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Background/Aims Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is characterized by intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms associated with the consumption of glutencontaining food. Since biomarkers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity are lacking, its prevalence is estimated based on self-reported symptoms. However, no data exist on self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population. Thus, we aim to investigate the prevalence of self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population and to determine its demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods This study surveyed Korean participants aged 18-80 years who visited gastroenterology outpatient clinics at 9 tertiary hospitals in South Korea from January 2016 to February 2017. They were questioned regarding symptoms related to gluten ingestion: degree of discomfort (visual analog scale score), frequency, time of symptom onset, and duration. Abdominal discomfort caused by 11 different kinds of gluten-containing Korean food items was investigated. Results More non-celiac gluten sensitivity self-reporters were identified among those with irritable bowel syndrome (33.6%) than among controls (5.8%). Major gastrointestinal symptoms included bloating (75.0%), abdominal discomfort (71.3%), and belching (45.0%). Common extra-intestinal symptoms included fatigue (20.0%) and headache (13.7%). More than half of those who self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity (66.3%) developed symptoms within 1 hour of food ingestion, and symptoms were localized in the upper abdomen (37.5%) and entire abdomen (30.0%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that if there are gluten-related symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome, the possibility of accompanying non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori-naive status is increasing. Nonetheless, biennial gastroscopy is recommended for all Koreans aged 40 to 75 years. This study aimed to determine whether gastric cancer screening guidelines could be changed according to H. pylori infection status and year of birth. Methods: Koreans who underwent serum assays and gastroscopy for gastric cancer screening between 2010 and 2016 were included if screening tests were followed up for ≥3 times. H. pylori infection was confirmed when invasive tests or 13C-urea breath tests were positive. In the case of negative test findings, eradication history, serologically detected atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia/atrophy were checked for past infection. If all were absent, H. pylori-naive status was confirmed. Results: Two-thousand and two (256 H. pylori-naive, 743 past-infected, and 1,003 infected) Koreans underwent screening tests for 95.5±28.4 months. The mean year of birth in the naive group (1969±7) differed from those of the past-infected (1957±10, p<0.001) and infected (1958±10, p<0.001) groups. H. pylori-naive status was correlated with recent year of birth (r=0.368, p<0.001). No gastric tumors were observed among the naive participants (p=0.007), whereas 23 adenomas, 18 adenocarcinomas, and two neuroendocrine tumors were detected in 1.9% (14/743) of past-infected and 2.5% (25/1,003) of infected participants, including four infected participants with metachronous tumors. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori-naive status is increasing in young Koreans, and gastric tumors are rare in this population. Hence, biennial gastroscopy could be waived after the confirmation of naive status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified analysis method was developed to evaluate the fatigue damage of an ice-going ship under broken ice conditions. The ice resistance, which is available in the early design stages of an ice-going vessel, and the hull form information were used to estimate the local ice load acting on the outer-shell of the ship. The local ice load was applied to a finite element analysis model, and the Weibull parameters of the local stress range at the target fatigue point were derived. Finally, the fatigue damage was evaluated by applying the S-N curve and Palmgren-Miner rule. To verify the proposed method, numerical analyses using the direct approach, which takes into account the detailed interaction model among the fluid, structure, and ice, were performed under the same conditions. Fatigue analyses of the Baltic Sea for actual ice conditions were performed to check the validity and applicability of the proposed method, and the resulting fatigue damage was compared with that obtained by the classification society's recommended practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (mesna) is a protective agent that is widely used in medicine because of its antioxidant effects. Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were shown to increase pigmentation. Thus, ROS scavengers and inhibitors of ROS production may suppress melanogenesis. Forkhead box-O3a (FoxO3a) is an antimelanogenic factor that mediates ROS-induced skin pigmentation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the whitening effect of mesna and the signaling mechanism mediating this effect. Human melanoma (MNT-1) cells were used in this study. mRNA and protein expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis to track changes in FoxO3a-related signals induced by mesna. An immunofluorescence assay was performed to determine the nuclear translocation of FoxO3a. When MNT-1 melanoma cells were treated with mesna, melanin production and secretion decreased. These effects were accompanied by increases in FoxO3a activation and nuclear translocation, resulting in downregulation of four master genes of melanogenesis: MITF, TYR, TRP1, and TRP2. We found that mesna, an antioxidant and radical scavenger, suppresses melanin production and may therefore be a useful agent for the clinical treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the chemical interactions between an atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) HfO2 film and strained epitaxial Si1-xGex/Si (x=0.1,0.2,0.3) substrates during film deposition and postdeposition annealing (PDA), as well as their influence on the electrical properties. The influences of various predeposition surface treatments under O3 (POT) and NH3 (PNT) were also investigated in order to improve the understanding of the chemical and structural changes in thin film systems. Particular focus was made on the migration behavior of Si and Ge in the interface between a HfO2 film and Si1-xGex substrate, which critically affects the capacitance equivalent thickness (CET). The interdiffusion of the substrate elements during ALD and PDA could be controlled by POT and PNT. PNT was effective in reducing the diffusion of both Si and Ge during the ALD and PDA, whereas POT reduced only Si diffusion. The surface treatments reduced the changes in the CET