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In this study, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive hydrogel sensor (PD/MnO2 hydrogel) is developed that can efficiently detect senescent cells. Using immature murine articular chondrocytes with serial passages, the sensor can identify small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPARα) based on the concentration of ROS in cells, simultaneously maintaining its balance via scavenging activity to prevent cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). The hydrogel sensor exhibits a change in electronic properties, with a distinct resistance from 201.9 kΩ for P0 to 362.9 kΩ for P3, and fluorescence off/on performance with an increase in passaging time. In vitro investigation using PPARα‐specific siRNA reveals a correlation between pressure sensitivity and senescent activity, wherein an elevation in observed signal occurred (41.5%). In vivo analysis reveals significant decrease in degradation of the cartilage of both young, 3 months old aged, 18 months old, and PPARα−/− mice compared to PPARα+/+ mice based on safranin O stains. The expression level of interleukin‐1β is reduced in the cartilage of aged PPARα−/− mice after implantation with hydrogel, indicating the potential of PD/MnO2 hydrogel as a therapeutic modality against OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: asthma; COVID-19; negative conversion; prevalence; risk factor; SARS-CoV-2 EN asthma COVID-19 negative conversion prevalence risk factor SARS-CoV-2 918 921 4 03/09/21 20210301 NES 210301 The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a worsening global health crisis. The prevalence of asthma in patients with COVID-19 was 3.2% which was similar to the prevalence of asthma in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (Figure 1A and Table S1). This study used the database to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 according to asthma in adult patients. [Extracted from the article]

Cancer cell‐triggered sol–gel transformation of mineralized hydrogel (PAA‐MnO2) is designed as a facile strategy for cancer detection by manipulating the mineralization process in the presence of cancer cells. The mineralization of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with calcium phosphate via carboxyl‐Ca2+ complex is initially inhibited by the incorporation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive manganese oxide (MnO2) with polymer dots (PDs). In this system, the mineralization can be induced after cleaving MnO2 into Mn2+ by high ROS levels in cancer cells, forming a PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel and resulting in a naked‐eye system for cancer monitoring. Naked‐eye monitoring of ROS‐responsive sol–gel transformation is performed using a circulator device containing circulating cells to discriminate cancer (HeLa, PC‐3, B16F10) from normal cells (CHO‐K1). With the incorporation of PDs, PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel not only provides physical transformation (stretchability, viscosity) but also fluorescence‐recovery and electroconductivity changes at different cancer‐cell concentrations (104–106 cells mL−1), including distinct strain–pressure responses that can be wirelessly monitored via smartphones. Furthermore, in vivo, experiments suggest that PAA‐MnO2 mineralized hydrogel can be formed in tumor‐bearing mice owing to its excellent ROS‐scavenging activity at the tumor site, as confirmed by SOD2 and gene‐expression analysis. Thus, this unique approach can potentially enable simple and effective cancer detection in future point‐of‐care diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive review of the ocean wave technology and prospects of the wave energy penetration to cater to clean global energy demand. An ocean wave is a remarkable energy resource, but it presents a very small share in the global energy mix because of various challenges and limitations encountered to unleash its potential. This study evaluates intensively the complex barriers to the ocean energy technology deployment. The existing and prospective major wave energy projects are extensively examined to identify the learned lessons and optimise possible technological solutions to close the gap in the energy market. Furthermore, limiting and motivating factors to foster the global wave energy potential growth are deeply discussed to ignite new research directions and promising solutions. In particular, the wave energy converters as the underpinning enabling technology are fully investigated regarding their technical readiness, reliability, competitiveness and critical challenges. To complete the power equation, possible energy conversion stages, grid connection and integration issues are dealt with in a broad view of the wave energy power system. Eventually, this study aims at providing an updated ocean wave technology review and progress while introducing new research gap to fast-track contributions in the global energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though increasing evidence indicates the importance of peroxisomal lipid metabolism in regulating biological and pathological events, its involvement in cartilage development has not been well studied. Here, we identified the importance of peroxisomal function, particularly the functional integrity of ABCD2, in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Knockdown of ABCD2 in OA chondrocytes induced the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and apoptotic cell death. Moreover, knockdown of ABCD2 altered