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The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can trigger immune responses and directly entrap pathogens, but it is not known to encode for active immune factors. The immune system is traditionally thought to be exclusively nuclear-encoded. Here, we report the identification of a mitochondrial-encoded host defense peptide (HDP) that presumably derives from the primordial proto-mitochondrial bacteria. We demonstrate that MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame from the twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-encoded amphipathic and cationic peptide with direct antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions, consistent with the peptide chemistry and functions of known HDPs. MOTS-c targetedE. coliand methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA), in part, by targeting their membranes using its hydrophobic and cationic domains. In monocytes, IFNγ, LPS, and differentiation signals each induced the expression of endogenous MOTS-c. Notably, MOTS-c translocated to the nucleus to regulate gene expression during monocyte differentiation and programmed them into macrophages with unique transcriptomic signatures related to antigen presentation and IFN signaling. MOTS-c-programmed macrophages exhibited enhanced bacterial clearance and shifted metabolism. Our findings support MOTS-c as a first-in-class mitochondrial-encoded HDP and indicates that our immune system is not only encoded by the nuclear genome, but also by the co-evolved mitochondrial genome.

Background To develop a fully automated in-house gamma analysis software for the “Cheese” phantom-based delivery quality assurance (QA) of helical tomotherapy plans. Methods The developed in-house software was designed to automate several procedures, which need to be manually performed using commercial software packages. The region of interest for the analysis was automatically selected by cropping out film edges and thresholding dose values (>10% of the maximum dose). The film-measured dose was automatically aligned to the computed dose using an image registration algorithm. An optimal film scaling factor was determined to maximize the percentage of pixels passing gamma (gamma passing rate) between the measured and computed doses (3%/3 mm criteria). This gamma analysis was repeated by introducing setup uncertainties in the anterior–posterior direction. For 73 tomotherapy plans, the gamma analysis results using the developed software were compared to those analyzed by medical physicists using a commercial software package. Results The developed software successfully automated the gamma analysis for the tomotherapy delivery quality assurance. The gamma passing rate (GPR) calculated by the developed software was higher than that by the clinically used software by 3.0%, on average. While, for 1 of the 73 plans, the GPR by the manual gamma analysis was higher than 90% (pass/fail criteria), the gamma analysis using the developed software resulted in fail (GPR Conclusions The use of automated and standardized gamma analysis software can improve both the clinical efficiency and veracity of the analysis results. Furthermore, the gamma analyses with various film scaling factors and setup uncertainties will provide clinically useful information for further investigations.

Introduction: Triple positive breast cancer is one of intrinsic subtype in breast cancer that is defined namely, ER/PR/Her2 positive tumors. It has multiple strategies for systemic therapy according to the characteristics of hormonal and anti-HER2 responsiveness. Each targeted therapy plays cross-talks between HER-2 and estrogen receptor signaling pathway resulting in endocrine resistance and anti Her2 resistance. Methods: We compared the triple positive subtype to the other breast cancer intrinsic subtypes to distinguish the uniqueness in their position among other breast cancer subtypes using retrospective analysis of two different cohorts; Korea Breast Cancer Society (KBCS) Breast cancer registry data (N=31266, Jan. 2006 – Dec. 2010) and database from St. Mary`s hospital Breast cancer registry (N=2216, Apr. 2009 – Mar. 2016). Results: Median follow up duration of 76 months in KBCS cohort (2006-2010) showed the overall survival graph of triple positive breast cancer located in the middle in between Luminal A intrinsic subtype and HER2 enriched subtype(P Conclusion: 1) Anti-HER2 therapy seems less beneficial in Triple positive breast cancer subtype regardless of breast cancer stage. 2) Triple positive breast cancer may require different therapeutic approaches 3) Other targeted agents (mTOR inhibitor, CDK4/6 inhibitor, PIK3CA inhibitor) can be a substitute option for the Trastuzumab therapy in triple positive breast cancer. Citation Format: Kim JS, Kim YS, You SH. Triple positive breast cancer ; a distictive subtype and consideration of systemic therapeutic approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-13-14.