after PDA without any significant increase in the leakage current density. The migration of the substrate elements was traced by secondary ion mass spectroscopy, auger electron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are routinely referred for surveillance stress testing despite recommendations against it.Objective: To determine whether low levels of resting high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) can identify persons without inducible myocardial ischemia.Design: Observational study.Setting: A university-affiliated hospital network.Patients: Persons with stable CAD: 589 in the derivation group and 118 in the validation cohort.Measurements: Presence of inducible myocardial ischemia was determined by myocardial perfusion imaging with technetium-99m single-photon emission computed tomography during either treadmill or pharmacologic stress testing. Resting plasma hs-cTnI was measured within 1 week of the stress test, and the negative predictive value (NPV) for inducible ischemia was calculated. The derivation cohort was followed for 3 years for incident cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction.Results: In the derivation cohort, 10 of 101 patients with an hs-cTnI level below 2.5 pg/mL had inducible myocardial ischemia (NPV, 90% [95% CI, 83% to 95%]) and 3 of 101 had inducible ischemia involving at least 10% of the myocardium (NPV, 97% [CI, 92% to 99%]). In the validation cohort, 4 of 32 patients with an hs-cTnI level below 2.5 pg/mL had inducible ischemia (NPV, 88% [CI, 71% to 96%]) and 2 of 32 had ischemia of 10% or greater (NPV, 94% [CI, 79% to 99%]). After a median follow-up of 3 years in the derivation cohort, no adverse events occurred in patients with an hs-cTnI level below 2.5 pg/mL, compared with 33 (7%) cardiovascular deaths or incident myocardial infarctions among those with an hs-cTnI level of 2.5 pg/mL or greater.Limitation: The data may not be applicable to a population without known CAD or to persons with unstable angina, and the modest sample sizes warrant further validation in a larger cohort.Conclusion: Very low hs-cTnI levels may be useful in excluding inducible myocardial ischemia in patients with stable CAD.Primary Funding Source: National Institutes of Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Colorectal adenomas that are ≥10 mm have villous histology or high-grade dysplasia, or that are associated with ≥3 adenomas are considered high-risk for metachronous advanced neoplasia. We evaluated the cumulative incidence of metachronous advanced neoplasia according to the total number of high-risk findings detected on baseline colonoscopy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed in 862 patients who underwent removal of colorectal adenomas between 2005 and 2009. At least one surveillance colonoscopy had been conducted at Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Results: The cumulative incidence of metachronous advanced neoplasia in patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3-4 high-risk findings at 1 year were 0.7%, 1.3%, 2.8%, and 8.0%; at 3 years, those were 5.9%, 11.9%, 15.5%, and 24.7%; and at 5 years, those were 8.5%, 18.7%, 26.3%, and 37.2%, respectively. In a multivariate model, the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia was significantly higher for the multiple high-risk findings group when compared with the 0 high-risk findings group (1 high-risk (+): hazard ratio, 1.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.44]; 2 high-risk (+): 1.84 [0.88-3.84]; and 3-4 high-risk (+): 3.29 [1.54-7.01]; ptrend=0.020). Conclusions: The presence of overlapping multiple high-risk findings was associated with an increased risk of advanced neoplasia during surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a case of malignant pleural effusion as initial metastatic presentation of occult gastric cardia cancer in a young woman. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of gastric adenocarcinoma metastasized to pleura as an initial presentation. Location of cardia and signet ring cell histology may contribute to the manifestation. Utilization of positron emission tomography-computed tomography was helpful for proper diagnosis. For patients with such distinct clinical presentations, it would be appropriate to consider gastric cancer as one of the possible primary sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyelectrolyte complex micelles were prepared by self-assembly of polypeptide-based triblock copolymer as a new drug carrier for cancer chemotherapy. The triblock copolymer, poly(L-aspartic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-aspartic acid) (PLD-b-PEG-b-PLD), spontaneously self-assembled with doxorubicin (DOX) via electrostatic interactions to form spherical micelles with a particle size of 60e80 nm (triblock ionomer complexes micelles, TBIC micelles). These micelles exhibited a high loading capacity of 70% (w/w) at a drug/ polymer ratio of 0.5 at pH 7.0. They showed pH-responsive release patterns, with higher release at acidic pH than at physiological pH. Furthermore, DOX-loaded TBIC micelles exerted less cytotoxicity than free DOX in the A-549 human lung cancer cell line. Confocal microscopy in A-549 cells indicated that DOX-loaded TBIC micelles were transported into lysosomes via endocytosis. These micelles possessed favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics and showed sustained DOX release in rats. Overall, these findings indicate that PLDb- PEG-b-PLD polypeptide micelles are a promising approach for anti-cancer drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is part of the study to develop the advanced computer aided manufac-ture (CAM) system called the changeable die system (CDS) that applies the cold-forming technique to produce curved thick metal plates with complex, three-dimensional geometry [Paik et al., 2009, "Development of the Changeable Die System for the Cold-Forming of Three-Dimensionally Curved Metal Plates," The Lloyd's Register Educational Trust Research Centre of Excellence, Pusan National University, Korea], This paper focuses on the procedure of predicting the spring-back characteristics using elastic-plastic large deflection finite element method, which is a key technical element within the framework of the CDS process. The validity of the procedure is confirmed by comparison with exper-imental results obtained by the CDS machine in the cold-forming process of curved steel plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors focus on a study related to the effects of p-coumaric acid (CA) and Jeju dwarf bamboo Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extract (JBE) lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, a cell line, induced by oleic acid. They inform that JBE and CA increase phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase. They mention that the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase la is increased by JBE and CA in HepG2 cells.