profiles of miRNAs that affect the expression level of ACSL4, a known direct regulator of lipid metabolism. Suppression of ACSL4 in human chondrocytes‐induced VLCFA accumulation, MMP‐13 expression, and apoptotic cell death. In vivo morph‐down of the ACSL4 homologue in zebrafish resulted in significant defects in cartilage development and in vivo knockdown of ACSL4 in cartilage tissue of an OA model mice promoted severe cartilage degradation. In summary, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting that the regulatory network among peroxisomal ABCD2:ACSL4:VLCFA serves as a novel regulator of cartilage homeostasis, and these data may provide novel insights into the role of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism in pathogenesis of human OA. Significance of the study: Our study indicates that peroxisomal dysfunction is closely related to OA pathogenesis. Particularly, the functional integrity of ABCD2 may play an important role in OA pathogenesis via the accumulation of VLCFAs and stimulation of apoptotic death through altering profiles of miRNAs that target ACSL4. Our findings suggest that targeting the regulatory network among the peroxisomal ABCD2:ACSL4:VLCFA axis may provide a new potential therapeutic strategy for OA pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in cellular metabolism and development. Various diseases have been associated with aberrant expression of lncRNAs and the related dysregulation of mRNAs. An lncRNA profiling assay was carried out to identify the key lncRNA in osteoarthritic human synoviocytes; the results revealed that prostate cancer gene expression marker 1 (PCGEM1) was significantly overexpressed in osteoarthritic synoviocytes. Exogenous overexpression of PCGEM1 inhibited apoptosis, induced autophagy, and stimulated the proliferation of human synoviocytes. The increased expression of PCGEM1 in human synoviocytes also suppressed the expression of miR-770. Transfection of the miR-770 precursor resulted in reduced proliferation, and induced apoptosis of human synoviocytes. This effect of miR-770 expression was reversed by co-introduction of PCGEM1. Target validation showed a direct binding between PCGEM1 and miR-770. We demonstrate that PCGEM1 act as sponge lncRNA for miR-770 that regulates proliferation/apoptosis and autophagy, and suggest PCGEM1 as possible target for OA therapy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:412-418, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism underlying the association between one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation during chronic degenerative joint disorder, osteoarthritis ( OA). Articular chondrocytes were isolated from human OA cartilage and normal cartilage biopsied, and the degree of cartilage degradation was determined by safranin O staining. We found that the expression levels of SHMT-2 and MECP-2 were increased in OA chondrocytes, and 3′ UTR reporter assays showed that SHMT-2 and MECP-2 are the direct targets of mi R-370 and mi R-373, respectively, in human articular chondrocytes. Our experiments showed that mi R-370 and mi R-373 levels were significantly lower in OA chondrocytes compared to normal chondrocytes. Overexpression of mi R-370 or mi R-373, or knockdown of SHMT-2 or MECP-2 reduced both MMP-13 expression and apoptotic cell death in cultured OA chondrocytes. In vivo, we found that introduction of mi R-370 or mi R-373 into the cartilage of mice that had undergone destabilization of the medial meniscus ( DMM) surgery significantly reduced the cartilage destruction in this model, whereas introduction of SHMT-2 or MECP-2 increased the severity of cartilage destruction. Together, these results show that mi R-370 and mi R-373 contribute to the pathogenesis of OA and act as negative regulators of SHMT-2 and MECP-2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, MOS-triggered silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)-based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits for mobile application in 3.3 V I/O and SCR-based ESD protection circuits with floating N+/P+ diffusion regions for inverter and light-emitting diode driver applications in 20 V power clamps were designed. The breakdown voltage is induced by a grounded-gate NMOS (ggNMOS) in the MOS-triggered SCR-based ESD protection circuit for 3.3 V I/O. This lowers the breakdown voltage of the SCR by providing a trigger current to the P-well of the SCR. However, the operation resistance is increased compared to SCR, because additional diffusion regions increase the overall resistance of the protection circuit. To overcome this problem, the number of ggNMOS fingers was increased. The ESD protection circuit for the power clamp application at 20 V had a breakdown voltage of 23 V; the product of a high holding voltage by the N+/P+ floating diffusion region. The trigger voltage was improved by the partial insertion of a P-body to narrow the gap between the trigger and holding voltages. The ESD protection circuits for low- and high-voltage applications were designed using 0.18 µm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS technology, with 100 µm width. Electrical characteristics and robustness are analyzed by a transmission line pulse measurement and an ESD pulse generator (ESS-6008). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases even in adolescents. The evidence that MetS is associated with the periodontal diseases in adolescents has been understudied. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association between MetS parameters and gingivitis in adolescents. Material and methods A total of 941 participants (590 boys, 351 girls), aged 12-18 years was selected from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey, which had had information on waist circumference, blood pressure, serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein ( HDL) cholesterol, and the fasting blood sugar and community periodontal Index ( CPI). Results The number of positive parameters of MetS showed significant positive correlation with gingivitis; adjusted and crude ORs with one positive parameters of MetS were 1.92 (95% CI: 1.21-3.04) and 1.88(95% CI: 1.28-2.76), respectively. And adjusted OR with three or more positive parameters of MetS was 3.29 (95% CI: 1.24-8.71). Among five parameters of MetS, Low HDL-cholesterol showed significant association with gingivitis (crude OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.20-3.73; adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.24-3.12). Conclusions Having more positive parameters of MetS and low HDL-cholesterol parameter had an independent relationship with the prevalence of gingivitis, which may be determinants for the future periodontal diseases even in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Growth Arrest-Specific 5 (GAS5) is known to negatively regulate cell survival and is aberrantly expressed in several cancers. The influence of GAS5 on osteoarthritis (OA) has not been determined. To address this, articular chondrocytes were isolated from relatively normal (Non-OA) and clear OA regions (OA) of cartilage in total knee replacement (TKR) patients and biopsied normal cartilage. We found that GAS5 was up-regulated in OA chondrocytes compared with Non-OA and normal chondrocytes. The over-expression of GAS5 increased the expression levels of several MMPs, such as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4; stimulated apoptosis; and suppressed autophagic responses. Furthermore, we subsequently identified miR-21 as a regulator of GAS5 during OA pathogenesis. The expression level of miR-21 was significantly reduced in OA patients, and the ectopic expression of GAS5 is capable of suppressing miR-21 induction. Consistent with GAS5 experiments, the introduction of miR-21 stimulated the apoptosis of chondrocytes and inhibited the expression levels of autophagic complexes, including LC-3B. In vivo, we found that the introduction of miR-21 into the cartilage of OA mice significantly stimulated cartilage destruction. Together, these results show that GAS5 contributes to the pathogenesis of OA by acting as a negative regulator of miR-21 and thereby regulating cell survival. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1628-1635, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Airway hyperresponsiveness is a common feature of asthma. Methacholine and mannitol are two representative agonists for bronchial challenge. They have theoretically different mechanisms of action, and may have different diagnostic properties. However, their difference has not been directly evaluated among Korean adults. In this study, we compare the diagnostic properties of methacholine and mannitol bronchial provocation tests. Methods Asthmatic patients and non-asthmatic controls were recruited prospectively from four referral hospitals in Korea. Participants were challenged with each of methacholine and mannitol inhalation on different days. Their diagnostic utility was evaluated by calculating their sensitivity and specificity for asthma diagnosis. Response-dose ratio was also compared. Results A total of 50 asthmatic adults and 54 controls were enrolled (mean age 43.8 years). The sensitivity and specificity of mannitol challenge (defined by a PD15 of <635 mg) were 48.0% and 92.6%, respectively, whereas those of methacholine (defined by a PC20 of <16 mg/mL) were 42.0% and 98.1%, respectively. Twenty asthmatic participants (24%) showed positive response to a single agonist only. In the receiver operating curve analyses using response-dose ratio values, area under the curve was 0.77 (95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.68-0.86) for mannitol, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95) for methacholine. The correlations between log- transformed mannitol and methacholine response-dose ratios were significant but moderate ( r = 0.683, P < 0.001). Conclusions The present study demonstrated overall similar diagnostic properties of two diagnostic tests, but also suggested their intercomplementary roles for asthma. The clinical trial registration number at ClinicalTrial.gov is NCT02104284. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Fe2O3 spherical particles having an average diameter of ca. 420 nm and α-Fe2O3 fine particles (< 10 µm particle size) were prepared to examine as catalysts for CO oxidation. Kinetic studies on the catalytic reactions were performed in a flow reactor using an on-line gas chromatography system operated at 1 atm. The apparent activation energies and the partial orders with respect to CO and O2 were determined from the rates of CO disappearance in the reaction stage showing a constant catalytic activity. In the temperature range of 150-275 °C, the apparent activation energies were calculated to be 13.7 kcal/mol on the α-Fe2O3 spherical submicron clusters and 15.0 kcal/mol on the α-Fe2O3 fine powder. The Pco and Po2 dependencies of rate were investigated at various partial pressures of CO and O2 at 250 °C. Zero-order kinetics were observed for O2 on both the catalysts, but the reaction order for CO was observed as first-order on the α-Fe2O3 fine powder and 0.75-order