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Objectives We hypothesised that paediatric chronic sinusitis patients might have various clinical characteristics, depending on age, compared symptoms, physical findings and clinical features in younger children and older adolescent patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery . Design A retrospective review of medical records. Setting A total of 195 paediatric patients who underwent Endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled and medical records were reviewed. Participants The subjects were divided into children (age < 12 years, n = 70, mean age = 9.6 years) and adolescents (age ≥ 12 years, n = 125, mean age = 14.7 years). Main outcome measures Subjective symptoms, physical findings, CT images and clinical features were compared in children and adolescent groups. Results Cough and nasal obstruction were more common in adolescents, and sleep disturbance was more common in children. Nasal mucosal injection was more common in adolescents, whereas tonsils were larger in children. Septal deviation was a more common finding in adolescents, and total CT score and serum total IgE levels were higher in children. There was no statistical difference in rate of recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery. Conclusion The clinical features of paediatric chronic sinusitis differed between the younger and older groups. Symptomatic, anatomical and clinical differences between these two groups suggest that further study of paediatric chronic sinusitis should stratify patients by age to better understand the effects of treatment on each age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Calcium alginate is a biodegradable gel-transforming agent widely used for nasal packing. It can reduce pain and improve comfort. However, few randomised controlled trials have compared the efficacy of calcium alginate nasal packing with that of other biodegradable gel-transforming materials. Design Prospective, randomised, single-blinded controlled study. Setting Yonsei University Severance Hospital, a tertiary academic medical centre. Participants Twenty-seven patients (54 nostrils) with chronic rhinosinusitis who were scheduled for bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled. After surgery, one nostril was packed with calcium alginate and the other with carboxymethyl cellulose. Only patients with an intersinus chronic rhinosinusitis severity score difference of ≤1 were included. Main outcome measures Visual analogue scale ( VAS) scores for postoperative pain, discomfort from nasal discharge and pain during packing removal were analysed. Two independent rhinologists who were blinded to the assessments separately scored adhesions, oedema and infection by endoscopic digital photography at 1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Results There were no significant differences in VAS scores for postoperative pain, discomfort from nasal discharge or pain during packing removal between calcium alginate packings and carboxymethyl cellulose packings. Inter-rater variability of adhesion, oedema and infection scores was acceptable. Adhesion severity and oedema scores at 4 weeks were significantly lower with calcium alginate packing than with carboxymethyl cellulose. Infection severity scores also tended to be lower with calcium alginate than with carboxymethyl cellulose, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions Calcium alginate nasal packing is associated with reduced severity of oedema and adhesions after endoscopic sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeostatic plasticity is engaged when neurons need to stabilize their synaptic strength and excitability in response to acute or prolonged destabilizing changes in global activity. Compared to the extensive studies investigating the molecular mechanisms for homeostatic synaptic plasticity, the mechanism underlying homeostatic intrinsic plasticity is largely unknown. Through whole-cell patch-clamp recording in low-density cultures of dissociated hippocampal neurons, we demonstrate here that prolonged activity blockade induced by the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) leads to increased action potential firing rates. Conversely, prolonged activity enhancement induced by the A-type gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist bicuculline (BC) results in decreased firing rates. Prolonged activity enhancement also enhanced potassium (K + ) current through K v 1 channels, suggesting that changes in K + current, in part, mediate stabilization of hippocampal neuronal excitability upon prolonged activity elevation. In contrast to the previous reports showing that L-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca 2+ ) channels solely mediate homeostatic regulation of excitatory synaptic strength ( Ibata et al., 2008; Goold and Nicoll, 2010 ), inhibition of N -Methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors alone mimics the elevation in firing frequency driven by prolonged TTX application, while the decrease in firing rates induced by prolonged BC treatment involves the activity of NMDA receptors and L-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels. These results collectively provide strong evidence that alterations in Ca 2+ influx through NMDA receptors