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The process of skin aging is intricate, involving intrinsic aging, influenced by internal factors, and extrinsic aging, mainly caused by exposure to UV radiation, resulting in photoaging. Photoaging manifests as skin issues such as wrinkles and discoloration. The skin microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms on the skin’s surface, plays a crucial role in skin protection and can be affected by factors like humidity and pH. Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, have been investigated for their potential to enhance skin health by regulating the skin microbiome. This can be accomplished through oral probiotics, impacting the gut–skin axis, or topical applications introducing live bacteria to the skin. Probiotics mitigate oxidative stress, suppress inflammation, and maintain the skin’s extracellular matrix, ultimately averting skin aging. However, research on probiotics derived from human skin is limited, and there is no established product for preventing photoaging. The mechanism by which probiotics shield the skin microbiome and skin layers from UV radiation remains unclear. Recently, researchers have discovered Lactobacillus in the skin, with reports indicating a decrease in this microorganism with age. In a recent study, scientists isolated Lactobacillus iners KOLBM20 from the skin of individuals in their twenties and confirmed its effectiveness. A comparative analysis of genetic sequences revealed that strain KOLBM20 belongs to the Lactobacillus genus and closely relates to L. iners DSM13335(T) with a 99.20% similarity. Importantly, Lactobacillus iners KOLBM20 displayed anti-wrinkle properties by inhibiting MMP-1. This investigation demonstrated the inhibitory effect of KOLBM20 strain lysate on MMP-1 expression. Moreover, the data suggest that KOLBM20 strain lysate may prevent UVB-induced MMP-1 expression by inhibiting the activation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways induced by UVB. Consequently, KOLBM20 strain lysate holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating skin photoaging.

This study proposes a robust precast concrete (PC) production scheduling model for PC construction projects with schedule uncertainty by adopting a proactive scheduling approach. The proposed model consists of a PC production simulation module that simulates and evaluates the total tardiness of the schedule at a certain confidence level with contractor schedule uncertainty and a GA-based production schedule optimization module that finds an optimal schedule through iterative schedule generation and evaluation using a PC production simulation module. The experimental study shows that the proposed model can find the best schedule with 303.8 h of tardiness at a 100% confidence level, followed by NEHedd 324.7 h, basic GA 328.5 h, and EDD 335.8 h. The results of this study will help PC production schedulers to perform robustly despite contractors’ schedule changes and will thus contribute to the successful completion of PC construction projects.

Background There are various reconstructive options for nail bed defects. However, it is challenging not to leave a deformity. In this study, we investigated differences in outcomes depending on the reconstruction method, attempted to determine which method was better, and analyzed other factors that may affect outcomes. Methods The long-term outcomes of nail bed reconstruction were reviewed retrospectively. We performed three types of reconstruction depending on the defect type: composite grafts of severed segments, nail bed grafts from the big toe, and two-stage surgery (flap coverage first, followed by a nail bed graft). Subsequent nail growth was evaluated during follow-up, and each outcome was graded based on Zook's criteria. The reconstruction methods were statistically analyzed. Other factors that could contribute to the outcomes, including age, the timing of surgery, germinal matrix involvement, defect size, and the presence of bone injuries, were also compared. Results Twenty-one patients (22 digits) who underwent nail bed reconstruction were evaluated. The type of reconstruction method did not show a significant relationship with the outcomes. However, patients who sustained injuries in the germinal matrix and patients with a defect larger than half the size of the nail bed had significantly worse outcomes than the comparison groups. Conclusions The results suggest that no operative method was superior to another in terms of the outcomes of nail bed reconstruction. Nevertheless, involvement of the germinal matrix and defect size affected the outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To evaluate the development, location, and volume of a VX2 carcinoma using four inoculation methods in a rabbit brain. Materials and Methods Inoculation of a VX2 cell suspension was performed 1) on the appointed day, 2) seven days after storing a VX2 carcinoma in a freezer or 3) seven days after storing a VX2 carcinoma in a deep freezer after sacrificing the donor rabbits. 4) Without sacrificing the rabbits, the VX2 cell suspension was obtained using a gun biopsy, inoculation was performed on the appointed day. MR imaging was performed 10 days after inoculation. Brain tissues were obtained the day after. The development, location, and volume of the tumor were evaluated. Results Seventeen of the 18 rabbits inoculated on the appointed day developed tumors (average tumor volume, 106.32 mm3). One of five inoculated seven days after storing the VX2 tumor in the freezer, and three of five inoculated seven days after storing the VX2 tumor in the deep freezer developed tumors. Inoculation with a VX2 cell suspension obtained with a gun biopsy from five rabbits revealed development of tumors in only two rabbits. The tumors mostly developed in the superficial cortex. Conclusion TVX2 rabbit brain tumor model is easy to develop and revealed variable reproducibility. This model can be applicable in radiologic imaging, treatment planning, interventional treatment and drug delivery research. VX2 cell can be successfully innoculated into the brain using variable methods under researcher’s variable conditions.

