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BackgroundDown-sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in people in their teens and 20s hampers efficient learning and communication and in-depth social interactions. Nonetheless, its aetiology remains largely unclear, with the exception of some potential causative genes, none of which stands out especially in people in their teens and 20s. Here, we examined the role and genotype–phenotype correlation of lipoxygenase homology domain 1 (LOXHD1) in down-sloping SNHL through a cohort study.MethodsBased on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) genetic deafness cohort, in which the patients show varying degrees of deafness and different onset ages (n=1055), we have established the ‘SNUBH Teenager–Young Adult Down-sloping SNHL’ cohort (10–35 years old) (n=47), all of whom underwent exome sequencing. Three-dimensional molecular modelling, minigene splicing assay and short tandem repeat marker genotyping were performed, and medical records were reviewed.ResultsLOXHD1 accounted for 33.3% of all genetically diagnosed cases of down-sloping SNHL (n=18) and 12.8% of cases in the whole down-sloping SNHL cohort (n=47) of young adults. We identified a potential common founder allele, as well as an interesting genotype–phenotype correlation. We also showed that transcript 6 is necessary and probably sufficient for normal hearing.ConclusionsLOXHD1 exceeds other genes in its contribution to down-sloping SNHL in young adults, rising as a signature causative gene, and shows a potential but interesting genotype–phenotype correlation.

The primary cilium is a microtubule-based structure projecting from a cell. Although the primary cilium shows no motility, it can recognize environmental stimuli. Thus, ciliary defects cause severe abnormalities called ciliopathies. Ciliogenesis is a very complex process and involves a myriad of components and regulators. In order to excavate the novel positive regulators of ciliogenesis, we performed mRNA microarray using starved NIH/3T3 cells. We selected 62 murine genes with corresponding human orthologs, with significantly upregulated expression at 24 h after serum withdrawal. Finally, calpain-6 was selected as a positive regulator of ciliogenesis. We found that calpain-6 deficiency reduced the percentage of ciliated cells and impaired sonic hedgehog signaling. It has been speculated that this defect might be associated with decreased levels of α-tubulin acetylation at lysine 40. This is the first study to report a novel role of calpain-6 in the formation of primary cilia. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(10): 619-624].

MnO2- and boron-incorporated polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/pitch-based carbon nanofiber (PPBMn) composites for electrochemical supercapacitors are successfully fabricated by one-step electrospinning using a combined solution of MnCl2, B2O3, PAN, and pitch. The surface morphologies, microstructures, surface chemical states, and texture properties of the PPBMn composites are investigated and the effect of the MnCl2 content on the electrochemical performance in aqueous electrolytes is also examined. The PPBMn composites exhibit a high specific surface area with mesoporous structure, and boron and MnO2 functional groups as electroactive sites. Enriched boron and MnO2 functional groups provide low internal resistance of charge diffusion by better wettability of electrolyte ions into the pores and also accommodate more charges, leading to high gravimetric capacitance and energy density, and enhanced cycling stability. Therefore, the PPBMn series exhibits superior electrochemical performance through the combined functions of their double-layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitive character through the high porosity, higher attractive force by the surface chemical activity and the wettability between the electrode and electrolyte.

Down-sloping sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in people in their teens and 20s hampers efficient learning and communication and in-depth social interactions. Nonetheless, its aetiology remains largely unclear, with the exception of some potential causative genes, none of which stands out especially in people in their teens and 20s. Here, we examined the role and genotype-phenotype correlation of lipoxygenase homology domain 1 (Based on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) genetic deafness cohort, in which the patients show varying degrees of deafness and different onset ages (n=1055), we have established the 'SNUBH Teenager-Young Adult Down-sloping SNHL' cohort (10-35 years old) (n=47), all of whom underwent exome sequencing. Three-dimensional molecular modelling, minigene splicing assay and short tandem repeat marker genotyping were performed, and medical records were reviewed.

