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Here, we developed highly sensitive piezoelectric sensors in which flexible membrane components were harmoniously integrated. An electrospun nanofiber mat of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) was sandwiched between two elastomer sheets with sputtered electrodes as an active layer for piezoelectricity. The developed sensory system was ultrasensitive in response to various microscale mechanical stimuli and able to perceive the corresponding deformation at a resolution of 1 μm. Owing to the highly flexible and resilient properties of the components, the durability of the device was sufficiently stable so that the measuring performance could still be effective under harsh conditions of repetitive stretching and folding. When employing spin-coated thin elastomer films, the thickness of the entire sandwich architecture could be less than 100 μm, thereby achieving sufficient compliance of mechanical deformation to accommodate artery-skin motion of the heart pulse. These skin-attachable film- or sheet-type mechanical sensors with high flexibility are expected to enable various applications in the field of wearable devices, medical monitoring systems, and electronic skin.

1 한국과학기술원 기계항공시스템학부 (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)2 삼성디스플레이 LCD사업부 (Divison of LCD, Samsung Display)3 한국생산기술연구원 마이크로나노공정그룹 (Micro/Nanoscale manufacturing R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology)4 부산대학교 기계공학부 / 정밀정형 및 금형가공연구소 (School of Mechanical Engineering, ERC/NSDM, Pusan National University) Corresponding author: sanghu@pusan.ac.kr, Tel: +82-51-510-1011

Interferons (IFNs) play an important role in tumor-immune system interactions. As one of the main mediators of IFNs, myxovirus resistance A (MxA) is upregulated in various cancers. However, the exact role of MxA in breast cancer is not fully understood. As part of the immune response to tumors, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have prognostic significance in breast cancer. The aim of our present study was to examine the relationship between MxA and immune system components, including the amount of TILs and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression, in breast cancer. TILs, MxA expression, HLA intensity, and clinicopathological factors were retrospectively analyzed in 688 patients with primary breast cancer between 1993 and 1998 and in 705 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) between 2004 and 2011. MxA expression was higher in TNBC tumors than in other subtypes. High MxA levels were associated with a higher histologic grade, abundant TILs, and stronger HLA-ABC expression in both the TNBC subtype within the consecutive breast cancer cohort and the validation TNBC cohort. MxA expression showed a significant positive correlation with TILs, the number of CD8(+) cells, and the number of CD69(+) cells in the validation TNBC cohort. High MxA levels and abundant TILs were found to be independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival in patients with TNBC. These results indicate that MxA expression is closely related to TILs in TNBC and, along with TILs, provides prognostic information after chemotherapy in patients with TNBC.

We report the electrical and optical characteristics of indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/GaAs Schottky barrier solar cells (SBSCs) with embedded InAs quantum dots (QDs). Twenty layers of self-assembled InAs QDs are inserted into the SBSCs so as to increase the potential barrier height at the ITO/GaAs junctions and to create additional photo-generated electrons in the quantum confined states of the QDs. After analyzing the current density–voltage characteristics, the photoluminescence, and the external quantum efficiency of the fabricated SBSCs, it was found that the incorporation of InAs QDs into the ITO/GaAs SBSCs results in an increase of both of the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current density compared to SBSCs without InAs QDs.

The continuous analysis, such as smoothness and uniform convergence, for polynomials and polynomial-like functions using differential operators have been studied considerably, parallel to the study of discrete analysis for these functions, using difference operators. In this work, for the difference operator ∇h with size h ＞ 0, we verify that for an integer m ≥ 0 and a strictly decreasing sequence hn converging to zero, a continuous function f(x) satisfying ∇ m+1 hn f(khn) = 0, for every n ≥ 1 and k ∈ Z, turns to be a polynomial of degree ≤ m. The proof used the polynomial convergence, and additionally, we investigated several conditions on convergence to polynomials.

A semiempirical method based on the averaging effect of the sensitive volumes of different air-filled ionization chambers (ICs) was employed to approximate the correction factors for beam quality produced from the difference in the sizes of the reference field and small fields.We measured the output factors using several cylindrical ICs and calculated the correction factors using a mathematical method similar to deconvolution; in the method, we modeled the variable and inhomogeneous energy fluence function within the chamber cavity. The parameters of the modeled function and the correction factors were determined by solving a developed system of equations as well as on the basis of the measurement data and the geometry of the chambers. Further, Monte Carlo (MC) computations were performed using the Monaco® treatment planning system to validate the proposed method.The determined correction factors () were comparable to the values derived from the MC computations performed using Monaco®. For example, for a 6 MV photon beam and a field size of 1 × 1 cm2, was calculated to be for a PTW 31010 chamber and for a PTW 31016 chamber. On the other hand, the values determined from the MC computations were 1.121 and 1.031, respectively; the difference between the proposed method and the MC computation is less than 2%. In addition, we determined the values for PTW 30013, PTW 31010, PTW 31016, IBA FC23-C, and IBA CC13 chambers as well.We devised a method for determining from both the measurement of the output factors and model-based mathematical computation. The proposed method can be useful in case the MC simulation would not be applicable for the clinical settings.

