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(1) Background: It is well known that various toxic substances, including carcinogens, are generated at the fire scenes, so it is very important for firefighters to wear comprehensive personal protective equipment. The extent of the type and amount of harmful substances contained in the washing water of fire protection suits (FPS) exposed to fire scenes have not yet been confirmed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of harmful substances contained in wash water extracted from FPSs exposed to fire. (2) Methods: The study design was a simulation-based experimental study. To evaluate the degree of contamination exposure of FPSs, 10 sets of fire suits were classified into four groups as follows: newly supplied, field use, one fire exposure, and two consecutive fire exposures. In the experimental environment, after exposing three to four groups of FPSs to residential fire conditions. they were sealed in a plastic bag in the experimental space. The washing water for FPSs was extracted through manual washing in the order of Groups 1 to 4, and 24 items were analyzed according to the water pollution process test standards. (3) Results: According to the results of the FPS laundry analysis, the concentration of acrylonitrile in laundry was higher when exposed to fire twice than when exposed to fire once. Moreover, there was a dose–response relationship, and the risk of cumulative toxicity was shown. Naphthalene and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) were detected to be high in the washing water of Group 3 FPSs exposed to incomplete combustion fire. Of the 24 items that were analyzed for in the water, four item exceeded the standard for sewage discharge facilities in accordance with the Water Environment Conservation Act. Copper and its compounds exceeded the standards by 3.4 times, antimony 4.8 times, acrylonitrile 26.0 times, and DEHP 4.1 times, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, when removing FPSs after firefighting activities, care should be taken to avoid contaminating the skin. In addition, facilities that wash FPS that have been exposed to a fire scene must have a sewage treatment and purification facility. However, if emergency decontamination of FPSs is conducted at the fire scene, the concentration of toxic substances contained in laundry can be reduced. In the case of large-scale fire, there is a risk of water pollution near the fire scene, so it is necessary to prepare a national countermeasure. The results of this study can be applied to the revision of regulations related to the building of the fire departments, reduction of water pollution, and water environment policy. more...

We report high performance internal light outcoupling films based on phase separation polymer for indium tin oxide-free organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The two immiscible polymers of poly(amic acid) and polyimide in a blend film result in nanoporous structures after spin-coating by self-assembly process. The OLEDs are prepared by solution process including phase separation films and transparent electrodes, allowing for low-cost and high-speed manufacturing. The phase separation films prepared between the glass substrate and the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) transparent electrode remarkably improve the outcoupling performance of OLEDs. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-assisted phase separation films significantly improve the external quantum efficiency and power efficiency of OLEDs by a factor 1.88 and 1.87, respectively, compared to the reference device without any outcoupling structure. Our results demonstrate that phase separation films developed here offer new opportunities in improving the outcoupling efficiency in OLEDs. more...

The nanoparticles based on nickel-manganese oxide and carbon-coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 are synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis technology with controlled particle sizes. The structural properties of nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy. It is observed that the higher surface tension of precursors in the flame spray pyrolysis setup increases the particle sizes. The post annealing treatment significantly enhances the crystallinity of nanoparticles due to the favorable oxidation process and the structure conversion from NiMn2O4 to NiMnO3. In addition, the solid-state reaction of as-prepared NiMn2O4 results in the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles which can be applied to the cathode in Li-ion batteries. The carboncoated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles are also made by additional carbonization reaction. The control of surface tension of precursors in the flame spray pyrolysis process is expected to result in the small size of nanoparticles, which can result in high cyclic stability and high capacity for Li-ion batteries. more...

The production cross sections of superheavy nuclei with charge numbers 114--117 are predicted in the (5--9)$n$ evaporation channels of the $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$-induced complete fusion reactions for future experiments. The estimates of synthesis capabilities are based on a uniform and consistent set of input nuclear data provided by the multidimensional microscopic-macroscopic approach. The contributions of various factors to the final production cross section are discussed. As shown, the specific interplay between survival and fusion probabilities unexpectedly leads to a relatively slow decline of the total cross sections with increasing excitation energy. This effect is supported by a favorable arrangement of fission barriers protecting the compound nucleus against splitting concerning energetic thresholds for the emission of successive neutrons. In particular, the probabilities of the formation of superheavy nuclei in the $5n, 6n$, and in some cases even $7n$ evaporation channels are still promising. This may offer a new opportunity for the future synthesis of unknown neutron-deficient superheavy isotopes. more...