Environments, Health, and Safety (EHS) activities are strongly linked to the concept of sustainability in the current construction industry and consequently absorb more financial and managerial attention. One of major obstacles in EHS costing is that most EHS costs are buried in general overhead costs. Therefore, EHS costs lacks transparency, making it hard to allocate EHS costs to relevant construction projects. This paper present a recent study in which a method of activity-based costing (ABC) has been applied to safety costs at a contractor’s home office. The list of safety activities, their cost drivers as well as their cost information on one of Korean general contractor is provided. The authors expect that the application of ABC will improve transparency in costing EHS costs as well as allocating EHS costs to projects.

A novel route to organic-inorganic composites was described based on biomineralization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels. The 3-dimensional hydrogels were synthesized by radical crosslinking polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) (PEGF) in the presence of ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (EGMP) as an apatite-nuclating monomer, acrylamide (AAm) as a composition-modulating comonomer, and potassium persulfate (PPS) as a radical initiator. We used the urea-mediated solution precipitation technique for biomineralization of hydrogels. The apatite grown on the surface and interior of the hydrogel was similar to biological apatites in the composition and crystalline structure. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the calcium phosphate crystalline platelets on hydrogels are preferentially aligned along the crystallographic c-axis direction. Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analysis showed that the Ca/P molar ratio of apatites grown on the hydrogel template was found to be 1.60, which is identical to that of natural bones. In vitro cell experiments showed that the cell adhesion/proliferation on the mineralized hydrogel was more pronounced than on the pure polymer hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims : To determine whether the blood–brain barrier (BBB) opens to enhance drug delivery during the acute stage of unsaturated fat embolism. Methods : We infused oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid emulsions through the right common carotid artery of rats, followed by trypan blue for gross and lanthanum for electron microscopic (EM) examination. Doxorubicin and temozolomide were also administered, and then the rats were euthanized at 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h. Trypan blue hue was analyzed to semiquantitatively measure BBB opening. Desorption electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (DESI–MS) imaging was used to evaluate drug delivery. Results Trypan blue staining observed in each group 30 min after emulsion infusion increased at 1 h and decreased after 2 h in the oleic acid group. The linoleic and linolenic acid groups showed weak staining over time. The hue and trypan blue analysis results were corroborative. EM showed tight junction opening, whereas DESI–MS imaging showed increased doxorubicin and temozolomide signal intensities in ipsilateral hemispheres of all three groups. Conclusion We demonstrated that oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid emulsions opened the BBB, promoting drug delivery to the brain. Hue analysis and DESI–MS imaging are appropriate for analysis of doxorubicin and temozolomide concentrations in brain tissue.

We performed this study to evaluate whether saturated fatty acid (SFA) emulsions affect the BBB and determine the duration of BBB opening, thereby promoting drug delivery to the brain. Butyric, valeric, caproic, enanthic, and caprylic acid emulsions were infused into the carotid artery of the rat model. We evaluated the BBB opening and drug delivery over time. The trypan blue and doxorubicin delivery studies were repeated from 30 min to 6 h. In the 1 h rats in each group, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to morphologically evaluate tight junctions, and the delivery of temozolomide was assessed by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The ipsilateral hemisphere was positive for trypan blue staining in all the five SFA emulsion groups. In the valeric, enanthic, and caprylic acid emulsion groups, RGB ratios were significantly higher at 30 min and decreased thereafter. Doxorubicin delivery increased in all emulsion groups at all time points. Tight junctions were observed to be open in all groups. TMZ delivery was significantly higher in the ipsilateral hemisphere. In conclusion, intra-arterially infused SFA emulsions opened the BBB and promoted drug delivery within 30 min, which decreased thereafter. Therefore, SFA emulsions may aid BBB research and promote drug delivery to the brain.

