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Development of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) materials suitable for fused filament fabrication-type additive manufacturing processes is performed. Filament materials are thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pellets and Fe3O4 magnetic particles. A trickling method is employed to introduce the materials into the filament extruder at a constant rate, after which they are mixed in a hopper and extruded at 160°C. The trickling rate of Fe3O4 was controlled to produce different volume concentrations (0. 13 %(v/v)). Micrograph analysis on the cross-section of the filaments indicates that magnetic particles are uniformly dispersed in the TPU matrix. As the volume concentration of particles in the matrix is increased over 10% (v/v), the size distribution of magnetic particles is slightly increased, indicating formation of aggregation of magnetic particles. Micropores are observed in the filaments and the number of pores seem to increase with increasing volume concentration of magnetic particles. A commercial off the shelf (COTS) fused filament fabrication 3D printer is successfully used to produce cylindrical MRE samples with different magnetic particle volume concentrations. Magnetorheological properties of the printed MRE samples are characterized by uniaxial compression testing under different applied magnetic field. Material elastic modulus was found to increase with the intensity of magnetic field for a given magnetic particle volume concentration. The relative magnetorheological effect varies from -1.3% to 60% within the studied volume concentrations and applied fields. The samples with 5% (v/v) show the highest MR effect when compared to samples with higher magnetic particle volume concentrations. The results of these experiments confirm that the equivalent energy dissipation of the material rises with the increase in the Fe3O4 concentration of magnetorheological elastomer.

Due to aggressive scaling down, multiple-node-upset hardened design has become a major concern regarding radiation hardening. The proposed latch overcomes the architecture and performance limitations of state-of-the-art double-node-upset (DNU)-resilient latches. A novel stacked latch element is developed with multiple thresholds, regular architecture, increased number of single-event upset (SEU)-insensitive nodes, low power dissipation, and high robustness. The radiation-aware layout considering layout-level issues is also proposed. Compared with state-of-the-art DNU-resilient latches, simulation results show that the proposed latch exhibits up to 92% delay and 80% power reduction in data activity ratio (DAR) of 100%. The radiation simulation using the dual-double exponential current source model shows that the proposed latch has the strongest radiation-hardening capability among the other DNU-resilient latches.

This study aimed to analyze the treatment effects of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion using dental cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in adolescents. The study group comprised 20 patients who underwent cone-beam CT before and after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE). Paired t-test and analysis of variance were used to analyze significant differences before and after treatment. Skeletal and dentoalveolar measurements indicated highly significant differences, with these expansions increasing progressively in the downward direction. The extent of anterior midpalatal suture expansion was significantly greater than that of the posterior part. Significant expansion was observed at the nasal width and inter-zygomaticomaxillary suture distance. MARPE can expand the craniofacial skeletal structure to the uppermost nasal bone and lateral to the zygomaticomaxillary sutures. The expansion was greater in the lower maxillary part, demonstrating an overall triangular maxillary expansion. The midpalatal suture opening was greater in the anterior than in the posterior side, whereas the posterior suture opening proportion was higher than that of the conventional rapid palatal expansion previously reported.

Aggregation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) is a central player in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the regulatory mechanism underlying α-synuclein aggregation has been intensively studied in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but remains poorly understood. Here, we report p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) as a key regulator of α-synuclein aggregation. Immunohistochemical analysis of human PD brain tissues revealed an inverse correlation between PAK4 activity and α-synuclein aggregation. To investigate their causal relationship, we performed loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies using conditional PAK4 depletion in nigral dopaminergic neurons and the introduction of lentivirus expressing a constitutively active form of PAK4 (caPAK4; PAK4S445N/S474E), respectively. For therapeutic relevance in the latter setup, we injected lentivirus into the striatum following the development of motor impairment and analyzed the effects 6 weeks later. In the loss-of-function study, Cre-driven PAK4 depletion in dopaminergic neurons enhanced α-synuclein aggregation, intracytoplasmic Lewy body-like inclusions and Lewy-like neurites, and reduced dopamine levels in PAK4DAT-CreER mice compared to controls. Conversely, caPAK4 reduced α-synuclein aggregation, as assessed by a marked decrease in both proteinase K-resistant and Triton X100-insoluble forms of α-synuclein in the AAV-α-synuclein-induced PD model. Mechanistically, PAK4 specifically interacted with the NEDD4-1 E3 ligase, whose pharmacological inhibition and knockdown suppressed the PAK4-mediated downregulation of α-synuclein. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of PD and suggest PAK4-based gene therapy as a potential disease-modifying therapy in PD.