Objectives Simultaneous transplantation of a solid organ and bone marrow from the same donor is a possible means of achieving transplant tolerance. Here, we attempted to identify biomarkers that indicate transplant tolerance for discontinuation of immunosuppressants in combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation (CKBMT). Methods Conventional kidney transplant (KT) recipients (n = 20) and CKBMT recipients (n = 6) were included in this study. We examined various immunological parameters by flow cytometry using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including the frequency and phenotype of regulatory T (Treg) cell subpopulations. We also examined the suppressive activity of the Treg cell population in the setting of mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with or without Treg cell depletion. Results Among six CKBMT recipients, three successfully discontinued immunosuppressants (tolerant group) and three could not (non‐tolerant group). The CD45RA−FOXP3++ Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in CKBMT recipients compared to conventional kidney transplant patients, and this was more obvious in the tolerant group than the non‐tolerant group. In addition, high suppressive activity of the Treg cell population was observed in the tolerant group. The ratio of CD45RA−FOXP3++ Treg cells to CD45RA−FOXP3+ cells indicated good discrimination between the tolerant and non‐tolerant groups. Conclusion Thus, our findings propose a biomarker that can distinguish CKBMT patients who achieve transplant tolerance and are eligible for discontinuation of immunosuppressants and may provide insight into tolerance mechanisms in CKBMT., In this study, we attempted to identify biomarkers that indicate transplant tolerance for discontinuation of immunosuppressants in combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation (CKBMT). We focused on CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and their subpopulations and found that the CD45RA–FoxP3++ Treg cell subpopulation was expanded in the tolerant group among CKBMT recipients. As a result, the ratio of CD45RA–FoxP3++ Treg cells to CD45RA–FoxP3+ cells indicated good discrimination between the tolerant and non‐tolerant groups. Our current findings propose a biomarker that can distinguish CKBMT patients who achieve transplant tolerance and are eligible for discontinuation of immunosuppressants and provide insight into tolerance mechanisms in CKBMT. more...

We calculate the mass shift and thermal decay width of the J / ψ near the QCD transition temperature T c by imposing two independent constraints on these variables that can be obtained first by solving the Schrodinger equation and second from the QCD sum rule approach. While the real part of the potential is determined by comparing the QCD sum rule result for charmonium and the D meson to that from the potential model result, the imaginary potential is taken to be proportional to the perturbative form multiplied by a constant factor, which in turn can be determined by applying the two independent constraints. The result shows that the binding energy and the thermal width becomes similar in magnitude at around T = 1.09 T c , above which the sum rule analysis also becomes unstable, strongly suggesting that the J / ψ will melt slightly above T c . more...

The production cross sections of heaviest isotopes of superheavy nuclei with charge numbers 112--118 are predicted in the $xn$--, $pxn$--, and $\alpha xn$--evaporation channels of the $^{48}$Ca-induced complete fusion reactions for future experiments. The estimates of synthesis capabilities are based on a uniform and consistent set of input nuclear data. Nuclear masses, deformations, shell corrections, fission barriers, and decay energies are calculated within the macroscopic-microscopic approach for even-even, odd-Z, and odd-N nuclei. For odd systems, the blocking procedure is used. To find, the ground states via minimization and saddle points using Immersion Water flow technique, multidimensional deformation spaces, containing non-axially are used. As shown, current calculations based on a new set of mass and barriers, agree very well with experimentally known cross-sections, especially in the $3n$--evaporation channel. The dependencies of these predictions on the mass/fission barriers tables and fusion models are discussed. A way is shown to produce directly unknown superheavy isotopes in the $1n$-- or $2n$--evaporation channels. The synthesis of new superheavy isotopes unattainable in reactions with emission of neutrons is proposed in the promising channels with emission of protons ($\sigma_{pxn} \simeq 10-200$ fb) and alphas ($\sigma_{\alpha xn} \simeq 5-500$ fb)., Comment: Submitted to PLB more...