Abstract Background Practical guidance is needed regarding the vaccination of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent individuals in resource-limited countries. It includes the number of vaccine doses that should be given to unvaccinated patients who experienced COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Methods We recruited COVID-19 convalescent individuals who received one or two doses of an mRNA vaccine within 6 or around 18 months after a diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Their samples were assessed for IgG-binding or neutralizing activity and cell-mediated immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and variants of concern. Results A total of 43 COVID-19 convalescent individuals were analyzed in the present study. The results showed that humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and variants of concern, including the Omicron variant, were comparable among patients vaccinated within 6 versus around 18 months. A second dose of vaccine did not significantly increase immune responses. Conclusion One dose of mRNA vaccine should be considered sufficient to elicit a broad immune response even around 18 months after a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Abstract This study assessed the image quality and diagnostic accuracy in determining disease activity of the terminal ileum of the reduced-dose computed tomography enterography using model-based iterative reconstruction in pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Eighteen patients were prospectively enrolled and allocated to the standard-dose (SD) and reduced-dose (RD) computed tomography enterography (CTE) groups (n = 9 per group). Image quality, reader confidence in interpreting bowel findings, accuracy in determining active CD in the terminal ileum, and radiation dose were evaluated. Objective image quality did not show intergroup differences, except for image sharpness. Although reader confidence in detecting mural stratification, ulcer, and perienteric fat stranding of the RD-CTE were inferior to SD-CTE, RD-CTE correctly diagnosed active disease in all patients. The mean values of radiation dose metrics (SD-CTE vs. RD-CTE) were 4.3 versus 0.74 mGy, 6.1 versus 1.1 mGy, 211.9 versus 34.5 mGy∙cm, and 4.4 versus 0.7 mSv mGy∙cm for CTDIvol, size-specific dose estimation, dose-length product, and effective dose, respectively. RD-CTE showed comparable diagnostic accuracy to SD-CTE in determining active disease of the terminal ileum in pediatric CD patients. However, image quality and reader confidence in detecting ulcer and perienteric fat stranding was compromised.

Purpose To evaluate the enhancement of temozolomide (TMZ) delivery in the rat brain using a triolein emulsion. Materials and Methods Rats were divided into the five groups as following: group 1 (negative control), group 2 (treated with triolein emulsion and TMZ 20 mg/kg), and group 3 (TMZ 20 mg/kg treatment without triolein), group 4 (treated with triolein emulsion and TMZ 10 mg/kg), and group 5 (TMZ 10 mg/kg treatment without triolein). Triolein emulsion was infused into the right common carotid artery. One hour later, the TMZ concentration was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-MS) and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging, respectively. The concentration ratios of the ipsilateral to contralateral hemisphere in each group were determined and the statistical analysis was conducted using an unpaired t-test. Results Quantitatively, the TMZ concentration ratio of the ipsilateral to the control hemisphere was 2.41 and 1.13 in groups 2 and 3, and were 2.49 and 1.14 in groups 4 and 5, respectively. Thus, the TMZ signal intensities of TMZ in group 2 and 4 were statistically high in the ipsilateral hemispheres. Qualitatively, the signal intensity of TMZ was remarkably high in the ipsilateral hemisphere in group 2 and 4. Conclusions The triolein emulsion efficiently opened the blood-brain barrier and could provide a potential new strategy to enhance the therapeutic effect of TMZ. HPLC-MS and DESI-MS imaging were shown to be suitable for analyses of enhancement of brain TMZ concentrations.

This paper presents an analytic solution procedure of the rotationally restrained hinged-hinged beam subjected to transverse motions at supports based on EBT (Euler-Bernoulli beam theory). The EBT solutions are compared with the solutions based on TBT (Timoshenko beam theory) for a wide range of the rotational restraint parameter (kL/EI) of slender beams whose slenderness ratio is greater than 100. The comparison shows the followings. The internal loads such as bending moment and shearing force of an extremely thin beam obtained by EBT show a good agreement with those obtained by TBT. But the discrepancy between two solutions of internal loads tends to increase as the slenderness ratio decreases. A careful examination shows that the discrepancy of the internal loads originates from their dynamic components whereas their static components show a little difference between EBT and TBT. This result suggests that TBT should be employed even for slender beams to consider the rotational effect and the shear deformation effect on dynamic components of the internal loads. The influence of the parameter on boundary conditions is examined by manipulating the spring stiffness from zero to a sufficiently large value.

