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Background Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remains one of the most drug-resistant focal epilepsies. Glutamate excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation which leads to loss of synaptic proteins and neuronal death appear to represent a pathogen that characterizes the neurobiology of TLE. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a rapidly growing therapy for the attenuation of neuronal degeneration harboring non-invasiveness benefits. However, the detailed effects of PBM on excitotoxicity or neuroinflammation remain unclear. We investigated whether tPBM exerts neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mouse model by regulating synapse and synapse-related genes. Methods In an in vitro study, we performed imaging analysis and western blot in primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic (E17) rat pups. In an in vivo study, RNA sequencing was performed to identify the gene regulatory by PBM. Histological stain and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to assess synaptic connections, neuroinflammation and neuronal survival. Behavioral tests were used to evaluate the effects of PBM on cognitive functions. Results PBM was upregulated synaptic connections in an in vitro. In addition, it was confirmed that transcranial PBM reduced synaptic degeneration, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammation in an in vivo. These effects of PBM were supported by RNA sequencing results showing the relation of PBM with gene regulatory networks of neuronal functions. Specifically, Nlgn3 showed increase after PBM and silencing the Nlgn3 reversed the positive effect of PBM in in vitro. Lastly, behavioral alterations including hypoactivity, anxiety and impaired memory were recovered along with the reduction of seizure score in PBM-treated mice. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that PBM attenuates epileptic excitotoxicity, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline induced by TLE through inhibition of the Nlgn3 gene decrease induced by excitotoxicity. Graphical Abstract

To investigate oculomotor impairment in subtypes of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and its associations with clinical features and regional brain volumes in PSP. We compared the video-oculography (VOG) findings of 123 PSP patients, consisting of 66 PSP-Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS), 28 PSP-parkinsonism (PSP-P), and 29 PSP-progressive gait freezing (PSP-PGF), along with 80 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. We also investigated the associations of the VOG results with clinical features (disease duration, PSP rating scales [PSPRS] scores for dysphagia and postural stability) in the subtypes of PSP patients and with regional volumes in the brainstem, including the midbrain, pons, medulla, and the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), among the patients who had MRI images at the time of VOG (30 PSP). All of the three subtypes of PSP patients showed slower vertical saccades and smooth pursuit than that of the PD patients (adjusted p

Inhibitor development is the most serious complication in patients with hemophilia. We investigated association of HLA genotypes with inhibitor development in Korean patients with severe hemophilia A (HA). HLA genotyping was done in 100 patients with severe HA including 27 patients with inhibitors. The allele frequencies between inhibitor-positive and inhibitor-negative patients were compared. HLA class I alleles were not associated with the inhibitor status. In HLA class II, DRB1*15 [n = 100, odds ratio (OR) 0.217, P = 0.028] and DPB1*05:01 [OR 0.461, P = 0.026] were negatively associated with inhibitor development. In a subgroup of patients with intron 22 inversion, C*07:02 was positively associated with inhibitor development [n = 30, OR 5.500, P = 0.043]. In the subgroup of patients without intron 22 inversion, the negative association between DPB1*05:01 and inhibitor development was reinforced [n = 70, OR 0.327, P = 0.010], and positive association of DRB1*13:02 and DPB1*04:01 with inhibitor development was identified [OR 3.059, P = 0.037 for both]. Previously reported risk alleles were not consistently associated with inhibitor risk in our series. This study demonstrated the profile of HLA alleles associated with inhibitor risk in Korean patients with severe HA was different from that in patients of other ethnicities, which needs to be considered in risk assessment and management.

Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus sp. are important risk factors for dental caries. Application of current test methods is limited because of the requirement for a time-consuming incubation step or expensive laboratory instruments. In this study, we developed a rapid method for determination of the representative cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans and Lactobacillus plantarum, based on a stationary liquid phase lab-on-a-chip (SLP LOC). The method utilized two types of particles, i.e., magnetic capture particles (CPs) for capture of target bacteria and nonmagnetic labeling particles (LPs) for labeling of the captured bacteria with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Complexes of CP-bacteria-LP were formed in a sample chamber of the LOC and transported to a detection chamber containing the chromogenic substrate of HRP by moving a magnet under the LOC. The method is simple and enabled detection of the two bacteria in a range required for caries risk diagnosis within 40 min without the use of any complicated instruments. Accordingly, this method may have applications in the rapid diagnosis of dental caries risk.