on the α-Fe2O3 spherical submicron clusters. The catalytic processes including the inhibition process by CO2 on the α-Fe2O3 spherical submicron powder are discussed according to the kinetic results. The catalysts were characterized using XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission-scanning electron microscopy), HR-TEM (high resolution-transmission electron microscopy), and N2 sorption measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin has been shown to exert a variety of beneficial human health effects. However, mechanisms by which curcumin acts are poorly understood. In this study, we report that curcumin activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased glucose uptake in rat L6 myotubes. In addition, curcumin activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)3/6-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in the downstream of the AMPK cascade. Moreover, inhibition of either AMPK or p38 MAPK resulted in blockage of curcumin-induced glucose uptake. Furthermore, the administration of curcumin to mice increased AMPK phosphorylation in the skeletal muscles. Taken together, these results indicate that the beneficial health effect of curcumin can be explained by its ability to activate AMPK-p38 MAPK pathways in skeletal muscles. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:771–778, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1263–1274. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by deposition of misfolded/aggregated α-synuclein proteins in multiple regions of the brain. Neurons can release α-synuclein; through this release, pathological forms of α-synuclein are propagated between neurons, and also cause neuroinflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that release of α-synuclein is consistently increased under various protein misfolding stress conditions in both neuroblastoma and primary neuron models. This release is mediated by a non-classical, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi-independent exocytosis, and stress-induced release coincides with increased translocation of α-synuclein into vesicles. Both vesicle translocation and secretion were blocked by attachment of a highly stable, globular protein to α-synuclein, whereas forced protein misfolding resulted in an increase in both of these activities. Mass spectrometry analysis showed a higher degree of oxidative modification in secreted α-synuclein than in the cellular protein. Together, these results suggest that structurally abnormal, damaged α-synuclein proteins translocate preferentially into vesicles and are released from neuronal cells via exocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a skeletal catabolic agent that stimulates osteoclastogenesis and inhibits osteoblast function. Although TNF-α inhibits the mineralization of osteoblasts, the effect of TNF-α on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is not clear. In this study, we determined the effect of TNF-α on osteogenic differentiation of stromal cells derived from human adipose tissue (hADSC) and the role of NF-κB activation on TNF-α activity. TNF-α treatment dose-dependently increased osteogenic differentiation over the first 3 days of treatment. TNF-α activated ERK and increased NF-κB promoter activity. PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor, blocked the osteogenic differentiation induced by TNF-α and TLR-ligands, but U102, an ERK inhibitor, did not. Overexpression of miR-146a induced the inhibition of IRAK1 expression and inhibited basal and TNF-α- and TLR ligand-induced osteogenic differentiation. TNF-α and TLR ligands increased the expression of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which was inhibited by the addition of PDTC. A ChIP assay showed that p65 was bound to the TAZ promoter. TNF-α also increased osteogenic differentiation of human gastroepiploic artery smooth muscle cells. Our data indicate that TNF-α enhances osteogenic differentiation of hADSC via the activation of NF-κB and a subsequent increase of TAZ expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 168–177, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, is transmitted by aphids in a non-persistent manner. It has been well documented that the helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) plays a role as a ‘bridge’ between virion particles and aphid stylets in the aphid transmission of potyviruses. Several motifs, including the KITC and PTK motifs on HC-Pro and the DAG motif on the coat protein (CP), have been found to be involved in aphid transmission. Previously, we have shown strong interaction between SMV CP and HC-Pro in a yeast two-hybrid system (YTHS). In this report, we further analysed this CP–HC-Pro interaction based on YTHS and an in vivo binding assay to identify crucial amino acid residues for this interaction. Through this genetic approach, we identified two additional amino acid residues (H256 on CP and R455 on HC-Pro), as well as G12 on the DAG motif, crucial for the CP–HC-Pro interaction. We introduced mutations into the identified residues using an SMV infectious clone and showed that these mutations affected the efficiency of aphid transmission of SMV. We also investigated the involvement of the PTK and DAG motifs in the CP–HC-Pro interaction and aphid transmission of SMV. Our results support the concept that physical interaction between CP and HC-Pro is important for potyviral aphid transmission. Based on the combination of our current results with previous findings, the possibility that aphid transmission may be regulated