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Edwardsiella tarda is the predominant bacterium in farm-cultured eel in Korea. Here, we evaluated the heterogeneity of 37 E. tarda isolates derived from Japanese eel with various origins (olive flounder, common carp and ornamental fish) between 2003 and 2010. Regardless of origins, the biochemical characteristics of E. tarda isolates were homogenous except hydrogen sulfide production, citrate utilization and mannitol fermentation. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16S r RNA, E. tarda isolates could be classified into two subgroups and displayed a close relation with Edwardsiella ictaluri and Edwardsiella hosinae lineages, suggesting that the subgroup I has been a predominant type in the Jeonnam and Jeonbuk provinces. I- CeuI-based pulsed-field gel electrophoresis ( PFGE) typing showed that the isolates from Japanese eels belonged to 11 pulsotypes, indicating that the presence of highly genomic diversity. Additionally, two isolates, ET-060 and ET-191, showed a high frequency of virulence genes (100%) and caused 90% and 60% mortality in Japanese eel, respectively. This finding suggests a substantial congruence of virulence gene profiles and pathogenicity. Our results demonstrate that the intraspecific diversity within E. tarda strains from Japanese eel has been in prior existence. Significance and Impact of the Study Based on the biochemical characteristics, the phylogenetic property of the 16S r RNA gene and PFGE types of Edwardsiella tarda, we could identify the intraspecific diversity of isolates from Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica in Korea. In addition, this study describes the strong congruence of virulence-related genes and pathogenicity, suggesting that the virulence profile may be useful tool for prediction of pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Gene expression profiling studies have identified several breast cancer subtypes associated with markedly different clinical outcomes. In general, patients with stage I breast cancer have excellent outcomes. We assessed the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer according to molecular subtype. Methods: Seven hundred and sixty-two T1N0M0 breast cancer patients undergoing curative surgery between January 1990 and December 2007 were analyzed. Subtypes were classified according to hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) status as follows: HR+/HER2−, HR+/HER2+, HR−/HER2− (triple-negative, TN), and HR−/HER2+. Results: The distribution of subtypes was HR+/HER2−, 56.6%; HR+/HER2+, 10.1%; TN, 20.1%; and HR−/HER2+, 13.3%. Marked differences were observed among subtypes in multifocality/multicentricity, histological grade, extensive intraductal components, p53 expression and the Ki-67 index. There were differences in recurrence-free survival and overall survival among patients with different molecular subtypes (log-rank p < 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). By multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion and classification of molecular subtype were independent predictors of recurrence (p = 0.003 and 0.043, respectively). The TN subtype showed significantly worse recurrence-free survival compared to the HR+/HER2− subtype (hazard ratio, 4.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–12.86; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer, a group with generally favorable clinical outcomes, had prognoses that were associated with the molecular subtype. The TN subtype was an independent predictor for recurrence in patients with T1N0M0 breast cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: PurposeThe stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) system verifies isocenter accuracy in patient space. In this study, we evaluate isocenter accuracy in frameless SRT using implanted cranial gold markers.: Methods and materialsWe performed frameless SRT on 43 intracranial tumor patients between August 1997 and December 2000. The treatment technique was determined by the tumor shape and volume, and by the location of critical organs. The coordinates of anterior-posterior and lateral port film were inputted to ISOLOC software, which calculated (1) the couch moves translation distance required to bring the target point to the isocenter, and (2) the intermarker distance comparisons between the CT study and the treatment machine films. We evaluated the isocenter deviation based on the error between orthogonal film target coordinates and isocenter coordinates.: ResultsThe mean treatment isocenter deviations (x, y, z) were −0.03, 0.14, and −0.04 mm, respectively. The systematic component isocenter standard deviations were 0.28, 0.31, and 0.35 mm (1 SD), respectively, and the random component isocenter standard deviations were 0.53, 0.52, and 0.50 mm (1 SD), respectively.: ConclusionThe isocenter accuracy in the frameless SRT–implanted fiducial system is highly reliable and is comparable to that of other stereotactic radiosurgery systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a new measuring method that can be used to inspect the quality of sculptured surfaces. Use of probe approach direction in the Z-direction; Introduction of the offset surface concept for the elimination of normal directional error; Measurement of data for localization using the probe center points; Development of a practical offset surface generation and localization algorithm.

A more rapid detection method for step initiation is an important challenge for muscle force reduction in lower limb exoskeletons. Many studies have attempted to detect step initiation faster via either the precedence walking assistance mechanism or the shadow walking assistance mechanism. Although the precedence walking assistance mechanism is the fastest for the detection of step initiation, this mechanism has limitations while using biosignals. As a result, many studies have attempted to detect step initiation with the shadow walking assistance mechanism as soon as possible. A precedence walking assistance mechanism has been implemented for step initiation in the Unmanned Technology Research Centre Exoskeleton (UTRCEXO) based on gait analysis without using any biosignals. Success was achieved in reducing the muscle force of the operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new control algorithm for balancing biped walking robots is presented. It is superior to existing approaches in terms of simplicity, versatility and ease-of-use. Performance of the proposed control scheme is predicted theoretically and proved by experiments involving a large humanoid robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: PurposeTo evaluate efficacy, toxicity, and patterns of relapse in patients treated with hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) with concurrent chemotherapy for para-aortic lymph node (PALN) recurrence of cervical carcinoma.: Methods and materialsBetween September 1997 and October 2000, 12 cervical carcinoma patients with isolated PALN recurrence who had previously received radical or postoperative radiotherapy were treated with HFRT and concurrent chemotherapy. The initial FIGO stage was Stage IB in 4 (33%) patients, Stage IIA in 2 (17%), and Stage IIB in 6 (50%). The radiation field encompassed the gross recurrent PALN with the superior margin at the upper end of the T12 body and the inferior margin between L5 and S1. The fractionated dose was 1.2 Gy in 2 daily fractions, and the median total dose was 60 Gy. The weekly concurrent chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel in 11 patients and cisplatin in 1. The median number of cycles of chemotherapy was 5.: ResultsThe latent period to PALN recurrence from the time of initial treatment for all patients ranged from 2 to 92 months (median: 12 months). One month after treatment, the clinical tumor response evaluated was complete in 33% (4/12) and partial in 67% (8/12). The 3-year overall survival rate and median survival were 19% and 21 months, respectively. The latent period to PALN recurrence was the only significant prognostic factor; the median survival of patients who relapsed in ≤24 months from the initial treatment of cervical carcinoma was 13 months vs. 45 months for those relapsed at >24 months (p = 0.026). Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicity developed in 2 patients. Six (50%) patients experienced Grade 2 nausea. There were no late gastrointestinal or neurologic complications during the follow-up period. Subsequent distant metastases after PALN treatment developed in 58% (7/12).: ConclusionHFRT of 60 Gy to PALN with concurrent chemotherapy could be regarded as an effective treatment modality without significant acute or late toxicity. Patients with a latent period >24 months until PALN recurrence had a more favorable survival rate than those with a latent period ≤24 months. Subsequent distant metastasis after PALN recurrence was the main cause of death and is a problem to overcome in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]