Objective The aim of our study is to reveal the correlation between the posterior vaginal wall and apex in pelvic organ prolapse. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of all new patient visits to a urogynecology clinic between January 2013 and December 2015. Results Four hundred five cases were enrolled in our study. When all POP stages were included, the Bp (pelvic organ prolapse quantification point) had a moderate correlation with the C (Pearson's r=0.419; P

PAN/pitch-based carbon nanofiber/MnO2 (PPMn-CNF) composites are fabricated by electrospinning to obtain a new type of electrode material for application in high-capacitance electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The energy storage capabilities of these PPMn-CNFs reveal a maximum specific capacitance of 188 Fg-1 and a maximum energy density of 20.5–15.8 Whkg−1 in the power density range of 400–10,000 Wkg-1. Furthermore, the PPMn-CNF electrode shows good rate capability without a significant decrease at high rate. The high electrical conductivity of the pitch promotes the accessibility into the micropores and the adsorption efficiency onto the electrode surface of electrolyte ions. Therefore, the high electrical conductivity and large surface area of the PPMn-CNF composites are beneficial for the storage of charge carriers and induce a short course for charge transport, which maximizes the specific capacitance and ensures good capacitive capability.

A hybrid of silica decorated on porous activated carbon nanofibers (ACNFs) is fabricated in the form of a web via electrospinning and an activation process as an electrode material for electrochemical capacitors in an organic electrolyte. The introduction of PhSiH 3 (PS) into the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution induces a porous ACNF structure containing silica nanoparticles (NPs) via the spontaneous sol-gel process of PS by steam in the subsequent physical activation process. These inorganic-organic hybrid composites of porous ACNF containing silica NPs show superior specific capacitance and energy density in electrochemical tests, along with good rate capability and excellent cycle life in an organic electrolyte, which is attributed to the combination of ACNF's high surface area and silica's hydrophilicity. The electrochemical performance decreases with increasing PS concentration, and this trend is consistent with the specific surface area results, which reveal the rapid formation of a double layer.

BLV is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leucosis. BLV has negative effects on animal health and causes economic losses worldwide. However, epidemiological studies on BLV are relatively unknown in many parts of Asian countries. Thus, this study sought to explore BLV infections in cattle in Thailand to determine the extent of the geographic distribution of BLV and to measure its prevalence rates. For this study, 744 cattle from 11 farms in 9 provinces of Thailand were screened in 2013 and 2014 by ELISA and nested PCR. Of those cattle, 41 BLVs were genetically characterized using 188 BLV gp51 env gene sequences available in GenBank. The BLV prevalence in Thailand was high, ranging from 5.3% to 87.8%, as determined by PCR and 11.0% to 100% as determined by ELISA, according to geographical region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Thailand BLVs belonged to genotypes 1 and 6 and a new genotype 10, which are sporadically observed across Thailand with a prevalence of 31.7%, 19.5%, and 48.8%, respectively. A significant number of amino acid substitutions were also found in the gp51 sequences, of which unique changes in genotype 10 have not been reported previously. Briefly, the majority of substitutions were confined to CD4+/CD8+ T-cell epitopes, neutralizing domains, and E-D-A epitopes. Those observations indicate that BLV infections in Thailand cattle are prevalent and that the geographic distribution of BLV is dynamic, with a high level of genetic diversity. This distribution implies a long-term BLV infection in cattle populations and the movement of infected cattle. In sum, this study suggests that intensive surveillance and effective prevention strategies are required to determine the prevalence of BLV in Thailand and control continuous infections with BLVs.

Background: Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects important for the proper functioning of multiple organ systems. We investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels influenced hospitalization-free survival in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: In this prospective study, serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured in 210 patients with CKD in the winter of 2009. Data regarding hospitalizations were collected over the subsequent 3 years. Results: Vitamin D deficiency, as defined by a serum 25(OH)D level below 15 ng/mL, was observed in 76.7% of the patients. The mean 25(OH)D serum level was 13.6 ± 7.8 ng/mL in predialysis patients (n = 62) and 11.3 ± 6.7 ng/mL in dialysis patients (n = 148). During the follow-up, 107 patients (28 predialysis and 79 dialysis) were hospitalized because of infectious (33.6%) or cardiovascular diseases (23.4%). Predialysis and dialysis groups were divided into 2 subgroups based on the median 25(OH)D serum level. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower in both predialysis and dialysis patients with above-median serum 25(OH)D levels (log-rank test; P = 0.043 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models also demonstrated that the risk of hospitalization was significantly lower for patients with higher serum 25(OH)D levels in both the predialysis (hazard ratio, 0.963; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.99) and dialysis groups (hazard ratio, 0.955; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.99). Conclusion: A lower serum 25(OH)D level predicted poorer hospitalization-free survival in both predialysis and dialysis CKD patients.

A multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) assay to detect H3N2 CIV genomic segments was developed as a rapid and cost-effective method. Its performance was evaluated with forty-six influenza A viruses from different hosts using three primer sets which amplify four segments of H3N2 CIV simultaneously. The mRT-PCR has been successful in detecting the viral segments, indicating that it can improve the speed of diagnosis for H3N2 CIV and its reassortants.

Polyacrylonitrile/phenylsilane/cyclodextrin-derived carbon nanofiber composites (PPSCD) are prepared by one-step electrospinning using α-cyclodextrin (CD) and phenylsilane (PS) as the pore generator, because many organic molecules are easily decomposed by a self-activation process during heat treatment. We optimize the effects of different α-CD contents on the electrochemical performance of the PPSCD derived from the inclusion complex of PS/α-CD. The PPSCD electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 193 F g−1 at 1 mA cm−2 and a high energy density of 23.5–16.21 Wh kg−1 at power densities ranging from 400 to 10,000 W kg−1 in an aqueous solution. The superior electrochemical properties of PPSCD are favorable for ion storage and transfer due to the synergistic effects of high specific surface area and well-balanced micro/mesoporosity. Hence, PPSCD electrodes have a promising potential as a supercapacitor electrode material in the development of high performance energy storage systems.

The hybridization of carbon nano-materials enhances the efficiency of each function of the resulting structure or composites. Also, the addition of non-carbon elements to nanomaterials modifies the electrochemical properties. Electrodes combining po-rous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and metal oxides benefit from the combination of the double-layer capacitance of the CNFs and the pseudocapacitive character associated with the surface redox-type reactions. Consequently, they demonstrate superior supercapacitor performance in terms of high capacitance, high energy/power efficiency and high rate capability. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the latest advances made in the development and application of various metal oxide/CNF composites (CNFCs) to supercapacitor electrodes. Keywords : Electrospinning, Carbon nanofiber composite, Metal oxide, Supercapacitor 1. Introduction 1) The increasing demand for clean energy and the growing concern re-garding air pollution and global warming have stimulated intense re-search into energy storage and conversion from alternative energy sources[1-4]. For this reason, electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are con-sidered promising power sources for portable electronic systems and automotive applications, because of their practical applications as high power devices owing to their large capacitance, long cycling life, and lack of toxic materials[5-9]. To obtain satisfactory performance, ECs must display high electrical conductivity, high surface area for optimal charge accumulation, sufficient pore diameter and good pore con

Cigarette smoke (CS) and viruses promote the inflammation and remodeling associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The MAVS/RIG-I–like helicase (MAVS/RLH) pathway and inflammasome-dependent innate immune pathways are important mediators of these responses. At baseline, the MAVS/RLH pathway is suppressed, and this inhibition must be reversed to engender tissue effects; however, the mechanisms that mediate activation and repression of the pathway have not been defined. In addition, the regulation and contribution of MAVS/RLH signaling in CS-induced inflammation and remodeling responses and in the development of human COPD remain unaddressed. Here, we demonstrate that expression of NLRX1, which inhibits the MAVS/RLH pathway and regulates other innate immune responses, was markedly decreased in 3 independent cohorts of COPD patients. NLRX1 suppression correlated directly with disease severity and inversely with pulmonary function, quality of life, and prognosis. In murine models, CS inhibited NLRX1, and CS-induced inflammation, alveolar destruction, protease induction, structural cell apoptosis, and inflammasome activation were augmented in NLRX1-deficient animals. Conversely, MAVS deficiency abrogated this CS-induced inflammation and remodeling. Restoration of NLRX1 in CS-exposed animals ameliorated alveolar destruction. These data support a model in which CS-dependent NLRX1 inhibition facilitates MAVS/RHL activation and subsequent inflammation, remodeling, protease, cell death, and inflammasome responses.

•Preparation of ZnO/ACNF composites by one-step electrospinning and spontaneous sol–gel processing of zinc acetate.•Investigation of the morphological, textual structure, and electrochemical performance of the ZnO-ACNFs.•Superior supercapacitor performance of the ZnO-CCNFs due to well-distributed ZnO on ACNF and suitable pore size distribution.

