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Zusammenfassung Unmittelbar nach der Schlachtung wurden von 44 Kuhen Blutproben und jeweils aus dem groβen sowie mehreren kleinen Ovarfollikeln die Flussigkeit entnommen. Die Ovarien wurden auf Grund der Adspektion den Zyklusstadien Metostrus, Diostrus bzw. Proostrus zugeordnet. Im Blut und in der Follikelflussigkeit wurde mit radioimmunologischen Methoden die Konzentration an Progesteron, Ostrogenen, Androstendion, Testosteron und 17 α-Hydroxyandrogenen bestimmt. Zwischen dem Steroidhormongehalt im Blut und dem in der Follikelflussigkeit bestand keine signifikante Korrelation. Die Steroidhormonkonzentration im Follikel (ng/ml) war mit dem Steroidhormongehalt im gesamten Follikel (ng/Foll.) wahrend aller Zyklusstadien und fur alle 5 untersuchten Hormone hoch signifikant korreliert. In den groβen Follikeln wurde die jeweils hochste Steroidhormonkonzentration fur Progesteron wahrend des Metostrus und fur Ostrogene, Androstendion, Testosteron und 17 α-Hydroxyandrogene wahrend des Proostrus gefunden. In den kleinen Follikeln erreichte die Ostrogenkonzentration wahrend des Metostrus und die Androgenkonzentration wahrend des Proostrus die hochsten Werte. Im Blut war die Konzentration der 17 α-Hydroxyandrogene stets hoher als die von Androstendion und Testosteron, in der Follikelflussigkeit jedoch niedriger. Summary Steroid content of blood and ovarian follicles of cattle during the oestrous cycle Immediately after slaughter, blood samples and follicular fluid from the largest, as well as from several small ovarian follicles were taken from 44 cows. The ovaries were classified in metoestrus, dioestrus or prooestrus stages according to their morphological appearance. The concentration of progesterone, estrogens, androstenedione, testosterone and 17 α-hydroxyandrogens was determined by radioimmunoassay. There was no significant correlation between the steroid hormone content in blood and in follicular fluid. At all stages of the cycle and for all five steroid hormones a highly significant correlation between the concentration in follicular fluid and the total amount of steroid per follicle could be observed. In the large follicles the highest concentration of progesterone was found during metoestrus and of estrogens, androstenedione, testosterone and 17 α-hydroxyandrogens during prooestrus. Small follicles showed highest concentrations of estrogens during metoestrus and of androgens during prooestrus. In the blood the concentration of 17 α-hydroxyandrogens was always higher than that of androstenedione and testosterone but lower in the follicular fluid. Resume Taux d'hormone steroide dans le sang et follicules ovariens chez le bovin pendant le cycle Des echantillons de sang ont ete preleves chez 44 vaches immediatement apres l'abattage et on a recolte en meme temps le liquide du plus gros et de plusieurs petits follicules ovariens. Les ovaries ont ete classees sur la base des stades du cycle: metoestrus, disoestrus et prooestrus. On a determine dans le sang et le liquide folliculaire la concentration en progesterone, en oestrogenes, en androstendion, en testosterone et en 17 α-hydroxyandrogenes avec une methode radioimmunologique. Il n'y a pas eu de correlation significative entre le taux d'hormone stero?de dans le sang et dans le liquide folliculaire. La concentration en hormone stero?de dans le follicule (ng/ml) fut en correlation hautement significative avec le taux d'hormone steroide dans le follicule entier (ng./foll.) pendant tous les stades du cycle et pour toutes les cinq hormones recherchees. Dans les gros follicules, on a trouve la plus forte concentration en hormone steroide pour la progesterone durant le metoestrus et pour les oestrogenes, l'androstendion, la testosterone et les 17 α-hydroxyandrogenes durant le prooestrus. Dans les petits follicules, les valeurs les plus elevees ont ete atteintes par la concentration en oestrogene pendant le metoestrus et par la concentration en androgene pendant le prooestrus. La concentration des 17 α-hydroxyandrogenes fut plus elevee dans le sang que celle d'androstendion et de la testosterone et plus basse dans le liquide folliculaire. Resumen Contenido de hormonas esteroideas en sangre y foliiculos ovaricos de vaca durante el ciclo Se recogieron de 44 vacas, inmediatamente despues del sacrificio, muestras de sangre y liquido del foliculo ovarico mayor y de varios pequenos. Los ovarios se encuadraron en virtud de la adspeccion a los estadios del ciclo metoestro, dioestro resp. prooestro. Con metodos radioinmunologicos se valoraron en sangre y liquido folicular las concentraciones de progesterona, estrogenos, androstenodiona, testosterona y 17 α-hidroxiandrogenos. Entre el contenido de hormona esteroidea en la sangre y el equivalente en el liquido folicular no existia ninguna correlacion significante. La concentracion de hormona esteroidea en el foliculo (ng/ml.) se hallaba correlacionada de forma altamente significante con el contenido en hormona esteroidea en el foliculo total (ng/fol.) durante todos los estadios del ciclo y para todas las 5 hormonas examinadas. En los foliculos grandes se encontro la concentracion cada vez maxima de hormona esteroidea para progesterona durante el metoestro y para estrogenos, androstenodiona, testosterona y 17 α-hidroxiandrogenos durante el prooestro. En los foliculos pequenos alcanzo la concentracion de estrogenos los valores mas elevados durante el metoestro, mientras que la de androgeno lo hacia durante el prooestro. En la sangre era siempre mas elevada la concentracion de los 17 α-hidroxiandrogenos que las de androstenodiona y testosterona, a la vez que mas reducida en el liquido folicular.

