Search

Forensic microbiology is widely applied to identify people at crime scenes and determine the cause and time of deaths by examination of trace evidence. In particular, identification of bacteria from post-mortem specimens is important because the cause of death could be an infection with clinically significant bacteria that results in a fatal outcome, such as sepsis. The MicroSEQ 500 16S rDNA Bacteria Identification system (MicroSeq ID) from Applied Biosystems is a molecular technique for profiling of bacteria isolated by cultures, based on Sanger sequencing of the bacterial 16S rDNA gene. The MiSeq Illumina platform uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) for metagenomic analysis of 16S rDNA and culture-independent identification of bacteria. In this study, we analysed 65 post-mortem specimens by both methods and compared the workflows involved with regard to methodology, time-efficiency, cost-efficiency, and performance to determine the limitations and benefits of these techniques for forensic appl...

Casework evidence samples are likely to be placed under diverse and harsh environments as compared to quantified DNA samples including serial-diluted standard DNA samples. Internal validation of a novel STR kit using casework evidence sample, which is conducted according to various conditions such as DNA contamination and degradation, is crucial before being used as a forensic application. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the reliability of the Investigator® 24plex QS kit through DNA derived from casework evidence and to assess whether it is applicable to STR analysis together with PowerPlex® Fusion System and GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit. DNA was extracted from 189 casework evidence samples in a total of 77 cases. The mismatch of the allelic size of this kit through allelic sizing precision test, was suitable according to ENFSI guidelines. All heterozygous balance of the three kits were above 0.6 recommended value of ENFSI guideline. The number of allele drop-in was most frequent in the GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit. In addition, the number of allele drop-out was most frequent in the Investigator® 24plex QS kit. The cutoff concentration of DNA detected in three kits of one complete STR was approximately 45 pg/μL on average. Despite of several limitations, the Investigator® 24plex QS kit is considered to have the capability to be used for STR analysis of casework evidence samples.

The Quantifiler® Trio Quantification Kit has been developed to quantify the total amount of amplifiable and human male DNA in samples and to estimate the extent of DNA degradation. To minimize the cost of DNA quantification, we evaluated kit performance using a reduced volume of reagents (1/10-volume) using DNA samples of varying types and concentrations. Our results demonstrated concordance between the manufacturer's method and the low-volume method for DNA quantification, DNA degradation index estimation, and human male DNA quantification. We confirmed the practical utility of the low-volume method with 109 casework samples by evaluating short tandem repeat (STR) profiling success with respect to DNA quantity and quality. We also defined a cutoff value for DNA quantity to ensure reliable STR results. Using a reduced volume of reagents, 10 times more reactions per kit are possible; accordingly, this method reduces the cost of DNA quantification, while maintaining performance.

법미생물 검사실에서는 식품의 미생물 분석이 요구되는 경우들이 있다. 국립과학수사연구원에 식품 미생물분석이 의뢰된 샘플들 중에서 Bacillus cereus 균이 분리되었던 일부 증례가 있었다. B. cereus 는 식중독을 일으킬 수 있는 중요한 병원성 세균이다. 따라서 우리는 최근 미생물 검사를 위해 의뢰된 멸 치액젓에서 B. cereus를 분리한 후, 16S rDNA 서열을 기반으로 하는 MSId 방법 및 real-time PCR 법에 따 라 균을 동정 하였다. 또한 설사 독소 유전자 및 구토 독소 유전자 검출을 위한 PCR을 실시하고 B. cereus 분리 균주에서 nheABC, bceT 및 entFM 설사 독소 유전자의 존재를 확인하였다. 임상적으로 중요한 몇 가 지 식중독 세균들은 식품 미생물 검사 시 주목해야 할 필요가 있다. 특히, 이러한 식중독 세균들 중에서 B. cereus는 환경저항성 및 내열성이 강한 내생포자를 형성하고, 내열성 독소를 형성할 수도 있기 때문에 조리된 음식을 섭취해도 식중독을 일으킬 수 있다. 본 연구를 통해서 B. cereus등의 임상적으로 중요한 세 균을 구별하는 것이 식품미생물 검사 시 중요함을 강조하고, 또한 법미생물 검사실에 앞으로 의뢰될 식 품미생물 분석 사례들을 위해 B. cereus의 식별 및 세균의 독소 유전자 검출을 위한 지침을 제공 하고자 한다.

