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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decolonization is an effective measure to prevent clinical infection but resistance is a concern. We aim to evaluate the impact of mupirocin (MUP) ointment formulary removal, plateauing use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and hospital-wide introduction of octenidine (OCT)-based products on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MRSA to MUP, CHG, and OCT in our hospital. A prevalence study was conducted at three time points (TP) on consecutive MRSA screening isolates to evaluate for their MICs to MUP, CHG, and OCT using broth microdilution sensititre plates and detection of the ileS-2 gene encoding high-level MUP resistance in 2013 (pre-intervention TP1; n = 160), 2016 (early post-intervention TP2; n = 99) and 2017 (late post-intervention TP3; n = 76). Statistical analyses were performed using Chi square test with reference from TP1. There was a significant improvement in MUP susceptibility (MIC < 4 mcg/ml) from 71.9% (TP1) to 86.9% (TP2; p = 0.006) to 88.2% (TP3; p = 0.007). The prevalence of MUP high-level resistance (MIC > 256 mcg/ml) reduced from 25.0% (TP1) to 12.1% (TP2; p = 0.014) to 5.3% (TP3; p = 0.001). Likewise, the prevalence of isolates harboring the ileS-2 gene decreased from 28.1% (TP1) to 18.2% (TP2; p = 0.072) to 9.2% (TP3; p = 0.002). OCT MIC range remains stable at 0.5 to 1 mcg/ml across all three TPs. The proportion of isolates with reduced CHG susceptibility (MIC ≥ 4 mcg/ml) increased over the three TPs from 23.1 to 27.2% (p = 0.45) to 42.1% (p = 0.003). Active formulary regulations have an impact on the resistance profile of MRSA and can be used as a strategy to preserve the MRSA decolonization armamentarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: As a major antioxidant, uric acid (UA) is known to be associated with the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated whether baseline UA levels are associated with the risk for levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD in a sex‐dependent manner. Methods: In all, 152 patients with de novo PD (78 males and 74 females) who were followed up for >2 years were enrolled. The effect of baseline serum UA levels on LID‐free survival was assessed by Cox regression, separately for sex, whilst being adjusted for potential confounding factors. The optimal UA level cut‐off value to determine the high‐risk group for LID was set using Contal and O'Quigley's method. Results: Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia developed in 23 (29.5%) male patients and 30 (40.5%) female patients. Cox regression showed a significant interaction between UA level and sex. Higher UA levels were associated with a higher risk for LID in male PD patients (hazard ratio 1.380; 95% confidence interval 1.038–1.835; P = 0.027), although this relationship was not observed in female PD patients. The optimal UA level cut‐off for LID in male PD was 7.2 mg/dl, and the high UA group had a 5.7‐fold higher risk of developing LID than the low UA group. Conclusions: Contrary to a presumptive beneficial role of UA, the present study demonstrated that higher UA levels are associated with increased risk of LID occurrence in male patients with PD, suggesting a sex‐dependent role of UA in LID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Anosognosia refers to a deficit of self‐awareness or impaired insight for cognitive and behavioral problems. Cognitive anosognosia was explored in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and its relationship to cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms was investigated. Methods: The cross‐sectional study enrolled 340 drug‐naïve patients with PD. According to the presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive complaint, patients were classified as patients with cognitive anosognosia (PD‐CA, n = 74), with normal cognitive recognition (PD‐NR, n = 184) or with cognitive underestimation (PD‐CU, n = 82). After controlling for covariates, cognitive performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms were compared between the PD groups. Results: Cognitive anosognosia was found in 21.8% of patients with de novo PD. The PD‐CA group showed poorer performance in all cognitive domains except for attention. Amongst PD patients with MCI, those with cognitive anosognosia showed lower composite z‐scores in the Stroop color reading test than those without. The Beck Depression Inventory score in the PD‐NR group was lower than that in the PD‐CU group and higher than that in the PD‐CA group. The Cognitive Complaints Interview score mediated the association between cognitive anosognosia and Beck Depression Inventory score. Conclusions: Cognitive anosognosia in PD was associated with greater frontal dysfunction and lower depression. Since cognitive anosognosia has a harmful impact on PD patients and their caregivers due to overestimation of their abilities in everyday life, early identification of cognitive anosognosia in PD is important in management and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim was to investigate the relationship between the serum urate (UA) levels and patterns of striatal dopamine depletion in patients with de novo Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: In all, 167 de novo PD patients who underwent 18F‐fluorinated N‐3‐fluoropropyl‐2‐beta‐carboxymethoxy‐3‐beta‐(4‐iodophenyl) nortropane positron emission tomography scans were enrolled. After quantifying dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in each striatal subregion, sex‐dependent patterns of striatal dopamine depletion were analysed by measuring (i) dopamine depletion in the other striatal subregions and posterior putamen (intersubregional ratio, ISR) and (ii) the interhemispheric asymmetry of dopamine depletion in the posterior putamen (asymmetric ratio, AR). Results: The interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of sex and serum UA levels on the ISR but not on the AR. The ISR was negatively correlated with the serum UA levels in all patients with PD (r = −0.156, P = 0.045), and this association was more prominent in male PD patients (r = −0.422, P < 0.001). However, no significant association between the AR and serum UA levels was found in any of the patients. In addition, serum UA levels were significantly associated with DAT availability in the posterior putamen on both the more affected side (r = 0.312, P = 0.005) and the less affected side (r = 0.312, P = 0.005) only in male PD patients. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the potentially close sex‐specific relationship between the serum UA levels and the anterior–posterior gradient of DAT patterns, suggesting a sex‐specific protective effect of UA on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in de novo PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-level defect-related optical properties of undoped n-type GaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are investigated using photoluminescence (PL), optical absorption (OA), photoconductivity (PC), and persistent photoconductivity (PPC) measurements. From the temperature dependence of the PL and OA, we find that the yellow luminescence (YL) is due to shallow-to-deep donor recombination. PL, PC, and PPC results manifest a strong correlation in properties related to deep levels. Samples which emit YL exhibit a PC peak at 1.9 eV due to the photoionization of deep levels as well as to the persistent photoconductivity effect, whereas samples with no YL have no PC peak in the forbidden gap and no PPC at any photon energy, suggesting a common origin. Furthermore, two types of PPC behavior were observed depending on the sample quality: typical stretched exponential decay in relatively thick samples and photocurrent quenching and a subsequent reduction of the dark current in thin samples. An explanation of the latter phenomenon based on photoinduced metastable electron traps in a highly defective layer near the interface is suggested from the temporal behavior of the PC. These traps seem to disappear slowly after the illuminating light is turned off. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: To clarify whether subtyping of amnestic and non‐amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is clinically relevant in Parkinson's disease (PD) by analyzing patterns of neuroimaging and longitudinal cognitive changes. Methods: We performed comparative analyses of cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, white matter integrity and resting‐state functional connectivity between the patients with de‐novo PD with amnestic MCI (PD‐aMCI) (n = 50) and non‐amnestic MCI (PD‐naMCI) (n = 50) subtypes. Additionally, we assessed the longitudinal rate of cognitive decline in each cognitive domain over time and the rate of dementia conversion in patients with de‐novo PD‐aMCI (n = 125) and PD‐naMCI (n = 61). Results: The demographic data showed that scores in memory domains were lower in the PD‐aMCI group compared with the PD‐naMCI group. There were no significant differences in cortical thickness, hippocampal volume and white matter integrity between the two groups, although the PD‐aMCI group exhibited more cortical thinning and hippocampal atrophy relative to the control group. The PD‐aMCI group exhibited increased functional connectivity in the left posterior parietal region with the salience network relative to the PD‐naMCI group. The longitudinal cognitive assessment demonstrated that patients with PD‐aMCI exhibited a more rapid cognitive decline in frontal/executive function than those with PD‐naMCI (P = 0.022). In addition, the PD‐aMCI group had a higher risk of dementia conversion than the PD‐naMCI group. Conclusions: This study suggests that the designation of PD‐MCI subtypes based on memory function would highlight the heterogeneity of functional correlates as well as the longitudinal cognitive prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder ( RBD) is related to striatal dopamine depletion. This study was performed to confirm whether clinically probable RBD (cp RBD) in patients with Parkinson's disease ( PD) is associated with a specific pattern of striatal dopamine depletion. Methods A prospective survey was conducted using the RBD Screening Questionnaire ( RBDSQ) in 122 patients with PD who had undergone dopamine transporter ( DAT) positron emission tomography scan. Results Patients with cp RBD (RBDSQ ≥ 7) exhibited greater motor deficits, predominantly in the less-affected side and axial symptoms, and were prescribed higher levodopa-equivalent doses at follow-up than those without cp RBD (RBDSQ ≤ 4), despite their similar disease and treatment durations. Compared to patients without cp RBD, those with cp RBD showed lower DAT activities in the putamen, particularly in the less-affected side in all putaminal subregions, and a tendency to be lower in the ventral striatum. In addition, greater motor deficits in patients with cp RBD than in those without cp RBD remained significant after controlling for DAT binding in the putamen and other confounding variables. Conclusions These results demonstrated that the presence of RBD in patients with PD is associated with different patterns of both motor deficit distribution and striatal DAT depletion, suggesting that the presence of RBD represents a distinct PD subtype with a malignant motor parkinsonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of free carriers in the nonmagnetic spacer layer on the magnetic properties of GaMnAs/GaAs superlattice (SL) systems. One of the SLs contained GaAs layers doped with Be (which acts as a p-type dopant), while the GaAs layers of the other SL were undoped. While the Be-doped SL exhibited relatively robust temperature dependence of remanent magnetization and large coercivity, the undoped SL showed a fast decrease of remanent magnetization with the temperature and rather small coercivity. We propose that the observed hardness of magnetization in the SL with Be-doped GaAs layers is related to interlayer coupling introduced by doping of the nonmagnetic layers. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied two series of molecular beam epitaxy grown Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As epilayers with several) different Be doping levels. Two Mn concentrations x were chosen for this study: 0.03 and 0.05, and these values were maintained constant in each series. These samples were characterized by using SQUID and magnetotransport measurements. A systematic increase of the Curie temperature T[SUBC] was observed in SQUID measurements on the series of Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As with x=0.03. The resistivity measured at zero magnetic field shows a local maximum near the Curie temperature, reflecting the effects of critical scattering near T[SUBC]. The observed increase of T[SUBC] in Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As for this low range of x can be explained by the increase of the free carrier concentrations in the system arising from Be doping. However, in the series of Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As with the higher concentration of Mn(x)= 0.05), the measurements reveal that the T[SUBC] (systematically decreases with increasing Be doping) level. We discuss this effect in terms of a fundamental limitation of the carrier concentration that can (be thermodynamically accommodated by Ga[SUB1-x]Mn[SUBx]As epilayers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has been associated with reflux oesophagitis. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome characterised by visceral obesity and reflux oesophagitis is unclear. Aim: To investigate whether metabolic syndrome or visceral obesity is a risk factor for reflux oesophagitis. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 7078 subjects undergoing upper endoscopy during health check-ups was conducted (3539 patients with reflux oesophagitis vs age- and sex-matched controls). We further analysed according to categories of visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue area with 750 cases and age-, sex- and waist circumference-matched controls who underwent abdominal CT scan. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in cases than controls (26.9% vs 18.5%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that metabolic syndrome is associated with reflux oesophagitis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.42; 95% confidence interval (Cl), 1.26 to 1.60). Among the individual components of metabolic syndrome, waist circumference (OR = 1.47; 95% Cl, 1.30 to 1.65) and triglyceride (OR = 1.20; 95% Cl, 1.05 to 1.36) independently increased the risk for reflux oesophagitis. On sub-analysis, cases showed higher mean visceral adipose tissue area (cm2) (136.1 (SD 57.8) vs 124.0 (SD 54.7), p<0.001( and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (cm2) (145.9 (SD 56.8) vs 133.5 (SD 50.7), p<0.001). However, only visceral adipose tissue area was an independent risk factor for reflux oesophagitis after adjusting for multiple confounders including smoking, alcohol, body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (OR = 1.60; 95% Cl, 1.03 to 2.48, lowest quartile vs highest quartile). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome was associated with reflux oesophagitis. Abdominal obesity, especially visceral obesity, was an important risk factor for reflux oesophagitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in diabetic patients and PDE V inhibitors are effective and safe for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether a pharmacokinetic interaction occurs between DA-8159 and metformin, as both drugs are metabolized via hepatic CYP3A1/2 in rats.Experimental Approach: DA-8159 (30 mg kg(-1)) and metformin (100 mg kg(-1)), both separately and together, were administered to rats either intravenously or orally. The V (max), K (m), CL(int), apparent inhibition constants (K (i)), [I]/K (i) and concentrations of each drug in the liver and intestine were then measured.Key Results: After i.v. administration of both drugs simultaneously, the AUC of DA-8159 and metformin was significantly greater (21.2 and 33.9% increase for DA-8159 and metformin, respectively) than that of each drug alone. After p.o. administration of the drugs, the AUC of metformin was also significantly greater (20.7% increase) in the presence of DA-8159 than in its absence. However, the AUC of DA-8159 was similar in the absence and presence of metformin.Conclusions and Implications: The significantly greater AUC of metformin and DA-8159 after i.v. administration of both drugs and of metformin after p.o. administration of both drugs is probably due to competitive inhibition for the metabolism of these drugs via hepatic CYP3A1/2. However, the similar AUCs of DA-8159 in the absence and presence of metformin, after p.o. administration, indicates that the dose of metformin used was insufficient to inhibit the hepatic and intestinal metabolism of DA-8159. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of studies has shown that Helicobacter pylori eradication induces remission in most patients with low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. However, there have been few reports about the effect of bacterial treatment on the gastric MALT lymphoma in Korea, a well-known H. pylori endemic area. A total of 111 H. pylori-infected patients were prospectively enrolled in Seoul National University Hospital and 99 among them were completely followed up according to our protocol. After H. pylori eradication, tumoural response was evaluated by endoscopy and histopathology every 2–3 months till complete remission (CR) and every 6 months after achieving CR. Median follow-up period was 41 months (range, 11–125 months). Helicobacter pylori was successfully eradicated in all 99 patients and CR was obtained in 84 (84.8%) of 99 patients. The median time to reach CR was 3 months and 94% of CR is in continuous complete remission. Five patients with CR relapsed after 10–22 months without the evidence of H. pylori reinfection. Cumulative recurrence rate was 2.3, 7.7 and 9.3% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. Tumours were mainly located in distal stomach (67.7%) and tumours in distal stomach were associated with more favourable response than those in proximal stomach (P=0.001). Majority of patients with low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma treated by exclusive H. pylori eradication have a favourable long-term outcome, offering a real chance of cure. Tumour location could be a predictive factor for remission following H. pylori eradication.British Journal of Cancer (2007) 96, 1324–1328. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603708 www.bjcancer.com Published online 3 April 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the optical properties of AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures (x=0.08, 0.15, 0.33) grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on sapphire using photoluminescence (PL) and persistent photoconductivity (PPC) measurements. For the AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures (HS) containing high Al composition, we observed an anomalous temperature-dependent photoluminescence and persistent photoconductivity effects. These results show a strong dependence of the physical properties of AlxGa1-xN/GaN HS on the Al content and layer thickness. The anomalous temperature-dependent PL is usually attributed to the presence of carrier localization states. These phenomena are explained based on the alloy compositional fluctuations in the AlxGa1-xN/GaN HS. From the PPC measurements, the photocurrent (PC) quenching was observed for AlxGa1-xN/GaN HS and it is explained by the metastable states formed in the underlying GaN layer. Also, the mechanisms behind the PC quenching and PPC phenomena are explained in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the hybrid mediated electrochemical oxidation (HMEO) technology, which is a newly developed non thermal electrochemical oxidation process for organic destruction. A combination of ozone and ultrasonication processes to the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process is termed as hybrid mediated electrochemical oxidation. Tbenzoquihe electrochemical cell was developed in this laboratory. In the present study, several organic compounds, such as phenol, benzoquinone and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were chosen as the model organic pollutants to be destructed by the hybrid process. The organic destruction was monitored based on the CO2 generation and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. The HMEO process was found to be extremely effective in the destruction of all the target organics chosen in this study. The information obtained from this study will provide an insight in adopting this technique for dealing with more recalcitrant organics (POPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To relate the use of identified processes that college women use to eat enough fruits and enough vegetables to their stages of readiness to change and their fruit and vegetable (F/V) intakes. Method A cross-sectional assessment of college women 18–24 years of age ( n = 236) was conducted to assess stage of readiness to eat F/V. Use of seven processes, earlier confirmed in a separate sample of college students the same age (health concerns, self-reevaluation, social liberation, health commitment/action, interpersonal control, external reinforcement and helping relationships) was compared with stage of change for F/V and 3 days of dietary intakes. Results In these young college women, use of self-reevaluation, a cognitive process for change, peaked in the preparation stage for both F/V. Use of health commitment/action, a post-action process including counter-conditioning, peaked in those in action/maintenance for F/V. Weight concerns related to the counter-conditioning processes women used to eat more fruit. Conclusion Health practitioners should focus on weight management, appearance and health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables for this demographic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a patient with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia who had orthostatic hypacusis. Orthostatic hypacusis is a hearing impairment in the upright position relieved by recumbancy. The patient presented with severe headache was associated with posterior neck pain. The anatomical and physiological relationship between CSF space and linear ear structure may explain the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypacusis in CSF hypovolemia.