Background The reported incidence of facial weakness immediately after parotid tumor surgery ranges from 14 to 65%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative facial weakness related to parotidectomy with use of preoperative computed tomography (CT), intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, and surgical magnification. Also, we sought to elucidate additional information about risk factors for postoperative facial weakness in parotid tumor surgery, particularly focusing on the tumor subsites. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 794 cases with parotidectomy for benign and malignant tumors arising from the parotid gland (2009–2016). Patients with pretreatment facial palsy were excluded from the analyses. Tumor subsites were stratified based on their anatomical relations to the facial nerve as superficial, deep, or both. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for postoperative facial weakness. Results The overall incidences of temporary and permanent (more than 6 months) facial weakness were 9.2 and 5.2% in our series utilizing preoperative CT, intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, and surgical magnification. Multivariable analysis revealed that old age, malignancy, and recurrent tumors (revision surgery) were common independent risk factors for both temporary and permanent postoperative facial weakness. In addition, tumor subsite (tumors involving superficial and deep lobe) was associated with postoperative facial weakness, but not tumor size. Extent of surgery was strongly correlated with tumor pathology (malignant tumors) and tumor subsite (tumors involving deep lobe). Conclusion Aside from risk factors for facial weakness in parotid tumor surgery such as old age, malignant, or recurrent tumors, the location of tumors was found to be related to postoperative facial weakness. This study result may provide background data in a future prospective study and up-to-date information for patient counseling.

Oligopeptide-binding proteins (Opps) are part of the ATP-binding cassette system, playing a crucial role in nutrient uptake and sensing the external environment in bacteria, including hyperthermophiles. Opps serve as a binding platform for diverse peptides; however, how these peptides are recognized by Opps is still largely unknown and few crystal structures of Opps from hyperthermophiles have been determined. To facilitate such an understanding, the crystal structure of a putative Opp, OppA from Thermotoga maritima (TmOppA), was solved at 2.6-Å resolution in the open conformation. TmOppA is composed of three domains. The N-terminal domain consists of twelve strands, nine helices, and four 310 helices, and the C-terminal domain consists of five strands, ten helices, and one 310 helix. These two domains are connected by the linker domain, which consists of two strands, three helices, and three 310 helices. Based on structural comparisons of TmOppA with other OppAs and binding studies, we suggest that TmOppA might be a periplasmic Opp. The most distinct feature of TmOppA is the insertion of two helices, which are lacking in other OppAs. A cavity volume between the N-terminal and C-terminal domains is suggested to be responsible for binding peptides of various lengths.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates many biological events including cell motility and angiogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of elevated TGF-β2 level in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and the inhibitory effect of silibinin on TGF-β2 action in TNBC cells. Breast cancer patients with high TGF-β2 expression have a poor prognosis. The levels of TGF-β2 expression increased significantly in TNBC cells compared with those in non-TNBC cells. In addition, cell motility-related genes such as fibronectin (FN) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression also increased in TNBC cells. Basal FN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels decreased in response to LY2109761, a dual TGF-β receptor I/II inhibitor, in TNBC cells. TNBC cell migration also decreased in response to LY2109761. Furthermore, we observed that TGF-β2 augmented the FN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, TGF-β2-induced FN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels decreased significantly in response to LY2109761. Interestingly, we found that silibinin decreased TGF-β2 mRNA expression level but not that of TGF-β1 in TNBC cells. Cell migration as well as basal FN and MMP-2 expression levels decreased in response to silibinin. Furthermore, silibinin significantly decreased TGF-β2-induced FN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels and suppressed the lung metastasis of TNBC cells. Taken together, these results suggest that silibinin suppresses metastatic potential of TNBC cells by inhibiting TGF-β2 expression in TNBC cells. Thus, silibinin may be a promising therapeutic drug to treat TNBC.