Purpose Some patients with neonatal seizures show diffuse, symmetric diffusion-restricted lesions in the cerebral white matter. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and imaging findings of patients with neonatal seizures who had diffuse, symmetric diffusion-restricted lesions without any structural or metabolic etiology. Materials and Methods A total of 56 neonates aged less than 1 week underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of seizures from November 2008 to February 2017. After excluding 43 patients, 13 patients showed diffuse white matter abnormality on diffusion- weighted imaging. Initial and follow-up clinical and MRI findings were analyzed retrospectively. Results All 13 patients were born at full term. Among the ten patients who underwent a stool test for viruses, six were positive for rotavirus and one for astrovirus. MRI revealed diffuse, symmetric diffusion- restricted lesions distributed along the cerebral white matter, thalami, and midbrain variably. Conclusion Diffuse, symmetric diffusion-restricted lesions involving the cerebral white matter can be seen in patients with neonatal seizures without any structural or metabolic etiology. Rotavirus is commonly but not exclusively detected in these patients. Nevertheless, viral infection-associated encephalopathy should be considered for patients with characteristic clinical and MRI findings.

The present paper describes an analytic solution procedure for flexural vibration of a rotationally restrained hinged-hinged Timoshenko beam at the supports during an earthquake. Focusing on maximal magnitudes of internal loads such as bending moment and shearing force under wide variations of two parameters, kL/EI and κGAL2/EI, various beams under synchronous and asynchronous support motions are simulated. The simulations under asynchronous support motions show the following facts. The variations of the maximal magnitudes of internal loads of stocky beams due to the variation of kL/EI from zero to infinity show much wider variations than those of slender beams as κGAL2/EI decreases. The maximal magnitudes of internal loads of a beam tend to be governed by their static components as kL/EI increases and κGAL2/EI decreases. When the internal loads are governed by their static components, maximal magnitudes of internal loads of the stocky tend to increase monotonically as the value of kL/EI increases. However, the simulations under synchronous support motions show the static components of the internal loads vanish and the internal loads are governed by dynamic components irrespective of the two parameters. Keywords: Timoshenko beam, Rotationally restrained support, Time-dependent boundary condition, Support motions, Bending moment, Shearing force

BackgroundDespite the fact of ongoing worldwide vaccination programs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding longevity, breadth, and type of immune response to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is still important to optimize the vaccination strategy and estimate the risk of reinfection. Therefore, we performed thorough immunological assessments 1 year post-COVID-19 with different severity.MethodsWe analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma samples at 1 year post-COVID-19 in patients who experienced asymptomatic, mild, and severe illness to assess titers of various isotypes of antibodies (Abs) against SARS-CoV-2 antigens, phagocytic capability, and memory B- and T-cell responses.FindingsA total of 24 patients (7, 9, and 8 asymptomatic, mild, and severe patients, respectively) and eight healthy volunteers were included in this study. We firstly showed that disease severity is correlated with parameters of immune responses at 1 year post-COVID-19 that play an important role in protecting against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, namely, the phagocytic capacity of Abs and memory B-cell responses.InterpretationVarious immune responses at 1 year post-COVID-19, particularly the phagocytic capacity and memory B-cell responses, were dependent on the severity of the prior COVID-19. Our data could provide a clue for a tailored vaccination strategy after natural infection according to the severity of COVID-19.