A novel hybrid construct was developed by combining aligned fibers (AFs) and random fibers (RFs) to form a scaffolding system. Homogeneous fiber-based structures were fabricated by electrospinning, which produced both random and aligned fiber mats depending on the collection method. The upper part of the scaffold contained an AF layer, which possessed a well-organized configuration that provided uniaxial topographic guidance. For mechanical stability and support, the lower part of the scaffold was composed of an RF layer. Despite the presence of randomly distributed RFs, desirable alignment and differentiation could be achieved in cultured C2C12 myoblasts by controlling the density of AF layer. The fibrous structure of the hybrid scaffold also exhibited high porosity and therefore reasonable permeability. Owing to the structural stability provided by the underlying RFs, the cell-laden fibrous scaffolds were amenable to physical manipulation, such as multilayering. Collectively, the morphological features and manipulable architecture of the developed scaffolds suggest that they would perform well in practical applications.

Respiratory diseases among horses cause economic losses in foals and productivity decreases in horses being raised and in adult horses. In South Korea, fundamental studies of horses’ respiratory diseases and those related to disease occurrence are insufficient. Therefore, the aim if the current study was to use diverse hematological indicators, obtained through hematological tests and measurment of blood antibody level in horses suffering form respiratory diseases, to monitor disease occurrence and prognosis evaluation. Investigations of infection states by horses’ bacterial respiratory diseases, susceptible drugs, and resisted drugs according to pathogens showed differences between farms. Among the β-lactam-based antibiotics, cephalosporin-based antibiotics showed some efficacy against Streptococcus spp. To review age-based changes in erythrocytometer hemograms in hematological tests of riding horses, red blood cell (RBC) tended to gradually decrease with increasing age this tendency was statistically significant. In addition, leukocytometer hemograms analyzed by age showed that total white blood cell counts tended to decrease with increasing age. These results of drug susceptibility tests and hematological tests, which have not been presented thus far, will be useful as standardized data in future breeding management and disease tests of Jeju riding horses.

Two-dimensional (2D) dose comparisons are widely performed by using a gamma evaluation with patient-specific intensity modulated radiation therapy quality assurance (IMRT QA) or dose delivery quality assurance (DQA). In this way, a pass/fail determination is made for a particular treatment plan. When gamma evaluation results are close to the failure criterion, the pass/fail decision may change applying a small shift to the center of the 2D dose distribution. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the meaning of such a small relative shift in a 2D dose distribution comparison. In addition, we propose the use of a small shift for a pass/fail criterion in gamma analysis, where the concept of isocenter optimal matching (IOM) is applied to IMRT QA of 20 patients. Gamma evaluations were performed to compare two dose distributions, one with and the other without IOM. In-house software was developed in C++ in order to find IOM values including both translational and rotational shifts. Upon gamma evaluation failure, further investigation was initiated using IOM. In this way, three groups were categorized: group 1 for ‘pass’ on gamma evaluation, group 21 for ‘fail’ on the gamma evaluation and ‘pass’ on the gamma the evaluation with IOM, and group 22 for ‘fail’ on the both gamma evaluations and the IOM calculation. IOM results revealed that some failures could be considered as a ‘pass’. In group 21, 88.98% (fail) of the averaged gamma pass rate changed to 90.45% (pass) when IOM was applied. On average, a ratio of γ ≥ 1 was reduced by 11.06% in 20 patients. We propose that gamma evaluations that do not pass with a rate of 85% to 90% may be augmented with IOM to reveal a potential pass result.