Torque measurements are used in a number of controls applications, but indirect coupling, size, and the quality of commercially available sensor materials can limit their utility. Here, a compact magnetostrictive torque sensor is made by electrodeposition of Fe1–xGax (0.1

Background: We conducted a narrative review of studies analyzing the occlusal and mandibular plane angles after maxillary molar distalization using temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TADs). An original preliminary investigation was conducted on the occlusal and mandibular plane angle changes according to the design of TAD-supported distalization. Methods: We included 51 participants stratified into three groups (buccal TAD, lingual arch TAD, and pendulum TAD) who underwent lateral cephalography before and after treatment. The paired t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze the significant differences among the groups. Results: The pterygoid vertical to maxillary second molar (p < 0.01) significantly differed before and after treatment within each group (group 1, 1.29 ± 1.73 mm; group 2, 2.01 ± 1.46 mm; group 3, 1.12 ± 1.43 mm). The angle between the Frankfort horizontal and anatomical occlusal plane increased by 1.96 ± 2.88° (p < 0.05) and 2.51 ± 2.57° (p < 0.01) in groups 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: The measured variables did not significantly differ among the three groups. The Frankfort-mandibular plane angle and functional occlusal plane did not change after maxillary molar distalization. The anatomical occlusal plane is influenced by the anterior teeth and may be unrelated to maxillary molar distalization. Further studies are required to verify the exact relationship between maxillary molar distalization and occlusal plane angle.

Conjugated polymers possessing polar functionalities were shown to effectively anchor single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to the surface of high-capacity anode materials and enable the formation of electrical networks. Specifically, poly[3-(potassium-4-butanoate) thiophene] (PPBT) served as a bridge between SWNT networks and various anode materials, including monodispersed Fe3O4 spheres (sFe3O4) and silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs). The PPBT π-conjugated backbone and carboxylate (COO−) substituted alkyl side chains, respectively, attracted the SWNT π-electron surface and chemically interacted with active material surface hydroxyl (−OH) species to form a carboxylate bond. Beneficially, this architecture effectively captured cracked/pulverized particles that typically form as a result of repeated active material volume changes that occur during charging and discharging. Thus, changes in electrode thickness were suppressed substantially, stable SEI layers were formed, electrode resistance was reduced, and e...

We have demonstrated magnetostrictive nanowire (NW) array-based pressure sensing that utilizes magneto-mechanical transduction in an NW array and electro-magnetic transduction in a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetic field sensor. The pressure sensing is performed by pressing the vertically aligned multilayered Fe80Ga20/Cu NW array against the GMR surface causing NW deflections. Micromagnetic simulations were used to visualize changes in NW magnetization state and resulting stray fields with applied mechanical strain. This magneto-mechanical transduction was similar to that measured experimentally by the GMR sensors with applied pressure.

βPIX and GIT control cellular senescence through integrin signaling., Bioinformatic and functional data link integrin-mediated cell adhesion to cellular senescence; however, the significance of and molecular mechanisms behind these connections are unknown. We now report that the focal adhesion–localized βPAK-interacting exchange factor (βPIX)–G protein–coupled receptor kinase interacting protein (GIT) complex controls cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo. βPIX and GIT levels decline with age. βPIX knockdown induces cellular senescence, which was prevented by reexpression. Loss of βPIX induced calpain cleavage of the endocytic adapter amphiphysin 1 to suppress clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME); direct competition of GIT1/2 for the calpain-binding site on paxillin mediates this effect. Decreased CME and thus integrin endocytosis induced abnormal integrin signaling, with elevated reactive oxygen species production. Blocking integrin signaling inhibited senescence in human fibroblasts and mouse lungs in vivo. These results reveal a central role for integrin signaling in cellular senescence, potentially identifying a new therapeutic direction.