The present study was designed to investigate the question of whether or not astaxanthin improves stem cell potency via an increase in proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Treatment with astaxanthin significantly increased proliferation and colony formation of NPCs. For identification of possible activated signaling molecules involved in active cell proliferation occurring after astaxanthin treatment, total protein levels of several proliferation-related proteins, and expression levels of proliferation-related transcription factors, were assessed in NPCs. In Western blot analysis, astaxanthin induced significant activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream mediators in a time-dependent manner. Results of RT-PCR analysis showed upregulation of proliferation-related transcription factors and stemness genes. To estimate the relevance of PI3K and mitogen-activated protein, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) signaling pathways in cell growth of astaxanthin-treated NPCs, inhibition assays were performed with LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, and PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MEK, respectively. These results clearly showed that astaxanthin induces proliferation of NPCs via activation of the PI3K and MEK signaling pathways and improves stem cell potency via stemness acting signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, transparent polystyrene (PS) was replaced with conventional polyimide material. As a non-contact process, an ion beam (IB) bombardment process was applied to align the homogeneous liquid crystal (LC) material on the PS surfaces. Confirming the atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the chemical compositional changes of the IB-irradiated PS surfaces were determined as a function of the IB exposure angle although there was no effect of modulation of the physical geographic characteristics on IB-irradiated PS surfaces. Using this analysis, the optimal IB bombardment condition was determined at the IB exposure angle of 45°. Finally, the electro-optical properties of an LC cell suggest the use of PS in conventional LC alignment materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:Esophageal hypersensitivity is currently believed to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of functional chest pain (FCP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), for FCP in young adult patients.METHODS:Patients diagnosed with FCP were randomized to either an extended-release formulation of venlafaxine (75 mg hora somni) or a placebo for 4 weeks. After a washout period of 2 weeks, patients crossed over to the other arm of the study. The primary efficacy variable was the number of patients with >50% improvement in symptom scores. The secondary efficacy variables were (i) the symptom intensity score during each week, (ii) quality of life (QOL), (iii) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, and (iv) side effects.RESULTS:A total of 43 patients (37 men, mean age 23.5±1.9 years) completed the study. A positive response was observed in 52.0% of patients during venlafaxine treatment; 4.0% had a positive response with placebo treatment as assessed by the intention-to-treat analysis (venlafaxine vs. placebo: odds ratio 26.0; 95% confidence interval 5.7–118.8; P<0.001). Results of Short-Form 36 (SF-36) indicated that patients who received venlafaxine treatment had a significantly greater improvement in body pain and emotional role compared with those who received placebo treatment (P=0.002 and P=0.002, respectively). No significant change was noted in the depression score after venalafaxine or placebo treatment. One patient withdrew from the study because of sleep disturbance and loss of appetite while receiving venlafaxine.CONCLUSIONS:Venlafaxine, an SNRI antidepressant, significantly improved symptoms in young adult patients with FCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), the optimal duration of an empirical trial with a high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy of one-week and two-week PPI trial in patients with weekly or more than weekly NCCP and to determine its optimal duration for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related NCCP. Methods: Forty-two patients with at least weekly NCCP were enrolled. The baseline symptoms were assessed using a daily symptom diary for seven days. Also, esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy and 24 h esophageal pH monitoring were performed for the diagnosis of GERD. Then, patients were treated with rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 14 days. To assess NCCP improvement during the PPI trial, the first week and the second week symptom diary were kept for 1–7 and 8–14 days. The PPI test was considered positive if a symptom score improved (50% compared to the baseline. Results: There was no significant difference for a positive PPI test between GERD-related NCCP group ( n = 8, 50%) and non GERD-related NCCP group ( n = 6, 23%) during the first week of the PPI test. However, during the second week, GERD-related NCCP had a higher positive PPI test ( n = 13, 81%) than non GERD-related NCCP ( n = 7, 27%) ( P = 0.001) with a sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 62%, respectively. Conclusions: The rabeprazole empirical trial was diagnostic for patients with GERD-related NCCP, and its optimal duration was determined to be at least two weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistor (MFSFET) was fabricated using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film as a ferroelectric layer. PVDF thin films of 4 and 6 wt% were spin-coated on Si(100) wafers. Ferroelectric hysteretic curves inducing a counterclockwise loop, which means that the deposited PVDF films were crystallized with ferroelectric β phase, was exhibited in the drain current-gate voltage (ID-VG) characteristics of MFSFET. The memory window widths of the MFSFET were more than 1.6 V. The MFSFET that operates with the PVDF thin film used as a gate dielectric material is shown in the drain current-drain voltage (ID-VD) characteristics. The MFSFET using PVDF as ferroelectric layer has promising potential for use in low-voltage operable one transistor (1T) type ferroelectric random access memories (FeRAM) using organic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter reports a serial solid-phase placement approach to synthesize anisotropically or symmetrically functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), in which the functionality and directionality (i.e., numbers, locations, and orientations) of the functional ligands are controlled. The solid-phase ligand exchange methodology using highly rigid filter papers enabled us to produce two types of bifunctionalized (bif-) AuNPs in a site-specific manner with increased yield and accuracy: (1) homobif-AuNPs