In this study, antibody responses after equine influenza vaccination were investigated among 1,098 horses in Korea using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The equine influenza viruses, A/equine/South Africa/4/03 (H3N8) and A/equine/Wildeshausen/1/08 (H3N8), were used as antigens in the HI assay. The mean seropositive rates were 91.7% (geometric mean antibody levels (GMT), 56.8) and 93.6% (GMT, 105.2) for A/equine/South Africa/4/03 and A/equine/Wildeshausen/1/08, respectively. Yearlings and two-year-olds in training exhibited lower positive rates (68.1% (GMT, 14) and 61.7% (GMT, 11.9), respectively, with different antigens) than average. Horses two years old or younger may require more attention in vaccination against equine influenza according to the vaccination regime, because they could be a target of the equine influenza virus.

A novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries, graphene-wrapped Si nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in carbon composite nanofibers (CCNFs) with G/Si, is fabricated by electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment. In CCNFs with G/Si, Si NPs are distributed and preserved inside the CNF surface because the graphene wrapping the Si NPs help prevent agglomeration and ensure a good dispersion of Si NPs inside the CNF matrix. 20-GSP prepared from a weight ratio of 20 wt% of G/Si to polyacrylonitrile exhibits stable capacity retention and a reversible capacity of above 600 mAh g −1 up to 100 cycles. The high cycling performance and superior reversible capacity of the 20-GSP anode can be attributed to the one-dimensional nanofibrous structure with non-agglomerated Si NPs in the CNF matrix, which promotes charge transfer, maintains a stable electrical contact, and buffers the Si volume expansion.

Pitch is an attractive raw material for carbon fiber precursors due to its low cost stemming from its availability as a residue of coking and petroleum processes. Ford Motor Company reported a carbon fiber target price of $11.0/kg by using a fast cycle-time manufacturing method with carbon fiber in an inexpensive format, allowing for an average retail price of gasoline of $3.58/gallon. They also recommended the use of carbon fiber with strength of 1700 MPa, modulus of 170 GPa, and 1.5% elongation. This study introduced a ca. 5.5 μm carbon fiber with 2000 MPa tensile strength obtained from a precursor through simple distillation of petroleum residue. Petroleum pitch based carbon nanofibers prepared via electrospinning were characterized and potential applications were introduced on the basis of their large specific surface area and relatively high electrical conductivity.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by various infectious or noninfectious triggers. Although viral infections are important causes of myocarditis, some drugs or toxins can also cause myocarditis. We report a case of life-threatening fulminant myocarditis which followed an extensive coffee diet program. Despite medical treatment, the patient was not able to maintain hemodynamic stability. She was supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and completely recovered 3 months later.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder. Although a myriad of research groups have attempted to identify a new therapeutic target for ADPKD, no drug has worked well in clinical trials. Our research group has focused on the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene as a novel target for ADPKD. This gene is involved in inflammation and cell proliferation. We have already confirmed that blocking RAGE function attenuates cyst growth in vitro. Based on this previous investigation, our group examined the effect of RAGE on cyst enlargement in vivo. PC2R mice, a severe ADPKD mouse model that we generated, were utilized. An adenovirus containing anti-RAGE shRNA was injected intravenously into this model. We observed that RAGE gene knockdown resulted in loss of kidney weight and volume. Additionally, the cystic area that originated from different nephron segments decreased in size because of down-regulation of the RAGE gene. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values tended to be lower after inhibiting RAGE. Based on these results, we confirmed that the RAGE gene could be an effective target for ADPKD treatment.

Their properties arelower density of 20% than iron, 70% than aluminum, 10times higher strength than steel. Carbon fiber is mainlyused as a reinforced composite and functionality materi-als. The composite material has been widely used over theindustries, such as break disk of an aircraft, the nose coneof space shuttle, sporting goods, blades of wind mill etc.Though the excellent properties of the carbon fiber rein-forced composite (CFRP) give strong potential to be appliedto automobile, building materials, concrete structures, windpower generation blades, high-speed vehicles, marine struc-tures, the applications are very limited due to the highprice of the carbon fiber.