by more complex molecular interactions than the simple involvement of HC-Pro as a bridge is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of approaches for integrating GIS and qualitative research have emerged in recent years, as part of a resurgence of interest in mixed methods research in geography. These efforts to integrate qualitative data and qualitative analysis techniques complement a longstanding focus in GIScience upon ways of handling qualitative forms of spatial data and reasoning in digital environments, and extend engagements with ‘the qualitative’ in GIScience to include discussions of research methodologies. This article contributes to these emerging qualitative GIS methodologies by describing the structures and functions of ‘computer-aided qualitative GIS’ (CAQ-GIS), an approach for storing and analyzing qualitative, quantitative, and geovisual data in both GIS and computer aided data analysis software. CAQ-GIS uses modified structures from conventional desktop GIS to support storage of qualitative data and analytical codes, together with a parallel coding and analysis process carried out with GIS and a computer-aided data analysis software package. The inductive mixed methods analysis potential of CAQ-GIS is demonstrated with examples from research on children's urban geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a methodology to predict radiated emission from the printed circuit boards (PCBs) excited by switching noise of integrated circuits (ICs). Radiation characteristics of PCBs were simulated by using commercial 3D full-wave softwares. IC's switching noise was obtained by measurement. The radiated emission can be calculated by these two factors. To verify the calculation, test PCBs composed of power and ground plane were designed and measured in a 3 m semi-anechoic chamber. The calculated radiated emission showed a good agreement with the measured results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2262–2266, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24603 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Members of both the Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) families of signaling molecules have been implicated in the regulation of cartilage development. We explored the underlying mechanism of BMP-2-induced chondrocyte commitment of C3H10T1/2 cells. Treating cells with exogenous BMP-2 was tied to chondrocyte commitment by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity (MMP-9: 92kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase B). Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibition by its specific inhibitor blocked BMP-2-induced chondrocyte commitment by stimulating MMP-9 activity. These findings indicate that the downregulation of MMP-9 by BMP-2 is associated with chondrocyte commitment, and that the GSK-3β signaling pathway is involved in this process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The susceptibility of Blattella germanica (L.) in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to insecticides was evaluated under laboratory conditions using 12 insecticides currently used by the local public health centers and/or pest control operators in the ROK. The insecticides included seven pyrethroids and five organophosphates. Based on their LD50 values, the order of susceptibility of B. germanica adults to the insecticides was chlorpyrifos-methyl, profenofos and chlorpyrifos with values of 0.07, 0.29 and 0.88 µg/♀, respectively. The least susceptibility was obtained with tetramethrin at LD50 of 7.39 µg/♀. In the comparative resistance test, the resistance ratios (RR) of 12 insecticides were compared to each other using field-collected B. germanica adults in Seoul between 1993 and 2007. Blattella germanica demonstrated higher RRs to pyrethroids such as λ-cyhalothrin, and low RRs among the organophosphates. Among the pyrethroids, λ-cyhalothrin had the highest RRs of 111- and 129-fold differences at LD50 and LD90 values, respectively. Among the organophosphates, profenofos was observed to have the highest RRs of 4- and 15-fold differences at LD50 and LD90 values, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in susceptibility to tetramethrin, chlorpyrifos and fenitrothion. Blattella germanica was more susceptible to pyridafenthion showing a 0.7-fold difference in a resistance ratio (RRLD50= LD50 value of 2007/LD50 value of 1993). Resistance ratio of tetramethrin was low, but susceptibility was also not high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility of members of the Anopheles sinensis Group in Korea to insecticides was evaluated under laboratory conditions using 15 insecticides currently used by local public health centers in Korea. The insecticides included eight pyrethroids, six organophosphates and a pyrazol analogue. Based on their LC50 values, the order of susceptibility of An. sinensis larvae to the insecticides was bifenthrin, chlorfenapyr, α-cypermethrin and λ-cyhalothrin, with values of 0.009, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 p.p.m., respectively. The least susceptibility was obtained with fenitrothion, with an LC50 of 7.7 p.p.m. In the comparative resistance test, the resistance ratios (RR) of 14 insecticides were compared to each other using two strains of members of the An. sinensis Group collected in the locality in 2001 and 2008. Anopheles spp. demonstrated higher RR to organophosphates such as fenthion, and low RR for the pyrethroids. Among the organophosphates, fenthion had the highest RR of 33.3 and 270.0 fold differences for LC50 and