We investigate the hadron production from the vortical quark-gluon plasma created in heavy-ion collisions. Based on the quark-coalescence and statistical hadronization models, we show that total hadron yields summed over the spin components are enhanced by the local vorticity with quadratic dependence. The enhancement factor amounts to be a few percent and may be detectable within current experimental sensitivities. We also show that the effect is stronger for hadrons with larger spin, and thus propose a new signature of the local vorticity, which may be detected by the yield ratio of distinct hadron species having different spins such as $\phi$ and $\eta'$. The vorticity dependence of hadron yields seems robust, with consistent predictions in both of the hadron production mechanisms for reasonable values of the vorticity strength estimated for heavy-ion collisions., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures; v2: summary and discussions improved, references updated, to be published in PRC more...

Despite increasing emphasis and a growing body of research on self-determination, few studies have examined perceptions and experiences of self-determination from the perspectives of students with disabilities in Korea. This study explored perceptions and experiences of self-determination of Korean students and youth with intellectual disability to identify factors that affect self-determination and directions for future research regarding instructional supports that promote self-determination. For this purpose, individual interviews were conducted with 19 students and youth with intellectual disability. The collected data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The analysis generated the following four main themes: (a) awareness of self-determination, (b) practices of self-determined behaviors, (c) goals for transition to adulthood, and (d) plans for achieving transition goals. The findings revealed the impact of experience on perceptions of self-determination and the impact of culture on experiences of self-determination. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for future research regarding instructional supports that promote the self-determination of students with intellectual disability, taking into account experiential and cultural factors. more...

Rabbit-antithymocyte globulin (rATG) is commonly used in kidney transplantation (KT) as an induction agent and is also commonly used in non-human primate (NHP) KT models. However, the optimal dose has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated which cumulative dose of rATG was most appropriate for transplantation in NHPs. Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with intravenous 5 mg/kg rATG (Thymoglobulin(®), Genzyme Ltd., UK) twice, on days 0 and 2 (a total of 10 mg/kg, n=2), or 4 times, on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 (a total of 20 mg/kg, n=6). In addition, we performed allo-KT in cynomolgus monkeys (n=4) with a cumulative 20 mg/kg dose of rATG with optimized dosing for induction therapy. We further compared immune cells, including naïve, central memory, and effector memory T cells, in reconstituted distributions in human KT patients (n=22). The kinetics of lymphocytes showed a rapid decrease at day 1 that was maintained for 2 weeks in the 20 mg/kg rATG group, while lymphocyte depletion was not maintained for more than 1 week in the 10 mg/kg rATG group. During the early period of rATG treatment in the NHP-KT model, the frequency of total T cells in the 20 mg/kg group showed a pattern of depletion similar with that of KT patients treated with rATG (1.5 mg/kg, 3 days). However, the pattern of reconstituted T cell subpopulations was different, as the number of effector memory cells rebounded in the NHP-KT model. These data indicate that lymphocyte-depletion induced by rATG was influenced by cumulative dose, and that an rATG dose of 20 mg/kg is suitable for induction therapy in renal transplantation in cynomolgus monkeys compared to human KT. more...

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising alternative transparent electrode to replace conventional indium tix oxide (ITO) for flexible and stretchable electronics. For their applications in optoelectronic devices, realizing both high conductivity and transmittance for the films is of great necessity as a suitable high performance transparent electrode. Here, we demonstrate simultaneously enhanced electrical and optical properties of PEDOT:PSS films prepared on chitosan bio-substrates by using an organic surface modifier, 11-aminoundecanoic acid (11-AA). The sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS films decreases from 1120.8 to 292.8 Ω/sq with an increase in a transmittance from 75.9 to 80.4% by 11-AA treatment on the chitosan films. The functional groups of 11-AA effectively enhance the adhesion property at the interface between the chitosan substrate and PEDOT:PSS by forming strong interfacial bondings and decrease insulating PSS from PEDOT:PSS films. The wearable heater devices and on-skin sensors based on the 11-AA-treated PEDOT:PSS on the chitosan bio-substrates are successfully fabricated, showing the excellent thermal and sensing performances. The 11-AA surface-modification approach for highly conductive PEDOT:PSS on chitosan bio-substrates presents a great potential for applications toward transparent, flexible and stretchable electronics. more...