The adsorption characteristics of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in aqueous solution using granular activated carbon (GAC), activated carbon fiber (ACF), modified ACF (NaACF), and a mixture of GAC and NaACF (GAC/NaACF) have been studied. The surface properties, such as morphology, surface functional groups, and composition of various adsorbents were deter- mined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The specific surface area, total pore volume, and pore size distribution were investigated using nitrogen adsorption, Brunauer-Emmett- Teller (BET), and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) methods. In this study, NaACF showed a high adsorption capacity and rate for heavy metal ions due to the improvement of its ion-exchange capabilities by additional oxygen functional groups. More- over, the GAC and NaACF mixture was used as an adsorbent to determine the adsorbent-adsorbate interaction in the presence of two competitive adsorbents.

Autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited renal disease characterized by the development of numerous fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys. We investigated miRNA-mediated regulatory systems and networks that play an important role during cystogenesis through integrative analysis of miRNA- and RNA-seq using two ADPKD mouse models (conditional Pkd1- or Pkd2-deficient mice), at three different time points (P1, P3, and P7). At each time point, we identified 13 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and their potential targets in agreement with cyst progression in both mouse models. These targets were involved in well-known signaling pathways linked to cystogenesis. More specifically, we found that the actin cytoskeleton pathway was highly enriched and connected with other well-known pathways of ADPKD. We verified that miR-182-5p regulates actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and promotes ADPKD cystogenesis by repressing its target genes—Wasf2, Dock1, and Itga4—in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that actin cytoskeleton may play an important role in renal cystogenesis, and miR-182-5p is a novel regulator of actin cytoskeleton and cyst progression. Furthermore, this study provides a systemic network of both key miRNAs and their targets associated with cyst growth in ADPKD.

In accordance with many disease occurrences, stem cell research has become an important study. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is one of representative materials of stem cell research. MSCs are multipotent progenitor cells that can differentiate into various cell types including osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, myocytes, stromal cells and neurons. MSCs have been derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, fat, and other body organs. Among them, human inferior turbinate and nasal septal cartilages are good materials for extraction of MSCs. For extraction of MSCs, we used MSC extraction protocol from ARCO sensorineural laboratory. In order to identified extracted MSCs, Immunofluorescence to CD90 and CD73 (or CD105) cell-surface markers of MSCs was performed using the MSC phenotyping kit (Miltenyi Biotec, Germany). hMSCs derived from inferior turbinate and nasal septal cartilage were shown positive results. Further study, more studies need to comparative analysis of differentiated target cells from our MSCs.

Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation in tumors, are known to cause drug resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis. Based on the characteristic formation of mammospheres in in vitro conditions, the mammosphere formation assay has become an essential tool for quantifying CSC activity in breast cancer research. However, manual counting of mammospheres is a time-consuming process that is not amenable to high-throughput screening, and there are occasional inaccuracies in the process of determining the mammosphere diameter. In this study, we proposed a novel automated counting method of mammosphere using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Integrated Colony Enumerator (NICE) with a screening of protein kinase library. Methods Human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was used for evaluation of tumor sphere efficiency, migration, and phenotype transition. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, and CSCs were identified by an analysis of CD44 expression and ALDEFLUOR assay using flow cytometry. Automated counting of mammosphere using NICE program was performed with a comparison to the result of manual counting. After identification of inhibitors to ameliorate CSC formation by screening a library of 79 protein kinase inhibitors using automated counting in primary, secondary and tertiary mammosphere assay, the effect of selected kinase inhibitors on migration, colony formation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MCF-7 cells was investigated. Results Automated counting of mammosphere using NICE program was an easy and less time-consuming process (

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Effective prevention and treatment of CCA require developing novel anticancer agents and improved therapeutic regimens. As natural products are concidered a rich source of potential anticancer agents, we investigated the anticancer effect of fisetin in combination with gemcitabine. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cytotoxic effect of fisetin and gemcitabine on a human CCA cell line SNU-308 was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and apoptosis assay using propidium iodine and annexin V. Molecular mechanisms of fisetin action in CCA were investigated by western blotting. RESULTS Fisetin was found to inhibit survival of CCA cells, through strongly phosphorylating ERK. It also induced cellular apoptosis additively in combination with gemcitabine. Expression of cellular proliferative markers, such as phospho-p65 and myelocytomatosis (MYC), were reduced by fisetin. CONCLUSION These results suggest fisetin in combination with gemcitabine as a candidate for use in improved anticancer regimens.