LC90 values, respectively. Among the pyrethroids, permethrin was observed to have the highest RR of 3.8 and 1.8 fold differences for LC50 and LC90 values, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in susceptibility to chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin and fenitrothion. An. sinensis s. l. was more susceptible to the six insecticides bifenthrin, λ-cyhalothrin, α-cypermethrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin and pyridafenthion, showing 0.03, 0.06, 0.3, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.4 fold differences in resistance rates (RR LC50), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study investigating the role of microRNA (miRNA)-196a on the proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) and osteogenic differentiation. The observation that lentiviral overexpression of miR-196a decreased the proliferation of hASC and supported osteogenic differentiation is noted, mentioning that adipogenic differentiation was not affected.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Aqueous free propofol in lipid emulsion elicits pain. • No data on the incidence and severity of injection pain for Aquafol™ (Daewon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea), a lipid-free microemulsion propofol, are available. • Two hypotheses involving plasma bradykinin generation have been proposed to explain propofol-induced pain; one implicates aqueous free propofol, the other implicates the lipid solvent. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Microemulsion propofol produces more frequent and severe pain on injection, an effect that may be attributable to the high concentration of aqueous free propofol. • There was no evidence that plasma bradykinin generation caused propofol-induced pain. • In addition, agents known to prevent propofol-induced pain did not decrease aqueous free propofol concentrations. AIMS To evaluate the incidence and severity of injection pain caused by microemulsion propofol and lipid emulsion propofol in relation to plasma bradykinin generation and aqueous free propofol concentrations. METHODS Injection pain was evaluated in 147 patients. Aqueous free propofol concentrations in each formulation, and in formulation mixtures containing agents that reduce propofol-induced pain, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Plasma bradykinin concentrations in both formulations and in their components mixed with blood sampled from six volunteers were measured by radioimmunoassays. Injection pain caused by 8% polyethylene glycol 660 hydroxystearate (PEG660 HS) was evaluated in another 10 volunteers. RESULTS The incidence of injection pain [visual analogue scale (VAS) >30 mm] caused by microemulsion and lipid emulsion propofol was 69.7 and 42.3% ( P < 0.001), respectively. The median VAS scores for microemulsion and lipid emulsion propofol were 59 and 24 mm, respectively (95% confidence interval for the difference 12.5, 40.0). The aqueous free propofol concentration of microemulsion propofol was seven times higher than that of lipid emulsion propofol. Agents that reduce injection pain did not affect aqueous free propofol concentrations. Microemulsion propofol and 8% PEG660 HS enhanced plasma bradykinin generation, whereas lipid emulsion propofol and lipid solvent did not. PEG660 HS did not cause injection pain. CONCLUSIONS Higher aqueous free propofol concentrations of microemulsion propofol produce more frequent and severe pain. The plasma kallikrein–kinin system may not be involved, and the agents that reduce injection pain may not act by decreasing aqueous free propofol concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug resistance was detected in 22 (100%) MRSP strains and 13 (76.5%) MSSP strains, and high resistance to penicillin and tetracycline was identified among both strains. B Hypothesis/objectives - b The antimicrobial activity of cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) against major strains in canine skin infections was tested and the difference in antimicrobial activity between the antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-susceptible strains of I Staphylococcus pseudintermedius i was evaluated. B Background - b Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a new generation medical therapeutic option for bacterial infections. [Extracted from the article]

An extended work on DGS modulator, which was presented before on Microwave and Optical Technology Letters Society, shall be adaptive performance and practical implementation and measurement. A DGS modulator is motivated from three benefits that can be obtained from defected ground structure; an extensive resonance, size reduction, and excellent stopband characteristic. An extensive resonance via a microstrip ground plane configuration, which includes a varactor diode bridging microstrip transmission line with variable capacitance provision that can be controlled, gives on/off switching and its attenuation level (OOK is a 100%, and which less than 100% can be ASK) that plays the key role of the ASK and OOK modulation process. A varactor diode is under control of a micro control unit that can be controlled by user interface software; therefore, user can monitor communication states while each operational sequence of a varactor diode can be controlled. Sharper phase and more precise data modulation can be achieved after several tuning works and practical trials. A modulation index (about 90–93%) with stable tag responses over the target bands (860–960 MHz, centered 912 MHz) was verified through the