with two carboxyl groups at ∼180° (para configuration) and (2) heterobif-AuNPs with one carboxyl and one amine functional groups at less than 180° but greater than 90° (meta configuration). Their chemical functionality was validated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance as well as cyclic voltammetry after ferrocene ethylamine coupling reactions. The directional assemblies of 1D chains with homobif-AuNPs and 2D rings with heterobif-AuNPs were demonstrated through diamine and imidization coupling reactions, respectively, further validating their highly functional and directional selectivity, which is critical to realizing the practical nanoscale assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we fabricated metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor (MFS) diodes with polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) (51/49) thin films for application to one transistor-type (1T-type) ferroelectric random access memories (FeRAMs). The thin films, with various thicknesses, were prepared on a silicon substrate by using a spin-coating method. The β-phase crystallinity and the grain size of the PVDF-TrFE increased as the film-thickness increased. Typical ferroelectric hysteresis loops were obtained from the capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves. These loops might be considered to be due to the ferroelectric nature of the PVDF-TrFE films. The values of the memory window width for 50-nm-, 150-nm-, and 350-nm-thick PVDF-TrFE films were about 1.4, 2.0, and 3.5 V for a bias sweeping from -5 V to 5 V, respectively. The values of the leakage current density, at a sweeping range of ± 5 V, were about 2.7 × 10-5 A/cm2, 1.1 × 10-5 A/cm2, and 5.6× 10-6 A/cm2 for 50-nm-, 150-nm-, and 350-nm-thick films, respectively. These results are useful and promising for realizing 1T-type FeRAMs operating at a low voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature rise at the surface of an ultrasound transducer used for diagnostic imaging is an important factor in patient safety and regulatory compliance. This paper presents a semianalytical model that is derived from first principles of heat transfer and is simple enough to be implemented in a commercial ultrasound scanner for real-time forecasting of transducer surface temperature. For modeling purposes, one-dimensional array transducers radiating into still air are considered. Promising experimental verification data are show and practical implementation benefits of the model for thermal design and management of ultrasonic array transducers are discussed. In particular, the reduction in the amount of thermal characterization data required, compared to empirical models, shows promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to determine the possible apoptotic cell death preventive effects of the antioxidant selenium using an experimental rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model and cultured spinal cord-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Sodium selenite treatment exerted a profound preventive effect on apoptotic cell death, including p-P38, p-SAPK/JNK, caspases, and PARP activity, and ameliorated astrogliosis and hypomyelination, which occurs in regions of active cell death in the spinal cords of SCI rats. The foremost protective effect of selenite in SCI would therefore be manifested in the suppression of acute secondary apoptotic cell death. However, selenite does not appear to exert an anti-inflammatory function associated with active microglia and macrophage propagation or infiltration into the lesion site. Selenite-mediated neuroprotection has been linked to selenite’s attenuation or inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, pSAPK/JNK, and Bax activation in in vitro and in vivo SCI lesion sites. Selenite also attenuated cell death via the prevention of cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and ROS accumulation in the cytosol. Also, our study showed that selenite administered immediately after SCI significantly diminishes functional deficits. The selenite-treated group recovered hind limb reflexes more rapidly, and a higher percentage of these rats regained responses to a greater degree than was seen in the untreated injured rats. Our data indicate that the therapeutic outcome of selenite is most likely the consequence of its comprehensive apoptotic cell death blocking effects, resulting in the protection of white matter, oligodendrocytes, and neurons, and the inhibition of astrogliosis. The finding that the administration of selenite prevents secondary pathological events in traumatic spinal cord injuries, and promotes the recovery of motor function in an animal model. Its efficacy may facilitate the development of novel drug targets for the treatment of SCI. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy has not been as effective as expected in most solid tumors even in the murine model, particularly in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our investigation was initiated to identify what causes the limitations of DC-based immunotherapy in solid RCC. We have investigated immunosuppressive factors from tumors and their effects on DC migration, as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor mass upon vaccination with mouse renal adenocarcinoma (Renca) cell lysate-pulsed bone marrow (Bm)-derived DC in tumor-bearing mice. We also investigated pulmonary metastasis- and tumor recurrence-inhibitory effects of DC-vaccination in the solid tumor-bearing mice. In these experiments, we found that the limitations of DC-based immunotherapy to solid RCC likely result from tumor-mediated TGF-β hindrance of immune attack rather than insufficient immune induction by DC therapy. In fact, the CTL response induced by DC therapy was quite sufficient and functional for the inhibition of tumor recurrence after surgery or of tumor metastasis induced by additional tumor-challenge to the tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, our present results obtained in mouse model suggest the potential of DC immunotherapy in tumor patients for hindering or blocking disease progression by inhibition of tumor metastasis and/or tumor recurrence after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We generated gene expression data from the tissues of 50 gastric cancer patients, and applied meta-analysis and gene set analysis to this data and three other stomach cancer gene expression data sets to define the gene expression changes in gastric tumors. By meta-analysis we identified genes consistently changed in gastric carcinomas, while gene set analysis revealed consistently changed biological themes. Genes and gene sets involved in digestion, fatty acid metabolism, and ion transport were consistently down-regulated in gastric carcinomas, while those involved in cellular proliferation, cell cycle, and DNA replication were