Background A wide application of ultrasound for radiation therapy has been hindered by a few issues such as skin and target deformations due to probe pressure, optical tracking disabilities caused by irregular surfaces and inter-user variations. The purpose of this study was to overcome these barriers by using a patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) couplant pad (CP). Methods A patient skin mold was designed using a skin contour of simulation CT images and fabricated by a 3D printer. A CP was then casted by pouring gelatin solution into a container accommodating the mold. To validate the use of the CP in positioning accuracy and imaging quality, phantom tests were carried out in our ultrasound-based localization system and then daily ultrasound images of four patients were acquired with and without the CP before treatment. Results In the phantom study, the use of CP increased a contrast-to-noise ratio from 2.4 to 4.0. The positioning accuracies in the US scans with and without the CP were less than 1 mm in all directions. In the patient study, the use of CP decreased the centroid offset of the target volume after target position alignment from 4.4 mm to 2.9 mm. One patient with a small volume of target showed a substantial increase in the inter-fractional target contour agreement (from 0.07 (poor agreement) to 0.31 (fair agreement) in Kappa values) by using the CP. Conclusions Our patient-specific 3D CP based on a 3D mold printing technique not only maintained the tracking accuracy but also reduced the inter-user variation, as well as that could potentially improve detectability of optical markers and target visibility for ultrasound image-guided radiotherapy.

Perioperative fluid restriction is advocated to reduce complications after major surgeries. Current methods of monitoring body fluids rely on indirect volume markers that may at times be inadequate. In our study, bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to explore fluid dynamics, in terms of intercompartmental shift, of perioperative patients undergoing operation for hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) diseases. A retrospective review was conducted, examining 36 patients surgically treated for HPB diseases between March 2010 and August 2012. Body fluid compartments were estimated via BIA at baseline (1 day prior to surgery), immediately after surgery, and on postoperative day 1, recording fluid balance during and after procedures. Patients were stratified by net fluid status as balanced (≤500 mL) or imbalanced (>550 mL) and outcomes of BIA compared. Mean net fluid balance volumes in balanced (n = 16) and imbalanced (n = 20) patient subsets were 231.41 ± 155.44 and 1050.18 ± 548.77 mL, respectively. Total body water (TBW) (p = 0.091), extracellular water (ECW) (p = 0.125), ECW/TBW (p = 0.740), and intracellular water (ICW) (p = 0.173) did not fluctuate significantly in fluid-balanced patients. Although TBW (p = 0.069) in fluid-imbalanced patients did not change significantly (relative to baseline), ECW (p = 0.001), ECW/TBW (p = 0.019), and ICW (p = 0.012) showed significant postoperative increases. The exploration of fluid dynamics using BIA has shown importance of balanced fluid management during perioperative period. Increased ECW/TBW in fluid-imbalanced patients suggests possible causality for the development of ascites or fluid collections during postoperative period in patients undergoing HPB operations.

We discuss a teaching experiment that explored two pre-service secondary teachers’ meanings for the unit circle. Our analyses suggest that the participants’ initial unit circle meanings predominantly consisted of calculational strategies for relating a given circle to what they called “the unit circle.” These strategies did not entail conceiving a circle’s radius as a unit of measure. In response, we implemented tasks designed to focus the participants’ attention on various measurement ideas including conceiving a circle’s radius as a unit magnitude. Against the backdrop of the participants’ actions on these tasks, we characterize shifts in the participants’ unit circle meanings and we briefly describe how these shifts influenced their ability to use the unit circle in trigonometric situations.

The focus of this paper is on devising designer-friendly hull-form variations coupled with optimization algorithms. Hull-form variations are carried out through parametric modification functions. Two kinds of representative optimization algorithms are considered here. One is the well-known sequential quadratic programming which is the derivative based. The other is particle swarm optimization which is the derivative free. The results applying these two algorithms to typical hull-form optimization problems are discussed in the paper. The technique using the parametric modification functions has been developed for modifying the ship’s geometry according to the widely recognized naval architect’s design practice. An original geometry can be easily deformed through the change of the variables of the modification functions; and useful information about the effect of the parameters is immediately obtained. Moreover, the variables of the modification functions can be considered as the design variables in the formulation of the optimization problem. For the performance prediction of the hull form, WAVIS version 1.3 is used for the potential-flow and RANS solver. Computational results for both single- and multi-objective problems are presented.