Introduction: Although collagen is widely used in various forms as a functional ingredient in skin care products, the effect of oral supplementation of collagen tripeptides (CTPs) on human skin is unclear. Moreover, the majority of the positive outcomes of CTP reported so far have not considered the effect of weather conditions. Therefore, we tested the effect of CTP and adjusting for climate change on skin properties in middle-aged women.Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 women between 40 and 60 years of age. Participants were randomized to receive placebo or 1,000 mg CTP daily for 12 weeks. CTP was prepared from the skin of Nile Tilapia by the digestion method using collagenase from non-pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bacillus. Skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks with adjustments for temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet A exposure during the evaluation time using weather data from the regional meteorological office.Results: Of the 82 participants, 74 completed the trial without adverse effects. Compared with the control group, trans-epidermal water loss was reduced more in the CTP group after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, even after adjustment for humidity, temperature, and UVA in the region, the difference of the two groups in TEWL remained statistically significant (adjusted for humidity and temperature, P = 0.024; adjusted for UVA, P = 0.032; adjusted for temperature, high temperature, and ultraviolet A, P = 0.031). In terms of skin hydration, more improvement was evident in the CTP group than in the control group. In the subgroup analysis, subjects under 50 years of age showed a significant improvement in total score and moisture in the subjective skin improvement questionnaire after taking CTP for 12 weeks. Application of CTP was well-tolerated, and no notable adverse effect was reported from both groups.Discussion: Our findings suggest that oral ingestion of CTP from the Skin of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is well-tolerated and helps reduce water loss in in middle-aged women.Clinical Trial Registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov/, Identifier: NCT03505684.

Follicular dendritic cells are important stromal components of the germinal center (GC) and have pivotal roles in maintaining the GC microenvironment for high-affinity antibody production. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is essential for the development and functions of follicular dendritic cells. Despite the importance of follicular dendritic cells in humoral immunity, their molecular control mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated due to the lack of an adequate investigation system. Here, we have used a unique human primary follicular dendritic cell-like cell (FDCLC) to demonstrate that the migration of these cells is enhanced by TNFα-mediated metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) expression. MMP3 was found to be highly expressed in normal human GCs and markedly upregulated in human primary FDCLCs by TNFα. TNFα induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the transcription of MMP3 through AP1. TNFα treatment increased FDCLC migration, and a knockdown of MMP3 significantly reduced the TNFα-induced migration of FDCLCs. Overall, we have newly identified a control mechanism for the expression of MMP3 in FDCLCs that modulates their migration and may indicate an important role in GC biology. Since GCs are observed in the lesions of autoimmune diseases and lymphomas, targeting the MMP3/TNFα-mediated migration of stromal cells in the B cell follicle may have great potential as a future therapeutic modality against aberrant GC-associated disorders.

In the field of actuator materials, hydrogels that undergo large volume changes in response to external stimuli have been developed for a variety of promising applications. However, most conventional hydrogels are brittle and therefore rupture when they are stretched to moderate strains (~50%). Thus, gels to be used for actuators still require improved mechanical properties and actuation performance. In this study, we synthesized a tough and thermo-sensitive hydrogel with a large actuation force by forming interpenetrating networks between covalently crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and ionically crosslinked alginate. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) was used as a thermo-sensitive actuation material, and alginate was found to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Due to the enhanced elastic modulus and energy dissipation in the hybrid gel, the toughness was increased by a factor of 60 over that of pure PNIPAAm gel. Further, based on the results showing that the hybrid gel exhibits an actuation force that is seven times higher than that of pure PNIPAAm gel, the hybrid gel is more applicable to real actuators.

Using the concept of quasi-static decomposition and using three-noded isoparametric locking-free element, this article presents a formulation of the finite element method for Timoshenko beam subjected to spatially different time-dependent motions at supports. To verify the validity of the formulation, three fixed-hinged beams excited by the real seismic motions are examined; one is a slender beam, another is a stocky one, and the other is an intermediate one. The numerical results of time histories of motions of the three beams are compared with corresponding analytical solutions. The internal loads such as bending moment and shearing force at a specific time are also compared with analytic solutions. These comparisons show good agreements. The comparisons between static components of the internal loads and the corresponding total internal loads show that the static components predominate in the stocky beam, whereas the dynamic components predominate in the slender one. Thus, the total internal loads of the stocky beam, which is governed by static components, can be predicted simply by static analysis. Careful numerical experiments indicate that the fundamental frequency of a beam can be used as a parameter identifying such a stocky beam. Keywords: Finite Element Method, Quasi-static Decomposition Method, Static Component–dominated Beam, Timoshenko Beam, Time-dependent Support Motions