p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a member of the PAK family, regulates a wide range of cellular functions, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of its expression and activity thus contributes to the development of diverse pathological conditions. PAK4 plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by accelerating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, PAK4 is regarded as an attractive therapeutic target in diverse types of cancers, prompting the development of PAK4-specific inhibitors as anticancer drugs; however, these drugs have not yet been successful. PAK4 is essential for embryonic brain development and has a neuroprotective function. A long list of PAK4 effectors has been reported. Recently, the transcription factor CREB has emerged as a novel effector of PAK4. This finding has broad implications for the role of PAK4 in health and disease because CREB-mediated transcriptional reprogramming involves a wide range of genes. In this article, we review the PAK4 signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and melanogenesis, focusing in particular on the PAK4-CREB axis., Gene expression: The role of a regulatory enzyme in disease An enzyme that regulates an important controller of gene expression may offer a therapeutic target for cancer and other diseases. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) interacts with various other proteins to switch a myriad of target genes on and off in different cells. A review by Eung-Gook Kim, Eun-Young Shin and colleagues at Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea, explores the interplay between CREB and an enzyme called p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in human health and disease. PAK4, for example, has been shown to promote CREB’s gene-activating function in prostate cancer, and PAK4 overexpression is a feature of numerous other tumor types. Disruptions in PAK4-mediated regulation of CREB activity have also been observed in neurons affected by Parkinson’s disease. The authors see strong clinical promise in further exploring the biology of the PAK4-CREB pathway.

Because of the rise in renewable energy use, the redox flow battery (RFB) has attracted extensive attention as an energy storage system. Thus, many studies have focused on improving the performance of the felt electrodes used in RFBs. However, existing analysis cells are unsuitable for characterizing felt electrodes because of their complex 3-dimensional structure. Analysis is also greatly affected by the measurement conditions, viz. compression ratio, contact area, and contact strength between the felt and current collector. To address the growing need for practical analytical apparatus, we report a new analysis cell for accurate electrochemical characterization of felt electrodes under various conditions, and compare it with previous ones. In this cell, the measurement conditions can be exhaustively controlled with a compression supporter. The cell showed excellent reproducibility in cyclic voltammetry analysis and the results agreed well with actual RFB charge-discharge performance.

In this study, we have fabricated and studied magnetic domains in the periodic H-mediated Zn0.9Co0.1O (H-ZCO) microdisk structures at room temperature with the MFM technique. The results of MFM show that the z-component of the remanent magnetic moment is uniform even though the value is much smaller than that of the saturation magnetic moment. In the investigation of H-ZCO microdisk arrays in different volumes, the magnetic domains observed on different sizes of the H-ZCO microdisks exhibited the same magnetic domain characteristics, perpendicular magnetization, regardless of the volume. Also, we confirmed that the ferromagnetism in the H-ZnCoO system is mediated by hydrogens with the MFM results of ZnCoO hydrogen injected and dehydrogenated.

The use of polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) as future displays and lightings has been of interest because of their advantages such as lightness, thinness, high contrast ratio, fast response time and high flexibility. Light-extraction structures such as microlens arrays have been designed to improve the efficiency of PLEDs. In this work, we have fabricated novel microlens arrays based on an organic–inorganic hybrid sol on a flexible substrate. Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in microlens arrays are expected not only to extract more light but also to block gas molecules. Further light-extraction from Al2O3 nanoparticles in the microlens arrays was confirmed by an increase in diffusive reflectance and photoluminescence intensity. As a result, the flexible PLEDs with the arrays showed enhanced maximum current efficiencies by 47% and 38% for SPB-02T (blue) and PDY-132 (yellow) emissive materials. They also showed improved stability, and high flexibility at a bending radius of 4 mm. Furthermore, Al2O3 nanoparticles were incorporated into irregular microlens arrays consisting of two different sizes of hemispherical lenses, to minimize changes in emission spectra and radiation pattern as well as to improve efficiency.