The intense and complex flavor characteristics of soy sauce makes it very difficult to obtain a comprehensive sensory profiling, and an effective descriptive analysis protocol for soy sauce products has not yet been established. The aims of this study were (1) to establish an objective, effective, and powerful descriptive analysis procedure that can be used to understand the sensory characteristics of soy sauce products and (2) to evaluate the sensory characteristics of 6 fermented type soy sauces with high market share in Korea. The test procedures, reference standards, and definitions for the descriptive terms of soy sauces were developed by 8 trained panelists. Panelists developed 11 aroma attributes, 10 flavor attributes, and 1 mouth feel attribute for evaluating the sensory characteristics of soy sauces. The data set were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and principal component analysis. There were significant differences among the soy sauce samples in the intensity of all the sensory attributes. The 1st and 2nd principal component (PC) explained 53.6% and 23.5% of the total variation, respectively. The basic taste attributes and fermented/chemical attributes were the dominant attributes defining PC1 and PC2 axes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which elucidated the effect of fat on the release behavior of selected odor-active compounds while ice cream is being eaten. A review of the related literature is given. Methods utilized include a temporal modified purge and trap and time-intensity analyses for determining the temporal flavor profiles of ice creams. It was observed that stale and cherry flavors were released faster and at higher intensities as fat content diminished.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including recent advances in aerial swarm robotics, trajectory optimization for aerial robots or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a distributed formation control algorithm for a group of aerial robots.

The planar Hall effect (PHE) and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements have been carried out on a GaMnAs ferromagnetic semiconductor. The PHE and MR spectra exhibit interesting two-step magnetization switching behavior arising from the magnetic anisotropy properties of the system. By fitting the angle-dependent planar Hall resistance (PHR) data taken at 5 kG with the Stoner-Wohlfarth model, the cubic and uniaxial anisotropy constants were independently obtained. The anisotropy constants lead to the precise determination of easy axis direction, which turns out to be in good agreement with the easy axis determined from the angular plot of the switching field. The domain pinning energies were further obtained by fitting the angle dependence of the switching field, including the effect of uniaxial anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case report on headache caused by alternating intracranial hypertension and intracranial hypotension. The patient was a 21-year-old man who was seen for the evaluation of continuous severe headache. Seven years previously, he developed a severe headache which was associated with vomiting. The headache was so severe as to prevent him from undertaking normal daily activity. Brain CT revealed an arachnoid cyst near the torcular herophili. He received a cystoperitoneal shunt, which abolished the severe headache. On examination, the patient showed a left trochlear nerve palsy and a right peripheral facial nerve palsy. There was no papilloedema on ophthalmological examination. Otherwise, there were no neurological abnormalities.

Background and purpose: Subcortical structures are affected by neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD). Although the co‐occurrence of AD and LBD pathologies and their possible interaction have been reported, the effect of AD and LBD on subcortical structures remains unknown. The effects of AD and LBD on subcortical atrophy and their relationship with cognitive dysfunction were investigated. Methods: The cross‐sectional study recruited 42 patients with pure AD related cognitive impairment (ADCI), 30 patients with pure LBD related cognitive impairment (LBCI), 58 patients with mixed ADCI and LBCI, and 29 normal subjects. A general linear model was used to compare subcortical volume and shape amongst the groups, to investigate the independent and interaction effects of ADCI and LBCI on subcortical shape and volume, and to analyze the relationship between subcortical volume and cognitive dysfunction in each group. Results: Alzheimer's disease related cognitive impairment and LBCI were independently associated with subcortical atrophies in the hippocampus and amygdala and in the hippocampus and putamen respectively, but their interaction effect was not significant. Compared to the control group, the pure LBCI group exhibited additional local atrophies in the amygdala, caudate and thalamus. Subcortical atrophies correlated differently with cognitive dysfunction according to the underlying causes of cognitive dysfunction. Conclusions: The patterns of subcortical atrophies and their correlation with cognitive dysfunction differ according to the underlying AD, LBD or concomitant AD and LBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by the author to a letter to the editor about his article "Syndrome of cerebral spinal fluid hypovolemia: clinical and imaging features and outcome," that was published in a 2005 issue of the periodical "European Neurology" is presented.