consistently up-regulated. We also found significant differences between the genes and gene sets expressed in diffuse and intestinal type gastric carcinoma. By gene set analysis of cytogenetic bands, we identified many chromosomal regions with possible gross chromosomal changes (amplifications or deletions). Similar analysis of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), revealed transcription factors that may have caused the observed gene expression changes in gastric carcinomas, and we confirmed the overexpression of one of these, E2F1, in many gastric carcinomas by tissue array and immunohistochemistry. We have incorporated the results of our metaand gene set analyses into a web accessible database (http://human-genome.kribb.re.kr/stomach/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is diagnosed when specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) is detected histologically in endoscopically suspected columnar-lined esophagus (CLE). It is a premalignant condition and plays a pivotal role in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It has traditionally been believed to affect Asians less frequently. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of BE and possible associated risk factors in Korea. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 70 103 patients who had undergone their first upper endoscopies was performed using computerized medical records. Of these, 696 (1%) patients had suspected CLE. After screening by telephone, 480 were enrolled. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics of histologically identifiable BE and endoscopically suspected CLE not confirmed by biopsy (suspected CLE without SIM) were investigated. Results: Barrett’s esophagus was present in 151 patients (0.22%) with a mean age of 53.8 ± 10.9 years. BE was more commonly found in men. BE was associated with a set of features distinct from suspected CLE without SIM; older age, greater predominance of male sex, more frequent smoking history, and more frequent acid regurgitation symptom. Conclusions: Barrett’s esophagus remains less common in Korea than in Western countries. Old age, male sex, smoking, and acid regurgitation symptom were significant risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aperistalsis with complete lower esophageal sphinter (LES) relaxation, characterized by the complete relaxation of the LES and aperistalsis of the esophageal body on manometry, has been considered by some authors to be an early manifestation of classic achalasia, which is defined as incomplete relaxation of the LES and aperistalsis of the esophageal body. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical features of patients with aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation, with those of patients with classic achalasia. Methods: Eighteen patients with aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation and 53 patients with classic achalasia were analyzed with regard to clinical history, the maximal diameter of the esophageal body on barium esophagogram, LES resting pressure and the duration of LES relaxation on manometric recordings, and the selected treatment and its efficacy. Results: The aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation group had distinctly different features compared to those of the classic achalasia group including older age, more frequent association with non-cardiac chest pain, less frequent association with dysphagia and weight loss, lower LES resting pressures, and longer duration of LES relaxation. However, the two groups were similar in terms of maximal diameter of the esophageal body, and efficacy associated with pneumatic dilation. Conclusions: Aperistalsis with complete LES relaxation on manometry is not necessarily an early manifestation of classic achalasia. However, this condition does not preclude a diagnosis of achalasia or a good response to achalasia therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cryogenic 7-mm coaxial noise standard at 77.35 K has been designed and constructed. A ferrite composite-matched termination was used as a thermal noise source in the frequency range of 4.5–18 GHz. The noise temperature of the noise standard has been determined by measuring the temperature distribution and attenuation constant of a thermally isolated coaxial line and the attenuation of the output connector. The effective noise temperature has been evaluated to be 84.07–92.21 K with an uncertainty of 1.26–1.67 K (k = 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a heterogeneous disorder. There is controversy about the associations between symptoms and causes in NCCP patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of subgrouping according to characteristic symptoms in NCCP patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty-eight patients were classified into two groups, as patients with typical reflux symptoms (group I, n = 24) and those without typical reflux symptoms (group II, n = 34). They underwent upper endoscopy, manometry, and 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Results: Twenty-four (41%) of the patients were diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at upper endoscopy or 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Eleven (19%) were diagnosed with GERD-associated esophageal motility disorder and 13 (22%) were diagnosed with non-GERD-associated esophageal motility disorder. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, weight, smoking history, history of chronic alcoholism, or the severity, duration and frequency of symptoms. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio of group I for GERD-related NCCP were significantly higher than those of group II. Group I had a higher proportion of patients with GERD-associated esophageal motility disorder (55%) than non-GERD-associated esophageal motility disorder (23%). Conclusion: Typical reflux symptoms can be used to distinguish patients with GERD-related NCCP from patients with NCCP, and subgrouping according to characteristic symptoms may assist the diagnosis of these patients in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the optimization of medium composition for high-level production of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH1 using statistical experimental designs. Glucose and yeast extract were the most important factors affecting astaxanthin production. The concentration of astaxanthin predicted by a polynomial model is presented.

Examines the in vivo protective effect of astaxanthin carotenoid isolated from the Xantophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Oral administration of astaxanthin; Inhibition of the elevation of lipid peroxide level in gastric mucosa; Increase in the activities of radical scavenging enzymes; Level of disappearance of acute gastric mucosal lesion induced by ethanol after pretreatment with astaxanthin.