A carbon nanotube (CNT) web electrode comprising magnetite spheres and few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWNTs) linked by the carboxylated conjugated polymer, poly[3-(potassium-4-butanoate) thiophene] (PPBT), was designed to demonstrate benefits derived from the rational consideration of electron/ion transport coupled with the surface chemistry of the electrode materials components. To maximize transport properties, the approach introduces monodispersed spherical Fe3O4 (sFe3O4) for uniform Li+ diffusion and a FWNT web electrode frame that affords characteristics of long-ranged electronic pathways and porous networks. The sFe3O4 particles were used as a model high-capacity energy active material, owing to their well-defined chemistry with surface hydroxyl (−OH) functionalities that provide for facile detection of molecular interactions. PPBT, having a π-conjugated backbone and alkyl side chains substituted with carboxylate moieties, interacted with the FWNT π-electron-rich and hydroxylated sFe3O4 surfaces, whic...

The proposed circular patch antenna was designed to include relative bandwidth of above 25% as designed by the FCC in the FCC in the 3.1 ~ 10.6 GHz band. The antenna was induced to have a wide band characteristic through two structures of the usual microstrip line and a microstrip line with a linear change in impedance. The proposed finally antenna was designed using an FR4_epoxy substrate with 4.7% permittivity, 0.02 of loss tangent, and 1.6 mm of thickness, and was simulated with the use of HFSS made by Ansys. Return loss at frequency, VSWR, radiation pattern and the gain of the antenna were analysed. As a result, if satisfied a return loss of -10 dB and from 2.28 ~ 13.35 GHz, showing about the bandwidth of 11.89 GHz, and the radiation pattern was unidirectional in all bands. The antenna gain gradually increased from 2 ~ 8 GHz and had the highest gain of 7.92 dBi at 8 GHz. and the gain gradually decreased in the 9 ~ 12 GHz band.

Epithelial−mesenchymal transition (EMT) facilitates cancer invasion and metastasis and thus accelerates cancer progression. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a critical regulator of prostate cancer (PC) progression. Here, we report that PAK4 activation promotes PC progression through the EMT regulator Slug. We find that phosphorylated PAK4S474 (pPAK4) levels, an index of PAK4 activation, were tightly associated with Gleason score (p

