PACS was not used, the mean time interval was 2,305.5 s (38 min and 25.5 s, SD = 1,371.8 s). The mean time interval was statistically different between the two groups ( t test, p < 0.001). The wireless LAN-based PACS device could help in reducing the storage intervals of images obtained by portable machines and in promoting effective and rapid treatment of patients who have undergone portable imaging examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monoolein (MO) cubic phases containing water soluble extract (WSE) from Berberis koreana (Korean barberry) were prepared by hydrating the molten MO with aqueous solutions of WSE (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%). The phase transition temperature of cubic phase containing WSE (∼70°C) was almost the same as that of WSE-free MO cubic phase that indicates that WSE was immobilized in the water channels of the cubic phase and did not affect its structure. The release of WSE from the cubic phase fits the first order process. The cubosomes were obtained by micronizing the cubic phase in a sonicator using Pluronic F127 as a dispersant. The cubosomes were stable in size at the ethanol concentration ≲16%. When compared with WSE solution in phosphate-buffered saline (10 mM, pH 7.4), in vitro skin permeation of WSE in the cubosomes was enhanced by about two times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical model of a friction pendulum system (FPS) is introduced to examine its application for the seismic isolation of spatial lattice shell structures. An equation of motion of the lattice shell with FPS bearings is developed. Then, seismic isolation studies are performed for both double-layer and single-layer lattice shell structures under different seismic input and design parameters of the FPS. The influence of frictional coefficients and radius of the FPS on seismic performance are discussed. Based on the study, some suggestions for seismic isolation design of lattice shells with FPS bearings are given and conclusions are made which could be helpful in the application of FPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We optimize the interpolation of a piecewise G1 biarc curve through a given sequence of points by means of an internal energy minimization model. A combination of bending and stretching energy, which we call internal energy, provides global control over the shape of the curve. Starting from an initial guess, we solve the minimization model using a quasi-Newton algorithm. The input data can include or exclude end tangents, or it may form a closed shape. Experiments indicate the effect of internal energy on the interpolation and demonstrate that the resulting curves are smooth and free of extraneous loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) is a safe and effective definitive procedure for the palliation of malignant colorectal obstruction. In this study, the clinical outcomes, including the technical and clinical success rates, and the risk factors associated with the long-term outcomes of palliative SEMS were evaluated. From February 2002 to April 2008, 39 patients (18 men and 21 women) with malignant colorectal obstruction underwent placement of uncovered or covered stents under fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 14.6 years (range, 37–96 years). The technical success rate was 100% (39/39), and the clinical success rate was 87.2% (34/39). Five cases had failed relief of the obstruction due to the development of migration in two patients, two malfunctions, and one perforation. Four patients experienced late complications: migration managed with a palliative colostomy in two patients, tumor ingrowth managed successfully with a second stent in one patient, perforation with an intraabdominal abscess at the upper margin of the stent 4 months after stenting in one patient. The location of the obstruction and the length of the stent were significant factors associated with a good outcome. Shorter stents (<10 cm) had better outcomes than longer stents (≥10 cm; p = 0.008), and patients with a distal colorectal obstruction had better outcomes than those with a proximal colorectal obstruction ( p = 0.015). Patients with bowel obstruction involving a short segment and those with a distal obstruction had better stent outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Ethylcellulose microparticles containing alginate and calcium carbonate nanoparticles were prepared by spray drying water-in-oil emulsion. Alginate solution (3%) in distilled water was used as an aqueous phase, ethylcellulose solution (5%) in dichloromethane as an oil phase, and sorbitan sesquioleate as an emulsifier. The nanoparticles of calcium carbonate were dispersed into the emulsion. By spray-drying the emulsion, ethylcellulose microparticles containing alginate and calcium carbonate were obtained. When the ratios of alginate to calcium carbonate were 4:1 and 2:1, the pH dependency of the release was marked and the degree of release was suppressed in acidic conditions. When the ratio increased to 1:2, the degree of release increased while the pH-dependent release profiles were maintained. Cavities created by the dissolution of calcium carbonate could account for the increased release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the research work involved in developing an automated progressive design system with multiple processes such as piercing, bending, and deep drawing for manufacturing products. This approach to make a progressive, flexible working system is based on knowledge-based rules. The knowledge required for this system is formulated from plasticity theories, experimental results, and the empirical knowledge of field experts. The system consists of three main modules: shape treatment, strip layout, and die layout modules. The system is founded on knowledge-based rules and is designed in consideration of several factors, such as the material and thickness of a product, the piercing, bending and deep drawing sequence, and the complexities of blank geometry and punch profiles. The system then generates the strip layout drawing for an automobile product. The die layout module carries out the die design for each process from the results of the strip layout module. The results obtained using the modules enable the designers of manufacturing products with multiple processes to be more efficient in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been hypothesized that the production of diapausing eggs in Daphnia can be induced by fish kairomones. A population of Daphnia could survive severe predation using this predator avoidance strategy. However, in changing environments, diapausing eggs experience various temperature conditions, and hatchlings at emergence may be exposed to the same predation risks as their mothers. Therefore, staying in diapause or an immediate response upon hatching to available environmental information could be important for hatchling survival. For this study, we investigated the impact of water temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25°C) in the presence and absence of fish kairomones ( Lepomis macrochirus) on the hatching success of resting eggs ( D. galeata). Results show that no diapausing eggs hatched at the lowest temperature (10°C), and the highest hatch percentage occurred at 15°C. Although higher water temperatures reduced hatching success, diapausing eggs hatched more quickly. The number of hatchlings was significantly higher after exposure to fish kairomones, and this was more noticeable at higher temperatures (20 and 25°C). The present results suggest that the diapausing eggs were produced as a predator avoidance strategy in Daphnia; however, the presence of fish works as a positive signal to increase hatchlings when the diapausing stage is terminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Egg PC (EPC) liposomes bearing a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid, and octadecylacrylate (P(NIPAM-co-MAA-co-ODA)) were prepared as pH-sensitive liposomes. They were embedded in glucose oxidase (GOD)-immobilized alginate beads. The ratio of EPC/GOD/alginate in the beads was 7.8:1.0:140.4, and the beads were added to glucose solutions so that the concentration of GOD was 0.0068 mg/ml. The enzymatic activity of the immobilized GOD was one fifth to half of that of native enzyme. As the glucose concentration increased from 0 to 400 mg/dl, the degree of calcein release increased from 17% to 75%. The acidification induced by the enzymatic reaction would be responsible for the glucose-triggered release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes bearing pH-sensitive polymers and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) liposomes including the same polymers were prepared by a sonication method. As pH-sensitive polymers, copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid, and octadecylacrylate were used. The liposomes were stable in neutral pH ranges in terms of release. But the release became marked at pH 5.5, and it was accelerated as pH further decreased. For example, the degree of release from egg PC liposomes (polymer/lipid ratio is 3:10, w/w) for 120 s increased from 2% to 63% as pH decreased from 7.5 to 4.5. Under the same condition, the degree of release from DOPE liposomes increased from 4% to 80%. These results indicate that DOPE liposome is more pH-sensitive than egg PC liposome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]