We prepared long carbon fiber (LCF)-reinforced thermoplastic composites using a specially designed twin-screw system. To improve the interfacial adhesion strength between the matrix polypropylene (PP) and LCF, we used a compatibilizer (maleic anhydride-grafted PP (PPMA)). The fiber length of the composites was approximately 10–70 mm and influenced by the compatibilizer concentration. With an increase in the LCF and PPMA content, tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus increase. We also investigated the thermal properties of the composites using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The fractured surfaces of PP/PPMA/LCF composites exhibited higher wetting than those of PP/LCF composites. PPMA was found effective in improving the adhesion between fiber and matrix.

The KN18 is a new cask design by KONES for KHNP for the dry or wet transportation of up to 18 PWR spent nuclear fuel assemblies in South Korea. The containment vessel consists of a cylindrical thick-walled forged steel body, closed by a stainless steel lid with bolts. Spent fuel assemblies are located in a basket which consists of a tube disc system. Two pairs of trunnions are attached for lifting, manoeuvring and tie-down. A pair of impact limiters manufactured from wood and encased in steel cladding provide impact energy absorption during the hypothetical accident conditions. The package complies with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 71 for Type B(U)F packages. It received its transport license from the Korean Competent Authority KINS in early 2010 and is expect to enter service in 2011. Structural performance of the package in the normal and accident conditions were demonstrated against the requirements of 10 CFR Part 71 by analysis including extensive calculations by state-of-the-art finite ele...

Acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage (GIH) is a common medical emergency with a significant morbidity and mortality. Although endoscopy is considered as a primary diagnostic modality, computed tomography (CT) angiography is recently introduced as an alternative diagnostic tool because of its advantages such as readiness, wide anatomic coverage, and minimal invasiveness. However, no studies have evaluated the diagnostic performance of CT angiography according to the clinical severity of GIH.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare clinical disease defined as compression of the third part of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. Severe complications of SMA syndrome include acute gastric dilatation which is uncommon but potentially fatal and requires immediate intervention. This report describes a 29-year-old woman with SMA syndrome complicated by acute gastric dilatation. It was diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patient had a history of treatment of bulimia nervosa but defaulted 3 months ago. She presented with severe abdominal distension and extreme abdominal pain due to massive gastric dilatation after an eating binge. Gastric decompression was successful with a modified gastric lavage tube with additional large holes at the tip.

Single-phase BiFeO3 powder was successively synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results showed that BiFeO3 powder had several hundred nanometers to micrometer-sized particles with a broad size distribution. BiFeO3 powder showed weak-ferromagnetic behavior with a small magnetization value (Ms approximately 20 memu/g) at room temperature. Rietveld refinement results for the crystal structure show the displacive disorder of the Fe-site(6a); the Fe-site(6a) splits into two pairs, Fe(1) and Fe(2) displaced by 0.9 angstroms from each other and these sites are partially occupied. Hence the O-site(18b) also splits into the two partially occupied sites forming a distorted FeO6 octahedras. The weak ferromagnetism observed in the hydrothermal BFO powder is ascribed to the displacive disorder of FeO6 octahedras resulting in an incomplete counterbalance between the antiferromagnetic sublattices of the Fe-ions.

The influence of processing parameters on phase formation and particle size of hydrothermally synthesized BiFeO3 powders was investigated. BiFeO3 powder was synthesized by dissolving bismuth nitrate and iron nitrate in KOH solution at temperatures ranging from 150 to 225 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscopy observation indicated that rod-like α-Bi2O3 phase was formed at initial stage of reaction and dissolved into ions to form thermodynamically stable BiFeO3 phase. Single-phase perovskite BiFeO3 has been formed using a KOH concentration of 8 M at a temperature of ≥175 °C in a 6 h reaction period. BiFeO3 particle growth was promoted by lowering the KOH concentration, or increasing the duration time or reaction temperature. The effects of processing conditions on the formation of crystalline BiFeO3 powders were discussed in terms of a dissolution–precipitation mechanism. The magnetization of the BiFeO3 powders at room temperature showed a weak a ferromagnetic nature.