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of early response assessment using a volumetric fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET analysis in chemotherapy-treated patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients with NSCLC who received first-line chemotherapy and performed F-FDG PET/computed tomography before (baseline PET) and after two cycles of chemotherapy (interim PET). The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of the total malignant lesion were measured in baseline (SUV1 and MTV1) and interim (SUV2 and MTV2) PET images, and percentage changes in SUVmax (ΔSUV) and MTV (ΔMTV) were calculated between the two images. We compared PET parameters and clinicopathologic variables in terms of the 2-year overall survival (OS).The median follow-up period was 14.3 months and the 2-year OS was 31%. In PET images, the mean SUV1, MTV1, SUV2, MTV2, ΔSUV, and ΔMTV were 13.1±4.5, 307.9±340.0 cm, 9.5±5.1, 180.4±29.6 cm, 27±28%, and 42±65%, respectively. In univariable analysis, M stage, TNM stage, and all six PET parameters associated significantly with OS. Both the MTV1 and the ΔMTV were tested against OS controlling for M stage, one at time, and the effect remained significant in multivariable analyses.A smaller baseline MTV and greater decrease in MTV between baseline and interim PET images are associated with a significantly prolonged OS. A volume-based F-FDG PET analysis would facilitate prediction of clinical outcome and identification of treatment-resistant patients early during chemotherapy and could thus be used in personalized treatment approaches for patients with NSCLC.

A single electron pump was incorporated with a quantum Hall resistance and a Josephson voltage for the current evaluation in the framework of Ohm’s law. The pump current of about 60 pA level was amplified by a stable amplifier with a gain of 103 to induce a Hall voltage of about 60 mV level across a 1 MΩ Hall resistance array, which was compared with the Josephson voltage. The gain of the current amplifier was calibrated with a cryogenic current comparator bridge. For two different drive frequencies and repeated thermal cycles, the comparisons demonstrated that the pump current averaged over the first plateau was equal to ef within the combined uncertainty level of 0.3 × 10−6 (k = 1).

Background We aimed to investigate the role of angiopoietin (Angpt) as a predictive biomarker for sepsis by evaluating associations between plasma Angpt and various inflammatory cytokines and mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study of the prospectively collected samples and clinical data of 145 patients with sepsis who were admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a 2000-bed university tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. We collected plasma within 24 h of medical ICU admission, and several biomarkers (Angpt-1 and -2, Tie2, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-18, IL-6, interferon gamma-induced protein-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured using a Human Magnetic Luminex Screening Assay kit. Results Plasma Angpt-2 was correlated with IL-6 (rs = 0.555) and tumor necrosis factor-α (rs = 0.559). Plasma Angpt-2 (rs = 0.530) and Angpt-2/1 (rs = 0.562) were correlated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. The area under the curve (AUC) for the 28-day mortality prediction for the plasma Angpt-2/1 ratio was 0.736; AUCs for the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and SOFA scores were 0.659 and 0.745, respectively. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis for 28-day mortality, we found that acute respiratory distress syndrome (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.235, 95% CI = 1.163–4.296, p = 0.016), APACHE II score (HR = 1.127, 95% CI = 1.037–1.224, p = 0.005), and Angpt-2/1 > 3.2 (HR = 2.522, 95% CI = 1.205–5.278, p = 0.014) were risk factors for 28-day mortality. Conclusions Plasma Angpt-2 was related to cytokines, but Angpt-2/1 ratio was a good predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis.

Biomass-derived polymers have been rapidly developed for alleviating excessive fossil-fuel-based plastic consumption, as green manufacturing is required due to many environmental issues. Here, using a recently developed biopolymer, bio-based polycarbonate (bio PC), we demonstrated the processability of filament-feedstock extrusion and extrusion-type 3D printing. Under a set of optimal process conditions, the as-printed bio PC products showed superior tensile strength compared to other commercial polymers. We also confirmed the environmentally friendly characteristics of the thermoplastic processes of bio PC by measuring hazardous emissions during 3D printing. Finally, considering sterilization of the as-printed consumer products, we tested the resistive properties of bio PC parts against heat and UV. Collectively, the good 3D printability, low gas and particle emission, and decent durability of the bio PC material indicate great potential applications for indoor home manufacturing of various consumer products.

2-Keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolase, which catalyzes aldol cleavage and condensation reactions, has two distinct substrate-binding sites. The substrate-binding mode at the catalytic site and Schiff-base formation have been well studied. However, structural information on the phosphate-binding loop (P-loop) is limited.