Ssangji carp is a hybrid fish produced by crossbreed of Carassius carassius and Cyprinus carpio (or Cyprinus carpio nudus). In Korea, import of the hybrid fishes is strictly prohibited because the hybrid fishes can destruct the ecosystem by disturbing food-chain as well as by transmitting exotic diseases. However, Ssangji carp produced in a foreign country is illegally being released to fishing places. Therefore we selected two target genes, recombination activating 1 (RAG1) and mitochondrial cytochrome b, for genetic identification of the hybrid fishes and analyzed base sequences of the genes. We found 6 different bases exist when we compared RAG1 gene sequences of C. carassius and C. carpio (or C. carpio nudus). In particular, the hybrid fishes showed double peaks on the 6 base positions indicating expression of both C. carassius and C. carpio (or C. carpio nudus). Maternal line of the fishes was identified by mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This forensic study provides the forensic analysis method for discrimination of the hybrid fishes.

The objective of this study was to obtain acute (single) oral dose toxicity information on Lactobacillusfermented Araliae Continentalis Radix aqueous extracts (fACR) in female and male ICR mice, as compared with Araliae Continentalis Radix aqueous extracts (ACR). After administering a single oral dose of fACR, no treatment-related mortalities were observed within 14 days after the end of treatment up to 2,000 mg/kg, the maximum dosage for rodents of both sexes; moreover, no fACR treatment-related changes in the body and organ weights, clinical signs, necropsy, and histopathological findings were detected in this experiment. In addition, no ACR 2,000 mg/kg treatment-related mortalities, clinical signs, body and organ weights, or gross and histopathological findings were observed, as compared with equal genders of vehicle control. The results obtained in this study suggest that fACR is non-toxic in mice and is, therefore, likely to be safe for clinical use. The LD50 and approximate LD in female mice and male mice, respectively, were considered after a single oral dose of fACR over 2,000 mg/kg, the maximum dosage for rodents. In addition, no specific targets or clinical signs were detected in the present study. ACR 2,000 mg/kg-treated mice also did not show any treatment-related mortalities, clinical signs, changes to body and organ weights, or gross and histopathological findings, as compared with equal genders of vehicle control.

A variety of Y-STR analysis kits have been developed and used in the forensic field. Prior to the forensic application of a new kit, laboratory validation and sensitivity tests are essential processes in selecting suitable alternatives and for assuring that standard operating procedures are followed. In this paper, we have performed a sensitivity study of a new commercial kit, the Yfiler ® PLUS PCR Amplification Kit (Yfiler plus kit, released in 2014) by comparing it with the AmpF/STR ® Yfiler TM PCR Amplification Kit (Yfiler kit, released in 2004). The Yfiler plus kit includes the 17 Y-STR loci of the Yfiler kit and has been supplemented with 10 new Y-STR loci. First, we analyzed the sensitivity difference between the two kits using commercial control DNA 2800M and 007. In addition, we compared the detection rate between the two kits from the 16 selected forensic casework samples of less than 0.5 ng concentrations. The results show that the sensitivity and detection rate of the Yfiler plus kit are higher than the corresponding rates of the Yfiler kit. In addition, we were able to obtain more Y-STR profiles with the use of the new kit. Thus, we suggest that Yfiler plus kit is a more effective forensic tool to detect Y-STR profiles from forensic casework samples of low concentrations. 요약 : 법과학 분야에서 다양한 Y-STR 분석 키트가 개발되어 사용되고 있고, 새로운 키트의 법과학적 적용에 앞서 DNA 감정에 적절한 분석 키트들의 선정과 표준작업절차서의 작성을 위해 실험실 내의 내 부적 유효성 검증 및 민감도 시험은 필수적인 과정이다. 본 논문에서는 새로운 상업용 키트인 Yfiler ®

This study was to demonstrate the anti-inflammation effect using extracts derived from fusion-fermentation to add the function of Araliae Continentalis Radix (fACR). Since there are limitations to the use of ACR, available strains were selected through fermentation using lactobacillus strains, and the increases in total amount of polyphenols and amino acids was confirmed through comparison with Hot Water Extract of ACR. To determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the fACR was measure cytokine inflammation associated with arthritis, the arthritis when cartilage destruction is accompanied mainly MMP-9 activity was confirmed to evaluate the inhibition effect. These results show that fermentation using lactobacillus increases major biological activities and inflammatory response-restraining effects of ACR. This study is expected to be a basis for studying the preventive effect of fACR on arthritis.