The possibility of using additive enzymes to improve the saccharification of lignocellulosic substrates with commercial cellulolytic enzymes was studied. Reed (Phragmites communis) and rice (Oryza sativa) straw powders were pretreated with NaOH/steam via a high-temperature explosion system. The saccharification of untreated reed and rice straw powders by commercial enzymes (Celluclast 1.5 L + Novozym 188) was not significantly increased by the addition of xylanases (Xyn10J, XynX), a cellulase (Cel6H), and a β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (BGlc8H) with broad substrate specificity. The saccharification of the pretreated reed and rice straw powders by the commercial enzymes was increased by 10.4 and 4.8 %, respectively, by the addition of BGlc8H. In the presence of Ca2+ and BGlc8H, the saccharification of the pretreated reed and rice straw powders by the commercial enzymes was increased by 18.5 and 11.7 %, respectively. No such effect of Ca2+ was observed with Xyn10J, XynX, or Cel6H. The results suggest that the enzymatic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to reducing sugars could be enhanced by certain additive enzymes such as β-1,3-1,4-glucanase, and that the enhancement could further be increased by Ca2+.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction and shares clinical, neuropsychological, and personality characteristics with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but IGD dose not entail brain exposure to toxic agents, which renders it different from AUD. To achieve a clear understanding of the neurobiological features of IGD, we aimed to identify morphological and functional changes in IGD and compare them with those in AUD. Individuals with IGD showed larger volume in the hippocampus/amygdala and precuneus than healthy controls (HCs). The volume in the hippocampus positively correlated with the symptom severity of IGD. Moreover, functional connectivity analysis with the hippocampus/amygdala cluster revealed that the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex showed stronger functional connectivity in individuals with IGD compared to those with AUD. In contrast, individuals with AUD exhibited the smaller cerebellar volume and thinner medial frontal cortex than HCs. The volume in the cerebellum correlated with impaired working memory function as well as duration of illness in AUD group. Findings suggested that altered volume and functional connectivity in the hippocampus/amygdala in IGD might be associated with abnormally enhanced memory process of gaming-related cues, while abnormal cortical changes and cognitive impairments in AUD might be associated with neurotoxic effects of alcohol.

A β-1,3-1,4 glucanase gene of Paenibacillus sp. X4, bglc8H, was cloned and characterized. BGlc8H was predicted to be a protein of 409 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 31 amino acids. The mature enzyme was predicted to have 378 amino acid residues; its [corrected] molecular mass and pI were estimated as 41,561 Da and 7.61, respectively. BGlc8H belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH8). Site-directed mutants of Glu95 and Asp156 of BGlc8H showed a near-complete loss of activity, indicating that they are catalytically-active residues. Unlike other GH8 members, BGlc8H had broad substrate specificity and hydrolyzed barley-β-D-glucanchitosancarboxymethyl-celluloseand lichenan. BGlc8H had a lower ratio of lichenase/barley-β-D-glucanase activities compared to GH16 enzymes. BGlc8H was optimally active at pH 5 and 50 °C, except for barley-β-D-glucanase (40 °C) and chitosanase (pH 7) activities. BGlc8H hydrolyzed cello-oligosaccharides (G3-G6) to G3 and G2 but not to G1. Ca(2+) increased the activity and thermostability of BGlc8H for lichenan suggesting its use for the saccharification of cellulosic biomass.

It has been reported that Astragalus membranaceus, an Asian traditional herb, has an estrogenic effect in vitro. To examine the possible role of A. membranaceus extract with supplemental calcium (Ca) on bone status in calcium-deficient (LCa) ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a total of 48 female rats were divided into six groups: (1) normal control, (2) sham operation with LCa (sham-LCa), (3) OVX with LCa (OVX-LCa), (4) A. membranaceus supplementation with OVX-LCa (OVX-MLCa), (5) Ca supplementation with OVX (OVX-Ca), and (6) A. membranaceus and Ca supplementation with OVX (OVX-MCa). A. membranaceus ethanol extract (500 mg/kg BW) and/or Ca (800 mg/kg BW) were administered orally for 8 weeks along with a Ca-deficient diet. Results revealed that Ca supplementation with or without A. membranaceus extract significantly improved bone mineral density, biomechanical strength, and ash weight of the femur and tibia in OVX rats. High Ca with A. membranaceus combination supplementation significantly increased the ash weight of the femur and tibia and decreased urinary Ca excretion compared with supplementation of Ca alone. Uterine weight was not changed by A. membranaceus administration in OVX rats. These results suggest that A. membranaceus extract combined with supplemental Ca may be more protective against the Ca loss of bone than A. membranaceus or supplementation of Ca alone in calcium-insufficient postmenopausal women.