The authors have recently reported that gene-targeted iMyc(Emu) mice that carry a His(6)-tagged mouse Myc cDNA, Myc(His), just 5' of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer, Emu, are prone to 'spontaneous' neoplasms of the B-lymphocyte lineage. The present study has used histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic methods to investigate a subset of these neoplasms referred to as extraosseous plasmacytomas (PCTs). It is shown that 20.8% (20/96) of tumour-bearing iMyc(Emu) mice on a mixed genetic background of segregating C57BL/6 and 129/SvJ alleles develop PCT by 500 days. The Myc(His)-induced PCTs produced monoclonal immunoglobulin and developed in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), particularly the mesenteric node and Peyer's patches. The PCTs overexpressed Myc(His), at the expense of normal Myc, and exhibited gene expression changes on cDNA macroarrays that were consistent with Myc(His)-driven neoplasia. Surprisingly, in one of three PCT-derived cell lines, Myc(His) was 'replaced' by a naturally occurring T(12;15) translocation, which changed the mode of Myc deregulation from gene insertion (Myc(His) transgene) to chromosomal translocation (juxtaposition of normal Myc to the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus Igh). These findings provide evidence that recreation of the mouse PCT-associated T(12;15)(Igh(Emu)-Myc) translocation by gene insertion in mice results in the predictable development of PCTs in approximately one-fifth of the tumour-bearing mice. Myc(His)-driven PCTs recapitulate aspects of human plasma cell neoplasms, for which relatively few models exist in mice. For example, PCT development in the iMyc(Emu) mice may provide a good system to study the mechanism by which human MYC facilitates the progression of plasma cell myeloma (multiple myeloma) in humans.

Aurora kinase is a novel family of serine/threonine kinases. Elevated expression of aurora kinase A and B is observed in many tumor cells, and dysregulation of aurora kinase has been linked to tumorigenesis. Therefore, a number of studies focused in their oncogene activities as anti-tumor targets. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM) and it is important process for breast cancer cell invasion. MMP-9 can be stimulated by activation of various cellular signaling pathways including protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Here, we show that 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a directly PKC activator stimulation resulted in an up-regulation and phosphorlyation of aurora kinases in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Also, Results showed that inhibition of the aurora kinases suppressed TPA-induced MMP-9 secretion/expression and cell invasion through suppression of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs in MCF-7 breast cancer cell. In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the novel role of aurora kinase for expression of MMP-9 by TPA and regulation of aurora kinase by TPA through MAPKs signaling pathway. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-04.

Glidescope GVL® is frequently used in intubation of difficult airway. We report a case of right side of faucial pillar perforation during intubation with Glidescope®. A rigid stylet can facilitate placing of endotracheal tube quickly but it may also penetrate the soft tissue to cause injuries.

Purpose To compare the pain scale and time necessary for panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) between Navilas® (OD-OS, Teltow, Germany) and conventional laser in diabetic retinopathy. Methods Fifteen patients who required PRP for diabetic retinopathy were enrolled in the present study. PRP was performed using Navilas® (5 X 5 array patterned system) in the superior, nasal and inferior areas, and using conventional laser at the temporal area 1 week later. Total time of laser application and number of laser shots were counted for calculating required time per 100 spots of each laser system. Immediately after the laser photocoagulation, patients were asked to quantify their pain on a visual analog pain scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain). Results PRP using Navilas® required shorter time per 100 laser spots (27.7 sec vs. 102.0 sec, p < 0.001) and subjects had lower treatment-related pain than with the conventional laser system (3.3 vs. 6.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion PRP using Navilas® can be considered as an efficient method for improving patient and operator’s comfort with faster laser application and lower treatment-related pain.