In this study, simple electrospinning combined with pyrolysis were used to fabricate transition-metal-based-nanoparticle-incorporated carbon nanofiber (CNF) electrocatalysts for a high-efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and overall water splitting. Co-CeO2 nanoparticle-incorporated carbon nanofibers (Co-CeO2@CNF) exhibit an outstanding electrocatalytic HER performance with an overpotential and Tafel slope of 92 mV and 54 mV/dec, respectively. For the counterpart, electrolysis, we incorporate the widely used Ni2Fe catalyst with a high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity into the carbon nanofiber (Ni2Fe@CNF). To evaluate their electrochemical properties for the overall water splitting, Co-CeO2@CNF and Ni2Fe@CNF were used as the HER and OER electrocatalysts in an alkaline electrolyzer. With the paired Co-CeO2@CNF and Ni2Fe@CNF electrodes, an overall water splitting current density of 10 mA/cm2 was achieved by applying 1.587 V across the electrodes with a remarkably lower overpotential of 257 mV compared to that of an electrolyzer comprised of Pt/C and IrO2 electrodes (400 mV). Owing to the conformal incorporation of nanoparticles into the CNF, the electrocatalysts exhibit significant long-term durability over 70 h of overall water splitting. This study provides rational designs of catalysts with high electrochemical catalytic activity and durability to achieve overall water splitting.

East Asia is characterized by anthropogenic emissions resulting from the large population and fast economic growth of this region. Since the prevailing wind is westerly and northwesterly, emissions from Ul-jin can be expected to contribute to acidic deposition increase in downwind direction. Aerosols collected at the near coast site, Uljin geun, gyungbook and were analyzed for NH4 +, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl-, SO4 2-, and NO3 - from Aug. 2012 to Feb. 2013. The seasonal averaged aerosol concentration showed the highest potassium and calcium ion in winter and the highest ammonium ion due to a meadow and high solar intensity in summer. Sodium and chloride ion showed the same ratio all seasons and sulfate and nitrate species showed the maximum value in winter Chemical components of aerosols collected at the near coast site, Uljin geun, gyungbook were lower by 16 to 73% than those collected at other similar environment site such as kanghwa, yangyang. Comparing air quality data at the near coast site, Uljin geun, gyungbook, There was found that Uljin coast site is less influenced by the sea salts(potassium, magnesium, calcium) and nss-SO4 2- percentage is 3~13% higher than similar condition site.

Bitter gourd is the fruit of a tropical vine in Asia, Africa, and South America where it is commonly used in traditional medicine. Our study tested the effects of a fermented extract of the bitter gourd on the inflammatory activities of the human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. Treatment with the extract resulted in the suppression of phagocytic as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced adhesion activity. Interestingly, the LPS-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was suppressed by the extract while the expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was upregulated. The extract inhibited the LPS-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), both of which are well known to be required for the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α. In contrast, the expression of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 1, a transcription factor involved in the expression of IL-8, but not TNF-α, was enhanced by the extract. Suppression o...

The Quantifiler

In this study, we compared two recently released commercial Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) kits: the PowerPlex Y23 System (PPY23) and Yfiler® Plus PCR amplification kit (YPlus). We performed validation studies, including sensitivity, tolerance to PCR inhibitors, and mixture analysis, and a population genetics study using 306 unrelated South Korean males. PPY23 and YPlus showed similar sensitivity, but PPY23 showed higher tolerance to humic acid than YPlus. Furthermore, the detection rate of unique minor alleles called from male/male mixtures was higher for PPY23 than for YPlus. Comparing the newly added loci, the mean values of gene diversity for PPY23 and YPlus were 0.6715 and 0.8158, respectively. The discrimination capacity in the 306 unrelated South Korean males for PPY23 was 0.9837, and that for YPlus was 0.9935. These results will inform the selection of suitable Y-STR kits based on the purpose of forensic DNA analysis.