Zusammenfassung Bei 39 Stierkalbern der Rassen Braunvieh und Fleckvieh (nach Rasse und Futterung in 4 Gruppen aufgeteilt) wurden von der 6. bis zur 44. Lebenswoche wochentlich Blutproben entnommen und die Konzentration an Testosteron und Luteinisierungshormon im Plasma bestimmt. Der Plasmatestosterongehalt war bis zur 20. Lebenswoche bei allen Gruppen niedrig und stieg dann bei den Braunviehstieren fruher und deutlicher an als bei den Fleckviehstieren. Werte uber 4 ng/ml wurden von den Jungstieren der Rasse Fleckvieh in der 34. bzw. 37. Lebenswoche und von denen der Rasse Braunvieh bereits in der 28. bzw. 32. Lebenswoche erreicht. Die Plasma-LH-Werte (3–4 ng/ml) blieben bei den Braunvieh- und Fleckviehstieren wahrend der ersten 37 Lebenswochen annahernd gleich hoch. Erst ab der 37. bis 40. Lebenswoche wiesen alle Gruppen Plasma-LH-Werte uber 5 ng/ml auf. Summary Content of testosterone and luteinizing hormone in blood plasma of steers during the first year of life In 39 male calves of the Braunvieh and Fleckvieh breeds (divided into 4 groups according to breed and feeding) blood samples were taken weekly from the 6th to the 44th week after birth and the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone determined in the plasma. The plasma testosterone was low in all groups up to week 20 and then rose earlier and higher in the Braunvieh than in the Fleckvieh. Levels over 4 ng/ml in the Fleckvieh were reached in the 34th and 37th weeks, and in the Braunvieh in weeks 28 and 32. The plasma LH values (3–4 ng/ml) were almost exactly the same in both breeds for the first 37 weeks. From then up to week 40 the level in all 4 groups rose above 5 ng/ml. Resume Taux du testosterone et de l'hormone luteinisante dans le plasma sanguin de taureaux durant les premieres annees de vie Des echantillons de sang ont ete pris et les concentrations du testosterone et de l'hormone luteinisante dans le plasma ont ete determinees chaque semaine de la 6e a la 44e semaine chez 39 veaux mâles de la race brune et tachetee (repartis en 4 groupes selon la race et l'alimentation). Le taux du testosterone du plasma fut bas dans tous les groupes jusqu'a la 20e semaine et augmenta par la suite plus rapidement et plus nettement chez les taurillons de la race brune que chez ceux de la race tachetee. Des valeurs superieures a 4 ng/ml furent atteintes entre la 34e et la 37e semaine chez les taurillons de la race tachetee alors qu'elle le furent deja entre la 28e et la 32e semaine chez les animaux de la race brune. Les valeurs de LH du plasma (3–4 ng/ml) sont restees a peu pres les memes chez les deux races durant les 37 premieres semaines. Tous les groupes ont montre des valeurs de LH du plasma superieures a 5 ng/ml seulement a partir de la 37e jusqu'a la 40e semaine. Resumen Contenido en testosterona y hormona luteinizante en el plasma sanguineo de toros durante el primer ano de vida En 39 terneros de las razas parda alpina y manchada de las alturas (subdivididos con arreglo a raza y alimentacion en 4 grupos) se tomaron cada semana muestras de sangre desde la semana 6° de vida hast la 44°, valorandose la concentracion de testosterona y hormona luteinizante en el plasma. El contenido en testosterona plasmatica era reducido hasta la semana 20° de vida en todos los grupos, aumentando luego antes y con claridad mayor en los toros pardos que en los toros manchados. Valores superiores a 4 ng./ml. fueron alcanzados por los toretes de la raza manchada durante las semanas 34° resp. 37° de vida, mientras que los de la raza parda ya lo habian hecho en las semanas 28° resp. 32° de vida. Los valores plasmaticos HL (3–4 ng./ml.) permanecieron a un nivel casi semejante en los toros pardos y manchados durante las 37 semanas primeras de vida. Solo a partir de las semanas 37° resp. 40° de vida presentaban todos los grupos valores plasmaticos HL superiores a 5 ng./ml.

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the addition of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to broiler diets on growth performance and meat characteristics. A total of 3,200 d-old, unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 16 pens (replicates), with 200 chicks per pen. There were four diet treatments (0, 5, 10, and 15% DDGS), and four replicates per treatment. From 8 to 21 d of age, the birds were fed broiler starter diets containing similar energy (TMEn 3,100 kcal/kg) and protein (21.6%) contents. From 22 to 35 d of age, they were fed grower diets containing similar nutrients (3,150 kcal/kg, 19.5% crude protein). No significant difference was found in growth performances among the four treatments. As the DDGS level increased, the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in meat increased (p

A sensitive technique for the determination of trace Cu(II) in various samples after column preconcentration by adsorbing onto pulverized Amberlite XAD-4 loaded with N-benzoylphenylhydroxylamine (BPHA) was developed. Several experimental conditions, such as the size of XAD-4, adsorption flow rate, pH of sample solution, and so forth, were optimized. The interfering effects of diverse concomitant ions were investigated. Al(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), and Co(II) interfered, but the interference by these ions was completely eliminated by adjusting the amount of XAD-4-BPHA resin to 0.30 g. The dynamic range, the correlation coefficient (R2), and the detection limit obtained by the proposed technique were 1.0–60, 0.9953, and 0.83 ng/mL, respectively. For validating the technique, the aqueous samples (stream water, reservoir water, and wastewater), the diluted brass sample, and the plastic sample were used as real samples. Recovery yields of 94–102% were obtained. These measured data were not different from ICP-MS data at the 95% confidence level. This method was also validated by rice flour CRM (normal, fortified) samples. Based on the results of the experiment, it has been found that the proposed technique can be applied to the determination of Cu(II) in various real samples.