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is an inflammatory cytokine that exerts marked effects on neuronal function and survival. Here we examined the effects of IL-1β on synapses between rat hippocampal neurons in culture using an imaging-based assay to quantify clusters of the scaffolding protein postsynaptic density 95 fused to green fluorescent protein. Treatment with IL-1β for 24 h induced a 23 ± 3% loss in the number of synaptic sites. Pharmacological studies indicated that synapse loss was mediated by the IL-1 receptor with subsequent activation of two pathways. COX2-mediated prostaglandin production and postsynaptic activation of a Src family tyrosine kinase were required. Presynaptic release of glutamate with subsequent activation of NMDA receptors was necessary for IL-1β-induced synapse loss. Neither Src activation nor prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) application alone was sufficient to reduce the number of synapses. However, in cells expressing constitutively active or pharmacologically activated Src, PGE2 induced synapse loss. Thus, IL-1β reduces the number of synaptic connections by simultaneously activating multiple pathways that require both pre- and post-synaptic activity. These results highlight targets that may prove important for pharmacotherapy of neuroinflammatory disease.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating disorder of the lung by various causes and its cardinal features are tissue inflammation, pulmonary edema, low lung compliance, and widespread capillary leakage. Among phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), PI3K-γ isoform has been shown to play an important role in a number of immune/inflammatory responses. We investigated the role of PI3K-γ and its molecular basis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI using a selective inhibitor for PI3K-γ, AS 605240, and LPS-treated C57BL/6 mice. Treatment of mice with LPS showed an increase of lung inflammation and vascular leakage. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-4, adhesion molecule, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also increased. Administration of AS 605240 to LPS-treated mice markedly reduced the pathophysiological features of ALI and the increased production of ROS, cytokines, adhesion molecule, and VEGF in the lung. Our results also showed that treatment of mice with LPS activates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and degradation of inhibitory κBα (IκBα) through PI3K-γ. Additionally, infiltration of dendritic cells (DCs) and expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were significantly increased in the lung of LPS-treated mice, and inhibition of PI3K-γ reduced the infiltration of DCs and TLR4 expression in the lung. These results indicate that PI3K-γ is critically involved in LPS-induced ALI by regulating IκBα/NF-κB pathway and innate immune responses. Based on our data, we suggest that PI3K-γ isoform is a promising target for the treatment of ALI.

Mathematical events from classrooms were used as stimuli to encourage mathematical discussion in two groups of mathematics teachers at the secondary level. Each event was accompanied by an analysis of mathematics that would be useful to the teacher in such a situation. The Situations, mathematical events and analyses, were used originally to create a framework describing the Mathematical Proficiency for Teaching at the Secondary Level, and then they were used with both Prospective and Practicing teachers to validate the framework. Teachers involved in the validation research claimed that the process was instructional. The process is explained, and teachers’ quotes provide evidence that the experience provoked changes in teachers’ understanding of mathematics. This process, which builds on mathematical events from the classroom, holds potential as a professional development experience that helps teachers expand their expertise in teaching mathematics.

The aerodynamic characteristics of NACA6409 in the vicinity of the ground were experimentally studied in a wind tunnel. Lift and drag forces, the pitching moment, and the center of pressure were measured with respect to various major aerodynamic parameters, such as the ground clearance, the angle of attack, the aspect ratio (AR), and the endplate type, which resulted in a total number of 420 conditions. In addition, a smoke trace test was conducted to visualize the flow pattern around NACA6409 in the vicinity of the ground. As a result of the ground effect and the influence of the endplate, the lift-to-drag ratio increased at low ground clearance and the center of pressure moved forward to the leading edge; that is, the endplate and ground effects were equivalent to the aerodynamic advantage that results from increasing the AR of the wing. Extended experimental results are useful for understanding the aerodynamic characteristics influenced by each aerodynamic parameter during ground effect as well as for verifying numerical simulation.