Recent evidence from several relatively small nested case-control studies in prospective cohorts shows an association between longer telomere length measured phenotypically in peripheral white blood cell (WBC) DNA and increased lung cancer risk. We sought to further explore this relationship by examining a panel of seven telomere-length associated genetic variants in a large study of 5,457 never-smoking female Asian lung cancer cases and 4,493 never-smoking female Asian controls using data from a previously reported genome-wide association study. Using a group of 1,536 individuals with phenotypically measured telomere length in WBCs in the prospective Shanghai Women's Health study, we demonstrated the utility of a genetic risk score (GRS) of seven telomere-length associated variants to predict telomere length in an Asian population. We then found that GRSs used as instrumental variables to predict longer telomere length were associated with increased lung cancer risk (OR = 1.51 (95% CI = 1.34-1.69) for upper vs. lower quartile of the weighted GRS, p value = 4.54 × 10(-14) ) even after removing rs2736100 (p value = 4.81 × 10(-3) ), a SNP in the TERT locus robustly associated with lung cancer risk in prior association studies. Stratified analyses suggested the effect of the telomere-associated GRS is strongest among younger individuals. We found no difference in GRS effect between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell subtypes. Our results indicate that a genetic background that favors longer telomere length may increase lung cancer risk, which is consistent with earlier prospective studies relating longer telomere length with increased lung cancer risk.

Surface tensions and refractive indices were measured for (lithium bromide + water + 1 ,3-propanediol), which can be proposed as a new potential working fluid in air-cooled absorption chillers. The mass ratio of lithium bromide to 1,3-propanediol is fixed at 3.5 : 1, an optimal value for avoiding crystallization problems. The experimental temperature ranged from 298.2 K to 323.2 K, and the lithium bromide mass fraction up to 0.659. Both the data of surface tension and refractive index were successfully correlated with simple polynomial equations with average absolute deviations (a.a.d.) of 0.189 and 0.032 per cent, respectively.

The lithium bromide+lithium iodide+1,3-propanediol+water [LiBr/LiI mole ratio=4 and (LiBr+LiI)/HO(CH2)3 OH mass ratio=4] solution is being considered as a potential working fluid for an absorption chiller. Heat capacities at four temperatures, 283.15, 298.15, 313.15, and 333.15 K, were measured in the range from 50 to 70 mass%. In addition, the differential heats of dilution at 298.15 K were measured in the range from 45.3 to 71.8 mass%. Each individual data set was correlated with a proper regression equation with a high accuracy. A new enthalpy calculation method for the working fluids containing organics was proposed. The calculation method correlated the heat capacity (at various temperatures and concentrations) and the differential heat of dilution (at ambient temperature and various concentrations). The present method was applied for the construction of enthalpy–concentration (H–T–X) diagrams with high confidence.

The excess molar enthalpies of (propylene carbonate + methanol), (propylene carbonate + ethanol), and (propylene carbonate + 1-propanol) were measured at T = (298.15 and 323.15) K. All the systems showed endothermic behaviour over the whole experimental conditions, which means that the interactions between like molecules are stronger. The (1-propanol + propylene carbonate) showed the largest excess molar enthalpies compared with methanol and ethanol. As the temperature increased from T = (298.15 to 323.15) K, the excess molar enthalpies also increased over all the systems. The experimental results were fitted with the Redlich–Kister equation with a reasonable accuracy.