Colorectal cancer has been reported to be the malignancy most frequently associated with gastric cancer in Korea. The aim of this study was to define the frequency and clinical characteristics of synchronous gastric cancer detected at preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in colorectal cancer patients. This prospective study analyzed the EGD results from 1,542 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery from January 2003 to December 2005 at the Center for Colorectal Cancer, National Cancer Center, Korea. Of the 1,542 cases, 1,155 (74.9%) underwent EGD at our center and 387 underwent EGD at other hospitals within 6 months before surgery. Of the 1,542 cases, synchronous gastric cancers were detected in 31 cases (2.0%). Of these 31 cases, 26 had early gastric cancer (EGC; 83.9%) and 5 had advanced gastric cancer. Ten (38.5%) of the 26 EGC cases were managed using endoscopic mucosal resection. Compared to colorectal cancer patients without synchronous gastric cancer, the group of patients with synchronous gastric cancer was older (65.5 ± 9.6 vs 58.4 ± 11.3 years, p = 0.001) and had a greater proportion of males (77.4 vs 59.4%, p = 0.043). This study found that 2% of Korean sporadic colorectal cancer patients had synchronous gastric cancer. A preoperative EGD for colorectal cancer patients is likely to greatly assist in the diagnosis of synchronous gastric cancer at an early stage and the implementation of appropriate minimally invasive treatment.

Background Capsaicin is an ingredient of red peppers that binds to transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), and Koreans eat more capsaicin-rich food than do Japanese. This study aimed to compare symptom generation according to TRPV1 genotypes and the intake of spicy foods. Methods Consecutive functional dyspepsia (FD) patients who were evaluated at Konkuk University Medical Centre (Korea) and Keio University Hospital (Japan) were included. Questionnaires on spicy food intake, patient assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms (PAGI-SYM), patient assessment of quality of life, and hospital anxiety and depression scale were provided. Blood was sampled for the detection of TRPV1 polymorphisms, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed with biopsies. Key Results Of 121 included subjects, 35 and 28 carried the TRPV1 CC and GG genotypes, respectively, with the prevalence rates not differing between Japan and Korea. The prevalence of FD subtypes did not differ with the spicy food intake, TRPV1 genotypes, or Helicobacter pylori infection. Neither TRPV1 polymorphisms nor H. pylori infections were related to scores on the PAGI-SYM questionnaires, but spicy food intake was positively correlated with the scores for stomach fullness (p = 0.001) and retching (p = 0.001). Using the linear regression analysis, stomach fullness was associated with spicy food intake (p = 0.007), whereas retching was related to younger age (p < 0.001) and female gender (p = 0.014). Conclusions & Inferences Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in subjects with a higher consumption of spicy foods, younger age and female gender, regardless of TRPV1 genotypes and the H. pylori infection status. Capsaicin-rich foods may induce stomach fullness.

Starting from investigation of feasibility and basic studies, KEPCO/KEPRI has carried an enterprising project for HTS cable system since 2002. The objectives of this project are to demonstrate HTS cable system and evaluate the feasibility in electricity utility's view. The installation of 100m/3phase/22.9kV/50MVA HTS cable system is undergoing in KEPCO's test yard, located in Gochang, Korea. The HTS cable system consists of 100m long cable, two terminations and a cooling system. To simulate the actual cable installation, the 55m section of the 100m long cable was installed into an underground tunnel. Commissioning test is scheduled at the end of September, 2005 and followed by long term operation test. In this paper, the installation of HTS cable system and initial results of system operation will be summarized

A rumen simulated continuous culture (RSCC) system was used to study the influence of supplementation of the three different types of protein sources such as urea, casein and soy protein on rumen microbial synthesis in terms of rumen microbial synchronization. The urea treatment showed the highest pH value. Ammonia nitrogen concentration was rapidly increased after feeding and not significantly different in the urea treatment (13.53 mg/100 ml). Protozoa numbers were not significantly different for soy protein and casein treatment compared to urea treatments during incubation. The average concentration of total VFA (mMol) was not detected with significant difference among treatments, but iso-butyrate production showed the highest for soy protein treatment among treatments (p

To report the clinical and oncological data of patients operated on for rectal cancers 3-5 cm from the AV over a 10 year period, including the Sphincter preservation (SP) rate.We reviewed medical records of 304 patients with rectal cancers 3-5 cm from the AV who underwent surgical resection from January 1991 through December 2000. The 10 years were divided into three periods based on the introduction of new surgical techniques, specifically, ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) with double stapling in March 1994 and ULAR with coloanal anastomosis in April 1997. The rates of SP, complications and patient survival during these periods were compared.The SP rate increased significantly over the 10 years, from 16.4% in period I (January 1991-February 1994), to 53.0% in period II (March 1994-March 1997), to 86.5% in period III (April 1997-December 2000) (p0.001). Over time, the age of the patients increased (p=0.004), the length of the distal resection margin became shorter (p=0.005), and the rate of lymph node metastasis increased (p=0.016). The factors significantly influencing SP were the period (p0.001) and the distance from the AV (p0.001). Over time, morbidity did not increase, and overall and disease free survival rates did not decrease. In contrast, the overall survival of N2 cases significantly increased over time (p=0.0492).Over 10 years, the SP rate in rectal cancers 3-5 cm from the AV was significantly increased by the introduction of the double stapling and coloanal anastomosis techniques. These surgical methods, however, had no effect on morbidity, disease free survival and overall survival rates.