The excitation functions of the production of new heaviest isotopes of superheavy nuclei with charge numbers 111–117 in the pxn and αxn evaporation channels of the 48Ca-induced hot fusion reactions are predicted for the first time for future experiments. more...

We report on a new surface modifier which simultaneously improves electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of silver nanowire-based stretchable transparent electrodes. The transparent electrodes treated with 11-aminoundecanoic acid achieve a low sheet resistance of 26.0 ohm/sq and a high transmittance of 90% with an excellent stretchability. These improvements are attributed to the effective formation of a strong chemical bond between silver nanowire networks and elastomeric substrates by 11-aminoundecanoic acid treatment. The resistance change of the optimized silver nanowire/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin-films is only about 10% when the film is stretched by 120%. In addition, the chemical stability of stretchable silver nanowire films is significantly improved by the introduction of conductive PEDOT:PSS overcoat film. The optimized electrodes are utilized as high-performance stretchable transparent heaters, successfully illustrating its feasibility for future wearable electronics., Graphical abstract more...

We study the hadronic effects on the $cc\overline{q}\overline{q}$ tetraquark state by focusing on the ${T}_{cc}({1}^{+})$ meson during the hadronic stage of relativistic heavy ion collisions. We evaluate the absorption cross section of the ${T}_{cc}$ meson by pions in the quasifree approximation, and investigate the time evolution of the ${T}_{cc}$ abundance in the hadronic medium based on the effective volume and temperature of the hadronic phase at both the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) modeled by hydrodynamic calculations with the lattice equation of state. We probe two possible scenarios for the structure of the ${T}_{cc}$, where it is assumed to be either a compact multiquark state or a larger sized molecular configuration composed of $D{D}^{*}$. Our numerical results suggest that the hadronic effects on the ${T}_{cc}$ production are insignificant, and its final abundance depends on the initial yield of the ${T}_{cc}$ produced from the quark-gluon plasma phase, which will depend on the assumed structure of the state. more...

For weakly bound quarkonia, we rederive the next-to-leading order cross sections of quarkonium dissociation by partons that include the hard thermal loop (HTL) resummation. Our results calculated with an effective vertex from the Bethe-Salpeter amplitude reduce to those obtained by potential nonrelativistic QCD (pNRQCD) in the relevant kinematical limit, and they can be used in a wide temperature range applicable to heavy quark systems in heavy ion collisions. Based on the lattice computation of the temperature-dependent binding energy, our numerical analysis on $\Upsilon(1S)$ indicates that at high temperature the dominant mechanism for quarkonium dissociation is inelastic parton scattering as expected in the quasifree approximation, while it is the gluo-dissociation at low temperature. By comparing with the momentum diffusion coefficient of a heavy quark, we discuss possible O(g) corrections to the next-to-leading order thermal width., Comment: 18 pages, 10 figures more...

Long-range chromosomal travel is a phenomenon unique to cell division. Methods for non-invasive, artificial manipulation of chromosomes, such as optical or magnetic tweezers, have difficulty in producing the motion of whole chromosomes in live cells. Here, we report the spatial control of chromosomes over 10 μm in a live mouse oocyte using magnetic particles driven by an external magnetic field. Selective capture of the chromosomes was achieved using antibodies specific for histone H1 in the chromosome that were conjugated to magnetic particles (H1-BMPs). When an external magnetic field was applied, the chromosomes captured by the H1-BMPs traveled through the cytosol and accumulated near the cell membrane though the movement of the chromosomes captured by H1-BMPs was strongly disturbed by the distribution of the cytoskeleton (e.g. actin filaments). Being non-invasive in nature, our approach will enable new opportunities in the remote manipulation of subcellular elements. more...