Monacolin K-enriched ganghwayakssuk (Artemisia princeps Pamp.) was developed by fermentation with Monascus sp. Among the 15 Monascus spp. isolated previously from Monascus fermentation products, Monascus pilosus KMU108 produced 2,219 mg/kg of monacolin K during ganghwayakssuk fermentation with no detectable citrinin. The optimum concentrations of ganghwayakssuk and glucose determined from the response surface methodology (RSM) design were 2.2% and 3.8%, respectively. By applying these conditions, the monacolin K productivity was increased to 3,007 mg/kg after 15 days of fermentation. On the other hand, other characteristics such as the total content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity were relatively unchanged. Therefore, Monascus-fermented ganghwayakssuk is an excellent biomaterial for the development of functional foods because of its high level of monacolin K, known to lower cholesterol levels.

LiNi 1− y Ti y O 2 ( y = 0.000, 0.012, 0.025, 0.050, 0.100, and 0.150) and LiNi 0.975 M 0.025 O 2 (M = Zn, Al, and Ti) were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The voltage vs. discharge capacity curves for y = 0.012 and y = 0.025 exhibit four distinct plateaus corresponding to phase transitions. Among LiNi 1− y Ti y O 2 , LiNi 0.975 Ti 0.025 O 2 has the largest first discharge capacity, 154.8 mAh/g, at a rate of 0.1 C, and a relatively good cycling performance (77% at n = 10). Among LiNi 0.975 M 0.025 O 2 (M = Zn, Al, and Ti) samples, the LiNi 0.975 Ti 0.025 O 2 sample had the largest first discharge capacity. The LiNi 0.975 Ti 0.025 O 2 sample has sharper peaks for the −d x /|d V | vs. V curves than the LiNi 0.975 M 0.025 O 2 (M = Zn and Al). The LiNi 0.975 Al 0.025 O 2 sample, with the first discharge capacity of 128.5 mAh/g at a rate of 0.1 C, has the best cycling performance (98% at n = 10).

Monascus fermented soybeans (MFS) were prepared by solid state fermentation. MFS showed higher solubility than the unfermented control within the acidic pH region but showed the opposite trend at pH 7 and 9. Although the emulsifying activity index of MFS was lower than that of the control, MFS had significantly higher emulsion stability at pH 7 and 9. Significant protein hydrolysis took place during fermentation, and the proportion of peak area less than 1.35 kDa was greatly increased in MFS. Whole soymilk prepared from MFS contained monacolin K (475 μg/g), and was enriched in isoflavone aglycones. Neither homogenisation nor pasteurisation caused significant changes in the isoflavone and monacolin K contents of the Monascus fermented soymilk. Total phenol content and ABTS radical scavenging activity were significantly higher in the Monascus fermented soymilk than in the control soymilk.

－ In order to investigate the preliminary repeat oral dose toxicity and to determine the highest dosage for further 4-week repeated dose toxicity test, Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan (LMF) has been showed various pharmacological effects, was orally administered to female and male rats, once a day for 14 days at dose levels of 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 0 (vehicle control) mg/kg (body weights) in a volume of 10 ml/kg. The mortality and changes on the body weights, clinical signs, hematology, serum biochemistry and gross observations were monitored with organ weight and histopathology of principle organs. As the results of 14-day repeated oral treatment of LMF, no LMF treatment related mortalities were detected up to 2,000 mg/kg in both male and female rats, respectively. In addition, no noticeable changes on the body weight and clinical signs were detected except for significant decreases on the body weights and gains restricted to male 2,000 mg/kg treated groups as compared with male vehicle control. No meaningful changes on the organ weights, hematological, serum biochemistrical, gross and histopathological findings were observed. Therefore the highest dosage in the 4-week repeated dose toxicity test is suggested as 2,000 mg/kg in both female and male rats, respectively.Keywords: Low molecular weight fucoidan, 14 days repeated oral dose toxicity, Rat, Histopathology, Hematology, Serum biochemistry

To evaluate changes in astigmatism after corrective surgery in highly astigmatic epiblepharon patients compared with nonepiblepharon patients.We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 37 patients with epiblepharon and 35 patients without epiblepharon, but with initial astigmatismor =2 D. Demographic data and preoperative data for best-corrected visual acuity, degree of astigmatism, and astigmatism axis were obtained. Postoperative data were collected at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and at 2 years.The mean age at surgery was 5.1 +/- 1.5 years. The mean amount of cylinder was 3.27 +/- 0.97 D before surgery and 2.62 +/- 1.07 D at 2 years after surgery. Linear mixed measures analysis, which was used to compare the mean cylinder between the epiblepharon and nonepiblepharon groups, showed significant group-time interaction (p0.01). Patients who were younger and had greater initial cylinder showed significantly greater decreases in the cylinder during 2 years of follow-up (p0.05).Significant astigmatic changes were found after surgical correction in epiblepharon patients with 2 D of astigmatism or greater compared with nonepiblepharon patients, and these changes were more significant in patients of younger age and with greater astigmatism. A high prevalence of epiblepharon during the critical period for visual development warrants physician interest in early surgery and visual rehabilitation in highly astigmatic epiblepharon patients.