ObjectivesThe human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known cause of cervical cancer. HPV tests are used as an adjunct test to decrease the false-negative rate of cytological screening. However, attempts are being made to replace the cytological screening with HPV tests. Therefore, this study was performed to examine the possibility of using HPV tests as screening test.Materials and methodsThe results of the tests that were performed at the same time including the ThinPrep cytology, the high-risk group hybrid capture II (HC-II) test, the HPV DNA chip (HD-C) test, and a punch biopsy were compared in 400 women who were referred to us due to abnormal cytology or cervicogram. The accuracy of each test was then evaluated, and the type of virus was investigated using a HD-C test.ResultsThe positive predictive values detected by the high-risk group HC-II test and HD-C test according to the histological diagnosis outcomes were 56.8 and 53.8%, respectively, for cervicitis; 91.5 and 91.5%, respectively, for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I (CIN I); 88.1% and 81.0%, respectively, for CIN II; 88.6 and 84.2%, respectively, for CIN III, and 92.5 and 88.7%, respectively, for cancer (in 53 patients). The most prevalent types of HPV according to the HPV tests were types 16, 58, 18, and 52 in which type 16 was detected in the more advanced lesions. The sensitivity was 88.4% for the ThinPrep cytology, 89.9% for the HC-II for the high-risk group, and 86.2% for the HD-C test.ConclusionThese results suggest the possibility of using the HC-II and HD-C tests as screening tests, which have a similar sensitivity as the ThinPrep cytology. Nonetheless, randomized controlled trials will be needed before the actual application of the HPV tests as screening tests. Despite the fact that the importance of HPV type 16 in cancer development was confirmed, the prevalence of types 58 and 52 were relatively high compared with those found in other studies, showing a need for further studies on this subject. These HPV types need to be considered in vaccine development.

Bacterial leaf spot disease (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria; Xcv) causes severe damage to chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and has been a major yield constraint. An introduced chilli accession 3-25-27 derived from Florida XVR 3-25 has a dominant gene, Bs2, which confers resistance to Xcv races 1, 2 and 3. To identify RAPD markers linked to Bs2, bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis were performed. Isogenic DNA pools were made from 10 resistant and 10 susceptible plants in a BC 1 F 1 population derived from crosses between 3-25-27 and Early California Wonder. Two RAPD markers, OPD05 and OPF10, were identified from a total of 460 10-basepair primers. From the linkage analysis it was found that two markers were located on either side of the Bs2 gene. OPD05 was located 5.3 cM away from Bs2 gene and OPF10 was located 4.9 cM from the Bs2 on the opposite side to OPD05. For practical use, identified RAPD markers were converted to sequence characterized amplified regions (SCARs). Primer sequences with various lengths were designed and examined for their ability to detect a resistance marker. SCF10, originating from the RAPD marker OPF10, was amplified using a 24-basepair primer set, and it showed polymorphism between resistant and susceptible individuals. The initial SCARs developed from OPD05, however, showed monomorphism between resistant and susceptible plants. After trials with various primer combinations, it was possible to develop a polymorphic SCD05 marker. These markers enable the identification of the Bs2 gene on segregating progenies for marker-assisted selection.

This paper briefly reviews flavor patterns in fresh vegetables. Characteristic taste such as bitterness and taste-related sensations such as pungency and astringency might be desirable flavors in determining the value of vegetables for diets. Flavor patterns of sulfur-containing volatiles are well established and pyrazine volatiles are characteristic of many fresh vegetables. Our analysis of volatile flavor components by GC/MS and sensory evaluation reveal that Korean wild vegetables are of great value for improved diets. In particular, Komchwi (Ligularia fischeri), Kobon (Angelica tenuissima), and Chamnamul (Pimpinella brachycarpa kom.) were regarded as promising new aromatic vegetables or spice and culinary herbs.

The Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO) is a space observatory for optical follow-ups of gamma ray bursts (GRBs), aiming to explore the first 60 seconds of GRBs optical emission. UFFO is utilized to catch early optical emissions from GRBs within few sec after trigger using a Gimbal mirror which redirects the optical path rather than slewing entire spacecraft. We have developed a 15 cm two-axis Gimbal mirror stage for the UFFO-Pathfinder which is going to be on board the Lomonosov satellite which is to be launched in 2013. The stage is designed for fast and accurate motion with given budgets of 3 kg of mass and 3 Watt of power. By employing stepping motors, the slewing mirror can rotate faster than 15 deg/sec so that objects in the UFFO coverage (60 deg × 60 deg) can be targeted in ~1 sec. The obtained targeting resolution is better 2 arcmin using a close-loop control with high precision rotary encoder. In this presentation, we will discuss details of design, manufacturing, space qualification tests, as well as performance tests.

The Slewing Mirror Telescope (SMT) was proposed for rapid response to prompt UV/optical photons from Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). The SMT is a key component of the Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO)-pathfinder, which will be launched aboard the Lomonosov spacecraft at the end of 2013. The SMT utilizes a motorized mirror that slews rapidly forward to its target within a second after triggering by an X-ray coded mask camera, which makes unnecessary a reorientation of the entire spacecraft. Subsequent measurement of the UV/optical is accomplished by a 10 cm aperture Ritchey-Chretien telescope and the focal plane detector of Intensified Charge-Coupled Device (ICCD). The ICCD is sensitive to UV/optical photons of 200–650 nm in wavelength by using a UV-enhanced S20 photocathode and amplifies photoelectrons at a gain of 104–106 in double Micro-Channel Plates. These photons are read out by a Kodak KAI-0340 interline CCD sensor and a CCD Signal Processor with 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter. Various control clocks for CCD readout are implemented using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The SMT readout is in charge of not only data acquisition, storage and transfer, but also control of the slewing mirror, the ICCD high voltage adjustments, power distribution, and system monitoring by interfacing to the UFFO-pathfinder. These functions are realized in the FPGA to minimize power consumption and to enhance processing time. The SMT readout electronics are designed and built to meet the spacecraft's constraints of power consumption, mass, and volume. The entire system is integrated with the SMT optics, as is the UFFO-pathfinder. The system has been tested and satisfies the conditions of launch and those of operation in space: those associated with shock and vibration and those associated with thermal and vacuum, respectively. In this paper, we present the SMT readout electronics: the design, construction, and performance, as well as the results of space environment test.

The Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO), which will be launched onboard the Lomonosov spacecraft, contains two crucial instruments: UFFO Burst Alert & Trigger Telescope (UBAT) for detection and localization of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) and the fast-response Slewing Mirror Telescope (SMT) designed for the observation of the prompt optical/UV counterparts. Here we discuss the in-space calibrations of the UBAT detector and SMT telescope. After the launch, the observations of the standard X-ray sources such as pulsar in Crab nebula will provide data for necessary calibrations of UBAT. Several standard stars will be used for the photometric calibration of SMT. The celestial X-ray sources, e.g. X-ray binaries with bright optical sources in their close angular vicinity will serve for the cross-calibration of UBAT and SMT.

The UFFO (Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory) is a GRB detector on board the Lomonosov satellite, to be launched in 2013. The GRB trigger is provided by an X-ray detector, called UBAT (UFFO Burst Alarm & Trigger Telescope), which detects X-rays from the GRB and then triggers to determine the direction of the GRB and then alerts the Slewing Mirror Telescope (SMT) to turn in the direction of the GRB and record the optical photon fluxes. This report details the calibration of the two components: the MAPMTs and the YSO crystals and simulations of the UBAT. The results shows that this design can observe a GRB within a field of view of ±35° and can trigger in a time scale as short as 0.2 – 1.0 s after the appearance of a GRB X-ray spike.

Bald cypress (Taxodiumdistichum (L.) Rich.) seedlings from two sources in Louisiana were tested for a possible difference in salt tolerance. The study was conducted in rhizotrons under controlled environmental-conditions. Seedlings were subjected to a control (no flood or salt) and three combinations of flooding salinity: flooding only, flooding plus 68 mol•m−3 salt (4 ppt), and flooding plus 136 mol•m−3 salt (8 ppt). Both populations survived the flooding and salinity treatments for the duration of the study. However, gas exchange and net biomass production were reduced in both populations as salinity of floodwater increased from 0 to 136 mol•m−3. The gas exchange and biomass data indicated that plants from the freshwater source had higher growth rates than the brackish plants. This superiority was also maintained under all the treatments except the highest salinity treatment. Significantly greater net photosynthetic capacity per unit area of leaf was found for the freshwater population than for the brackish population in 68 mol•m−3 salt. In addition, greater root porosity, height growth, and biomass production (shoot, root) were found for the freshwater population than for the brackish population under different treatments. The data indicate that there is a potential for population differentiation in bald cypress, as shown primarily by differences in growth traits. However, the data do not support the hypothesis that bald cypress plants from the brackish source have a capacity to survive and grow better in saltwater than plants from the freshwater source. In fact, combined flooding and salinity treatments resulted in significant reductions in net photosynthesis as compared with the control in both sources.

We investigate the percolation properties of configurations of spherical particles deposited by a generalized ballistic deposition model. In this model, a tuning parameter a is introduced for controlling the relative efficiency of two mechanisms: direct deposition and deposition by following the path of steepest descent on previously deposited particles. Any particle that is trapped in an elevated position after rolling is rejected. Exact critical exponents are obtained for the (1+1)-dimensional version of the model. We performed computer simulations of the (2+1)-dimensional version and by studying the percolative behavior both for fixed values of a, as a function of the surface coverage \ensuremath{\theta}, and along the saturation curve \ensuremath{\theta}(a,\ensuremath{\infty}), we construct the percolation phase diagram of the model. Below a threshold value, ${\mathit{a}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}3.05, there is no percolation transition, but we give some evidence for a ``virtual percolation line.'' The critical exponents \ensuremath{\beta},\ensuremath{\gamma},\ensuremath{\nu} are determined by finite-size scaling and Monte Carlo renormalization group techniques, and are shown to be consistent with those of ordinary two-dimensional lattice percolation. Finally, changes of structure with a are illustrated through the pair distribution function and the pair connectedness function.

On behalf of the UFFO Collaboration; International audience; The Ultra Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO) is a project to study early optical emissions from Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). The primary scientific goal of UFFO is to see if GRBs can be calibrated with their rising times, so that they could be used as new standard candles. In order to minimize delay in optical follow-up measurements, which is now about 100 sec after trigger from the Swift experiment, we rotate a mirror to redirect light path so that optical measurement can be performed within a second after the trigger. We have developed a pathfinder mission, UFFO-pathfinder to launch on board the Lomonosov satellite in 2012. In this talk, I will present scientific motivations and descriptions of the design and development of UFFO-pathfinder.

UNLABELLED Sweet potato leaf curl disease (SPLCD) was primarily identified in sweet potato fields in Korea in 2003, and the complete genomic sequence of sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) has been cloned. The genome of the Korean SPLCV isolate (SPLCV-KR) comprises 2,828 nucleotides with six open reading frames in DNA-A, similar to a monopartite begomovirus. Additionally, neither the genome B genomic component nor the DNA beta sequence was detected. The results of phylogenetic analysis using the maximum parsimony method showed that SPLCV-KR is more closely related to SPLCV-US (US) than SPLCV-CN (China) and SPLCV-JP (Japan). A tandem repeat dimer of SPLCV-KR was cloned and found to be infectious in sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) via biolistic inoculation. The SPLCV-infected sweet potatoes exhibited mild leaf curl symptoms of SPLCD, and the newly-replicated viral DNA was detected via Southern blot analysis. Results of biotic, molecular, and phylogenetic characterization suggest that SPLCV-KR is a new strain of SPLCV and is importantly placed in the evolutionary progression from curtoviruses to begomoviruses. KEYWORDS sweet potato leaf curl virus; sweet potato leaf curl disease; phylogenetic analysis; infectious clone; biolistic infection.