Experimental data on Coulomb breakup and neutron removal indicate that $^{31}\mathrm{Ne}$ is one of the heaviest halo nuclei discovered so far. The possible ground state of $^{31}\mathrm{Ne}$ is either $3/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ coming from the $p$-wave halo or $1/{2}^{+}$ coming from the $s$-wave halo. In this work, we develop a treatable model to include deformed wave functions and a dynamical knockout formalism that includes the dependence on the nuclear orientation to study the neutron removal from $^{31}\mathrm{Ne}$ projectiles at energies around $E\ensuremath{\approx}200$ MeV/nucleon. A detailed account of the effects of deformation on cross sections and longitudinal momentum distributions is made. Our numerical analysis indicates a preference for the $^{31}\mathrm{Ne}$ ground state with spin-parity $3/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. more...

The possibilities of direct production of new isotopes of transfermium nuclei $^{261,263,264}\mathrm{No}$, $^{263,264}\mathrm{Lr}$, $^{263,264,266,268}\mathrm{Rf}$, $^{264,265}\mathrm{Db}$, and $^{267,268,270,272}\mathrm{Sg}$ are studied in various asymmetric hot fusion-evaporation reactions with radioactive beams. The optimal reaction partners and conditions for the synthesis of new isotopes are suggested. The products of the suggested reactions can fill a gap of unknown isotopes between the isotopes of heaviest nuclei obtained in the $xn$ evaporation channels of the cold and hot complete fusion reactions with the stable beams. more...

We report outcoupling efficiency enhanced organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using microlens array films prepared by a simple solution-processed imprinting technique with breath figure patterns. The films with breath figure micro-patterns (BFMP) effectively extract confined light in the glass substrate, which leads to the greatly improved outcoupling performance of OLEDs. We observe the enhancement of external quantum efficiency of the OLEDs employing the BFMP outcoupling film is about 1.51, corresponding to the enhancement of the power efficiency by a factor of 1.65. Moreover, the device with the outcoupling film shows the limited angle-dependency of emission spectrum over viewing angles. The BFMP films prepared with a low-cost, simple, and solution-processable fabrication process can pave the way to achieving high-performance OLEDs. more...

s Objectives Because comorbidity is a crucial issue in medical practice and research, this study evaluated the effect of comorbidity on the length of hospital stay and mortality among unintentionally injured patients. Methods Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey 2005 data were used, and the odds ratios for in-hospital mortality and long hospital stay were estimated for injured patients with and without comorbidity. The factors evaluated were the injury mechanisms; patient age, sex and residence; and hospital size. Results In general, pre-existing diseases were associated with longer hospital stays after injury and increased the risk of death. Controlling for age, sex, residence, cause of injury and hospital size indicated that unintentionally injured patients with comorbidity experienced higher in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.23) and longer hospital stays (OR = 1.90). The greatest risk of death was associated with coagulopathy (OR = 18.5) and fluid and electrolyte disorder (OR = 13.8); the greatest risk of a long hospital stay was associated with Alzheimer's disease (OR = 10.3) and paralysis (OR = 5.8). The prognosis for cases involving drowning, traffic accidents and poisoning was most often affected by comorbidity (OR = 15.1, 2.5, 2.5 for mortality). Comorbid patients injured in falls and fires were hospitalized 6.2 and 4.0 times longer, respectively, than those who did not have comorbid conditions. Conclusions It is necessary to identify and manage pre-existing disease among unintentional injury patients, and collaboration with other health care providers is important to the prognosis of injured patients. more...

The possibilities of direct production of the isotopes of transfermium nuclei $^{259,260}\mathrm{Md}, ^{260,261}\mathrm{No}, ^{261\char21{}264}\mathrm{Lr}, ^{264,265}\mathrm{Rf}, ^{264\char21{}268}\mathrm{Db}, ^{266\char21{}269}\mathrm{Sg}, ^{266\char21{}271}\mathrm{Bh}, ^{267\char21{}274}\mathrm{Hs}$, and $^{270\char21{}274}\mathrm{Mt}$ in various asymmetric hot fusion-evaporation reactions are studied. The excitation functions of the formation of these isotopes in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}xn$ and $pxn$ evaporation channels are predicted for the first time. The optimal reaction partners and conditions for the synthesis of new isotopes are suggested. The products of the suggested reactions can fill a gap of unknown isotopes between the isotopes of heaviest nuclei obtained in the $xn$ evaporation channels of the cold and hot complete fusion reactions. more...