Radiation dermatitis can develop after fluoroscopy-guided interventional procedures. Cases of fluoroscopy-induced radiation dermatitis have been reported since 1996, mostly documented in the fields of radiology, cardiology and dermatology. Since diagnosis and treatment of fluoroscopy-induced radiation dermatitis can be difficult, high grade of suspicion is required. The extent of this reaction is determined by radiation dose, duration of exposure, type of procedure, and host factors and can be aggravated by concomitant use of photosensitizers. Follow-up is important after long and complicated procedures and efforts to minimize radiation exposure time will be necessary to prevent radiation dermatitis. Herein, we report a case of a 58-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma presenting with subacute radiation dermatitis after prolonged fluoroscopic exposure during transarterial chemoembolization and chemoport insertion. Physicians should be aware that fluoroscopy is a potential cause of radiation dermatitis. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2016;67:112-115)

Cyst formation is a major characteristic of ADPKD and iscaused by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells. Renalcyst formation disrupts renal function and induces diversecomplications. The mechanism of cyst formation is unclear.mIMCD-3 cells were established to develop simple epithelialcell cysts in 3-D culture. We confirmed previously that Mxi1plays a role in cyst formation in Mxi1-deficient mice. Cysts inMxi1 transfectanted cells were showed by collagen or mebiolgels in 3-D cell culture system. Causative genes of ADPKDwere measured by q RT-PCR. Herein, Mxi1 transfectants rarelyformed a simple epithelial cyst and induced cell death.Overexpression of Mxi1 resulted in a decrease in the PKD1,PKD2 and c-myc mRNA relating to the pathway of cystformation. These data indicate that Mxi1 influences cystformation of mIMCD-3 cells in 3-D culture and that Mxi1 maycontrol the mechanism of renal cyst formation. [BMB reports2012; 45(3): 189-193]

A simple and scalable method is reported for fabricating a porosity-controlled carbon nanofibers with a skin-core texture by electrospinning a selected blend of polymer solutions. Simple thermal treatment of the electrospun nanofibers from solution blends of various compositions creates suitable ultramicropores on the surface of carbon nanofibers that can accommodate many ions, removing the need for an activation step. The intrinsic properties of the electrode (e.g., nanometre-size diameter, high specific surface area, narrow pore size distribution, tuneable porosity, shallow pore depth, and good ionic accessibility) enable construction of supercapacitors with large specific capacitance (130.7 Fg(-1)), high power (100 kW kg(-1)), and energy density (15.0 Wh kg(-1)). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Article, JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES. 196(23):10496-10501 (2011)

The relationship between the microstructure, mechanical properties, and oxidation behavior of pitch-, poly- acrylonitrile (PAN)-, and Rayon-based carbon fibers (CFs) has been studied in detail. Three types of carbon fiber were exposed to isothermal oxidation in air and the weight change was measured by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) apparatus. After activation energy was gained according to the conversion at reacting temperature, the value of specific surface area and the surface morphology was compared, and the reaction mechanism of oxidation affecting development of pores of carbon fibers was examined. This study will lead to a new insight into the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fibers.

A number of techniques have been developedfor removing lead pollutant from aqueous effluents tominimize its impact. Activated carbons (ACs) have beenproven to be effective adsorbents for the removal of awide variety of organic and inorganic pollutants. ACs arewidely used to treat waters contaminated with heavy met-als because of their well developed porous structures,large surface area and a wide spectrum of surface func-tional. This capacity is mainly derived from (i) theirporous texture, which gives them a large surface area, and(ii) their chemical nature, which can be appropriatelymodified by physical or chemical treatments to increasetheir adsorption capacity. The surface chemistry of ACshas a major influence on their capacity to adsorb inor-ganic compounds, especially metallic cations.