The Swift Gamma-ray Burst (GRB) observatory responds to GRB triggers with optical observations in ~ 100 s, but cannot respond faster than ~ 60 s. While some ground-based telescopes respond quickly, the number of sub-60 s detections remains small. In mid- to late-2013, the Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory-Pathfinder is to be launched on the Lomonosov spacecraft to investigate early optical GRB emission. This pathfinder mission is necessarily limited in sensitivity and event rate; here we discuss a next generation rapid-response space observatory. We list science topics motivating our instruments, those that require rapid optical-IR GRB response, including: A survey of GRB rise shapes/times, measurements of optical bulk Lorentz factors, investigation of magnetic dominated (vs. non-magnetic) jet models, internal vs. external shock origin of prompt optical emission, the use of GRBs for cosmology, and dust evaporation in the GRB environment. We also address the impacts of the characteristics of GRB observing on our instrument and observatory design. We describe our instrument designs and choices for a next generation observatory as a second instrument on a low-earth orbit spacecraft, with a 120 kg instrument mass budget. Restricted to relatively modest mass and power, we find that a coded mask X-ray camera with 1024 cm2 of detector area could rapidly locate about 64 GRB triggers/year. Responding to the locations from the X-ray camera, a 30 cm aperture telescope with a beam-steering system for rapid (~ 1 s) response and a near-IR camera should detect ~ 29 GRB, given Swift GRB properties. Am additional optical camera would give a broadband optical-IR slope, allowing dynamic measurement of dust extinction at the source, for the first time., 12 pages, 11 figures, submitted to SPIE 2012 Amsterdam conference proceedings

Precisely detecting oestrus is important for artificial insemination. The aims of this study were to identify oestrus-specific sow mucus proteins to determine the optimal time for artificial insemination. The proestrous- and oestrous-stage mucus proteins were purified and analysed with proteomic tools such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight analyses. Among the differentially expressed proteins, the dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) protein showed a 3.6-fold increase during the proestrous stage compared to that during the oestrous stage. A western immunoblot study revealed that two of three sow mucus samples clearly showed negative anti-DDAH2 antibody activity during the oestrous stage. This study demonstrated that the pig DDAH2 mucus protein exists during the proestrous stage, but not during the oestrous stage, suggesting that mucus DDAH2 could be useful as an oestrus detection marker.

A sustainable urban vision needs to reflect the distinctive qualities, characteristics and identities of each individual city. This vision is also an expression of the integrated values and perspectives the inhabitants of each city have for what should be sustained. This paper provides a spatial assessment framework for discussing a new model, with suggestions for sustainable design alternatives in relation to urban design principles and practices, focusing in particular on development within the Multifunctional Administrative City in

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics and predicting factors for the development of paradoxical response in human immunodeficiency virus negative patients with isolated pleural tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN A multicentre, retrospective cohort study including 458 patients who were diagnosed and treated with isolated pleural TB between March 2005 and February 2010. RESULTS Paradoxical response developed in 72 patients (16%) with isolated pleural TB. The mean time to development of paradoxical response was 8.8 ± 6.4 weeks after initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment. The main presentation of paradoxical response was aggravation of pre-existing pleural effusion in 58 patients (81%). However, the majority of the patients who developed paradoxical response had no associated symptoms (n = 49, 68%). In multiple logistic regression analysis, development of paradoxical response was independently associated with the proportion of eosinophils (adjusted OR 1.293, 95%CI 1.077-1.553) and protein concentrations (adjusted OR 0.590, 95%CI 0.397-0.878) in the pleural fluid at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION Paradoxical response developed in 16% of the patients approximately 2 months after initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment, presenting with aggravation of pre-existing pleural effusion. Development of paradoxical response was associated with the proportion of eosinophils and protein concentrations in the pleural fluid at the time of diagnosis.

This study introduces a new approach to evaluate material degradation caused by thermal fatigue in composite laminates by using nonlinear Lamb waves. The correlation between normalized nonlinear parameters and degradation states is studied. S1 Lamb mode which has phase and group matching features is chosen for the practical generation of nonlinear Lamb wave. The measured acoustics normalized nonlinearity is directly related to material degradation. It could be concluded that it is possible to use nonlinear Lamb waves to evaluate composite laminates degradation.

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous transient events with short intense flashes that have been detected in random directions in the sky once or twice per day. Their durations have been measured in seconds, especially short GRBs with duration of < 2 sec. The Ultra-Fast Flash Observatory (UFFO) space mission aims to detect the earliest moments of an explosion which presents the nature of GRBs, resulting into the enhancement of GRB mechanism understanding. The UFFO consists of a couple of wide Field-of-View (FOV) trigger telescopes, a narrow-FOV Slewing Mirror Telescope (SMT) for the fast measurement of the UV-optical photons from GRBs, and a gamma-ray monitor for energy measurement. The triggering is done by the UFFO burst Alert & Trigger telescope (UBAT) using the hard X-ray from GRBs and the UV/optical Trigger Assistant Telescope (UTAT) using the UV/optical photons from GRBs. The UBAT monitors the sky for GRB, and determines their position with sufficient accuracy (10' at 7.0σ) for follow-up UV/optical observations with the SMT. The primary trigger telescope is based on a fast recognition of position using hard X-ray from GRBs. Whereas the fastest previous experiment, the SWIFT observatory, rarely observed GRB in less than 60 seconds after trigger, the UFFO is designed to begin the UV/optical observations in less than a few seconds after trigger. The SMT uses the novel approach of steering our telescope beam using the rotatable mirror, instead of re-orienting the instrument platform like SWIFT and other previous instruments. The UFFO pathfinder is scheduled to launch into orbit on 2011 November by the Lomonosov spacecraft. This pathfinder is the scaled-down version of UFFO in order to make the first systematic study of early UV/optical light curves, including the rise phase of GRBs. It contains two instruments of UBAT and SMT. It only allows the payload mass of 20 kg and the power consumption of 20 W. The SMT has a fast rotatable mirror, a modified Ritchey-Chretien telescope with the aperture size of 10 cm diameter, and an image intensifier readout by CCD. The UBAT is using a coded-mask aperture for position detection and their X-ray photons are readout by LYSO crystals and Multi-Anode photomultiplier tubes (MAPMTs) with the effective active area size of 191.1 cm2. With this design, we expect UBAT to trigger ∼44 GRBs/yr and expect SMT to detect ∼10 GRBs/yr.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) of the uterine cervix is a rare mesenchymal malignancy that occurs in adolescents and young adults.A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with profuse vaginal bleeding of one month's duration with severe anemia. The pelvic examination revealed a 3 cm mass on the posterior lip of the uterine cervix. On magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor had high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. A modified radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Immunohistochemical staining for TFE3 and electron microscopic examination revealed an ASPS of the uterine cervix.The better prognosis of cervical ASPS, compared to the soft counterparts, may be related to early clinical detection, small size, resectability, and demarcation of the tumor.