In this paper, we have proposed a tapered slot antenna for IR-UWB communication system suitable of indoor positioning in the building. The designed tapered slot antenna is designed using Ansys Inc. HFSS and its standing wave ratio, return loss, and radiation pattern is analyzed. In 2.36 GHz ∼ 5.51 GHz band, the designed antenna shows satisfactory return loss at -10 dB and meets the requirement of VSWR≤2. The presented designed showed a higher sensitivity for the end-fire propagation characteristics in a specific direction across all bands of the radiation pattern. ※ 이 논문은 2014년도 정부(교육부)의 재원으로 한국연구재단의 지원을 받아 수행된 기초연구사업(NRF-2009-0093828)과 미래창조과 학부 및 정보통신산업진흥원의 IT융합 고급인력과정 지원사업의 연구결과로 수행되었음(NIPA-2014-H0401-14-1009). First Author : Chosun University Department of Communication Engineering, dychoi@chosun.ac.kr, 종신회원 ° Corresponding Author : Mokpo National University Department of Electronics Engineering, srlee@mokpo.ac.kr, 정회원 * Chosun University Department of Information and Communication Engineering, woongskim1@naver.com ** Chosun University Department of Information and Communication Engineering, jungjin00@hanmail.net *** Mokpo National University Department of Computer Engineering, majung@mokpo.ac.kr. 정회원 논문번호:KICS2014-10-407, Received October 8, 2014; Revised December 4, 2014; Accepted December 4, 2014 I. 서 론 미국의 연방통신위원회(FCC : Federal Communication Commission)는 UWB 허가 제원은 3.1 ∼ 10.6 GHz의 주파수 대역이며, -41.3 dBm/MHz의 잡음강도가 25%의 상대적(fractional) 대역폭, 500 MHz이상의 주파수 대역 폭을 만족하도록 하고 있다. IR-UWB (Impulse-Radio Ultra Wideband)기술은 저 비용, 저 소비전력으로 실내에서 수십 cm 급의 정 밀한 위치 인식⋅추적 기능을 가능하게 함으로써 기 The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences '14-12 Vol.39C No.12 1308 존의 카메라 기반의 실내 감시 시스템을 보완할 수 있 는 기술로 기대되고 있다. IR-UWB의 응용분야는 크게 단거리 통신(short range communication), 거리 측정(measurement system), 차량 레이더(vehicular radar system) 및 이 미징 시스템(imaging system) 등 다양한 응용 분야로 분류할 수 있다. 실제 응용에 따라 실내⋅외 통신 시 스템으로 지표투과 레이더(GPR : Ground penetrating Radar), 벽 투과 레이더(through wall radar), 의료영 상 레이더(medical imaging radar), 토목공학용 비파 괴 탐상 레이더(non destructive testing radar) 및 차량 용 레이더(vehicular radar)등이 있다 . 본 논문에서는 IR-UWB 테이퍼드 슬롯 안테나를 제안하였으며, 지상 건물의 실내위치인식이 아닌 해양 선박에서 실내의 넓은 공간 및 복도와 같은 좁은 공간 의 목표물 위치 인식에 적합한 안테나를 제안 하였다. 테이퍼드 슬롯 안테나에서 슬롯 폭의 물리적 길이 변 화를 통해 FCC에서 정한 동작 주파수 25% 이상의 상 대적 대역폭을 유도하였으며, 사물의 위치 인식에 적 합한 지향성 방사를 갖는 end-fire 동작 특성을 유도하 였다. 제안한 테이퍼드 슬롯 안테나는 Ansys사의 HFSS (High Frequency Simulator)를 사용하여 전산모의 하 였으며, 주파수 영역에서의 반사손실 및 정재파비, 방 사패턴 등을 분석하였다. 이를 위해 제 2 장에서는 테 이퍼드 슬롯 안테나를 제안하였으며, 제 3 장에서는 테이퍼드 슬롯 안테나에서 슬롯 폭의 물리적 길이의 변화를 통해 안테나 특성을 분석하였다. 제 4 장에서 는 결론을 맺는다.

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is becoming an increasing concern for patients and clinicians alike due to the use of radiotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, pediatric cancer and tumors of the thorax. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely unknown. As the senescent cell fraction following irradiation is known to increase, in the present study, we investigated whether ionizing radiation (IR) causes the onset of heart disease by inducing cellular senescence in cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of IR on HL-1 and H9C2 cells, cells predominantly used in in vitro myocardial cell models. We found that the exposure of the HL-1 and H9C2 cells to IR induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cellular senescence, as shown by staining of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal). The levels of ROS in irradiated cells were determined using the fluorescent dye, 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA). Notably, the expression of corin, a cardiac protease that is essential for the proteolytic cleavage of natriuretic peptides, was significantly decreased following the exposure of the cells to IR. Importantly, the knockdown of corin by RNA interference enhanced IR-induced senescence. On the contrary, the overexpression of natriuretic peptides reversed the IR-induced senescence. Taken together, our data suggest that defects in corin function and the inhibition of natriuretic peptides following exposure to IR may contribute to the development of RIHD through the acceleration of cellular senescence.

Community energy has been proposed as a new policy tool to help achieve the transition to a low-carbon energy system, but the evidence base for this strategy is partial and fragmented. We therefore present new empirical evidence from the first independent UK-wide survey of community energy projects. Our survey investigates the objectives, origins and development of these groups across the UK, their activities and their networking activities as a sector. We also examine the strengths and weaknesses of these groups, along with the opportunities and threats presented by wider socioeconomic and political contexts, in order to improve understanding of the sector's potential and the challenges it faces. We highlight several key issues concerning the further development of the sector. First, this highly diverse sector is not reducible to a single entity; its multiple objectives need joined-up thinking among government departments. Second, its civil society basis is fundamental to its success at engaging local communities, and makes the sector quite distinct from the large energy companies these community groups are aiming to work alongside. There are inherent tensions and vulnerabilities in such a model, and limits to how much these groups can achieve on their own: consistent policy support is essential.

Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) is an E3 ligase that interacts with and ubiquitinates insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in skeletal muscle; thus, an MG53-IRS-1 interaction disruptor (MID), which potentially sensitizes insulin signaling with an elevated level of IRS-1 in skeletal muscle, is an excellent candidate for treating insulin resistance. To screen for an MID, we developed a bimolecular luminescence complementation system using an N-terminal luciferase fragment fused with IRS-1 and a C-terminal luciferase fragment fused with an MG53 C14A mutant that binds to IRS-1 but does not have E3 ligase activity. An MID, which was discovered using the bimolecular luminescence complementation system, disrupted the molecular association of MG53 with IRS-1, thus abolishing MG53-mediated IRS-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Thus, the MID sensitized insulin signaling and increased insulin-elicited glucose uptake with an elevated level of IRS-1 in C2C12 myotubes. These data indicate that this MID holds promise as a drug candidate for treating insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes after miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) in young adults by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS This retrospective study included 14 patients (mean age, 20.1 years; range, 16-26 years) with maxillary transverse deficiency treated with MARPE. Skeletal and dentoalveolar changes were evaluated using CBCT images acquired before and after expansion. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test according to normality of the data. RESULTS The midpalatal suture was separated, and the maxilla exhibited statistically significant lateral movement (p < 0.05) after MARPE. Some of the landmarks had shifted forwards or upwards by a clinically irrelevant distance of less than 1 mm. The amount of expansion decreased in the superior direction, with values of 5.5, 3.2, 2.0, and 0.8 mm at the crown, cementoenamel junction, maxillary basal bone, and zygomatic arch levels, respectively (p < 0.05). The buccal bone thickness and height of the alveolar crest had decreased by 0.6-1.1 mm and 1.7-2.2 mm, respectively, with the premolars and molars exhibiting buccal tipping of 1.1°-2.9°. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that MARPE is an effective method for the correction of maxillary transverse deficiency without surgery in young adults.

Aberrant sialylation has long been correlated with human cancer. Increased ST6 Gal I (β-galactoside α 2, 6 sialyltransferase) and consequently higher levels of cell-surface α 2, 6 sialylation has been associated with human colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. We have extensive circumstantial data that sialylation is connected to cancer metastasis, but we do not understand in detail how sialylation can switch on/off multiple steps in cancer metastasis. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the ST6Gal I-mediated metastasis of CRC, we silenced the ST6Gal I gene in a metastatic SW620 CRC cell line (SW620-shST6Gal I) and examined the metastatic behavior of the cells. We found that various hallmarks of metastatic ability were considerably enhanced in ST6Gal 1-depleted SW620 clones, as assessed both in vitro and in vivo . In particular, the metastasis suppressor, KAI1, was down-regulated in ST6Gal I-deficient SW620 clones. This reflected the increased exosome-mediated exportation of KAI1, and was associated with a decrease in the KAI1-mediated inhibition of integrin. These findings indicate that gene silencing of ST6Gal I could enhance metastasis of CRC by down-regulating KAI1 activity and rescuing its negative effects on integrin signaling.

In this study, the tunnel loads acting on the concrete lining are analyzed by comparing three methods - Terzaghi table, Terzaghi formula and Ground-Lining Interaction (G.L.I) model. The tunnel loads are analyzed by FLAC 2D. And the G.L.I model is analyzed under various rock mass ratings, tunnel depths (20~80m) and in-situ stress ratios (

New pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for polarizer film were prepared by electron beam (e-beam) radiation to acrylic copolymers, and their adhesive properties were investigated. The acrylic copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization of -butylacrylate (BA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and acrylic acid (AA). The acrylic copolymers were coated on PET release films to a thickness of 25 , laminated to polarizer films, and then radiated with e-beam at room temperature. Gel fractions of all the acrylic copolymers after e-beam radiation at 50 kGy were higher than 93%, and their crosslinking densities were increased with increasing the content of HEMA units. PSA prepared by e-beam radiation of acrylic copolymer synthesized with a feed ratio of BA/HEMA/AA = 89.5/10/0.5 (w/w/w) at a dose of 50 kGy exhibited the best adhesion performances in terms of peel strength, creep resistance, durability and reliability, and light leakage. It is expected that the preparation method of PSAs via e-beam irradiation will improve the producibility and workability of polarizer film for liquid crystal display.

Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) are a mechanism that it is argued will deliver key national and local priorities based on a new relationship between central and local government in Scotland. SOAs are to be developed and implemented through partnership working exercised by Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs). A survey of the first (2008) SOA participants from local authorities and their Community Planning partners was conducted in 2008, with a particular focus on the interrelationships between the 2008 SOA development process and partnership working at the local level. Findings of this study suggest that there was a positive link between the strength of existing CPPs and partner engagement in the 2008 SOA development. However, partner engagement in the 2008 SOA development process did not affect survey respondents' confidence that the ongoing SOA development and implementation will strengthen partnership working in the long -term. This study also suggests that in addition to the practical diff...

For sites designated within international networks, reporting processes have been established to ensure that these sites continue to exhibit their special characteristics and contribute to the goals of their respective network. One such network is the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), composed of sites designated under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme. This paper summarises the evolution of the concept and the realities of biosphere reserves since 1976; describes the introduction of the Statutory Framework for the WNBR, which formalised the concept and introduced a periodic review process to provide oversight of its implementation; evaluates the extent to which, since 1996, this process has been successful in achieving its aims; discusses changes which have been proposed and implemented; and provides suggestions for future action.

Rural landscapes in many parts of the world no longer exist solely for agricultural production and therefore face change to accommodate various socio-economic demands. Hence, there is a need to improve our understanding of public attitudes—in particular, their openness—toward such change. This article discusses predictors of openness to landscape change in rural areas based on the results of an online survey conducted to develop attitudinal measurement scales for landscape change and rural landscape in England. Landscape change in rural areas was not welcomed by the respondents mainly due to their high level of affirmative attitudes to rural landscapes. However, the study suggests that there is a possibility, especially among younger cohorts, that increasing levels of education will lead to greater openness to landscape change.

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The purpose of this study is to explore the integrity and the individuality between Korean Language Education as national language and Korean Language Education as foreign language. The integrity is based on the universality of educational aspect. Otherwise, the individuality is based on the specificity of a field of study. It is very difficult for each researcher to define clearly what Korean Language Education is. But we can draw a blueprint about the connection between two field of study. They can interact each other in the point of view of the domain of research and the study around them. And they can be compatible with the other in the point of view of the legal basis, the learner, the teacher, and the curriculum. (The National Institute of the Korean Language)

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) 72-kDa immediate-early 1 (IE1) protein is thought to modulate cellular antiviral functions impacting on promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. IE1 consists of four distinct regions: an amino-terminal region required for nuclear localization, a large central hydrophobic region responsible for PML targeting and transactivation activity, an acidic domain, and a carboxyl-terminal chromatin tethering domain. We found that the acidic domain of IE1 is required for binding to STAT2. A mutant HCMV encoding IE1(Δ421-475) with the acidic domain deleted was generated. In mutant virus-infected cells, IE1(Δ421-475) failed to bind to STAT2. The growth of mutant virus was only slightly delayed at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI) but was severely impaired at a low MOI with low-level accumulation of viral proteins. When cells were pretreated with beta interferon, the mutant virus showed an additional 1,000-fold reduction in viral growth, even at a high MOI, compared to the wild type. The inhibition of STAT2 loading on the target promoter upon infection was markedly reduced with mutant virus. Furthermore, sumoylation of IE1 at this acidic domain was found to abolish the activity of IE1 to bind to STAT2 and repress the interferon-stimulated genes. Our results provide genetic evidence that IE1 binding to STAT2 requires the 55-amino-acid acidic domain and promotes viral growth by interfering with interferon signaling and demonstrate that this viral activity is negatively regulated by a cellular sumoylation pathway.

