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Metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common liver disease associated with obesity and is caused by the accumulation of ectopic fat without alcohol consumption. Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) are vital for cardiac myocyte-intercalated discs and endothelial cell-to-cell tight junctions. CAR has also been reported to be associated with obesity and high blood pressure. However, its function in the liver is still not well understood. The liver of obese mice exhibit elevated CAR mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, in the liver of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, CAR is reduced in hepatocyte cell–cell junctions compared to normal levels. We generated liver-specific CAR knockout (KO) mice to investigate the role of CAR in the liver. Body and liver weights were not different between wild-type (WT) and KO mice fed a paired or high-fat diet (HFD). However, HFD induced significant liver damage and lipid accumulation in CAR KO mice compared with WT mice. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines transcription, hepatic permeability, and macrophage recruitment considerably increased in CAR KO mice. We identified a new interaction partner of CAR using a protein pull-down assay and mass spectrometry. Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3C (APOBEC3C) demonstrated a complex relationship with CAR, and hepatic CAR expression tightly regulated its level. Moreover, Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels correlated with APOBEC3C expression in the liver of CAR KO mice, suggesting that CAR may regulate lipid accumulation by controlling APOBEC3C activity. In this study, we showed that hepatic CAR deficiency increased cell-to-cell permeability. In addition, CAR deletion significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation by inducing ApoB and LDLR expression. Although the underlying mechanism is unclear, CARs may be a target for the development of novel therapies for MAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy water reactor nuclear fuel channel is loaded with nuclear fuel bundles, therefore, its structural integrity is important. Since the fuel channel structure is affected by radiation irradiation as well as flow-induced vibration due to heavy water coolant flow, it is necessary to monitor and diagnose its structural health condition in real time. Therefore, measurement systems of neutron noise and structural vibration are utilized in heavy water reactor system. In this paper, we introduce a research regarding an AI (artificial intelligence) system that can monitor the presence of mechanical defects at supports of the nuclear fuel channel, and accurately locate the failure area using vibration data of the nuclear fuel channel and CNN (convolution neural network). Vibration data of the fuel channel for normal and abnormal conditions were generated by fluid-structure interaction analysis. CNN and AI systems were trained to recognize different vibration characteristics of normal and various failure modes using images of short time Fourier transform. It was confirmed that the proposed AI accurately identifies the presence of mechanical defect of support structures and its location, even when the mass flow rate of heavy water varies. The results of this research can also be applied to develop AI system for fault diagnosis of nuclear fuel channels based on neutron noise data obtained by neutron flux detectors installed in the actual heavy water reactor so that the structural integrity of the heavy-water nuclear power plant system could be ensured more reliably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal ion transporter SLC39A8 is associated with physiological traits and diseases, including blood manganese (Mn) levels and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The mechanisms by which SLC39A8 controls Mn homeostasis and epithelial integrity remain elusive. Here, we generate Slc39a8 intestinal epithelial cell-specific-knockout (Slc39a8-IEC KO) mice, which display markedly decreased Mn levels in blood and most organs. Radiotracer studies reveal impaired intestinal absorption of dietary Mn in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice. SLC39A8 is localized to the apical membrane and mediates 54Mn uptake in intestinal organoid monolayer cultures. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis identifies alkaline ceramidase 1 (ACER1), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, as a potential therapeutic target for SLC39A8-associated IBDs. Importantly, treatment with an ACER1 inhibitor attenuates colitis in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice by remedying barrier dysfunction. Our results highlight the essential roles of SLC39A8 in intestinal Mn absorption and epithelial integrity and offer a therapeutic target for IBD associated with impaired Mn homeostasis.The metal transporter SLC39A8 is linked to blood manganese (Mn) levels and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Here, the authors show that loss of SLC39A8 impairs intestinal Mn absorption and epithelial integrity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies targeting alkaline ceramidase 1 for IBD patients with SLC39A8 deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to albumin ratio (BAR) is a comprehensive parameter that reflects renal, inflammatory, nutritional, and endothelial functions. BAR has been shown to be associated with various cancers, pneumonia, sepsis, and pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases; however, few studies have been conducted on its association with cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the association between BAR and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in health check-up participants. We assessed consecutive health check-up participants between January 2006 and December 2013. For the cSVD subtype, we quantitatively measured the volume of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and qualitatively measured the presence of lacune and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). The BAR was calculated by dividing BUN by albumin as follows: BAR = BUN (mg/dl)/albumin (g/dl). A total of 3012 participants were evaluated. In multivariable linear regression analysis, BAR showed a statistically significant association with WMH volume after adjusting for confounders [β = 0.076, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.027–0.125]. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, BAR was significantly associated with lacunes [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.44] and CMBs (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06–1.55). BAR was associated with all types of cSVD in the health check-up participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing application of computer technologies in architecture has facilitated interactive collaboration between form-finding and realization. In contrast to conventional methods, various form-finding processes embedded in digital media have recently been investigated. Robotic technologies have also been utilized to execute hazardous tasks and to perform more challenging and complex fabrication in architecture. In this study, we experiment with form-finding and robotic fabrication to explore innovative design possibilities. After selecting a particular site, we determine a rigorous geometric form for construction. Structural analysis of the design is performed to verify the stress distribution and failure mechanisms. The design employs an industrial robotic arm with a hot-wire end-effector to determine an optimum method for full-scale assembly and on-site installation of the design. Finally, this study accurately verifies the constructability of the designed form and evaluated the challenges and opportunities associated with the process. The findings demonstrate that this approach complements the potential impacts of the design process, practice, and aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood pressure (BP) is a typical complex trait, and the genetic susceptibility of individuals to changes in BP induced by air pollution exposure is different. Although interactions of exposure to air pollutants with several candidate genes have been identified, genome-wide interaction studies (GWISs) are needed to understand the association between them with BP. Therefore, we aimed to discover the unique genetic loci for BP that interact with exposure to air pollutants in Korean adults. We ultimately included 1868 participants in the discovery step and classified them into groups of those with low-to-moderate exposure and high exposure to average annual concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM10). Because none of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) achieved a genome-wide level of significance of pint < 5 × 10–8 for either systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP), we considered the top 10 ranking SNPs for each BP trait. To validate these suggestive SNPs, we finally selected six genetic variants for SBP and five variants for DBP, respectively. In a replication result for SBP, only one SNP (rs12914147) located in an intergenic region of the NR2F2 showed a significant interaction. We also identified several genetic susceptibility loci (e.g., CHST11, TEK, and ITGA1) implicated in candidate mechanisms such as inflammation and oxidative stress in the discovery step, although their interaction effects were not replicated. Our study reports the first GWIS finding to our knowledge, and the association between exposure to PM10 and BP levels may be determined in part by several newly discovered genetic suggestive loci, including NR2F2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miyoji Yoneda's controversial 1940 paper analyzing the compositional method of the Seokguram grotto triggered a series of debates among historians and critics about Yoneda's approach. Surprisingly, much of the discussions after Yoneda focused on visually plausible diagrams full of rhetoric. However, their arguments have been weak and unconvincing without reliable demonstration. This paper begins by discussing mathematical knowledge at the time of the Grotto's construction. Next, it outlines and proves that the Gougu rule provides the fundamental method for organizing the grotto layout. This paper sheds light on long-standing debates centered on the design method of the grotto and clarifies the underlying design principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient air pollution is one of the most important global health issues. Although several studies have been reported the associations between air pollution and brain function or structure, impact of the air pollution on cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) have rarely been explored in Asian adult population. We evaluated the association between exposure to air pollutants and cSVD in Korean asymptomatic adults. This cross-sectional study included 3257 participants of a health screening program from January 2006 to December 2013. All participants performed brain magnetic resonance imaging. To assess the cSVD, we considered three features such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH), silent lacunar infarction (SLI), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). The annual average exposure to air pollutants [particulate matter ≤ 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)] was generated. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of the total 3257 participants was 56.5 (9.5) years, and 54.0% of them were male. Among all the included participants, 273 (8.4%) had SLI and 135 (4.1%) had CMBs. The mean volume (± SD) of WMH was 2.72 ± 6.57 mL. In result of linear regression analysis, the volume of WMH was associated with various potential factors including age, height, weight, smoking and alcohol consumption status, blood pressure (BP), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. SLI-positive group, compared to the SLI-negative group, was older, shorter, and had higher BP as well as higher frequency of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. After adjusting for covariates, the annual average concentration of PM10 was significantly associated with the volume of WMH [β (95% CI) for Model 1 = 0.082 (0.038- 0.125), p < 0.001; β (95% CI) for Model 2 = 0.060 (0.013, 0.107), p = 0.013]. CMBs were not associated with the annual average concentration of PM10. No significant associations of NO2, SO2, and CO with cSVD were observed. In conclusion, PM10 exposure is associated with significant increases in brain WMH' volume and silent lacunar infarcts in asymptomatic adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant associations between air pollution (AP) and insulin resistance (IR) have been reported in limited populations or certain patient groups, but few studies have addressed this association in the general population, especially in Asians. Although abdominal fat is a major contributor to IR, previous studies have not fully controlled for its effect in the association between AP and IR. We investigated the association between exposure to AP and IR in Korean adults in the general population and whether this association is maintained even after controlling for the effects of abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat. This was a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained for Korean adults who participated in screening health checkups at Seoul National University Health Examination Center from 2006 to 2014. A total of 4251 men and women aged 22–84 years were included. IR was represented by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Adiposity traits such as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas were measured by computed tomography. We assessed the annual mean concentrations of air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm or less (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with increased annual mean exposure to PM10 in both men (β = 0.15; 95% CI 0.09, 0.22) and women (β = 0.16; 95% CI 0.09, 0.23), and these associations were maintained even after controlling for VAT area (both p < 0.05). The adjusted mean HOMA-IR increased gradually with the level of long-term PM10 exposure (low, intermediate, and high exposure) (all p for trend < 0.001) in the subgroup analysis. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, including VAT area, the annual mean exposure to PM10 was significantly associated with the presence of IR in both men (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.03, 1.35) and women (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.18, 1.76). Other air pollutants, such as NO2, SO2 and CO, did not show any significant associations with HOMA-IR or the presence of IR. Persistent exposure to PM10 is the main independent risk factor for IR and exhibits a dose-dependent association regardless of visceral fatness in both men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In studies evaluating the association between body mass index (BMI) and risk of tuberculosis (TB), the data for the underweight population has been limited and results were conflicting. Our study aimed to evaluate whether being underweight increases the risk of TB using a nationwide representative sample from the Republic of Korea. A large population-based cohort study of over ten million subjects who participated in the health screening in 2010 was performed using the Korean National Health Insurance database 2010–2017. We evaluated the incidence and risk of TB by BMI category (kg/m2) for Asians using a multivariable Cox regression model, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, low-income state, and underlying hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. To evaluate the association between BMI and TB risk, the underweight population was further subdivided according to the degree of thinness. During 70,063,154.3 person-years of follow-up, 52,615 of 11,135,332 individuals developed active TB with an incidence of 0.75 per 1000 person-years. Overall, there was a log-linear inverse relationship between TB incidence and BMI, within the BMI range of 15–30 kg/m2 (R2 = 0.95). The estimated adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for incident TB in the underweight population (BMI < 18.5) was 2.08 (95% confidence intervals, CI 2.02–2.15), overweight (23 ≤ BMI < 25) was 0.56 (0.55–0.58) and obese (BMI ≥ 25) was 0.40 (0.39–0.41) relative to the normal weight population. Among the underweight population, TB risk increased as the degree of thinness increased (adjusted HR = 1.98, 1.91–2.05; 2.50, 2.33–2.68; and 2.83, 2.55–3.15, for mild, moderate and severe thinness, respectively) (p for trend < 0.001). We found a significant inverse relationship between BMI and TB incidence, which was especially profound in the underweight population. Public health strategies to screen TB more actively in the underweight population and improve their weight status may help reduce the burden of TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory marker based on the composition ratio of blood cell counts. In this study, we evaluated the association between the SII and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in health check-up participants. We evaluated participants from our health check-up registry between 2006 and 2013. The SII was calculated using the following formula: SII = (platelet count × neutrophil count)/lymphocyte count. cSVD was assessed by considering white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, lacunes, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). A total of 3187 participants were assessed. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the SII was significantly related to WMH volume [β = 0.120, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.050–0.189]. However, lacunes and CMBs showed no statistical significance with the SII. In the subgroup analysis by age, the SII was significantly associated with WMH volume only in participants aged ≥ 60 years (β = 0.225, 95% CI 0.068–0.381). In conclusion, a high SII was associated with cSVD. Since this association was more pronounced in WMH than in lacunes or CMBs, WMH might be closer to the inflammation-related pathological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a formal method with regard to point group symmetry in the analysis and construction of housing units and their arrangements. Gregory Ain's Mar Vista Tract is the focus of this study. In this paper guiding principles of Ain's housing unit layouts and their arrangements in a city block are examined with respect to the symmetry principle. With the same method, combinatorial possibilities of the units and their arrangements are tested and computed to see how many possible designs can be generated. Finally, streetscape perspectives are generated to illustrate how they would appear when new design features are added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Internet of Things (IoT) environments, visual sensors with good performance have been used to create and apply various kinds of image data. Particularly, in the field of human–computer interaction, the image sensor interface using human hands is applicable to sign language recognition, games, object operation in virtual reality, and remote surgery. With the popularization of depth cameras, there has been a new interest in the research conducted in RGB images. Nevertheless, hand pose estimation is hard. Research on hand pose estimation has multiple issues, including high-dimensional degrees of freedom, shape changes, self-occlusion, and real-time condition. To address the issues, this study proposes the random forests-based method of hierarchically estimating hand pose in depth images. In this study, the hierarchical estimation method that individually handles hand palms and fingers with the use of an inverse matrix is utilized to address high-dimensional degrees of freedom, shape changes, and self-occlusion. For real-time execution, random forests using simple characteristics are applied. As shown in the experimental results of this study, the proposed hierarchical estimation method estimates the hand pose in input depth images more robustly and quickly than other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los Angeles architect Gregory Ain's series of housing projects are reviewed and analyzed with regard to the frieze groups of symmetry. Ain was very conscious of utilizing a simple reflection and translation method of arranging prototypical units along a street. He argues that although such a method is simple, it would be enough to create a variable housing layout and a diverse look. First, this article briefly introduces a formal methodology with regard to frieze symmetry in the analysis and design of housing arrangements. The concept is then applied to review a series of Ain's housing designs, which demonstrate the use of the method in his consecutive designs. Finally, the same method is applied to test possible alternative arrangements to create a dynamic streetscape. The notion of parametric designs may be applied to transform the typical unit to generate a variety of dissimilar designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a member of the family Picornaviridae, and along with polio-viruses, belongs to the Enterovirus genus. The CVB3 genome is composed single-stranded RNA encoding polyproteins, which are cleaved to individual functional proteins by 2A and 3C proteases proteins which have been targeted for drug development. Here, we showed that protease activity required to activate a toxic protein may be used to prevent viral infection. Methods: We modified the MazE-MazF antitoxin-toxin system of Escherichia coli to fuse a C-terminal fragment of MazE to the N-terminal end of toxin MazF with a linker having a specific protease cleavage site for CVB3. This fusion protein formed a stable dimer and was capable of inactivating the mRNA interferase activity of MazF which cleaves the ACA sequence in mRNA substrates. Results: The incubation of 2A proteases with the fusion proteins induced cleavage between the MazE and MazF fragments from the fusion proteins; the subsequent release of MazF significantly inhibited virus replication. Additionally, we note that, CVB3 infected HeLa cells quickly died through a MazF toxin mediated effect before virus protein expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the MazEF fusion protein has a strong potential to be developed as an anti-virus therapy following CVB3 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges of flexible device utilization, heterogeneous device interoperability, and security enhancement in smart homes, this paper proposes a new architecture for the software defined network to realize secure smart home environment (SHSec). SHSec concentrates on the capabilities required to deliver a flexible generic platform and the modularity of open-source service creation components for a user-friendly smart home by adopting the traditional software-defined network concept. It offers an infrastructure that is agile, modular and, most importantly, secure. To avoid many manual reviews and recommendations by administrators, security should automatically adapt to any threat in the immediate environment. We simulated the proposed model to test network performance and feasibility during link failures and switching in a normal environment. We also evaluated the performance of our proposed model based on various metric parameters. The results of the simulation show that SHSec management is able to detect and mitigate attacks, and can also be used to secure the system, ensure user security, and improve the heterogeneous local network. The proposed model achieves an accuracy of 89.9% and a sensitivity of 91.1% while predicting malicious events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The online version of the original article can be found at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-023-00720-5.Nexus Network Journalhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-023-00720-5In this article the author name Sejung Jung was incorrectly written as Sejung Sejung. The original article has been corrected.Publisher's NoteSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.By Jin-Ho Park and Sejung JungReported by Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Machine learning classifiers are currently the state of the art for spammer detection tasks in