A standard step attenuator has been developed. It comprises a build-up chain of ten steps of power ratio measurement and operates in a frequency range of 10 MHz to 18 GHz. The overall system has a dynamic range of 90 dB and an expanded uncertainty of 0.006 dB (k = 2). The system is used as an attenuation standard in a series radio-frequency substitution scheme. The uncertainty factors in the attenuation measurement of 40 dB at S GHz are fully described. For the calibration of a typical step attenuator, the expanded uncertainties are 0.011 dB for the attenuation range up to 80 dB, including the mismatch uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase characteristics of coaxial short and open circuits used to calibrate reflectometers are analyzed by using the lossy transmission line theory and mode-matching method based on the cosine/sine-Fourier transforms. Calculated phases of short and open circuits with Type-N, 7 mm and 3.5 mm connectors are compared with ones predicted from the calibration kit parameters provided by the manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In solder paste printing, one of the most important parameters is the viscosity of solder paste and solder powder load, and the physical characteristics of solder particles also affect the resulting viscosity. Therefore, the viscosity of solder paste with three kinds of solder particles (original, deformed and coated Sn–Zn–Bi alloy particles has been investigated by capillary rheometry. It is possible to predict reliable viscosity values for solder paste with deformed solder particles using the relation equation of viscosity and strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the reconstruction of a large and high-contrast two-dimensional dielectric object, an inversion algorithm is proposed where the polarization current inside the object is expanded in terms of Fourier series in the angular direction and eigenfunctions with orthogonality and completeness relations in the radial direction. By using this algorithm and a hybrid optimization algorithm combining the genetic algorithm and the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, circular dielectric cylinders of a diameter of four wavelengths are reconstructed with multiple incidences of plane waves in the presence of 20% Gaussian noise in the scattered fields. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 25: 200–206, 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seroconversion may occur during screening for gastric cancer. Our study aimed to assess the number of seroconverted subjects with H. pylori and their results in follow-up tests. Methods: Data were consecutively collected on subjects who were H. pylori-seronegative and presented for gastric cancer screening. Subjects who were followed up using the same serology test and pepsinogen (PG) assays on the day of endoscopy were included in the study. Results: During the follow-up of 57.7±21.4 months, 61 (15.0%) of 407 seronegative subjects showed seroconversion. H. pylori infection was detected in six (9.8%) of 61 seroconverted subjects. A diffuse red fundal appearance, with a significant increase in the Kyoto classification scores for gastritis, was observed in the infected subjects (p<0.001). Compared to the false-seropositive subjects, infected subjects showed higher serology titers (p<0.001) and PG II levels (p<0.001) and lower PG I/II ratios (p=0.002), in the followup tests. Conclusions: Seroconversion occurred in 3.3% of seronegative subjects per year; however, only 9.8% had H. pylori infection. The majority (90.2%) of the seroconverted subjects showed false seropositivity without significant changes in the follow-up test results. The diffuse red fundal appearance could be an indicator of H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change in the transfer characteristics of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O thin film transistors (TFTs) was investigated under light illumination at various wavelengths. The variations in the interfacial trap density (Dit) were also studied using metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitors. The transfer characteristics of the TFTs were dependent on the wavelength of illuminated light. The increase in subthreshold swing observed under light illumination of wavelengths below 550 nm (∼2.3 eV) was confirmed to be related to the increase in Dit near the conduction band edge. This Dit increase is caused by doubly ionized oxygen vacancies (VO2+) that are temporarily generated under light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The x-ray absorption near edge structures of amorphous ZnO (a-ZnO) films were examined. The near-edge structure, which reflects the virtual electron hopping interactions in the photoabsorption final states, increased in intensity compared to crystalline ZnO. Theoretical path-by-path analyses revealed that this reflects the extinction of the multiple hopping processes found in paths such as Zn→O→O′→Zn or Zn→O→Zn′→Zn while the Zn-(O or Zn) hopping interactions remain. This suggests that the structural disorders in a-ZnO can induce the localization of the conduction band through the limited hopping interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure of amorphous ZnO film (a-ZnO) was examined by O K- and Zn L3-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy and valence band photoemission spectroscopy. Comparative studies of a-ZnO and a wurtzite ZnO (w-ZnO) revealed a decrease in Zn 4s-O 2p hybridization strength and the localization of Zn 4s band as a consequence of local structural disorder, indicating limited electron hopping interactions in a-ZnO. The 0.1 eV higher Fermi-level of a-ZnO compared to w-ZnO suggests that the electrical properties of a-ZnO are different from those in w-ZnO due to structural disorder, even in the absence of impurities or grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method has been developed to obtain the far-field radiation pattern of an antenna at a reduced distance where the far-field distance condition is not satisfied. It uses an asymptotic antenna transmission formula and angular mode deconvolution technique to determine the far-field radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Although an association between achalasia and esophageal cancer has been reported, whether achalasia confers a substantial increase in mortality is unknown. Moreover, the causes of death related to achalasia have not been investigated. We performed this nationwide, population-based cohort study on achalasia because no such study has been performed since the introduction of high-resolution manometry in 2008. Methods: This study was performed using data extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, covering a 9-year period from 2009 to 2017. Control participants without a diagnostic code for achalasia were randomly selected and matched by sex and birth year at a case-to-control ratio of 1:4. Data on the cause of death from Statistics Korea were also analyzed. Results: The overall incidence of achalasia was 0.68 per 100,000 person-years, and the prevalence was 6.46 per 100,000 population. Patients with achalasia (n=3,063) had significantly higher adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for esophageal cancer (aHR, 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 9.22; p=0.017), pneumonia (aHR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.89 to 2.81; p<0.001), aspiration pneumonia (aHR, 3.92; 95% CI, 2.38 to 6.48; p<0.001), and mortality (aHR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.94; p<0.001). Esophageal cancer carried the highest mortality risk (aHR, 8.82; 95% CI, 2.35 to 33.16; p=0.001), while pneumonia had the highest non-cancer mortality risk (aHR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.96; p=0.004). Conclusions: In this nationwide study, achalasia was associated with increased risk of mortality. Esophageal cancer and pneumonia were the most common comorbidities and the major causes of death in patients with achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical properties of hafnium dioxide (HfO2) thin films are often attributed to the oxygen composition and oxygen-related defects; however, there have been few systematic studies on the electronic structures of such oxygen atoms. In this study, we used electron energy-loss spectroscopy to identify the influence of the electronic states of the oxygen atoms in HfO2 thin films by comparing HfO2 samples for different oxygen source pulse time during atomic-layer deposition (ALD). Although all samples by ALD have higher oxygen content in the film than that in the reference stoichiometric HfO2 sample, variations in the local symmetry of amorphous HfO2 thin films were significantly affected by oxygen source pulse time. Moreover, leakage currents of high-oxygen content HfO2 samples with longer O3 pulse time decreased considerably, compared with those of low-oxygen content HfO2 samples with shorter O3 pulse time, in which oxygen-related defects were observed by the Vfb shift under constant voltage stress. After postdeposition annealing (PDA), the electronic structure of oxygen atoms in HfO2 films was affected by the initial oxidation states in the amorphous HfO2 films. Furthermore, after PDA, polycrystalline HfO2 in high-oxygen content samples was mostly of the monoclinic phase, whereas the metastable tetragonal phase was readily formed in low-oxygen content HfO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author comments on the research "Persistence of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus identifies patients at lower risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma: Results from a large multicenter cohort" by S. Gaddam and colleagues, published in the journal "Gastroenterology" in the September 2013 issue. The author mentions that the findings of the study helps in taking future decisions on surveillance intervals in patients with Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia.