A compact radio frequency front-end configuration for short-range wireless communication with a novel bidirectional amplifier is presented. This configuration uses a single RF path for both transmitting and receiving. Performance prediction based on the experimental results indicates that the proposed RF front-end has the potential for use in short-range wireless applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the magnetotransport properties of a series of magnetic semiconductor bilayer structures consisting of 300-nm-thick Ga1-xMnxAs and 150-nm-thick Zn1-yMnySe layers. The temperature scan of resistance and an Arrot plot obtained from Hall resistance data showed that the Curie temperature (TC) of the GaMnAs/ZnMnSe bilayer is higher than that of the bare GaMnAs. Furthermore, magnetoresistance measurement reveals significant enhancement of the magnetic hardness of the GaMnAs system in bilayer form even though the magnetic easy axis of the GaMnAs was not altered by the neighboring ZnMnSe layer. This observation indicates that the magnetotransport properties of GaMnAs can be changed by an adjacent magnetic layer due to the interactions between the two magnetic layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses dental implants which are caused by task specific oromandibular dystonia (OMD).

This study was conducted to investigate the sensory interactions between various organic acids and flavorants in 3 types of ramen soup (‘beef,’ seafood, and ‘ kimchi’) when types and levels of organic acids (citric, malic, and lactic) varied. For ‘beef’ and seafood ramen soup, weak suprathreshold levels of acids (0.0039% to 0.0071%) were applied to the system and medium suprathreshold of acids (0.0128% to 0.0299%) were applied to the kimchi ramen soup. The amount of acid applied to each system was chosen based on the equiweight level. Descriptive analyses were performed separately for each ramen soup system using 8 trained panelists. A total of 11, 13, and 12 flavor descriptors were generated for ‘beef,’ seafood, and ‘ kimchi’ soup, respectively. Analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic acid on the sensory characteristics of ramen soup. Principal component analysis was conducted to summarize the relationship between the soup samples and attributes. The effect of organic acids on the flavor attributes of ramen soup was dependent on the soup system as well as adding levels of acid. Addition of lactic acid power (at 0.0066%) in ‘beef’ ramen soup showed enhancement effect on the sour, salty, beefy, ‘mushroom’ flavor, and fermented soybean paste soup flavor, whereas lactic acid powder (at 0.0071%) showed enhancement effect only on the sour and fermented soybean paste soup flavor in seafood ramen soup due to the strong ‘hot’ flavor characteristics of the soup. In kimchi ramen soup, flavor attributes congruent to sourness were enhanced by the addition of organic acids to the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important initial steps in exporting a food product to another country from the R&D perspective is to describe and translate the sensory characteristics of a food product appropriately into the language of the target country. The objectives of this study were to describe and compare the sensory characteristics of Korean and Japanese style fermented soybean products, and to cross-culturally compare the lexicons of the identical product generated by the Korean and Japanese panelists. Four types of Korean and 4 types of Japanese style fermented soybean consisting of whole bean type and paste type were analyzed. Ten Korean and 9 Japanese panelists were recruited in Korea. Two separate descriptive analyses were conducted, with the panelists differing in their country of origin. Each group was trained, developed lexicon, and conducted descriptive analysis independently. Analysis of variance and various multivariate analyses were applied to delineate the sensory characteristics of the samples and to compare the cross-cultural differences in the usage of lexicon. The Korean and Japanese panelists generated 48 and 36 sensory attributes, respectively. Cross-cultural consensus was shown for evaluating the whole bean type fermented soybean and white miso, which were relatively distinctive samples. However, for the less distinctive samples, the panelists tend to rate higher in negative attributes for the fermented soybeans that originated from the other country. The Japanese panelists grouped the samples by their country of origin and soy sauce flavor was the main attribute for cross-cultural differentiation. However, the Korean panelists did not make a cross-cultural distinction among the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoconductivity and optical absorption measurements were employed to analyze deep levels in undoped n-type GaN films grown on sapphire substrate by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. At room temperature, the photoconductivity measurement exhibits a broad level at around 1.90 eV. Similarly, the optical absorption spectrum shows a deep level located at 1.87 eV within the band gap, which is best described by a transition from a donor charge-transfer level to the conduction band, according to Lucovsky theory. A persistent photoconductivity whose behavior is distinctive from that of previously reported work for n- or p-type GaN epitaxial films was observed. The photocurrent quenching and decreased dark current in the persistent photoconductivity effect suggest that metastable electron states are formed in the band gap to trap electrons which tunnel out the potential barrier with long recovery time. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new current driver is proposed to effectively excite ground edge current for radiation without additional space reserved for antenna design. Since the current driver functions as a feeding structure as opposed to a radiator, it can be designed as small as possible without deteriorating the antenna radiation properties. A circuit model of the miniaturised balun (balanced to unbalanced transformer) is introduced to explain the current-inducing mechanism and to provide some valuable physical insights into the characteristics of the current driver. The effect of a shielding metal box for the proximity circuitry near the current driver is also investigated. And it is shown that the nearby shielding box has minor effect on the performance of the driver, which demonstrates the feasibility of the current driver as an effective antenna structure in a compact wireless terminal. The current driver operating at 2.45 GHz is printed on an FR4 substrate of 0.4 mm and occupies only a small area of about 4 mm by 4 mm. The simulated and measured results come to a great agreement. Nearly omni-directional radiation patterns with a peak gain of