SNSs. Note, however, that these classifiers fail to detect adaptive spammers that dynamically change their spamming strategies or behaviors and attempt to pose as legitimate users. In this paper, we propose an efficient spammer detection system (which we call MTD-Spamguard) wherein the notion of MTD is applied to increase the robustness of well-known machine learning classifiers against the adaptive spammers in SNSs. The system introduces a new method of MTD wherein the concept of differential immunity of different classifiers is employed to detect the spammers. To classify a single user in the test dataset, we pick one of the appropriate trained classifiers from multiple classifiers and then use its classification output. To choose the appropriate classifier, we design an effective classifier switching strategy by formulating the interaction of users (normal users and spammers) and detector (which hosts the machine learning classifier) as a repeated Bayesian Stackelberg game. The classifier switching strategy provides strong Stackelberg equilibrium between users and detector, maximizing the accuracy of classification and reducing the misclassification of spammers. The system achieves 30% gain in classification accuracy over the Facebook dataset (constructed in our recent work). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most structural health monitoring (SHM) systems require transducers permanently attached to or integrated with the monitored structure to form a type of smart structure. It is difficult to permanently attach traditional ultrasonic transducers for non-destructive testing of structures for health monitoring. However, inter-digital transducers (IDTs) can be considered for on-site SHM because of the small size and economic efficiency of the IDT sensor. In this paper, an alternative sensor approach is proposed using IDT rather than conventional transducers to identify the interaction of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) with a wall-thinning defect. The SAWs generated by IDT sensors are modeled using the finite element analysis method. Acoustic wave propagation behavior in plate and pipe structures was reviewed, and the effect of the curvature of curved plate was investigated. From the interaction behavior observed between SAWs and a wallthinning defect in the pipe, which was determined using numerical simulation and tests, a novel concept is proposed for characterizing wall-thinning defects in pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With symmetry, complex designs as a whole can be decomposed to several parts for analysis. On the other hand, these parts can be recombined into multiple sequential designs using the same principles. The complementary applications of the symmetry idea are extremely valuable in a constructive sense. This article discusses the seven frieze groups of symmetry and subsymmetry as a compositional device in the analysis and synthesis of building facades. A few housing facades are analyzed with respect to the symmetry and a new façade design in rows of houses, where all seven frieze groups of symmetry are overlaid, is constructed to demonstrate the application of symmetry in a formal composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A loose part can cause component damages and material wear on nuclear power plants; thus, a mass estimation of the loose part is crucial to safety management. A bending wave propagation of a structure under the loose part impact loading is precisely simulated to accurately estimate the mass of a loose part. Lamb’s general solution for an arbitrary impact force function and Hertz impact theory have been used to identify the characteristics of the bending wave that is impacted by a metallic loose part in reactor pressure boundary components. However, these approaches cannot provide accurate information on the acceleration response that is required to identify the impact source. In this study, the bending wave propagation behavior of plate structures under a simulated loose part (Metal sphere) impact loading was modeled using a Finite element analysis (FEA) technique. The characteristics (e.g., Maximum acceleration amplitude, primary frequency, and bending wave velocity) of the impact response signal from a metal sphere were analyzed with the FEA results and were verified with experimental results. In addition, the correlation between plate thickness and characteristic length was presented. Results from this study can be utilized to estimate the location and mass of a loose part for condition monitoring and diagnostics in nuclear power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the effect of bainite in microstructure on hydrogen diffusion and trapping behavior and susceptibility to hydrogen assisted cracking of API grade linepipe steel, three specimens with different fraction of bainite in the microstructure are used. Firstly, hydrogen diffusion and trapping behaviors of the steels are studied by utilizing the electrochemical permeation technique. For fundamental analysis on the experimental data, a variety of diffusion parameters were determined by curve-fitting with a theoretical diffusion equation based on numerical finite difference method (FDM). It indicates that the steel with higher fraction of bainite exhibits much higher sub-surface hydrogen concentration and much lower apparent hydrogen diffusivity. This behavior can be understood by the fact that the steel containing higher fraction of bainite in the microstructure has higher concentration of reversible traps and consequent larger diffusible hydrogen, leading to much slower diffusion kinetics of hydrogen atoms. Consequently, the susceptibility to hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) of the steel with higher fraction of bainite increases significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) has been reported with various types of disease models. Here, we examine the therapeutic effect of umbilical cord MSC-CM (UCMSC-CM) on muscle-related disease, using a dexamethasone (Dex)-induced muscle atrophy in vitro model. The expressions of muscle atrophy-related proteins (MuRF-1 and MAFbx) and