In order to monitor the anticancer drug in stable conditions, the Web based anticancer drug management system and alarm services were constructed and assessed in this study. Anticancer drug should be exact to the correct patient in the right environment. To overcome the restriction of existing equipment that only monitors fragmentarily, temperature and humidity were continuously monitored to maintain stable environments using sensor networks and RFID for the monitoring and management of anticancer drug. Construction drug identification and the effect of normal air outside the anticancer dispensary with obstacles were evaluated in working hour. Pre-installed control system in the dispensary could be alternated with auto sensing and alarming. We expected that the efficiency of anticancer drug management and the reliability of drug medication by handwork would be increase accordingly.

In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells, the 86 kDa immediate-early (IE) 2 protein plays a key role in transactivating downstream viral genes. Recently, IE2 has been shown to interact with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and HDAC3. HDAC1 recruited by IE2 was required for IE2-mediated autorepression of the major IE (MIE) promoter, whereas IE2–HDAC3 interaction was suggested to relieve the repressive effect of HDAC3 on viral early promoters. However, whether IE2 indeed inhibits HDAC's deacetylation activity on viral promoters and interacts with other HDACs remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that IE2 functionally interacts with HDAC2 and negates its repressive effect on the viral polymerase promoter. IE2 interacted with HDAC2 in both virus-infected cells and in vitro, and required the conserved C-terminal half for HDAC2 binding. The subcellular localization of HDAC2 was changed in virus-infected cells, showing colocalization with IE2 in viral transcription and replication sites. The overall HDAC2 protein levels and its deacetylation activity slightly increased during the late stages of infection and the IE2-associated deacetylation activity was still sensitive to an HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A. In transfection assays, however, histone acetylation of the viral polymerase promoter was suppressed by HDAC2, and this was relieved by IE2 binding. Therefore, our data demonstrate that IE2 functionally interacts with HDAC2 and modulates its deacetylation activity on the viral polymerase promoter. Our results also support the idea that interactions of IE2 with several HDACs to modulate the host epigenetic regulation on viral MIE and early promoters are important events in the process of productive infection.

Rain plays a major impairment factor for propagation of electromagnetic waves in atmosphere for systems operating at frequencies above 10 GHz. Several effects are noted such as depolarization, scintillation, interference due to scattering and extra attenuation which seems to increase with frequency. To mitigate its effect in satellite communication, knowledge of local rainfall statistics is necessary which act as milestone for design of radio link. Rain attenuation is best visualize by the 1-min rainfall rate statistic but the measurement of this rain rate distribution is rare on a worldwide basis and observation of rain rate are done with longer integration times typically 30 min or more. In this paper, efforts have been made to develop model that can convert rain rate complementary cumulative distribution function to shorter integration times. The average relative error margin of about 5, 14, 43, 71 and 115 % are noted for 5 to 1-, 10 to 1-, 20 to 1, 30 to 1- and 60 to 1-min respectively from ITU-R P.837-6 method which have been analyzed in further section of this article. The empirical natures of conversion methods as such Segal method, Burgueno’s method, Chebil and Rahman method and Logarithmic model are studied along with the proposed new model that seems to be applicable in derivation of 1-min rain rate of the South Korea rain rate statistics. International Telecommunication Union-Radio communication Sector (ITU-R) has developed a recommendation ITU-R P.837-6 that enables the user to estimate the local 1-min rainfall rate statistical distribution which is compared with calculated 1-min rain rate distribution from experimental 1-min rainfall accumulation. Unfortunately, ITU-R P.837-6 estimated 1-min values show greater error percentages. In order to get better approximation of local 1-min rain rate estimation, a novel method is proposed and it’s efficiency have been compared with rainfall rate statistics obtained from nine different locations in the South Korea.

We focus on the solutions to prevent fatal risk to patient's life caused by transfusing blood which is wrong type or has exceeded norm temperature. Also, this study gives priority to the verification of medical safety of using blood, of which management is applied advanced sensor tag technology adopted RFID(Radio Frequency Identification) temperature sensor and USN(Ubiquitous Sensor Network) for temperature management of blood. Therefore, this study can contribute to protect of health of patients who take blood transfusion through construction of basis of new process of blood management.