about 1 dBi are obtained. Owing to the design flexibilities and the compactness, the current driver is feasible for wireless applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulgogi (Korean traditional barbecued beef) is the most well-known Korean food to foreigners. There are, however, few studies on its sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability. This study was performed to identify the sensory attributes of Bulgogi samples prepared with different formulation and to compare the consumer acceptability in Korea and the United States. Bulgogi samples were prepared with varying levels of sugar and soy sauce with/without garlic or sesame oil. Descriptive analysis was conducted by 8 trained panelists. In consumer tests, 42 consumers in Seoul, Korea, 53 consumers in Davis (Calif., U.S.A.), and 39 consumers in St. Paul (Minn., U.S.A.) participated. Higher levels of sugar and soy sauce (SSS) significantly increased sweetness, saltiness, MSG taste, and soy sauce odor/flavor compared to the control made with the standard formula (CON). Elimination of sesame oil (ESO) significantly decreased sesame oil odor/flavor and oiliness, but increased green onion flavor. Elimination of garlic (EGC) significantly increased grilled beef odor/flavor, sesame oil odor/flavor, and oiliness, but decreased intensities of all the other attributes except bitterness. The consumers in Korea and the United States rated their overall liking for all samples similarly, preferring SSS to CON, EGC, and ESO. However Korean consumers seemed to detect the differences caused by formulation changes better than the U.S. consumers and these perceived differences seemed to impact the hedonic and the just-about-right ratings. Increase in soy sauce and sugar increased both Korean and the U.S. consumers' acceptability of Bulgogi, whereas eliminating garlic did not influence the consumer acceptability despite of its significant impact on sensory attributes. The food industry is increasingly interested in ethnic foods that satisfy sophisticated appetite of today's consumers. Korean cuisine is recently gaining popularity and perceived as 'adventurous and spicy,' appealing to researchers and marketers in the food industry worldwide. However, it is not easy to develop a new product based on ethnic cuisine because nonsensory factors, such as food neophobia and openness to new culture, can evoke adverse responses from the consumers. A systematic sensory approach can guide the product development by identifying both sensory and nonsensory factors affecting consumer acceptability. This study investigated sensory attributes of Bulgogi (Korean traditional barbecued beef), one of the most famous Korean foods, and compared consumer acceptability between Korea and the United States. The outcomes of this study, such as flavor profiles, consumer responses, evaluation procedure, and approaches taken for cross-cultural comparison, will provide the food industries with valuable information that will help to develop effective strategies for commercializing ethnic foods including recipe development for Bulgogi marinades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) mineralization by cerium(IV) in nitric acid medium was studied in batch and continuous feeding modes. In the batch mode EDTA solution was fed into the reactor in one stroke and in the continuous mode it was fed with a constant flow rate during a definite time interval. Cerium(IV) concentration was kept at high and constant level by selecting correct relation between cerium(IV) production in the electrochemical cell and the EDTA added. During the organic mineralization process cerium(IV) is reduced to cerium(III). The process was carried out at different temperatures, concentrations of nitric acid and cerium(IV). To obtain the limiting factors in the batch mode reaction, the dependence of CO2 evolution with time and carrier gas blowing rate was studied. Application of the model previously developed by us to the continuous process gave us the possibility to calculate pseudo first order kinetic constant on the basis of CO2 evolution data of both EDTA destruction regimes during feeding mode and after stopping organic addition. The efficiency of organic destruction estimated on the basis of CO2 evolved was in the range 75–95% and on the basis of liquid phase residual organic carbon analysis 95–99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the administration method during a transition period from continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion to oral administration of cyclosporin A (CsA). Thirty-two pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, between the ages of 8 months and 15.6 years (median 7.1 years) participated in this study. The pharmacokinetic properties of CsA was evaluated during the transition period from i.v. to oral CsA. The daily oral dose of CsA was three times higher than the i.v. dose. Oral dosing began immediately after the continuous infusion was discontinued. Whole-blood CsA concentrations were measured by a monoclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The mean±s.d. value of bioavailability (F), maximum concentration (Cmax), half-life (t1/2) of CsA were 43.1±14.4%, 1135.3±340.6 ng/ml and 3.1±1.2 h, respectively. Mean clearance (CL)±s.d. was 480.9±103.7, 414.9±137.1 and 320±51.8 ml/h/kg in patients <20, 20–40 and >40 kg of body weight, respectively. The CsA CL of younger children was significantly greater than for older children (P=0.044). CsA trough levels were maintained within the therapeutic range throughout the transition period. Therefore, our findings suggest that the immediate administration of an oral formulation, after discontinuation of the continuous infusion, would be practical and effective for routine clinical use.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 38, 29–35. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705402; published online 22 May 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ophthalmic drug delivery, a major problem is retaining an adequate concentration of a therapeutic agent in the pre-corneal area. Polycarboxylic acid carriers such as polyaerylic acid and polyitaconic acid in sub-colloidal, nanoparticulate hydrogel form have a strong potential for sustained release of a drug in ocular delivery. Formulations have been prepared of brimonidine loaded in polyearboxylic (polyaerylic and polyitaconic) acid nanopartieles for potential ophthalmic delivery. These particles were prepared by a reverse micro-emulsion polimerization technique with sizes in the range of 50 nm. The loading efficiencies of the drug brimonidine in the particles were shown to be between 80-85% for polyaerylic acid nanoparticles and between 65-70% for polyitaconic nanoparticles. The loading efficiency was also found to be pH dependent. In a preliminary biocompatibility test, human corneal epithelial cells incubated with polyaerylic acid nanopartieles were found to retain their viability, whereas polyitaconic acid nanoparticles were found to be toxic. Two-photon laser scanning microscopic studies of the fluorescently labelled polyacrylic acid nanopartieles and human cornea shows that they are adhesive on the corneal surface. The polyacrylic acid nanoparticles demonstrated a controlled release of the opthalniotofrical drug (Brimonidine) through the human cornea as compared to that of the commercial formulation, AlphaganTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the mechanism behind bistable resistance switching in NiO thin films, we have done detailed x-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray diffraction Analysis (XRD) on NiO and Ti doped NiO samples fabricated under various conditions. We discovered that a high initial resistivity was required for samples to undergo bistable resistance switching, and the presence of metallic Ni content in these samples was determined by XPS. XRD data also showed that NiO grown with a relative (200) orientation was preferred over those grown with relative (111) orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors show that staggered asymmetric planar Hall resistance (PHR) loops observed in GaMnAs ferromagnetic semiconductor films with biaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy result in four stable resistance states at zero magnetic field owing to the formation of a stable multidomain structure during magnetization reversal. The values of PHR can be systematically controlled by changing the direction and the scanning range of the applied magnetic field. The possibility of a quaternary memory device based on the observed four PHR states is demonstrated by obtaining consistent results in the writing process using appropriate sequences of magnetic field pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report the carrier transport and electrical breakdown behaviors of micron-long-channel suspended carbon nanotube (CNT) of carbon-based one-dimensional junction with CNTs as drain and source electrodes. The structure consisted of bundle-type CNT electrode–a CNT channel–bundle-type CNT electrode, produced by one-step in situ direct growth via a unique diluted magnetic nanothick film catalyst at low temperature. The unique suspended all-one-dimensional CNT-based junction provides some insights into recent reports that an electrical breakdown of CNTs can be induced not by the contact problem but by the nonhomogeneously Joule heating along nanotube without release of heat into contacts by the observed breakdown at midlength of a 1–2 μm long channel. The high current carrying all-CNT junction with bridging yield of 90% and stable operation at fixed voltage level can contribute into realization of practical integrated nanoelectronics such as interconnector and transistor via junction formation of one-step final process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of defects at the surface of InSb quantum well samples are identified: hillocks, square mounds, and oriented abrupt steps. The electron mobility in the quantum well correlates to the density of abrupt features, such that samples with a high density of anisotropic defects show anisotropy in the mobility. We propose that the dominant scattering mechanism associated with these abrupt features is a fluctuation in the quantum well morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Although early cerebellar symptoms are one of the exclusive criteria in the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy ( PSP), cerebellar involvement in PSP is evident both clinically and pathologically. However, structural analysis focusing on the cerebellum has not been previously studied in patients with PSP. We aimed to evaluate cerebellar involvement in PSP using a magnetic resonance imaging-based segmental volumetric analysis. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 48 patients with PSP composed of 25 patients with PSP-Richardson's syndrome ( RS) and 23 patients with pure akinesia with gait freezing, 39 patients with Parkinson's disease ( PD) and 34 healthy controls. Data on both the whole and segmented cerebellar volumes were analyzed using a fully automated procedure. Results A general linear model showed that whole cerebellar volume in patients with PSP was significantly smaller compared with that of patients with PD or controls after controlling for age, sex and intracranial volume ( P = 0.34). In addition, patients with PSP exhibited decreased regional volume in the crus I, lobule VIIIa and lobule VIIIb, which play roles as secondary representations of motor tasks, compared with patients with PD or controls. In subgroup analysis of PSP, volume loss in the whole and segmental cerebellum was more pronounced in patients with PSP- RS than in those with pure akinesia with gait freezing, PD or control subjects. Conclusion These data demonstrate that cerebellar atrophy is evident in patients with PSP and is especially prominent in the PSP- RS group. These findings increase understanding of the clinicopathological basis of cerebellar involvement in PSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mong the 400 soybean ( Glycine max) landraces, we selected 3 tolerant (KAS150-9, KAS160-15, and KAS170-9) and 3 susceptible lines (KAS160-14, KAS160-20, and KAS201-6-1) by the survival percentage and injury scores. Susceptible lines showed decrease in chlorophyll content and increase in glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents under waterlogging stress, while tolerant lines did not change significantly. For AFLP analysis, 8 EcoRI (+3) and 8 MseI (+3) primers used in 32 primer combinations generated a total of 2 566 bands with a mean of 80 bands per primer combination, of which 1 117 (43.5 %) were clearly polymorphic between the tolerant and susceptible lines. A genetic similarity coefficient, based on cluster analysis using an unweighted pair grouping method of average (UPGMA), was 0.79 for the tolerant group, while the susceptible landraces were genetically less related, with a genetic similarity coefficient of 0.17. The 10 reproducible polymorphic PCR products present in the 3 tolerant or susceptible lines were sequenced and converted into sequence tagged site (STS) markers. These STS primer sets were designated GmWT01-GmWT06 and GmWS01-GmWS04. Two STS primer sets, GmWT06 and GmWS02, generated a single monomorphic PCR product identical in size to the original AFLP fragments. For the broad application of these STS markers in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for soybean genotypes tolerant to waterlogging stress, two developed STS markers are being evaluated with putative waterlogging tolerant mutant lines induced by γ-radiation in soybean mutation breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A pulmonary tuberculosis mouse model was used to assess the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of tuberculosis therapeutics. While membrane transporters play important roles in drug disposition and physiological homeostasis, their expressional changes and contribution have never been analysed in a tuberculosis animal model. 