Little consensus exists regarding which decellularization technique best removes the cellular components while maintaining structural integrity. We aimed to identify the most efficient and safest decellularization method by combining previously established chemical (detergent based) and biological (nuclease based) methods in a systematic manner. Sixty sciatic nerves were harvested from Sprague-Dawley rats and prepared in 120 nerve fragments with 1-cm length. Nerve fragments were randomly divided into six groups and decellularized with six different methods: A, nonionic detergent + amphoteric detergent; B, nonionic detergent + anionic detergent; C, anionic detergent + amphoteric detergent; D, nonionic detergent + nuclease; E, amphoteric detergent + nuclease; and F, anionic detergent + nuclease. The remaining cellular components were evaluated with H&E, DAPI, and S-100 immunohistochemical staining, and DNA content was measured in each sample. The remaining extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity was evaluated with H&E, Masson's trichrome, periodic acid-Schiff, Luxol fast blue, and laminin immunohistochemical staining, and collagen content was measured in each sample. The amphoteric detergent + nuclease method was the best protocol for both cell removal and ECM preservation. In the in vivo study, the nerve allograft that was decellularized with amphoteric detergent + nuclease showed an inferior recovery rate based on the tibialis anterior muscle weight to autograft, but considerable recovery was observed. In conclusion, among the possible systematic combinations of detergent- and nuclease-based methods, the combination of amphoteric detergent and nuclease is currently the most suitable for nerve decellularization in terms of adequate cell removal and sufficient preservation of the ECM.

Modification of chromatin and related transcription factors by histone deacetylases (HDACs) is one of the major strategies for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes. The HDAC domains of class IIa HDACs repress the respective target genes by interacting with the C-terminal region of the silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid receptor (SMRT) repression domain 3 (SRD3c). However, latent catalytic activity suggests that their roles as deacetylases in gene regulation are unclear. Here, we found that two conserved GSI-containing motifs of SRD3c are critical for HDAC4 binding. Two SMRT peptides including these motifs commonly form a β-hairpin structure in the cleft and block the catalytic entry site of HDAC4. They interact mainly with class IIa HDAC-specific residues of HDAC4 in a closed conformation. Structure-guided mutagenesis confirmed critical interactions between the SMRT peptides and HDAC4 and –5 as well as the contribution of the Arg1369 residue in the first motif for optimal binding to the two HDACs. These results indicate that SMRT binding does not activate the cryptic deacetylase activity of HDAC4 and explain how class IIa HDACs and the SMRT-HDAC3 complex are coordinated during gene regulation.

BACKGROUND Videoconferencing-based treatments have shown great potential in increasing engagement and compliance by decreasing the barriers of time and distance. In general, employees tend to experience a lot of stress, but find it difficult to visit a clinic during office hours. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mobile videoconference-based intervention for stress reduction and resilience enhancement in employees. METHODS In total, 81 participants were randomly allocated to one of the three conditions: mobile videoconferencing, in-person, and self-care; of these, 72 completed the study. All participants underwent assessment via self-reported questionnaires before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Intervention lasted for 4 weeks and consisted of elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and meditation. Changes in clinical variables regarding stress and resilience across time were compared between treatment conditions. RESULTS There were significant condition × time effects on variables measuring perceived stress, resilience, emotional labor, and sleep, demonstrating significantly differential effects across time according to treatment condition. Moreover, there were significant effects of condition on perceived stress and occupational stress. There were no significant differences in any variable between the mobile videoconferencing and in-person conditions at 1 month after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that both mobile videoconferencing and in-person interventions were comparably effective in decreasing stress and enhancing resilience. Further studies with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period are warranted to investigate the long-term effect of mobile videoconferencing interventions. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03256682; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03256682 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71W77bwnR)

Background: Videoconferencing-based treatments have shown great potential in increasing engagement and compliance by decreasing the barriers of time and distance. In general, employees tend to experience a lot of stress, but find it difficult to visit a clinic during office hours. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a mobile videoconference-based intervention for stress reduction and resilience enhancement in employees. Methods: In total, 81 participants were randomly allocated to one of the three conditions: mobile videoconferencing, in-person, and self-care; of these, 72 completed the study. All participants underwent assessment via self-reported questionnaires before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Intervention lasted for 4 weeks and consisted of elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and meditation. Changes in clinical variables regarding stress and resilience across time were compared between treatment conditions. Results: There were significant condition × time effects on variables measuring perceived stress, resilience, emotional labor, and sleep, demonstrating significantly differential effects across time according to treatment condition. Moreover, there were significant effects of condition on perceived stress and occupational stress. There were no significant differences in any variable between the mobile videoconferencing and in-person conditions at 1 month after the intervention. Conclusions: Results indicate that both mobile videoconferencing and in-person interventions were comparably effective in decreasing stress and enhancing resilience. Further studies with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period are warranted to investigate the long-term effect of mobile videoconferencing interventions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03256682; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03256682 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71W77bwnR)