A review of the article "Analysis of pacemaker activity in the human stomach" by Rhee P. L. which appeared in the periodical "Journal of Physiology" on December 2011 is presented.

Background/Aims: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a common condition, but is difficult to detect in asymptomatic individuals. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic PUD during screening endoscopy and to identify risk factors for the presence of symptoms in patients with PUD. Methods: We investigated subjects who underwent a health inspection, including endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and a serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG assay, and who completed a self-report questionnaire about their symptoms. Results: Of the 12,852 subjects included in the study, 124 (1.0%) had symptomatic PUD and 309 (2.4%) had asymptomatic PUD. Old age, current smoking, and H. pylori infection were independent risk factors for symptomatic and asymptomatic PUD. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was an independent risk factor only for symptomatic PUD (p=0.040). Compared to subjects with asymptomatic PUD, subjects with symptomatic PUD were more likely to have active-stage ulcers (p=0.002) and to drink more heavily (p=0.005). Conclusions: Use of NSAIDs is a risk factor for symptomatic PUD, but not for asymptomatic PUD. Excessive alcohol consumption and activestage ulcers in patients with PUD are related to the presence of gastroduodenal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting young children during the spring to fall seasons. Recently, serious outbreaks of HFMD were reported frequently in the Asia-Pacific region, including China and Korea. The symptoms of HFMD are usually mild, comprising fever, loss of appetite, and a rash with blisters, which do not need specific treatment. However, there are uncommon neurological or cardiac complications such as meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis that can be fatal. HFMD is most commonly caused by infection with coxsackievirus A16, and secondly by enterovirus 71 (EV71). Many other strains of coxsackievirus and enterovirus can also cause HFMD. Importantly, HFMD caused by EV71 tends to be associated with fatal complications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect against EV71 infection. Development of vaccines against EV71 would be the most effective approach to prevent EV71 outbreaks. Here, we summarize EV71 infection and development of vaccines, focusing on current scientific and clinical progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Microsatellite instability (MSI) plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify whether MSI is a useful marker for predicting synchronous gastric and colorectal neoplasms. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent both esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy before the resection of gastric or colorectal cancers were included. MSI was analyzed using two mononucleotide and three dinucleotide markers. Results: In total, 434 gastric cancers (372 microsatellite stability [MSS], 21 low incidence of MSI [MSI-L], and 41 high incidence of MSI [MSI-H]) and 162 colorectal cancers (138 MSS, 9 MSI-L, and 15 MSI-H) were included. Patients with MSI gastric cancer had a higher prevalence of synchronous colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma, and gastric adenoma than those with MSS gastric cancers (4.8% vs 0.5%, p=0.023; 11.3% vs 3.2%, p=0.011; 3.2% vs 1.2%, p=0.00, respectively). The prevalence of synchronous colorectal adenomas was highest in MSI-L gastric cancers (19.0%), compared with MSI-H (7.3%) or MSS (3.2%) gastric cancers (p=0.002). In addition, there were no significant differences in the prevalence rates of synchronous colorectal adenoma among the MSI-H (13.3%), MSI-L (11.1%), and MSS (12.3%) colorectal cancers (p=0.987). Conclusions: The presence of MSI in gastric cancer may be a predictor of synchronous gastric and colorectal neoplasms, whereas MSI in colorectal cancer is not a predictor of synchronous colorectal adenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucin 1, cell surface associated (MUC1) is a tumor-associated glycoprotein that has been reported to have an important role in lymphatic invasion and metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the significance of MUC1 expression in endoscopic biopsy specimens of submucosal invasive gastric carcinomas and the association with lymph node metastasis. The clinicopathological features of 144 cases of surgically resected submucosal invasive gastric carcinomas and their paired endoscopic biopsy specimens were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining for MUC1 was performed for the 144 endoscopic biopsy specimens. Positive MUC1 expression was identified in 70 (49%) cases. In addition, univariate analysis revealed that MUC1 expression was significantly associated with the presence of poorly-differentiated (P=0.001) and poorly-cohesive (P=0.015) carcinoma cells, undifferentiated type by Japanese classification (P<0.001), diffuse type of Lauren classification (P<0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.024). By multivariate analysis, diffuse type of Lauren classification (P<0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.035) were identified as independent factors for MUC1 expression. Furthermore, MUC1 expression (P=0.007), tumor size (P=0.018) and lymphatic invasion (P<0.001) were demonstrated to be independent factors for lymph node metastasis under multivariate analysis. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that positive MUC1 expression in endoscopic biopsy specimens may be a predictive factor of lymph node metastasis in submucosal invasive gastric carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Epidemiological data indicate that emotional stress and depression might influence the development of gastrointestianl disorders and cancers, but the relationship between the two is still unclear. The aim was to investigate the effect of stress/depression on the prevalence of digestive diseases. In addition, we tried to identify whether stress and depression are risk factors for these diseases. Methods A total of 23 698 subjects who underwent a medical check-up including upper and lower endoscopy were enrolled. By reviewing the subject's self-reporting questionnaire and endoscopic findings, we investigated the digestive diseases, including functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, and adenoma and carcinoma of the stomach and colon. Stress and depression scores were measured by the Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument and Beck's Depression Inventory, respectively (Korean version). Results Stress and depression were related to FD, IBS, and reflux esophagitis. Depression was also linked to peptic ulcer disease and adenoma/carcinoma of the colon and stomach. Multivariate analysis revealed that stress and depression were independent risk factors for FD (OR, 1.713 and 1.984; P < 0.001) and IBS (OR, 1.730 and 3.508; P < 0.001). In addition, depression was an independent risk factor for gastric adenoma/carcinoma (OR, 4.543; P < 0.001). Conclusions Stress and depression are related to various digestive diseases, and they may be predisposing factors for FD and IBS. Depression may also be a cause of gastric cancer. Psychological evaluation of gastroenterology patients may be necessary, but more study is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Colonoscopic polypectomy is highly efficient in preventing colorectal cancer, but polyps may not always be completely removed. Improved knowledge of the risk factors for incomplete polyp resection after polypectomy may decrease the cancer risk and additional costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the conditions that can cause incomplete polyp resection (IPR) after colonoscopic polypectomy. Methods: A total of 12,970 polyps that were removed by colonoscopic polypectomy were investigated. Among them, we identified 228 cases with a positive resection margin and 228 controls with a clear resection margin that were matched for age, gender, and polyp size. We investigated the location, morphology, and histological type of the polyps and evaluated the skills of the endoscopist and assisting nurse. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that the polyps, which were located in the proximal part of the colon and rectum, were at significant risk of IPR. Histologically, an advanced polyp and an inexperienced assistant were also independent risk factors for IPR. Conclusions: Polypectomy should be performed more carefully for polyps suspected to be cancerous and polyps located in the proximal part of the colon or rectum. A systematic training program for inexperienced assistants may be needed to decrease the risk of IPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The long-term course of Crohn’s disease (CD) has never been evaluated in non-Caucasian population-based cohorts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the longterm prognosis of Korean CD patients in the well-defined population-based Songpa-Kangdong inflammatory bowel disease cohort. Methods: Outcomes of disease and their predictors were evaluated for 418 patients diagnosed with CD between 1986 and 2015. Results: During a median of 123 months, systemic corticosteroids, thiopurines, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents were administered to 58.6%, 81.3%, and 37.1% of patients, respectively. Over time, the cumulative probability of starting corticosteroids significantly decreased (p=0.001), whereas that of starting thiopurines and anti-TNFs significantly increased (both p<0.001). The cumulative probability of behavioral progression was 54.5% at 20 years, and it significantly decreased during the anti-TNF era. Intestinal resection was required for 113 patients (27.0%). The cumulative probabilities of intestinal resection at 1, 5, 10, 20, and 25 years after CD diagnosis were 12.7%, 16.5%, 23.8%, 45.1%, and 51.2%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified stricturing behavior at diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55 to 4.71), penetrating behavior at diagnosis (aHR, 11.15; 95% CI, 6.91 to 17.97), and diagnosis of CD during the anti-TNF era (aHR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.76) as independently associated with intestinal resection. The standardized mortality ratio among CD patients was 1.36 (95% CI, 0.59 to 2.68). Conclusions: The long-term prognosis of Korean patients with CD is at least as good as that of Western CD patients, as indicated by the low intestinal resection rate. Moreover, behavioral progression and intestinal resection rates have decreased over the past 3 decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the wetting characteristics of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template with ultraviolet curable polymer resin. The wettability of the template depends on the pore size on the surface, where it is improved with smaller pores and vice versa. Plasma treatment on the surface of the template is used to improve the wettability and the adhesion of the cured polymer to the template. And we also introduce the cracks on the polymer layer for possible application as nano-sized cavities. The resin within the pore is cleaved during the curing process so that cavities or cracks could be made which are much smaller than the original pores of the AAO template. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative assessment and management of the risks associated with fire require integrated computations of fire loads and their consequences. The objective of this paper is to present a new procedure for the nonlinear structural response analysis of offshore installations during fires. The procedure comprises calculation of fire loads using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, thermal response analysis and nonlinear structural response analysis in fire which are key elements in the framework of the fire risk assessment and management. The KFX code is used to perform the fire CFD simulation; whereas the analyses of both thermal and nonlinear structural responses are performed using the LS-DYNA code. Models for such analyses can be developed with shell elements to represent the structures with required accuracy. A computer program known as KFX2DYNA is applied to automatically import the results of the KFX simulations which are directly exported to LS-DYNA for the analyses of both heat transfer and nonlinear structural responses, making fire risk analysis fast, accurate and reliable. An experimental scenario with a simply supported I-girder under fire is used to validate the procedure. The applicability of the procedure is demonstrated using the example of a fire in the hypothetical topside structure of a VLCC-class FPSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]