Objectives Antioxidative enzyme efficiency changes in some organs with age. However, no study has been conducted on age-related antioxidant enzyme changes in tongue. In the present study, the authors investigated the activities of four antioxidative enzymes and their protein expressions in the tongues of young and old Fischer 344 rats. Methods Age-dependent changes in the enzyme activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined using chemical kits, and the protein expressions levels of these enzymes by Western blotting. The study was conducted using rats aged 7 months (the young group, n=8) and 22 months (the old group, n=8). Results Total SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and GPx activities in the tongues of old rats were lower than in young rats, and similarly, corresponding protein expressions were downregulated in old rats. On the other hand, although the protein expressions of Mn-SOD and CAT were lower in old rats, their enzyme activities were not. Conclusion The results of this study provide a possible mechanism for the tongue aging process, as in old Fischer 344 rats the antioxidant defense system was diminished with respect to enzyme activity levels and protein abundances.

Migration of human plasmablast to the bone marrow is essential for the final differentiation of plasma cells and maintenance of effective humoral immunity. This migration is controlled by CXCL12/CXCR4-mediated activation of the protein kinase AKT. Herein, we show that the CXCL12-induced migration of human plasmablasts is dependent on glucose oxidation. Glucose depletion markedly inhibited plasmablast migration by 67%, and the glucose analog 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) reduced the migration by 53%; conversely, glutamine depletion did not reduce the migration. CXCL12 boosted the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and 2-DG treatment significantly reduced the levels of all measured tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. AKT inhibitors blocked the CXCL12-mediated increase of OCR. CXCL12 enhanced the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity by 13.5-fold in an AKT-dependent manner to promote mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The knockdown and inhibition of PDH confirmed its indispensable role in CXCL12-induced migration. Cellular ATP levels fell by 91% upon exposure to 2-DG, and the mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin inhibited CXCL12-induced migration by 85%. Low ATP levels inhibited the CXCL12-induced activation of AKT and phosphorylation of myosin light chains by 42%, which are required for cell migration. Thus, we have identified a mechanism that controls glucose oxidation via AKT signaling and PDH activation, which supports the migration of plasmablasts. This mechanism can provide insights into the proper development of long-lived plasma cells and is, therefore, essential for optimal humoral immunity. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate metabolic mechanisms underlying human plasmablast migration toward CXCL12.

Along with promotion of public awareness about sustainability, the concept of sustainability has gained in- creasing attention across all industries. The construction industry is one of the largest industries, and at the same time, among the largest polluters. Thus, the concept of sustainability has become increasingly important to construction firms and many contractors have started to reduce the environmental impacts of their construction activities. As part of the effort to achieve sustainability in construction sector, the study develops a method to select earth-moving equipment, based on their environmental impacts as well as duration and cost considerations. To this end, the study initially devel- ops a model for determining construction costs and duration as well as a model for determining monetary environmental impacts on earthwork construction. The study then uses an Improved Weight Decision Method (IWDM) to determine the weight of variables in order to find the best performed equipment configuration. The authors expect that the findings of the study will contribute to the research and practice in configuring earthwork equipment, taking into account associated environmental impacts as well as time and costs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the long-term results using the technique of canal wall up mastoidectomy and reconstruction of the posterior canal wall using bone pâté and auricular cartilage in the treatment of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. MATERIALS and METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 42 patients who underwent canal wall up mastoidectomy and posterior canal wall reconstruction at a single institution between November 2005 and November 2012. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, postoperative tympanic membranes were normal in 38 (90.5%), perforated in 1 (2.4%), and retracted in 3 (7.1%). Mean preoperative and postoperative values of the air-bone gap (ABG) were 29.4±12.8 and 23.4±11.7 dB, respectively, which represented a significant average improvement. For patients with ossiculoplasty (n=24), the mean preoperative and postoperative ABG values were 34.7±6.0 and 27.5±8.0 dB, respectively, which also represented a significant average improvement. Thirty-one (73.8%) of the patients were followed up without any complication, but 5 had otorrhea (11.9%), 4 had dizziness (9.5%), and 2 had facial palsy (4.8%). CONCLUSION: A canal wall up mastoidectomy with reconstruction of the posterior canal wall using auricular cartilage and bone pâté provides successful preservation of the anatomic structure and a significant improvement in hearing without the long-term disadvantages of a canal wall down mastoidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulating concrete is a multiphase material designed for reduced thermal conductivity, and the void distribution in concrete strongly affects its physical properties such as mechanical response and heat conduction. Therefore, it is essential to develop a method for identifying the spatial distribution of voids. To examine the voids of insulating concrete specimens, micro-CT (computed tomography) images can be effectively used. The micro-CT images are binarized to visualize the void distribution and stacked to generate 3D specimen images. From the obtained images, the spatial distribution of the voids and the microscopic constituents inside the insulating concrete specimens can be identified. The void distribution in the material can be characterized using low-order probability functions such as two-point correlation, lineal-path, and two-point cluster functions. It is confirmed that micro-CT images and low-order probability functions are effective in describing the relative degree of void clustering and void connectivity in insulating concrete.