Pneumonia has been reported to be the most life-threatening complication of influenza virus infection.to describe clinical characteristics and determine risk factors for death among patients with H1N1-associated pneumonia.A retrospective cohort study included all adult patients diagnosed and treated with H1N1-associated pneumonia in 14 participating institutions between 1 May 2009 and 28 February 2010 in South Korea. Clinical outcomes were summarised and predictors for death evaluated through univariate and multivariate analysis.A total of 269 adult patients with H1N1-associated pneumonia were diagnosed and treated. Hospital visits or admissions peaked in November 2009, coinciding with the peak in the 2009 H1N1 epidemic in South Korea. The patients' median age was 48 years; 143 were male. Most (n = 266, 98.9%) were admitted for treatment: 97 (36.1%) required intensive care and 28 (10.4%) needed mechanical ventilation. Despite the use of antiviral and antibacterial agents, 19 patients (7.1%) died. Risk factors predictive of death included presence of malignancy (aOR 12.0, 95%CI 2.8-51.5), and pneumonia severity index (PSI) score (aOR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.04).Deaths among adult patients with H1N1-associated pneumonia were not rare. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of a poor prognosis among H1N1-associated pneumonia patients with underlying malignancy or high PSI score.

We present a computer simulation and theoretical study of a ballistic deposition process in which spheres are incident on a planar surface. Each incoming sphere follows a path of steepest descent which may involve rolling over the surface of preadsorbed spheres. All particles reaching a stable, elevated position are removed. The frequency of the various rolling mechanisms are evaluated as a function of coverage. The addition mechanism generates clusters of connected spheres by accretion and coalescence. We evaluate the dependence of the cluster size distribution and coalescence probability on coverage. Various peaks in the radial distribution function of the deposited layer provide a signature for the deposition mechanism. The asymptotic approach to saturation is shown to be of the form θ∞−θ(t) ∝exp[−(4/π)Smt]/t2, where Sm=√3/2 is the smallest possible target area. The expression is shown to be consistent with the simulation results. Interpolants, which accurately describe the time‐dependent coverage over...

The effect of dimethylarsenic acid (DMAA) applied to the root on arsenic (As) uptake and concentration, net photosynthesis (Pn), and growth parameters of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ‘Mercury') plants was studied. The experiment consisted of four treatments (0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1.6 mg As/L) with four replications in a completely randomized design. The DMAA was applied in nutrient solution as its sodium salt. The solution culture was changed every four days to avoid changes in the As chemical form. Arsenic uptake and concentration in shoot and root increased upon increased DMAA concentration in solution. Upon uptake, DMAA was readily translocated to the shoot. At the two higher rates of DMAA application (0.8 and 1.6 mg As/L), Pn and photosynthetic capacity were significantly decreased in response to tissue As concentration. Leaf area and dry matter production were also significantly reduced at the two higher rates of DMAA. At the lower rate (0.2 mg As/L) of DMAA application, there was no significant red...

Pressure-volume technique was utilized to evaluate salinity response among three populations ofSpartina patens (Ait.) Muhl. from Louisiana Gulf coast marshes. Plants were subjected to salinities of 85 and 425 mol m−3 for 77 d in a greenhouse. Ψw and Ψπ decreased in all populations in response to increases in salinity. There were 32% decrease in Ψsat, 42% decrease in Ψtlp in response to salinity changes from 85 to 425 mol m−3 in the Ferblanc population. Similarly, there were 35% and 41% decrease in Ψsat in the Clovelly and Lake Tambour populations, respectively. All populations showed the ability to adapt to the increased salinity as was evidenced by osmotic adjustment. However, the Lake Tambour population appeared to have superior ability to adapt to high salinity through having a significantly lower osmotic potential at saturation (Ψsat), osmotic potential at turgor loss point (Ψtlp), and maximum turgor potential (ΨP(max)) compared to other populations. Ferblanc and Clovelly populations revealed the ability to adapt to saline environments to a lesser extent as compared to the Lake Tambour population. Results indicate that there is a potential for selection of superior strains ofSpartina patens for use in marsh restoration projects aiming at prevention of wetland loss in certain coastal areas.

Epitaxial La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 thin films were grown on MgO (001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The as-grown films exhibit a metal–insulator transition at temperatures ranging from 200 to 230 K. Surprisingly, the transition temperature of postannealed films under O2 at 900 °C decreases by more than 100 K, featured with the colossal magnetoresistance. The O2 annealed films also show thermal hysteresis in resistivity and nonlinear I–V behavior. These results are interpreted in terms of Mn deficiency induced by large structural difference between film and substrate, and also discussed in viewpoint of a percolative phase transition.