and L-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels mediate homeostatic intrinsic plasticity in hippocampal neurons in response to prolonged activity changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present study, the effect of plasma treatment on the bonding strength of CFRP/aluminum foam composites was investigated. CFRP and aluminum foam were surface-treated in a plasma cleaner using oxygen gas. To determine the optimal plasma treatment time, contact angles were measured as a function of treatment time. Treatment effects were determined by comparing the bending and shear strength of three cases: untreated CFRP/aluminum foam (case 1), untreated CFRP/plasma-treated aluminum foam (case 2), plasma-treated CFRP/untreated aluminum foam (case 3). Fracture surfaces of specimens from the three cases were investigated after bending and shear tests. Our results showed when the CFRP was plasma-treated using oxygen gas, and that the bending and shear strength was improved by 7.5% and 650%, respectively, compared to the case without plasma treatment. The improved bonding strength of the plasma-treated CFRP/aluminum foam composites was attributed to the increased surface roughness of the CFRP and the newly formed functionalities on the CFRP. The surface roughness of the CFRP was increased by more than 20% and two functional groups, namely, Ce:glyph name="sbnd" />Cewly formed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It has been reported that ipriflavone was primarily metabolized via hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/2 and 2C11 in rats, and the expression of hepatic CYP1A2 and 2C11 was not changed in rats with water deprivation for 72h compared to controls. Hence, it could be expected that the time-averaged nonrenal clearance (Clnr) of ipriflavone would be comparable between two groups of rat. As expected, after intravenous administration of ipriflavone (20mg/kg), the Clnr values of ipriflavone were comparable between two groups of rat. This could be supported by comparable in vitro intrinsic clearance (Clint) values for the disappearance of ipriflavone in hepatic microsomes for both groups of rat. After oral administration of ipriflavone (200mg/kg), the total area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the last measured time, 12h, in plasma (AUC0–12h) values of ipriflavone were also comparable between two groups of rat. The above data suggest that dehydration state did not affect significantly pharmacokinetics of ipriflavone in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, aluminum foam and aluminum plates were plasma-treated using nitrogen gas to improve the bonding strength of adhesively bonded aluminum foam/aluminum composites. Three types of test specimens were fabricated: (1) regular aluminum foam/aluminum, (2) regular aluminum foam/plasma-treated aluminum and (3) plasma-treated aluminum foam/regular aluminum. The treatment effect was determined by comparing the bending and shear strength of these three samples. Fractured surfaces of these specimens were investigated after bending and shear tests. The results showed that when the aluminum was plasma-treated, its bending strength and shear strength improved by 13 and 30%, respectively, compared to no plasma treatment. However, plasma treatment of aluminum foam produced a similar result to the case with no plasma treatment on aluminum. The plasma treatment did not induce a noticeable physical change in the surface, but it produced functional groups. It was judged that the improved bonding strength was caused by the aluminum''s increased interfacial adhesion to the adhesive because the plasma treatment increased the surface''s hydrophilicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This review article aims to provide an updated and comprehensive description on the development of atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanolithography for structuring and fabrication at the nanometer scale. The many AFM nanolithographic techniques are classified into two general groups of force-assisted and bias-assisted nanolithography on the basis of their mechanistic and operational principles. Force-assisted AFM nanolithography includes mechanical indentation and plowing, thermomechanical writing, manipulation and dip-pen nanolithography. Bias-assisted AFM nanolithography encompasses probe anodic oxidation, field evaporation, electrochemical deposition and modification, electrical cutting and nicking, electrostatic deformation and electrohydrodynamic nanofluidic motion, nanoexplosion and shock wave generation, and charge deposition and manipulation. The experimental procedures, pattern formation mechanisms, characteristics, and functionality of nanostructures and nanodevices fabricated by AFM nanolithography are reviewed. The capabilities of AFM nanolithography in patterning a large family of materials ranging from single atoms and molecules to large biological networks are presented. Emphasis is given to AFM nanolithographic techniques such as dip-pen nanolithography, probe anodic oxidation, etc. due to the rapid progress and wide applications of these techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Growth rates of high-purity single-crystal 6H-SiC have been studied as a function of growth conditions during chemical vapor deposition process