An optimization technique was used to generate a wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) configuration which can achieve the maximum lift and satisfy the height stability criteria within the design constraints. For the analysis of the aerodynamic coefficients, the vortex lattice method (VLM) was applied with the inviscid and potential flow approximations. The sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method, which is a nonlinear optimization method, was employed as an optimization tool. The lift and moment coefficients, including the stability analysis computed by VLM, were compared with the experimental results of a medium-sized WIG, and a good correlation was found between them. In addition, the optimization tool was validated by finding the optimal position of the side wing attached on the WIG craft. Then, various optimum examples are shown, with generation of the wing section, the determination of the planform configuration, the aspect ratio, and the position of the tail wing within the design constraints. It was shown that the present optimization tool can be used effectively for the optimal design of a WIG craft.

Heat shock protein (HSP) 90 is of interest as an anticancer drug target because of its importance in maintaining the conformation, stability and function of the client proteins involved in signal transduction pathways leading to proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Geldanamycin, a specific antagonist of HSP90, binds directly to HSP90 and promotes proteolytic degradation of client proteins of HSP90. The aim of the present study was to identify novel client proteins of HSP90 and to elucidate HSP90 function through inhibition of HSP90 binding to its client proteins, by using of geldanamycin. We investigated changes in protein profile when apoptosis was induced by exposure to geldanamycin. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. The vimentin level was found to decrease dramatically by the treatment of geldanamycin. We observed subcellular co-localization of vimentin and HSP90. Physical association of vimentin with HSP90 was detected by an immunoprecipitation assay. The caspase inhibitors, Z-VAD-FMK and Ac-DEVD-CHO, completely abolished geldanamycin-induced cleavage of vimentin. Changes of HSP90 level by antisense treatment or transfection of HSP90-overexpressing vector affected geldanamycin-induced cleavage of vimentin. These results suggest that HSP90 protects vimentin by physical interaction in the geldanamycin-induced apoptotic pathway.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients and an appropriate detection of metastasis can provide better prognosis and quality treatments. Microwaves can reveal the unique electromagnetic properties of materials, and this study aims to unleash the electromagnetic properties of breast cancer cells, especially, metastasized cancer cells in the lymph nodes, using broad-band microwaves in attempts to detect metastases. To distinguish the cancer-specific patterns of cancer tissues, three primary microwave parameters were assessed, i.e., permittivity in mid-band frequency (3-5 GHz), conductivity in high-band frequencies (25-30 GHz) and slope changes of permittivity at high-band frequencies (15-30 GHz). An additional parameter, Cancer Metastasis Index (CMI), was developed to effectively represent all parameters. Broadband microwave scanning can reveal cancer specific electromagnetic behaviors in all three parameters, and these were reliably reflected by CMI. CMI effectively magnified the difference of the electromagnetic properties between normal nodal tissues and cancer tissues. immunohistochemistries were performed to verify the origin of electromagnetic changes represented by CMI values.

The elevated expression of 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) induces resistance to stress-induced apoptosis. We have screened a variety of natural products for their ability to enhance Hsp70 expression as anti-apoptotic agent. We found that glucuronic acid (GA) induced the synthesis of Hsp70 and that cells pretreated with GA were significantly tolerant to stress including heat shock and hydrogen peroxide. We also found that GA induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process inhibited by NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). GA-induced ROS production was also inhibited in RacN17 cell line overexpressing a dominant negative mutant of Rac1. Furthermore, GA treatment induces MAPKs activation (SAPK/JNK and p38) and Hsp70 expression in ROS dependent manner, suggesting that GA turns on the signaling pathway by generation of ROS through Rac1. We analyzed the profiles of newly synthesized proteins by GA with 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF MS and found that two families of proteins were expressed by GA. One was similar to the protein family synthesized by heat shock (Hsp70, Hsp73, Hsp65, Hsp90, vimentin, tubulin, Ras homolog); and the other was a family of protein specific to GA (calreticulin, annexin III, thioredoxin peroxidase). These results suggest that GA-induced stress responses are mediated by ROS generation and are similar, in part, to heat shock-induced responses and GA can be possibly adopted for the protecting agent from cell death.