The development of multi-node quantum optical circuits has attracted great attention in recent years. In particular, interfacing quantum-light sources, gates and detectors on a single chip is highly desirable for the realization of large networks. In this context, fabrication techniques that enable the deterministic integration of pre-selected quantum-light emitters into nanophotonic elements play a key role when moving forward to circuits containing multiple emitters. Here, we present the deterministic integration of an InAs quantum dot into a 50/50 multi-mode interference beamsplitter via in-situ electron beam lithography. We demonstrate the combined emitter-gate interface functionality by measuring triggered single-photon emission on-chip with $g^{(2)}(0) = 0.13\pm 0.02$. Due to its high patterning resolution as well as spectral and spatial control, in-situ electron beam lithography allows for integration of pre-selected quantum emitters into complex photonic systems. Being a scalable single-step approach, it paves the way towards multi-node, fully integrated quantum photonic chips., 20 pages, 5 figures

Purpose: The aim of the preliminary study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4-week chemotherapy with 5-Fluorouracil and leucovorin (LV5FU2) during the resting periods between preoperative CRT and surgery in patients with LARC. Materials and Methods: Standard preoperative CRT was delivered to the entire pelvis at a total dose of 5040 Gy of radiation with concurrent 5-FU or capecitabine for 6 weeks. Twenty-three patients received additional preoperative chemotherapy with two cycles of 5-FU and LV (LV 200 mg/m2 and 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m2 on day 1, and 5-FU infusion 2400 mg/m2 for 46 hrs, every 2 weeks) after preoperative CRT. Surgery was performed at 2-4 weeks following the completion of preoperative chemotherapy. Results: Between May 2013 and January 2015, 23 patients underwent preoperative CRT, with additional chemotherapy and surgery, and 23 patients completed the scheduled treatment. The median follow-up duration was 42.0 months. The tumor down-staging rate was observed in 65.2%, and pathologic complete remission (pCR) was noted in 5 patients (21.7%). T and N down-staging were observed in 16 (69.6%) and 14 (60.9%) patients, respectively. The four-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 73.9% and the four-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.9% in patients who received additional chemotherapy. The four-year DFS rate was 100% in the tumor down-staging group vs. 25.0% in the non-down staging group treated with additional chemotherapy (P

Applied behavior analysis is known as an effective way to address the needs of people with autism spectrum disorders. The layperson may also associate behavior analysis with forensic psychology through their experience of crime dramas such as Criminal Minds: Behavior Analysis Unit. However accurate or simplified these portrayals they are a very narrow view of the larger field of behavioral science. Behavior analysis has a host of applications in the real world. Some of these applications include but are certainly not limited to the determination of social policies, advertising, policing, animal training, business practices, diet and exercise regimens and education. In this chapter the authors will focus on how applied behavior analysis can be used as a teaching technology from the behavioral and educational literature that has the potential to help lead the way out of the educational crisis faced in the United States of America and abroad.

BackgroundSensitisation with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is known to be associated with severe allergic lung inflammation, but the mechanism remains to be clarified. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-δ and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are suggested to be involved in steroid-resistant lung inflammation. We aimed to elucidate the role of PI3K-δ and its relationship with ER stress in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation.MethodsUsing Af-exposed in vivo and in vitro experimental systems, we examined whether PI3K-δ regulates ER stress, thereby contributing to steroid resistance in fungus-induced allergic lung inflammation. Moreover, we checked expression of an ER stress marker in lung tissues isolated from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.ResultsAf-exposed mice showed that ER stress markers, unfolded protein response (UPR)-related proteins, phosphorylated Akt, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), eosinophilic allergic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were increased in the lung. Similarly, glucose-regulated protein 78 was increased in lung tissues of patients with ABPA. A PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced increases in ER stress markers, UPR-related proteins, allergic inflammation and AHR in mice. However, dexamethasone failed to reduce Af-induced allergic inflammation, AHR and elevation of ER stress. Administration of an ER stress inhibitor or a mtROS scavenger improved Af-induced allergic inflammation. The PI3K-δ inhibitor reduced Af-induced mtROS generation and the mtROS scavenger ameliorated ER stress. In primary cultured tracheal epithelial cells, Af-induced ER stress was inhibited by blockade of PI3K-δ.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that PI3K-δ regulates Af-induced steroid-resistant eosinophilic allergic lung inflammation through ER stress.

The purpose of this study was to use the parent of the infant status and their media perception (3-7 five years) the infants" media use by examining the situation looking at the parents" use of media that cause impact on infants" media use parents will be validated accordingly to seek the solutions for the media and the involvement of infants perception. U City and 14 practitioners in preschool infants aged 5-7 target parents from 1307 people based in September 2014, a survey was conducted two months until October. This study was a mixed Methods for quantitative analysis of all the results and qualitative analysis of the results. Results for media use quantitative analysis of the results and impact parents have on infants" media use their media usage status of the parents and the media use of infants by their perceived status has been subjected to frequency analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis, parents perception results. Analysis of the solution for the immersion of the media and the infants unit of analysis was used for componential analysis. Through this study, parents would like to establish a plan to take advantage of essential educational content in the media and sought ways for the correct use of infants in the media and practice at home.