practical measurements on the RFID reader communication using ASK. And when a modulation index was nearly 99% (∼98.8%), this is considered to be an OOK. Overall radio communications are with EPC class-1 Gen2 Type-B and Type-C passive tags, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2646–2651, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23780 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cell shape alterations and accompanying cytoskeletal changes have diverse effects on cell function. We have already shown that dedifferentiated chondrocytes have a round cell morphology and undergo redifferentiation when cultured on chitosan membrane. In the present study, we investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in chondrocyte redifferentiation. Chondrocytes obtained from a micromass culture of chick limb bud mesenchymal cells were subcultured four times. Immunofluorescence analysis of F-actin showed cortical distribution of the actin cytoskeleton upon subculture of dedifferentiated chondrocytes on chitosan membrane. Treatment with cytochalasin D disrupted the cortical actin ring formed during cultivation of chondrocytes on the chitosan membrane, and inhibited chondrocyte redifferentiation. Moreover, cytochalasin D inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), induced during redifferentiation on chitosan membrane. LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH-kinase (PI3K), suppressed chondrocyte redifferentiation. These findings suggest that integrity of the actin cytoskeleton is a crucial requirement for PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK in chondrocyte redifferentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article represents a microchip balun for UHF mobile RFID system at 910 MHz. This balun is designed by transforming coupled transmission lines into lumped-element equivalent circuit, and thus monolithic elements that are fabricated by IPD technology replace it for entirely miniaturized size. The corresponding balun performs under 3 dB return loss, with nearly 176 (176.42) degree of phase difference characteristic; therefore, this meets the UHF mobile RFID reader system consideration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2203–2206, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23617 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio characteristic evaluations of each component through the entire communication system can be performed by using the signal sampling methods, which give information of the precise statistics and high qualified specifications. Particular modern trends on electrical devices demand extremely miniaturized dimensions to meet the hand-held system units, such as personal communication services, mobile RFID applications and other possible products including crucial factors of low-profile and mobility. It is eventually aimed to avoid unnecessary waste of manufacturing products, and guarantee the mobility, ease of use and so forth. Thus the multi-mode electrical devices providing numerical advances in a single structure are needed and this is the motivation of further experiments. In this study, we propose a novel dual directional coupler design schemes including derivative calculations and its completely manufactured prototype. It has been designed by promoting three parallel coupled transmission lines with novel mathematic formula and auxiliary simulation systems. Outstanding technical features can be high isolation and directivity characteristics and these will be illustrated within the statistical tables and graphics for verification. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 775–780, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23188 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulator with defected ground structure (DGS) is proposed for UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) system. Proposed variable DGS resonator with a varactor diode will be able to adjust the resonance frequency to achieve the ASK modulation. The variable resonance characteristics can be obtained by controlling capacitance of varactor diode, placed on the defected ground. To clarify corresponding method, we manufactured RFID system board using variable DGS resonator and measured the corresponding performance. As almost 93% of extracted data from modulation index characteristic is satisfied with both EPC class-1 Gen2 Type-B and Type-C standard protocols, we obtained stable tag response of RFID system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2513–2516, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/mop.22760 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel aromatic poly(amide imide)s (m‐PAIs, m = 8, 12, 16) containing preformed isophthalamide unit and pendent n‐alkyloxy (‐O‐n‐CmH2m+1, m = 8, 12, 16) side chains were prepared in thin films by polymerization of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) with N,N′‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐5‐(n‐alkyloxy)isophthalamides (m‐DAs) obtained from N,N′‐bis(4‐nitrophenyl)‐5‐(n‐alkyloxy)isophthalamides (m‐DNs). The m‐PAI films were tough, flexible and transparent with inherent viscosities in the 1.25–1.67 dL/g range in DMAc and soluble in DMAc and NMP on heating. In TGA m‐PAIs began to degrade around 440°C and in DSC no phase transitions were detected. In X‐ray diffractometry the m‐PAIs appeared amorphous with loosely developed layered crystalline structure. In liquid crystal (LC)‐aligning performance measured using 4‐n‐pentyl‐4′‐cyanobiphenyl (5CB) on thin film surfaces rubbed with standard velvet fibers, the m‐PAIs showed homogeneous LC alignment parallel to the rubbing direction with 2.5–17.5° pretilt angles, depending on the rubbing density and n‐alkyloxy side chain length. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to offer RFID services on mobile phones, the RFID reader must be embedded on the handset as a chip. However, the directional coupler was used as a ceramic passive component in conventional handsets. RFID system using an identical Tx/Rx carrier frequency has a significant volume limitation compared with active components. This article presents the directional coupler design for UHF RFID mobile reader using IPD (Integrated Passive Device) process. T and π-type coupler with dimensions of 1.74 × 1.6 and 1.32 × 1.4 mm2 were assembled. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1501–1504, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22497 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel positive‐working, photosensitive polyimide, poly[1,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1,4‐phenylene‐2,2′‐di(2‐nitrobenzyloxy)benzophenone‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxdiimide] (OPI‐Nb), developable with an aqueous base was prepared by the o‐nitrobenzylation of a polyimide, poly(1,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1,4‐phenylene‐2,2′‐dihydroxybenzophenone‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxdiimide) (OPI), derived from 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (DHBA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline, and it micropatterning properties were investigated. The o‐nitrobenzylation of OPI to OPI‐Nb was conducted with o‐nitrobenzyl bromide in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone containing Et3N. The DHBA monomer was synthesized by exhaustive KMnO4 oxidation of bis(2‐dimethoxy‐3,4‐dimethylphenyl)methane obtained by etherification of bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,4‐dimethylphenyl)methane with iodomethane, followed by deprotection of the methoxy groups and cyclodehydration of the obtained 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐3,3′4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid. The intermediate bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,4‐dimethylphenyl)methane was prepared by the condensation of 2,3‐dimethylphenol with paraformaldehyde. The degree of o‐nitrobenzylation was determined to be over 94 mol % from 1H NMR absorption of benzylic CH2 protons. The aromatic OPI was perfectly soluble in a dilute aqueous NaOH solution and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), whereas OPI‐Nb was not even swellable in them. In the micropatterning process, OPI‐Nb showed a line‐width resolution of 0.4‐μm and a sensitivity of 5.4 J/cm2 when its thin films were irradiated with 365‐nm light and developed with a 2.38% aqueous TMAH solution at room temperature for 90 s. The thickness loss of OPI‐Nb films measured after postbaking at 350 °C was in the 8–9% range. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 776–788, 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low temperature co-fired ceramics system consisting of a typical calcium aluminoborosilicate glass and alumina filler was used to investigate the effects of four different sizes, 13 nm, 0.5, 3, and 39 μm, of a commercially available alumina filler on the resultant densification, crystallization, and dielectric properties. There was definitely a proper range of alumina particle size, which leads to desirable densification and enhanced dielectric properties. The onset temperatures of densification and crystallization depended strongly on the filler particle size. The 3 μm sample as an optimum filler size exhibited a promising performance of k∼8.1 and Q∼160 at a resonant frequency of 14.8 GHz, which results from early densification and intensive crystallization of the anorthite CaAl2Si2O8 phase. Particularly, the use of nano-sized alumina (13 nm) retarded both densification by ∼200°C and crystallization by ∼80°C compared with the results of the 3 μm alumina case. The dependence of the filler particle size was postulated as being related to the wetting and connectivity behavior of glass through consequent inter-reactions between glass and ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin induces apoptosis in a variety of cell types. However, the signaling pathway of cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in renal epithelial cells is poorly understood. The present study was undertaken to determine the role of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in cisplatin‐induced apoptosis of renal epithelial cells using opossum kidney cells. Cisplatin at 50 µm induced apoptosis in a time‐dependent manner. Cisplatin treatment caused sustained activation of ERK1/2, which was prevented by PD98059 and U0126, inhibitors of ERK1/2 upstream kinase MEK1/2. Transient transfection of cells with constitutive active MEK1 increased the cisplatin‐induced apoptosis, whereas that with a dominant‐negative mutant of MEK1 decreased it. Cisplatin induced an increase in Bax expression, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase‐3 activation, and these changes were prevented by the MEK inhibitor. These results suggested that (1) the ERK1/2 activation is required for the cisplatin‐induced apoptosis of renal epithelial cells; and (2) ERK1/2 mediates the mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic signaling by acting upstream of Bax expression. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]