Solubilities and vapor pressures of the lithium bromide+calcium nitrate+water system [LiBr/Ca(NO3)2 mass ratio=1.0] were measured in various absorbent (lithium bromide+calcium nitrate) concentration and temperature ranges. Solubilities were measured by a visual polythermal method in the temperature range from 282.55 to 343.45 K and the experimental values were correlated with two least-squares regression equations as a function of temperature. The average absolute deviation between the experimental and the calculated solubilities was 0.23%. Vapor pressures were measured by the boiling point method in the temperature range from 334.65 to 385.85 K and in the absorbent concentration range from 44.9 to 70.3 mass%. The experimental values were correlated with an Antoine-type equation and the overall average absolute deviation was found to be 1.06%.

Soil nailing has been widely used during the last two decades, to stabilize steep excavated slopes in several countries. In this study, the discrete element method (DEM) has been applied to evaluate the stability of reinforced slopes. This method is capable of not only estimating tensile and shear stresses mobilized in nails but also providing individual safety factors for soil and nails. It has been assumed that the nailed slope is composed of slices connected together with elastoplastic Winkler springs. In replacing nails by spring elements, a function is proposed for evaluating shear and tensile forces in nails which are induced by relative displacements between nail and adjacent soil. Taking into account for the sequence of construction, the developed method can predict the measured tensile forces in nails and hence it properly evaluates both local and overall stabilities of the reinforced slope.

Cationic lipid-coated gold nanoparticles were developed for efficient intracellular delivery of therapeutic siRNA.Particle formation was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis. Cellular uptake, gene silencing effect, and cytotoxicity were investigated in multiple human cancer cell lines.Nanoparticles had a spherical nanostructure with highly cationic surface charge and could form stable nanosized polyelectrolyte complexes with siRNA via electrostatic interactions; complexes exhibited efficient intracellular uptake and significant gene silencing effect with markedly low cytotoxicity compared to the widely used polycationic carrier, linear polyethyleneimine.We demonstrated that cationic lipid-coated gold nanoparticles could be widely utilized as efficient and safe siRNA nanocarriers for diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Background and objectives : It has been reported in few studies about relationship between sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) fracture and in-stent restenosis (ISR). Therefore, authors investigated clinical characteristics of the SES fracture and the association with ISR. Subjects and Methods : From December 2003 to February 2006, implantation and follow-up coronary angiography(CAG) for 796 sirolimus-eluting stents were carried out in Severance hospital. We reviewed clinical, procedural and structural factors which might affect SES fracture and ISR. Results : Twenty four fractures after 796 SES implantation were identified by follow-up coronary angiography, sixteen cases in the left anterior descending artery and eight in the right coronary artery. The median time interval from stent implantation to follow up CAG was 9.0 months [range: 2 ~ 30 months]. No statistical difference was found in stent diameter (fracture group 3.06 ± 0.32 mm vs non-fracture group 3.08 ± 0.31 mm, P=0.778). Length of fractured stents was longer than non-fractured stents (30.29 ± 4.16 mm vs 24.51 ± 6.18 mm, P Conclusion : Stent fracture may be one of the crucial mechanisms of ISR after implantation of SES. However, further studies in larger scale are required to define the incidence, predisposing factors, and clinical outcomes of SES fracture.

The hydrosilylation reaction is a dominant curing method for the light-emitting diode (LED) silicone encapsulant, which requires characteristics of high transparency, high refractive index, and thermal stability against the LED junction temperature. In this research, we synthesized a hydrogen containing oligosiloxane resin through non-hydrolytic sol–gel condensation. Methyldiethoxysilane (MDES) and diphenylsilanediol (DPSD) were used as precursors and a non-hydrolytic sol–gel condensation reaction was performed under acidic conditions. The synthesized hydrogen oligosiloxane resin was mixed with a phenyl and vinyl containing oligosiloxane (PVO) resin, which was prepared by a sol–gel condensation between vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and the DPSD. This blended solution was cured at 150 °C for 4 hours to complete the hydrosilylation reaction. The cured material (phenyl hybrimer) shows low shrinkage during the curing reaction and provides excellent transparency (∼90% at 450 nm) and thermal stability (440 °C) with a high refractive index (n = 1.58 at 632.8 nm).