LiNi1−yTiyO2 (y = 0.000, 0.012, 0.025, 0.050, 0.100 and 0.150) were synthesized by ball milling and the solid-state reaction method. The optimum conditions to synthesize a cathode material LiNi0.975Ti0.025O2 are milling for 28 h and then preheating at 600 °C for 16 h and finally calcining at 750 °C for 30 h in an O2 stream. LiNi1−yTiyO2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.150) synthesized under these optimum conditions have the α-NaFeO2 structure of the rhombohedral system (space group; R 3 ¯ m ). The samples with y = 0, 0.012 and 0.025 show splitting of 0 0 6 and 1 0 2 peaks of 1 0 8 and 1 1 0 peaks, indicating the decrease in cation mixing. The voltage versus discharge capacity curves for y = 0.012 and 0.025 exhibit three distinct plateaus corresponding to phase transitions. Among LiNi1−yTiyO2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.150), LiNi0.975Ti0.025O2 has the largest first discharge capacity, 155 mAh/g and the relatively good cycling performance (77% at n = 10).

An electrode with a composition Zr0.8Ti0.2Mn0.4V0.6Ni was activated by hot-charging treatment at various current densities and for different times, and then its cycling performance was examined. The first discharge capacity increases as the hot-charging times and the current density increase. The hot-charging and the charge–discharge cycling create cracks on the surface of the particles and make the particles smaller, leading to the exposure of the clean surfaces of the particles. The form of the cycling performance curve of the alloy with small and large particles is suggested. The surface of the electrode, analyzed by energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), shows an gradual increase in the atomic ratio of Ni as the number of cycle increases. The electrolyte after 50 cycles analyzed by ICP have relatively large concentrations of V and Zr.

We attempted to improve the H2-sorption properties of Mg by mechanical grinding under H2 (reactive grinding) with Co (with various particle sizes) and with CoO. The thermodynamic stabilities of the added Co and CoO were also investigated. CoO addition has the best influence and addition of smaller particles of Co (0.5–1.5 μm) has a better effect than the addition of larger particles of Co on the H2-sorption properties of Mg. The activated Mg+10 wt.% CoO sample has about 5.54 wt% hydrogen-storage capacity at 598 K and the highest hydriding rate, showing an Ha value of 2.39 wt.% after 60 min at 598 K, 11.2 bar H2. The order of the hydriding rates after activation is the same as that of the specific surface areas of the samples. The reactive grinding of Mg with Co or CoO and hydriding-dehydriding cycling increase the H2-sorption rates by facilitating nucleation of magnesium hydride or α solid solution of Mg and H (by creating defects on the surface of the Mg particles and by the additive), and by making cracks on the surface of Mg particles and reducing the particle size of Mg, thus shortening the diffusion distances of hydrogen atoms. The cobalt oxide is stable even after 14 hydriding cycles at 598 K under 11.2 bar H2. Discharge capacities are measured for the sampple Mg+10 wt.%CoO and Mg+10wt.%Co (0.5−1.5 μm) with good hydrogen-storage properties.

Yaw-checking and course-keeping ability in IMO's ship manoeuvrability standards are reviewed from the viewpoint of safe navigation. Three kinds of virtual series-ships, which have different course instability, are taken as test models. The numerical simulation on Z-test is carried out in order to examine the correlation between known manoeuvrability in spiral characteristics and various kinds of overshoot angle. Then simulator experiments are executed with series-ships in a curved, narrow waterway by six operators(five active pilots and one ex-captain) in order to examine the correlation between known manoeuvrability and degree of manoeuvring difficulty. IMC criteria for yaw-checking and course-keeping ability are discussed and revised criteria are proposed.