This study investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of unripe fruit peel solvent fractions of the native jeju citrus 'Hongkyool' (Citrus tachibana Tanaka) and 'Pyunkyool' (C. tangerina Hort. ex Tanaka). The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content were highest in the butanol fraction of both 'Hongkyool' (534.4 mg/g, 431.8 mg/g) and 'Pyunkyool' (342.9 mg/g, 415.7 mg/g). In both cultivars, the butanol fraction showed the strong antio xidant activity by DPPH radical scav- enging and ABTS radical scavenging. The DPPH radical scavenging of the butanol fraction from 'Hongkyool' and 'Pyunkyool' was 89% and 64% at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, respectively. The ABTS radical scavenging of the butanol fraction from 'Hongkyool' and 'Pyunkyool' was 94% and 85% at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, respectively. We investigated the effect of the anti-inflammatory activ- ity of the ethyl acetate fraction from 'Hongkyool' and 'Pyunkyool' on LPS-induced NO production, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 protein expression in Raw 264.7 cells. At concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/ml of the 'Hongkyool' ethyl acetate fraction, the anti-inflammator y effect was excellent. These results sug- gest that ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from 'Hongkyool' and 'Pyunkyool' could be useful func- tional materials, with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

This study was carried out to develop molecular techniques to allow the selection of zygotic seedlings in the early sta ge of the plant development. We identified 37 pollen-specific molecular markers from RAPD analysis and successfully used them for identification of the zygotic seedlings from various hybrid crosses. Three Satsuma mandarin cultivars (‘Morita unshiu’, ‘Na ngan20’ and ‘Miyagawawase’) were used as mother parents and seven cultivars (‘Ponkan’, ‘Lee’, ‘Kinokuni’, ‘Shiranuhi’, ‘Tamnaneunbo ng’,‘Shinyegam’, and ‘Sunburst’ mandarins) served as pollen parents. PCR analysis showed that 2 primers could identify zygotic h ybrid seedlings. Among them, an UBC-27 primer was used to identify the zygotic seedlings from hybrid crosses of “‘Nangan 20’ בKinokuni’” mandarin, “‘Nangan 20 × Ponkan’” mandarin and “‘Miyagawawase × Sunburst’” tangerine. In total 29 out of 40 seedlin gs (73%), 9 out of 47 seedlings (19%), and 13 out of 45 (29%) were identified as zygotic seedlings, respectively. These results can show that the pollen-specific markers selected in this study can be used effectively for early identification of zygotic se edlings from Citrus hybrid crosses.Additional key words

Serving as microtubule-organizing centers, centrosomes play a key role in forming bipolar spindles. The mechanism of how centrosomes promote bipolar spindle assembly in various organisms remains largely unknown. A recent study with Xenopus laevis egg extracts suggested that the Plk1 ortholog Plx1 interacts with the phospho-T46 (p-T46) motif of Xenopus Cep192 (xCep192) to form an xCep192-mediated xAurA-Plx1 cascade that is critical for bipolar spindle formation. Here, we demonstrated that in cultured human cells, Cep192 recruits AurA and Plk1 in a cooperative manner, and this event is important for the reciprocal activation of AurA and Plk1. Strikingly, Plk1 interacted with Cep192 through either the p-T44 (analogous to Xenopus p-T46) or the newly identified p-S995 motif via its C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain. The interaction between Plk1 and the p-T44 motif was prevalent in the presence of Cep192-bound AurA, whereas the interaction of Plk1 with the p-T995 motif was preferred in the absence of AurA binding. Notably, the loss of p-T44- and p-S995-dependent Cep192-Plk1 interactions induced an additive defect in recruiting Plk1 and γ-tubulin to centrosomes, which ultimately led to a failure in proper bipolar spindle formation and mitotic progression. Thus, we propose that Plk1 promotes centrosome-based bipolar spindle formation by forming two functionally nonredundant complexes with Cep192.