muscle-specific proteins (desmin and myogenin) were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The level of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined using a 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) dye assay. The expression of antioxidant enzymes (copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and catalase (CAT)) was verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). When L6 cells were exposed to Dex, the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins was increased by 50-70%, and the expression of muscle-specific proteins was in turn decreased by 23-40%. Conversely, when the L6 cells were co-treated with UCMSC-CM and Dex, the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins was reduced in a UCMSC-CM dose-dependent manner and the expression of muscle-specific proteins was restored to near-normal levels. Moreover, ROS generation was effectively suppressed and the expression of antioxidant enzymes was recovered to a normal degree. These data imply that UCMSC-CM clearly has the potential to prevent muscle atrophy. Thus, our present study offers fundamental data on the potential treatment of muscle-related disease using UCMSC-CM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the cellular uptake behavior of non-fluorescent metal nanoparticles (NPs) by use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) combined with dark-field microscopy (DFM). The uptake of Au NPs inside a single cell could also be identified by DFM first and then confirmed by z-depth-dependent SERS at micrometer resolution. Guided by DFM for the location of Au NPs, an intracellular distribution assay was possible using Raman dyes with unique vibrational marker bands in order to identify the three-dimensional location inside the single cell by obtaining specific spectral features. Au NPs modified by 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) bearing its -COOH surface functional group were used to conjugate transferrin (Tf) protein using the 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) reaction. The protein conjugation reaction on Au surfaces was examined by means of color change, absorption spectroscopy, and SERS. Our results demonstrate that DFM techniques combined with SERS may have great potential for monitoring biological processes with protein conjugation at the single-cell level. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chemical Accidents Response Information System (CARIS) was developed at the Center for Chemical Safety Management in South Korea in order to track and predict the dispersion of hazardous chemicals in the case of an accident or terrorist attack involving chemical companies. The main objective of CARIS is to facilitate an efficient emergency response to hazardous chemical accidents by rapidly providing key information in the decision-making process. In particular, the atmospheric modeling system implemented in CARIS, which is composed of a real-time numerical weather forecasting model and an air pollution dispersion model, can be used as a tool to forecast concentrations and to provide a wide range of assessments associated with various hazardous chemicals in real time. This article introduces the components of CARIS and describes its operational modeling system. Some examples of the operational modeling system and its use for emergency preparedness are presented and discussed. Finally, this article evaluates the current numerical weather prediction model for Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly oriented crystalline films of copper sulfide and copper selenide have been grown on glass by low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (LP-MOCVD) and by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD), using the novel air-stable compounds Cu(E2CNMenHex)2]* (where E=S,Se). Thin films of non-stoichiometric cubic CuS and CuSe have been deposited in the temperature range 450–500 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to improve the established dissolution technique of UO2 target by using a photochemical reaction. Photo-dissolution tests of UO2 sintered powder and pellets were carried out in a simulated nitric acid solution at about 50 °C under UV irradiation. The simulated solution consists of 2 M nitric acid containing elements such as Cs, Sr, Zr, Ru, Mo and Nd. The light source is a Hg-lamp emitting 254 nm wavelength. As results, in the dark reaction, UO2 sintered pellets were hardly dissolved, whereas UO2 was rapidly dissolved after 7 hours of dissolution time in the UV irradiation. The very low dissolution rate in the dark reaction was due to surface characteristics of sintered pellets: UO2 sintered pellet is very dense and has extremely low specific surface area. However, the dissolution rate of UO2 sintered pellet was considerably increased in the simulated solution under UV irradiation. This was attributed to the fact that ruthenium and molybdenum ions in the simulated solution could accelerate the dissolution of UO2 under UV irradiation. Additionally, when the pulverized sintered UO2 powder was used, the dissolution rate of UO2 increased more rapidly than that of UO2 sintered pellet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematics of benign and moderately pathogenic Theileria isolates from cattle and deer originating from different geographic regions was undertaken by small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene nucleotide-sequence analysis. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree constructed from these sequences resulted in two major divisions, each with a common ancestor. One major division branches into four relatively divergent groups, including (1) bovine Theileria sp. Type D (USA and Korea), (2) T. mutans Intona and Theileria sp. MSD (Africa), (3) T. cervi (USA), and (4) well-characterized pathogenic Theileria spp. (Africa). The other major division branches into two groups: (1) T. buffeli Warwick and T. buffeli Marula and (2) a second branch of closely related isolates with SSU rRNA gene Types B, B1, C, E, and H. Putative geographically associated diversity was noted only in the Korean bovine Theileria spp. with SSU rRNA gene types C and H and in African T. mutans Intona and Theileria sp. MSD. The current results show that the United States bovine Theileria isolates are not T. mutans because they have T. buffeli Marula (Type A) and/or Type D (species undesignated) SSU rRNA gene sequences. The taxonomic separation of T. buffeli Warwick from African T. mutans is confirmed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodynamic properties in the riser and standpipe. and the cyclone efficiency have been determined in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) unit consisting of a riser (0.05 m-IDX3.8 m high), a standpipe (0.068 m-IDX2.5 m high) as a primary cyclone/bubbling fluidized bed, and a secondary cyclone. Silica gel powder (mean diameter = 46 μm) was used as the bed material. The effects of gas velocity in the riser and initial solid loading on the solid circulation rate, and the solid holdups in the riser and standpipe have been determined. The effects of gas velocity in the standpipe on the efficiencies of primary and secondary cyclones have been also determined as functions of solid circulation rate and solid entrainment rate. The solid circulation rate increases with increases in the gas velocity in the riser and in the initial solid loading. The efficiencies of primary and secondary cyclones increase with an increase in the gas velocity in the riser. However, the efficiency of primary cyclone decreases and that of secondary cyclone increases slightly, with an increase in the gas velocity in the standpipe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been associated with various cardio-metabolic diseases; however, there is limited information about its association with cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between VAI and silent brain infarct (SBI). We evaluated a consecutive series of healthy volunteers over the age of 40 between January 2006 and December 2013. SBI was defined as an asymptomatic, well-defined lesion with a diameter ≥ 3 mm with the same signal characteristics as the cerebrospinal fluid. VAI was calculated using sex-specific equations as described in previous studies. A total of 2596 subjects were evaluated, and SBI was found in 218 (8%) participants. In multivariable analysis, VAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.66; P = 0.030) remained a significant predictor of SBI after adjustment for confounders. The close relationship between VAI and SBI was prominent only in females (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.00–2.07; P = 0.048). In the evaluation between VAI and the burden of SBI, VAI showed a positive dose–response relationship with the number of SBI lesions (P for trend = 0.037). High VAI was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of SBI in a neurologically healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detrimental outcomes of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) are known to be proportional to WMH volume. This study aimed to evaluate the association between kidney dysfunction and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. A total of 2,203 subjects who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of a screening health check-up was included in this study. WMH was defined as hyperintensity signals without cavity formation in the white matter on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. WMH volume was measured quantitatively, and data were normalized by square root transformation prior to analysis. Mean age of the subjects was 56.9 years and mean WMH volume was 2.7 cm3. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level was 78.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 172 subjects (7.8%) were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction (eGFR < 60). Mean Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was 0.02, and 166 subjects showed significant albuminuria (UACR ≥ 0.03). Multivariate analyses showed that each of UACR, significant albuminuria, and moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction was significantly associated with increased WMH volume (all p < 0.05). When we considered significant albuminuria and moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction simultaneously, subjects with both significant albuminuria and moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction had more than twice the WMH volume as did those in the other groups (all p < 0.05). Kidney dysfunction, defined by albuminuria and eGFR, was independently associated with WMH volume. Risk factors related to WMH and its detrimental outcomes should be strictly modified in subjects with kidney dysfunction, especially in those with both albuminuria and a reduced eGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed whether visceral adipose tissue (VAT) compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) has modifying effects on the cross-sectional association between ambient air pollution and hypertension in Korean men. This study included 1,417 adult men who visited a health checkup center. Abdominal fat depots were measured by computed tomography, and we used the annual average concentrations of ambient air pollutants such as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide (CO). The annual mean concentrations of PM10 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–1.52) and CO (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.03–1.39) showed a positive association with hypertension. In particular, modifying effects on hypertension were found between PM10 and VAT-related traits such as VAT and visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR). The association between PM10 and hypertension was much stronger in the high-VAT (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.12–2.71) and high-VSR groups (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.23–1.91). However, the strength of association across levels of SAT was not observed (Pint = 0.4615). In conclusion, we found that association between PM10 exposure and hypertension is different by abdominal fat distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]