2. The mRNA expression level of 20 Abc family transporters and 32 Slc family transporters in tuberculosisinfected mice were compared with those in naïve uninfected mice using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induced many dramatic expression changes of families of both Abc transporters and Slc transporters at 4 and 8 weeks, as observed in the livers, kidneys, and intestines of test mice — and in a different mode, in the lungs and spleens as well. These changes were dependent on the tuberculosis progression with the tissue-specific manner, that is, in the lungs, the number of transporters of which the expression level changed due to M. tuberculosis infection had increased, and the magnitude of change also greater at 8 weeks, while in the spleen, the transcription of most transporters except Mrps had not changed or had recovered back to the same level of naïve transcription at 8 weeks. 3. Understanding the expression changes of transporters will assist in setting up rational preclinical dosing plans through the ability to predict the pharmacokinetics of new anti-tuberculosis chemotherapeutics and, furthermore, will assist in the design of safer and more efficient drug regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The effects of folic acid-induced acute renal failure on the renal excretion of belotecan were investigated in rats after intravenous administration. 2. Both glomeruli and renal tubules were seriously damaged by folic acid-induced acute renal failure. The renal excretion clearance, CLr, of belotecan was significantly decreased by folic acid-induced acute renal failure. Furthermore, glomerular filtration rate and secretion clearance of the drug were dramatically decreased by folic acid-induced acute renal failure. 3. In vivo renal uptake of belotecan was inhibited by p-aminohippurate, whereas renal excretion was inhibited by GF120918, but not by verapamil and bromosulphalein. This indicates that Oat1/3 and Bcrp are involved in the renal uptake and urinary excretion of belotecan, respectively. 4. Both mRNA and protein levels of Oat1, Oat3 and Bcrp were significantly decreased in folic acid- induced acute renal failure rats. Based on the finding that belotecan is a substrate of OAT1 but not of OAT3, the decrease in CLr of belotecan in folic acid-induced acute renal failure could, therefore, mainly be attributed to the down-regulation of Oat1 and Bcrp, in addition to the decrease in glomerular filtration rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Differentiation between parkinsonian type multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is important but often difficult. We investigated the diagnostic value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) in differentiating MSA-P from PD. Methods: Twenty-four patients with MSA-P (16 probable and 8 possible) and eight patients with PD were included in this study. Results: For analysis using the putaminal findings, the sensitivities were 58.3% by visual analysis of brain MRI, 95.8% by visual analysis of 18F-FDG PET, and 79.2% by statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis of 18F-FDG PET in differentiating MSA-P from PD; the specificity was 100% for each analysis. Using the putaminal findings, visual analysis of 18F-FDG PET had a higher sensitivity compared with brain MRI ( P = 0.004) and SPM analysis of 18F-FDG PET revealed a tendency towards higher sensitivity compared with brain MRI ( P = 0.063). For analysis using both putaminal and infratentorial findings, the sensitivities were 79.2% by visual analysis of brain MRI, 95.8% by visual analysis of 18F-FDG PET, 95.8% by SPM analysis of 18F-FDG PET in differentiating MSA-P from PD; the specificity was 100% for each analysis. Conclusion: Both brain MRI and 18F-FDG PET showed diagnostic usefulness in differentiating MSA-P from PD, with 18F-FDG PET being more sensitive than brain MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of steeping period (1, 11, and 21 d) and temperature (15, 25, and 35 °C) of waxy rice on the physical and sensory characteristics of Gangjung (a traditional Korean oil-puffed snack). Increasing the steeping period from 1 to 21 d and increasing the temperature from 15 to 35 °C markedly increased the oil absorption ratio of Gangjung. Textural analysis indicated that the number of peaks (representing the internal air cell characteristics) for Gangjung decreased in proportion with increasing steeping temperature and period, but that the hardness was affected significantly only by steeping period. Regarding the sensory characteristics of Gangjung, 5 appearance, 7 flavor, and 9 texture attributes were developed and evaluated by trained descriptive panelists. When the steeping temperature and the steeping period were increased, the degree of expansion, size, and degree of external roughness increased, while the strength of external color decreased. Regarding the flavor attributes, the intensity of sweetness and toasted carbohydrate food flavor tended to decrease with increasing steeping temperature and period, while sourness and butyric acid flavor, which are related to the fermentation of waxy rice, increased. Finally, the increased steeping temperature and period decreased the intensity of hardness, crispness, and toughness of Gangjung but increased the degree of fracture, degree of melting, and oiliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-power 5.25 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with phase-noise improvement is designed in a 0.18 µm CMOS 1P6M process. Owing to the use of a larger value of parallel capacitor, an additional harmonic-suppressed capacitor, and an appropriate bulk bias voltage of transistor, a good figure of merit of -190 dBc/Hz can be achieved without extra chip area and CMOS process steps. The fabricated VCO operates from 5.12 to 5.36 GHz with a core power consumption of 1.9 mW and active chip area of 0.15 mm2. The measured phase noise at 1 MHz offset is about -119 dBc/Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and measured results of the developed radar sensor for automotive applications are presented. The radar sensor is highly integrated with the transceiver module, antenna and baseband circuits. The proposed antenna is composed of a novel microstrip-line-fed horn antenna and a quasi-optic lens antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]