본 연구는 산림치유프로그램이 직무스트레스와 기분상태에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 이루어졌다. A시의 사회복지전담공무원 38명과 C도의 정신보건종사자 24명을 대상으로 1박2일의 산림치유프로그램이 실시되었으며,사전-사후의 설계에 의해 자료를 수집하였다. 분석결과 사회복지전담공무원과 정신보건종사자의 직무스트레스는 유의하게 감소하였고, 기분상태 요소인 긴장-불안, 우울, 분노, 곤란, 피로는 유의하게 감소하였고, 활기는 유의하게 증가되었다. 그러므로 산림의 치유기능이 활용된 산림치유프로그램이 직무스트레스 뿐만이 아니라 소진예방프로그램으로서도 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of a forest healing program on the level of jobstress and the profile of mood states (POMS). 38 public servants who were in charge of social welfare in Acity as well as 24 metal health care workers in C province participated in the forest healing programs. The datawere collected by a pretest-posttest design. The data analysis showed that both job stress and POMS levels weresignificantly improved by the forest healing program. The therapeutic effects of forests are highly expected tobe utilized for healing programs for job stress reduction and burnout prevention.Key words: job stress, the profile of mood states, forest healing program

We report a novel high-performance electroactive polymer actuator based on poly (vinylidene fluoride) (i.e., PVDF) and graphene. The PVDF-graphene composite membranes were fabricated through electrospinning method. The electrospun composite membrane has a three-dimensional network structure, high porosity, and large ionic liquid solution uptake which are a prerequisite for high performance dry-type electroactive soft actuators. The conductive poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layers were deposited on the surfaces of the composite membrane through dipping-drying method. The electroactive PVDF-graphene actuators under both harmonic and step electrical inputs show larger bending deformation and faster response time than the pure PVDF actuator. X-ray diffusion (XRD) and ionic conductivity testing results for the PVDF-graphene membrane were compared with those of pristine PVDF. Most important, the PVDF-graphene actuator shows much larger bending deformation under low input voltage, and this could be due to the synergistic effects of the higher ionic conductivity of PVDF-graphene membrane and the electrochemical doping processes of the PEDOT:PSS electrode layers.

Background An evaluation of the usefulness of target delineation based only on the two extreme phases of a four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) scan in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods Seventeen patients treated with SBRT via 4D CT scans for lung cancer were retrospectively enrolled. Volumetric and geometric analyses were performed for the internal target volumes (ITVs) and planning target volumes (PTVs) generated using different respiratory phases (all phases and 2 extreme phases) and setup margins (3 mm and 5 mm). Results As the setup margins were added to the ITVs, the overlap percentage between the PTVs based on all phases and the two extreme phases increased (85.1% for ITVs, 89.8% for PTVs_3 mm, and 91.3% for PTVs_5 mm), and there were no differences according to the tumor parameters, such as the gross tumor volume and 3D mobility. The missing-volume differences for ITVs derived from cone-beam CT images also decreased, with values of 5.3% between ITVs, 0.5% between PTVs_3 mm, and 0.2% between PTVs_5 mm. Compared with the plan based on all phases and a 3 mm margin, the average lung-dose differences found for the PTV based on the two extreme phases and a 5 mm margin were 0.41 Gy for the mean lung dose and 0.93% for V20. Conclusions Regardless of tumor characteristics, PTV construction based only on the two extreme phases and a 5 mm setup margin may be a useful tool for reducing the clinical workload involved in target delineation in SBRT for lung cancer.

Recently, several health benefits of rice wine, makgeolli, were known due to the interest on the traditional Korean liquor and the researches on the rice wine are increasing. Organic acids produced during the process of rice wine fermentation play important roles in the taste and flavor. In this study, we have examined the optimal conditions for lactic acid production in rice koji as a carbon source. Skim milk was also used as a supplementary ingredient for the optimization of lactic acid fermentation. Bacterial growth of Lactobacillus sakei was monitored under this condition. The pH, acidity of the culture and the ethanol tolerance of this bacterium were also tested. Through these experiments, we were able to optimize the growth condition of lactic acid bacteria by the addition of skim milk. This was also able to affect the change of pH, acidity, sugar concentration and alcohol tolerance, which might contribute to the improvement of the quality of rice wine. The optimal condition for the growth was 2 days with 10% (w/v) of skim milk concentration. With these results, it was confirmed that rice koji was an effective carbon source for the growth of lactic acid bacteria.