using silicon tetrachloride, propane, and hydrogen as reactants. The growth temperature ranged from 2000 to 2150°C. High-quality SiC crystals were deposited at growth rates in the 100–300μm/h range in both silicon- and carbon-supply limited regimes by adjusting flows of all three reactants. The results have been interpreted using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cerium-substituted bismuth titanate (Bi3.25Ce0.75Ti3O12 (BCT)) films were deposited on the Pt(111)/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by a liquid source misted chemical deposition technique. This film showed X-ray diffraction patterns that crystallization along the (006) direction was suppressed and did not contain any other oxides. The remnant polarization of this film increased with increase in annealing temperature. The 2P r and 2E c values of the BCT film annealed at 700 °C were 19.72 μC/cm2 and 357 kV/cm, respectively. 2P r value of this film decreased by less than 5% of the initial value after 7×109 read/write switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The kinetics and mechanism of probe-induced oxide growth on an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) passivated native-SiO2/Si surface have been investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that oxidation strongly depends on tip polarity and the local chemistry of OTS molecules. At negative tip voltage, oxide grows and the oxidation involves a decomposition and depletion of OTS SAM. While under positive tip bias, OTS molecules are partially degraded. The dielectrical properties of the oxide were characterized by I–V measurements using current sensing AFM. The barrier height of AFM grown oxide, in comparison with thermal oxide and OTS SAM, was determined. Current spikes relating to the release of single charge were also observed on the I–V curves of AFM oxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dislocation nucleation during 4H silicon carbide homoepitaxy has been investigated using chemical etching, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Threading edge dislocations formed characteristic arrays of etch pit pairs on the epilayer surface, perpendicular to the off-cut direction. The arrays were nucleated throughout the epitaxy process, had length of between 30 and 600 μm and linear dislocation density of about 1×103 cm−1. The Burgers vectors of two dislocations in each pair were consistent with pairs nucleating as half loops and their directions were the same for all dislocations in an array. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The life cycle of Giardia lamblia contains two differentiation processes, encystation and excystation. We performed an experiment to identify the genes induced during encystation using the differential display reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Three of twelve isolated cDNA clones that showed increased transcription during encystation were identified to be of the myb2, which encodes a well-known transcriptional factor involved in cellular development and differentiation. The amino acid sequences of the Myb2 protein deduced from the isolated gene revealed that this Myb2 has a DNA binding domain comprising two imperfect repeats at its carboxyl-terminus. The nuclear localization of Myb2 protein during encystation was observed in vivo by expressing a Myb2-GFP fusion protein. In a random site selection experiment, the oligonucleotides bound by rMyb2 contained a conserved sequence of GTTT(G/T)(G/T). Two promoters of the encystation-induced genes, myb2, and cwp1, were also found to bind to rMyb2, whereas gap1, one of the constitutive genes did not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nail melanoma (NM) is an important differential diagnosis in patients with longitudinal melanonychia. However, diagnosis is often challenging as it is difficult to differentiate from other pigmented nail disorders. The main challenge for diagnosis is obtaining adequate nail matrix biopsy specimens for histopathological assessment. Furthermore, the histopathological changes in the early stages of NM are subtle and contribute to a delay in diagnosis and care. Therefore, the integration of clinical and histopathological analyses is essential. Clinical and dermoscopic features, such as a broadened width of asymmetric bands in an irregular pattern, with multicolour pigmentation, periungual pigmentation, and continuous growth, are features that support the diagnosis of NM. The essential histological features that must be assessed are cellular morphology, architectural features, melanocyte density, and inflammatory changes. The reported mutations in NMs were BRAF (0–43%), NRAS (0–31%), KIT (0–50%), NF1 (0–50%), and GNAQ (0–25%). Surgery is the primary treatment for NM. The recommended treatment for in situ or minimally invasive NM is functional surgery, but cases with suspected bone invasion should be treated with amputation. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are indicated for advanced stages of NM. This review summarizes the updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of NM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The major carbohydrate of pulse seeds is starch, which accounts for 22–45% of the dry matter. In recent years, substantial progress has been made on the molecular structure of cereal and tuber starches and their impact on functionality. Similar studies on pulse starches are limited. This review summarizes the present status of knowledge on the isolation, composition, molecular structure, properties and modification of pulse starches. Future research needs in the area of pulse starches are outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Nitric oxide (NO), the ubiquitous free radical, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced pigmentation, and it also seems to play an important part in host defence against bacterial infection. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the time course of production of NO and time course of expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) by UVB irradiation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in keratinocyte cell lines. Furthermore, we intended to elucidate the relationship between iNOS and NO in various stimulated conditions. Methods Normal human keratinocytes (NHK), HaCaT cells and PAM212 cells were irradiated with UVB at a dose of 50 mJ cm[sup -2] and 100 mJ cm[sup -2]. Separately, the cell lines were stimulated with 20 µg of LPS. NO was measured by the Griess assay and iNOS mRNA was isolated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after stimulation. Results The generation of NO was induced by UVB irradiation and LPS stimulation. NO production was significantly increased at 72 h after irradiation of UVB 100 mJ cm[sup -2] in NHK, and at 48 and 72 h in HaCaT cells. In PAM212 cells, NO production was significantly increased at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h by UVB 100 mJ cm[sup -2] and at 72 h by LPS. Induction of iNOS mRNA peaked at 48 h and then decreased to basal level at 72 h when treated with UVB irradiation. The time course of production of NO was approximately correlated with the timing of induction of iNOS mRNA. Conclusions These results suggest that the expression of iNOS mRNA is upregulated by UVB irradiation, and that NO produced by this inducible enzyme may play a part as a mediator or an immunomodulator in UV-induced skin reactions such as sunburn reaction and photo-induced immune alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A high-pressure, double-chamber, fan-stirred, large-scale explosion facility is proposed for measurements of laminar and turbulent burning velocities, S L and S T, of centrally-ignited hydrogen and carbon monoxide syngas/air mixtures over an initial pressure range of p = 0.1–1.0 MPa. Results show that lean syngas laminar flames at elevated pressure are highly unstable resulting in cellular structures all over the expanding flame front surface, where S L∼p −0.15 having a relatively modest decrease with pressure as compared to lean methane flames where S L∼p −0.50. Contrarily, as to lean syngas turbulent flames, values of S T increase with increasing pressure (S T∼p 0.15) at a fixed r.m.s. turbulent fluctuating velocity (u′ ≈ 1.4 m/s). Moreover, it is also shown that increasing u′/S L is still a way much more effective in increasing values of S T/S L than increasing pressure. Finally, discussions are offered and area for further studies identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial qualities of cooked pork patty coated with pectin-based material containing green tea leaf extract powder were studied. Cooked pork patties were separated into three groups; uncoated control (C), coated with pectin-based materials (CP), and coated with pectin-based materials containing 0.5% green tea powder (CGP). The prepared patties were irradiated at 0 and 3kGy using cobalt-60 gamma rays. Lipid oxidation, free radical scavenging effects, moisture content, total plate count, and sensory properties were evaluated during storage for 14days at 10°C. Lipid oxidation decreased (p ⩽0.05) and radical scavenging (p ⩽0.05) increased in the pork patties in CGP or CP relative to those of the controls when vacuum packaged. Coated patties contained higher moisture contents than the controls in both air- and vacuum packagings. The numbers of total aerobic bacteria were significantly reduced by the coating treatments as well as by irradiation. No difference were detected in sensory characteristics due to gamma irradiation or coating treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The method of thermodynamic simulation was used to study chemical interactions in the cathode half-cell of lithium-ion battery, which contained LiCoO2 as cathode active material and a LiPF6 solution as the electrolyte. It was shown that in the temperature range 298–400K in thermodynamic equilibrium state a layer of solid products of chemical reaction formed on the cathode/electrolyte interface. The layer predominantly consisted of LiF and LiPO3 in the molar ratio about 2:1 (corresponding to the volume ratio 2:3). In equilibrium state also some soluble interaction products formed, namely: CoF2 (considerable quantity), POF3 and PF5. The concentration of the later two substances was small, but it increased with increase of the temperature. Furthermore, in equilibrium state oxygen gas formed as a product of chemical interactions in cathode half-cell. Thermodynamic characteristics of Co2O3 and LiCoO2 compounds were determined using a set of calculation methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]