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) is widely used to treat metabolic disorders, but its physiologic effects have not been well determined. In the present study, we investigated the metabolic effects of LMWF in obese diabetic mice (leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice) and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-responsive L6 myotubes. The effect of LMWF-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation on insulin resistance via regulation of the ER stress-dependent pathway was examined in vitro and in vivo. In db/db mice, LMWF markedly reduced serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels, and gradually reduced body weights by reducing lipid parameters. Furthermore, it effectively ameliorated glucose homeostasis by elevating glucose tolerance. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and Akt were markedly reduced by ER stressor, and subsequently, glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation were also reduced. However, these adverse effects of ER stress were significantly ameliorated by LMWF. Finally, in L6 myotubes, LMWF markedly reduced the ER stress-induced upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin–p70S61 kinase network and subsequently improved the action of insulin via AMPK stimulation. Our findings suggest that AMPK activation by LMWF could prevent metabolic diseases by controlling the ER stress-dependent pathway and that this beneficial effect of LMWF provides a potential therapeutic strategy for ameliorating ER stress-mediated metabolic dysfunctions.

This study examined the bioactivity of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-fermented aged black garlic (FBG) on obese mice supplied a high-fat diet (HFD) and its in vitro antioxidant activity. Aged black garlic (BG) exhibits potent antioxidative effects and has been subjected to extensive research. In addition, the bioactivity of some natural products is increased by fermentation. In a preliminary test, this study found that the antioxidant activity of FBG is stronger than that of BG. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the bioactivity of BG would be increased by yeast fermentation and would be a good candidate as a nutraceutical product for improving the oxidative defense systems in older patients or patients affected by various oxidative stresses, for example, diabetes and diabetic complications. To test this hypothesis, the bioactivities of FBG in diabetic and obese mice as well as the antioxidant activity in vitro were examined. After 91 days of continuous HFD supply, the mice showed marked obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, and liver and kidney damages. Black garlic and all 3 different doses of FBG showed favorable hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, hypolipidemic, and antiobesity effects compared with the HFD control, but no hypoglycemic effects. In particular, more favorable bioactivity against all 4 HFD-induced diabetic complications was detected in the FBG-treated groups compared with the group given equivalent doses of BG. These findings suggest that the bioactivities of BG can be improved by yeast fermentation.

Purpose To present a case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting as painful ophthalmoplegia. Methods A 61-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of headache and eyeball pain. Examination showed mild exophthalmos, complete ophthalmoplegia, and ptosis of the left eye. Under the impression of nonspecific orbital inflammation, she was treated with oral prednisone with initial response. Two months later, she revisited the clinic with exacerbated symptoms. Anterior orbitotomy and incisional biopsy was performed for the inferior rectus muscle lesion. Results Histopathologic examination revealed an infiltrate of atypical lymphoid cells between degenerative muscle bundles. It was consistent with peripheral T-cell lymphoma. A metastatic workup was performed without any evidence of extraorbital tumor. The patient was recommended to be treated with chemotherapy, however, refused to take the treatment. The patient died of progression of the disease in a month. Conclusions T-cell lymphoma in the orbit can present as painful ophthalmoplegia and take a rapid clinical course. The disease should be regarded as one of the differential diagnosis for painful ophthalmoplegia refractory to corticosteroid therapy.

Current forensic DNA typing is conducted in approximately 8–9h. Whole steps included DNA extraction step, Quantification, PCR amplification step, electrophoresis process through capillary separation with fluorescence detection, data analysis and DNA profile interpretation. Among them, we have tested rapid PCR method of AmpF l STR Identifler PCR to reduce running time. We have altered several PCR conditions of ordinary AmpF l STR Identifler PCR method and used 9947A control DNA to cut the time for the PCR reaction. In the results of this study, the critical step of the PCR reaction was the annealing step and also we reduced PCR running times by 1/3 to 2/3 (approximately 60–90min) with complete concordance of STR allele calls using standard reference material 9947A.

Electron and hole sublevels in quantum dots (QDs) are experimentally determined using the excitation-power dependence of photoluminescence spectrum for a modulation-doped QD structure. The sublevel spacing between n=1 and n=2 electron states can be obtained from the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum under very low excitation and the spacing between n=1 and n=2 hole states can be obtained by comparing the PL spectrum under high excitation with the one under low excitation. The proposed method should give useful information in the design of QD devices, as well as for the verification of theoretical calculations of QD energy levels.