The glycoprotein UDP-N-acetylglucosamine: beta-D-mannoside-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-III (GnT-III) catalyzes the addition of N-acetylglucosamine via a beta-1, 4-linkage to the beta-linked mannose of the trimannosyl core of N-linked glycans. It has been reported that the expression of GnT-III increases in many oncogenically transformed cells and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, and GnT-III enzyme activity in serum can be used for the detection and monitoring of primary hepatomas and hepatocellular carcinomas. A solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay in which a polyclonal antibody (PAb) to aglycosylrecombinant GnT-III (AGR-GnT-III) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) are employed as a capture protein and probe protein, respectively, is described. The sensitivity of the PAb-mAb sandwich assay, as determined by the dose-response effect for AGR-GnT-III, was 10 ng/ml. This assay was specific for GnT-III and did not detect beta-1, 6-N-acetylglucosaminyltrasferase-V (GnT-V). AGR-GnT-III concentrations in 377 serum specimens were determined by the PAb-mAb sandwich assay and the results were analyzed based on the disease category, using 1.99 microg/mL (AGR-GnT-III) as a cut-off value. The AGR-GnT-III level of 61 normal serum samples was 0.57 +/- 0.71 microg/ml (mean +/- SD). The results revealed an elevation in serum AGR-GnT-III levels in 60 of 86 patients (3.03 +/- 2.04 microg/ml) with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 86 of 91 patients (2.73 +/- 0.59 microg/ml) with chronic hepatitis (CH). By contrast, 3 of 61 normal subjects, 9 of 34 patients (1.02 +/- 1.03 microg/ml) with acute hepatitis and 8 of 38 patients (1.79 +/- 0.56 microg/ml) with a variety of non-hepatic diseases exhibited a slight increase above the cut-off value. These results indicate that serum AGR-GnT-III levels are elevated predominantly in LC or CH cases. Serum AGR-GnT-III concentration, as measured by the developed PAb-mAb sandwich assay, may be a useful differential marker as a diagnostic aid for CH and/or LC and warrants further investigations with expanded serum panels.

Reinforced PEO-based polymer electrolytes were prepared by UV curing method. In this study, nonwoven sheets which were polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene were used for that purpose. To enhance the ionic conductivity of reinforced PEO-based polymer electrolytes, oligomeric poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether was added as a plasticizer, which is a sort of nonvolatile chemicals. The reinforced PEO-based polymer electrolytes showed the ionic conductivity of around 1.2 × 10−4 S/cm at 30°C, which was a little bit lower than the value of not reinforced one, that is pristine UV cured SPE. Even though the reinforced PEO-based polymer electrolytes didn't have any organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate, lithium ionic type polymer cell containing the polymer electrolyte showed reasonable specific discharge capacity of 116 mAh/g at room temperature.

A β-1,3-1,4 glucanase gene of Paenibacillus sp. X4, bglc8H, was cloned and characterized. BGlc8H was predicted to be a protein of 409 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 31 amino acids. The mature enzyme was predicted to have 378 amino acid residues; ITS molecular mass and pI were estimated as 41,561 Da and 7.61, respectively. BGlc8H belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH8). Site-directed mutants of Glu95 and Asp156 of BGlc8H showed a near-complete loss of activity, indicating that they are catalytically-active residues. Unlike other GH8 members, BGlc8H had broad substrate specificity and hydrolyzed barley-β-D-glucan > chitosan > carboxymethyl-cellulose > and lichenan. BGlc8H had a lower ratio of lichenase/barley-β-d-glucanase activities compared to GH16 enzymes. BGlc8H was optimally active at pH 5 and 50 °C, except for barley-β-d-glucanase (40 °C) and chitosanase (pH 7) activities. BGlc8H hydrolyzed cello-oligosaccharides (G3–G6) to G3 and G2 but not to G1. Ca2+ increased the activity and thermostability of BGlc8H for lichenan suggesting its use for the saccharification of cellulosic biomass.

This paper proposes a soft-switching CSI for a photovoltaic power system which has an H-type switched-capacitor module composed of two semiconductor switches, two diodes and an L-C resonant circuit. The operation of the proposed system was analyzed using a theoretical approach with equivalent circuits and verified by computer simulations using a simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis and experimental work with a hardware prototype. The proposed system could be effectively applied to the power converter of a photovoltaic power system interconnected with an a.c. power system.