Background and study aims: Laterally spreading tumors (LST) are classified into two subtypes, with the nongranular type harboring a higher risk of (pre)malignant changes than the granular type. Further subdifferentiation into two subgroups each has been suggested, but the clinical significance of such a subdifferentiation has not previously been studied in detail in larger numbers. Patients and methods: Out of 6499 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenomas between January 2006 and November 2008, 153 patients (2.35 %) had 158 LSTs, 96 with a granular and 62 with a nongranular pattern. The former group was subdivided into homogeneous and nodular mixed, the latter group into flat elevated and pseudodepressed. Clinical and histopathological parameters were compared among the four subtypes. Results: Parameters were variably distributed between the four groups, with nodular mixed tumors being larger than the other three types (P

Although much research has focused on transferring exogenous genes into living mouse testis to investigate specific gene functions in spermatogenic, Sertoli, and Leydig cells, relatively little is known regarding real-time gene expression in vivo. In this study, we constructed a bicistronic lentiviral vector (LV) encoding firefly luciferase and enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP); this was a highly efficient in vivo gene transfer tool. After microinjecting LV into the seminiferous tubules the ICR mouse testis, we detected luciferase and EGFP expression in vivo and ex vivo in the injected tubules using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) with the IVIS-200 system and fibered confocal fluorescence microscopy (CellViZio), respectively. In addition, with an in vivo BLI system, luciferase expression in the testis was detected for approximately 3 mo. Furthermore, EGFP expression in seminiferous tubules was confirmed in excised testes via three-dimensional fluorescent imaging with a confocal laser-scanning microscope. With immunostaining, EGFP expression was confirmed in several male germ cell types in the seminiferous tubules, as well as in Sertoli and Leydig cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that real-time in vivo BLI analysis can be used to noninvasively (in vivo) monitor long-term luciferase expression in mouse testis, and we verified that EGFP expression is localized in seminiferous tubules after bicistronic LV-mediated gene transfer into mouse testes. Furthermore, we anticipate the future use of in vivo BLI technology for real-time study of specific genes involved in spermatogenesis.

In this paper, a novel method for effective mobility extraction of the advanced MOSFET devices using RF modeling scheme is proposed. The proposed method is robust to high gate leakage current and parasitic source/drain resistance. Also, this method can substantially reduce error from drain bias mismatch between channel conductance and gate-to-channel capacitance measurement, uses only single device, and is applicable to small-area devices. nMOSFET with HfSiON gate dielectric and TiN gate electrode is demonstrated with the proposed method.

Many researchers have referred to the human body as an inverted pendulum. The inverted pendulum model, relating the center of mass (COM), the controlled variable, with the center of pressure (COP), the controlling variable, shows that the differences between COP and COM are proportional to the horizontal accelerations of the body. Using the three-dimensional motion analysis synchronized with three force plates, the inverted pendulum model was applied to four different movements (quiet standing, intended postural sway, falling and walking) in twenty healthy volunteers who have no musculoskeletal problems and balance disorders in order to investigate the relationship among COP, COM and the horizontal acceleration of the body. We also performed the crosscorrelation analysis between (COP-COM) and the horizontal acceleration of the body. Results revealed that (COP-COM) had high negative correlations with the horizontal acceleration in quiet standing and postural sway. In addition, high negative correlations between (COP-COM) and horizontal accelerations of the body were found before falling occurs, but high positive correlations were found once falling occurs. However, during walking, high negative correlations between (COPCOM) and midial/lateral accelerations of the body were found. Therefore, the correlation between (COP-COM) and horizontal accelerations of the body based on the inverted pendulum model can be used to determine the postural stability in falling.

To test whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) might be related to the development of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women, we measured serum levels of PTH, the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and other clinical and biochemical parameters.One hundred and seven postmenopausal women were recruited for this study. The serum level of PTH was measured by immunoradiometric assay, and carotid IMT was measured with high resolution B-mode ultrasonography.On the basis of bivariate correlation analyses or unpaired t-tests, the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not associated with carotid IMT. In contrast, age (r = 0.414, p0.001), serum level of PTH (r = 0.304, p = 0.001), hypertension (p0.001), and hypercholesterolaemia (p = 0.004) were related to carotid IMT. On the basis of multiple regression analysis, the serum level of PTH (beta = 0.198, p = 0.029), as well as age (beta = 0.309, p = 0.001) and hypertension (beta = 0.262, p = 0.006), were independent predictors of carotid IMT.Our results have demonstrated that serum PTH is an independent determinant of carotid IMT in postmenopausal women. This result suggests that serum PTH, even in the reference range, might be associated with the development of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. Further study is necessary in males and premenopausal women to fully elucidate the clinical significance of this finding.

Background Although pelvic exenteration is frequently indicated during surgery for gynaecological malignancy, performing a colorectal anastomosis remains contentious because of concern about leakage. This study evaluated the safety of performing a low colorectal anastomosis during pelvic exenteration for gynaecological malignancy. Methods Between April 2001 and December 2006, 145 consecutive patients underwent low colorectal anastomosis without (122) or with (23) a stoma after pelvic exenteration for advanced primary or recurrent gynaecological malignancy. Subjects were assessed in terms of five patient-, four disease- and two surgery-related variables. The proportion of patients with each risk factor for leakage was found, and the rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage was determined. Results The mean age of the patients was 53·5 (range 10–77) years and the most common diagnosis was ovarian cancer (77·9 per cent). The mean operating time was 453 (range 145–845) min and the mean blood loss was 1080 (range 110–10 500) ml; 95 patients (65·5 per cent) required a blood transfusion. Of the 145 patients, 81 (55·9 per cent) had patient-related, 94 (64·8 per cent) had disease-related and 67 (46·2 per cent) had surgery-related variables associated with a risk of leakage. Symptomatic anastomotic leakage developed in three patients (2·1 per cent). Conclusion Although patients with gynaecological malignancy carry considerable risks associated with anastomotic leakage, carefully executed low colorectal anastomosis during pelvic exenteration was found to be safe.