Early and active management of cancer pain is important for improving patients’ satisfaction with treatment and quality of life. The efficacy and tolerability of osmotic release oral system (OROS®) hydromorphone was evaluated in opioid-naive cancer patients experiencing moderate to severe cancer pain. The authors believe the results of this study will provide meaningful information regarding the clinical benefit of OROS hydromorphone as front-line therapy in opioid-naive cancer patients., BACKGROUND: Osmotic release oral system (OROS®) hydromorphone is a potent, long-acting opioid analgesic, effective and safe for controlling cancer pain in patients who have received other strong opioids. To date, few studies have examined the efficacy of hydromorphone for pain relief in opioid-naive cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: A prospective, open-label, multicentre trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of OROS hydromorphone as a single and front-line opioid therapy for patients experiencing moderate to severe cancer pain. METHODS: OROS hydromorphone was administered to patients who had not previously received strong, long-acting opioids. The baseline evaluation (visit 1) was followed by two evaluations (visits 2 and 3) performed two and 14 weeks later, respectively. The starting dose of OROS hydromorphone was 4 mg/day and was increased every two days when pain control was insufficient. Immediate-release hydromorphone was the only accepted alternative strong opioid for relief of breakthrough pain. The efficacy, safety and tolerability of OROS hydromorphone, including the effects on quality of life, and patients’ and investigators’ global impressions on pain relief were evaluated. The primary end point was pain intensity difference (PID) at visit 2 relative to visit 1 (expressed as %PID). RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in the present study. An improvement in pain intensity of >50% (≥50% PID) was observed in 51.0% of the full analysis set and 58.6% of the per-protocol set. The mean pain score, measured using a numerical rating scale, was significantly reduced after two weeks of treatment, and most adverse events were manageable. Quality of life also improved, and >70% of patients and investigators were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: OROS hydromorphone provided effective pain relief and improved quality of life in opioid-naive cancer patients. As a single and front-line treatment, OROS hydromorphone delivered rapid pain control.

We report on the performance of thin-film yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at temperatures of 50–525 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used for conductivity measurements. Relatively high conductivity values were observed in the low-temperature region when compared to reference values of YSZ synthesized by other methods. To investigate the conduction mechanism, various experimental variables were modified during the electrical measurements, including the ratio of yttria to zirconia in the ALD YSZ films and the atmospheric conditions. To relate the electrical properties to the structural characteristics, the crystallinity and microstructure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the suitability of an ALD YSZ membrane as the electrolyte of micro solid oxide fuel cells was evaluated. An open circuit voltage of almost 1 V and decent power output were successfully measured below 100 °C.

*Citrus Research Station, NIHHS, RDA, Jeju 699-943, Korea.**Planning and Coordination Division, NIHHS, RDA, Suwon 440-706, Korea.ABSTRACT : The major objective of this study was to investigate the usability as cultivar for processing of new Citrushybrid ‘Hamilgam’. We investigated various antioxidant activities, such as DPPH radical, ABTS radical, Hydroxyl radicaland Superoxide anion radical effect, along with total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content of Citrus hybrid ‘Hamil-gam’, C. unshiu, C. natsudaidai. The total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content were the highest in the Hamilgam.The major flavonoids of Hamilgam and Natsudaidai were naringin and neohesperidin, and those of Unshu were narirutinand hesperidin, as determined by HPLC. Especially, the neohesperidin content of Hamilgam showed much higher (100times over) than that of Unshu. However, the aglycone form was not found. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activitieswere the highest in Hamilgam peels. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was high in the order of Unshu, Hamilgam andNatsudaidai. Superoxide anion radical scavenging of 3 cultivars peels displayed low activities compared to DPPH and ABTSradical scavenging. Based on these results, Hamilgam peel extracts possess antioxidant activities and may thus serve aspotential sources of functional food, cosmetic products, etc.Key Words : Citrus, Hamilgam, Polyphenol, Antioxidant Activities, Functional Food

Purpose: The finite element method (FEM) is advantageous because it can save time and cost by reducing the number of samples and experiments in the effort to identify design factors. In computational problem-solving it is necessary that the exact material properties are input for achieving a reliable analysis. However, in the case of fiber boards, it is difficult to measure their cross-directional material properties because of their small thickness. In previous research studies, the Poisson’s ratio was measured by analyzing ultrasonic wave velocities. Recently, the Poisson’s ratio was measured using a high-speed digital camera. In this study, we measured the transverse strain of a fiber board and calculated its Poisson’s ratio using a high-speed digital camera in order to apply these estimates to a FEM analysis of a fiber board, a corrugated board, and a corrugated box. Methods: Three different fiber board samples were used in a uniaxial tensile test. The longitudinal strain was measured using the Universal Testing Machine. The transverse strain was measured using an image processing method. To calculate the transverse strain, we acquired images of the fiber board before the test onset and before the fracture occurred. Acquired images were processed using the image processing program MATLAB. After the images were converted from color to binary, we calculated the width of the fiber board. Results: The calculated Poisson’s ratio ranged between 0.2968–0.4425 (Machine direction, MD) and 0.1619–0.1751 (Cross machine direction, CD). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that measurement of the transverse properties of a fiber board is possible using image processing methods. Correspondingly, these processing methods could be used to measure material properties that are difficult to measure using conventional measuring methodologies that employ strain gauge extensometers.