In the present study, electrically conducting carbon nanofiber (CNF) mats were produced by incorporating tetraethoxy orthosilicate (TEOS) into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) via electrospinning. A simple thermal treatment was applied to the electrospun nanofibers to create ultramicropores that could accommodate a large number of ions were formed on the surface of the CNFs, removing the need for a time-consuming activation step. The Si/CNF composites showed high capacitance and energy/power density values due to the formation of ultramicropores and the introduction of heteroatoms. Keywords: Tetraethoxy orthosilicate, Ultramicropore, Carbon nanofiber, Heteroatoms, Electrochemical behavior

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude toward death in Korean nursing students. Method: The sample consisted of 365 baccalaureate nursing students. The questionnaires included questions on sociodemographics and death-related characteristics of the participants, and the Fear of Death and Dying Scale (FODS) to measure the attitude toward death. Result: The mean of the FODS score was 2.63 out of 4, so the participants had a slightly negative attitude toward death. There were statistically significant differences between gender, religion, religion activity, perceived health status, experience of parents` death, experience of friend`s death, and overall FODS score. Among the four subscales of overall FODS, the score of the fear of death of self was significantly higher in the participants who experienced clinical practice and who experienced patient`s death in the intensive care unit compared to the emergency room. Conclusion: Based on the study results, educational programs to change the attitude toward death are required before clinical practice. Programs need to consider nursing students` gender and religion, and give opportunity to share experiences and feelings about death of family or friend. In addition, using standardized patients and simulators is advised in the need for simulation training.

CYP2C9 enzyme metabolizes numerous clinically important drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the frequencies of CYP2C9 genotypes and the effects of selected alleles on losartan pharmacokinetics in a large sample of the Korean population.The CYP2C9 gene was genotyped in 1796 healthy Korean subjects. CYP2C9 alleles (CYP2C9*1, *2, *3 and *13 alleles) were measured using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay and direct sequencing assay. The enzymatic activity of each CYP2C9 genotype was evaluated using losartan as the substrate.The frequencies of CYP2C9*1, *3 and *13 allele were 0.952 (95% confidence interval 0.945-0.959), 0.044 (95% CI 0.037-0.051) and 0.005 (95% CI 0.003-0.007), respectively. The frequencies of the CYP2C9*1/*1, *1/*3, *1/*13 and *3/*3 genotypes were 0.904 (95% CI 0.890-0.918), 0.085 (95% CI 0.072-0.098), 0.009 (95% CI 0.005-0.013) and 0.001 (95% CI 0.000-0.002), respectively. In the pharmacokinetics studies, the AUC(0-∞) of losartan in CYP2C9*3/*3 subjects was 1.42-fold larger than that in CYP2C9*1/*1 subjects, and the AUC(0-∞) of E-3174, a more active metabolite of losartan, in CYP2C9*3/*3 subjects was only 12% of that in CYP2C9*1/*1 subjects.The results confirmed the frequencies of CYP2C9 genotypes in a large cohort of Koreans, and detected the CYP2C9*3/*3 genotype. CYP2C9*3/*3 subjects metabolized much less losartan into E-3174 than CYP2C9*1/*1 subjects.

Optimum process conditions were investigated for maximizing the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber by from wet spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber precursors. The process variables chosen were treatment temperature, applied tension in stabilization process. The temperature profile of the stabilization was set on the basis of exothermic peaks of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) result. Both tensile strength and modulus increased with holding at onset temperatures of the exothermic peaks for extended duration, and with a higher heating rate up to the onset temperatures at a given applied tension among the experimental conditions. The increase in load monotonously increased the tensile modulus, on the other hand, the tensile strength was maximum at the load of 15 mg/filament (T15). The load 20 mg/ filament (T20) was considered to be exceeded to form oriented crystal line structure, possibly introducing more defects in the fiber than under load of T15. The sample CP3-T15 O5 H30 showed the best tensile properties among the samples experimented whose tensile properties are compatible with the commercialized grade of general purpose carbon fibers even at low carbonization temperature such as 800 °C (the carbonization temperature in the commercial process. 1300∼1500 °C).

The electrospinnability of pitch was improved by blending in a solution of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resulting in the reduction of the average fiber diameter from 2000 to 750 nm. Activated carbon fibers (ACFs) derived by stabilization, carbonization and steam activation at 700, 800, and 900 °C of the PAN/pitch electrospun fibers for 60 min were investigated as electrodes for supercapacitors. The Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) specific surface area ranged from 732 to 1877 m 2 g -1 and the specific capacitance from 75.5 to 143.5 Fg -1 , depending on the activation conditions. Electrodes from the electrospun web activated at 900 °C exhibited a particularly quick response showing a high frequency of 5.5 Hz at a phase angle of-45° of the impedance spectroscopy.