In the on-site rebar delivery system, as the common method of rebar supply in the construction industry, reinforced steel bars are delivered in large batches from supplier's facilities through contractor's warehouse to the construction site. Rebars are then fabricated on-site and installed after assembly. In the new delivery system, called prefabrication Just-In-Time (prefab-JIT) system, the off-site cut and bend along with frequent rebar delivery to the site are applied in order to improve the process and increase its efficiency. The main objective of this paper is to assess and compare the environmental impacts resulting from the air emissions associated with the two rebar delivery systems in a case study construction project. Environmental impact categories of interest include global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and smog formation. A process-based cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment methodology is applied to perform the analysis. The results show that the prefab-JIT rebar delivery system causes less contribution to all mentioned environmental impact categories compared with a traditional on-site delivery system.

OBJECTIVE: Labyrinthine fistula can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, and intracranial complications. The management of labyrinthine fistula is controversial, and hearing preservation represents a major challenge. In this study, the authors sought to identify factors related to postoperative bone conduction threshold. MATERIALS and METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using the clinical records of 23 cases operated on for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma from 2004-2011. Symptoms, physical examination finings, fistula test results, pre/postoperative bone conduction results, and high-resolution temporal bone computed tomograpghy and intraoperative findings were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common symptom at presentation was hearing disturbance, and the most commonly affected site was the lateral semicircular canal. High-resolution temporal bone computed tomograpghy was found to be much more precise and effective at fistula detection than the fistula test. CONCLUSION: Postoperative hearing results are not affected by fistula location, size, or number. Complete resection at the site of a cholesteatomatous labyrinthine fistula is the treatment of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether intra-arterial infusion of triolein emulsion has biochemical and histopathologic effect on rabbit liver., Methods: An emulsion of 0.2 mL triolein in 20 mL of saline was infused into either the hepatic arteries of nine rabbits (group 1) or the superior mesenteric arteries of 12 rabbits (group 2). Five rabbits infused with 20 mL of normal saline were used as a control group (group 3). The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured to evaluate liver function in each group just before the infusion, at 2 h, day 1, day 4, and day 7 following infusion. Each rabbit in all of the groups was infused with Evans blue on day 7 to evaluate changes in vascular permeability, and obtain the stained area of the hepatic surface. If the stained area was not available, the anteroinferior portion of the right hepatic lobe was selected. The obtained tissues were examined by light, electron and confocal microscopy. The changes in AST and ALT levels at each time point were calculated and statistically analyzed using a mixed linear model. A P value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant., Results: In group 1 (hepatic artery group), both the AST and ALT serum levels increased significantly on day 1 (P = 0.0016 and P < 0.0001, respectively) compared with the control group, followed by a decrease thereafter. In group 2 (portal vein group), the AST level increased on day 4 (P = 0.0095), while the ALT level increased significantly on day 1 (P < 0.0001), and decreased thereafter, as compared with the control. For the remainder of the examination days, there were no significant changes in the AST and ALT levels (P > 0.05). Only three rabbits in each group showed hepatic surface staining with the Evans blue dye. Light and electron microscopic findings showed no specific changes in the selected hepatic tissues. Confocal microscopic examination with transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling stain revealed lack of hepatocyte apoptosis in any of the groups. There were no differences in the results between group 1 and group 2., Conclusion: Infusion of triolein emulsion into rabbit livers revealed a minimal transient decrease of liver function, and no specific histopathologic changes.