The possibilities of production of new isotopes of superheavy nuclei with charge numbers Z = 109-114 in various asymmetric hot fusion reactions are studied for the first time. The excitation functions of the formation of these isotopes in the xn evaporation channels are predicted and the optimal conditions for the synthesis are proposed. The products of the suggested reactions can fill a gap of unknown isotopes between the isotopes of the heaviest nuclei obtained in cold and hot complete fusion reactions. more...

Background: The aims of this study were to describe temporal patterns of injury-related mortality by sex, age group, and mechanism, and to identify changes in the leading causes of injury-related deaths in South Korea from 1996 through 2006. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study analyzed national data on all injury-related deaths reported in official death certificates from 1996-2006. Incidence rates of fatal injuries are presented as crude and age-standardized rates per 100 000 population, and percentage changes in injury-related mortalities over the 11-year period were calculated with respect to intention, sex, and age. The 4 most common mechanisms (fall, poisoning, suffocation, and drowning) were then classified as unintentional injuries or suicides. Results: Overall injury-related mortality decreased 31.7% during the study period (1996-2006). Despite this overall decreasing trend, injury-related mortality increased among adults aged 65 years or older. In particular, injury-related mortality among women older than 80 years doubled since 1996. Suicide replaced transport as the leading cause of injury-related deaths between 2003 and 2006. With regard to intention, sex, and age, the most noticeable changes during the study period were increases in unintentional fall among elderly adults and suicidal fall among adolescents. Conclusions: The incidence rate for all injuries generally decreased from 1996-2006. However, the incidence rate of fall injuries increased among elderly adults, and suicide increased among adolescents. These findings suggest that further investigation of the characteristics and trends of injuries is necessary to develop and implement effective interventions. Language: en more...

The sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of beef soup samples containing 9 types of glutathione Maillard reaction products (GMRPs) were investigated to examine the effects of the GMRPs produced under different reaction conditions on the flavor of the beef soup. The sensory characteristics of the beef stocks were examined using descriptive analysis. In consumer testing, 50 consumers evaluated the overall acceptability and flavor intensities of beef odor, salty taste, beef flavor, and seasoning flavor in the beef soup samples. It was found that the reaction conditions, including sugar type and pH, affected the sensory characteristics of the beef stock containing the GMRPs. The samples containing the GMRPs reacted at pH 7 were characterized with strong beef flavor, chestnut flavor, and cooked rice flavor. However, the GMRP reacted with xylose at pH 7 (XM7) was significantly stronger in beef-related sensory characteristics than the GMRPs reacted with glucose or fructose at pH 7 (GM7 and FM7). The samples containing the GMRPs reacted at pH 3 had strong acid-related attributes whereas the GMRPs reacted at pH 11 exhibited strong sulfur-related attributes and a bitter taste. Overall, the beef soup containing XM7, which was perceived as having a strong beef odor and flavor, was rated the highest consumer acceptability score. This suggests that XM7 has feasibility as a flavor enhancer. To elucidate its effectiveness further, it is required to apply XM7 in various food systems at varying levels and to compare its flavor enhancing effects with other flavor enhancers such as monosodium L-glutamate in future studies. Practical Application: This study characterized sensory attributes of glutathione Maillard reaction products (GMRPs) reacted under various conditions and evaluated their potential as a flavor enhancer by examining consumer acceptability of beef stock containing the GMRPs. This study showed that the GMRP reacted with xylose at pH 7 had strong 71 beef flavor and the highest consumer acceptability score. The results of this study will provide valuable information for understanding sensory aspect of flavors generated by Maillard reaction of GSH and sugars, since most studies on Maillard reaction focused on chemical reactions. Also, the outcome of this study will help flavor and food industries' efforts to develop a new flavor enhancer for use in a variety of processed food products. more...

Our tissues consist of individual cells that respond to the elasticity of their environment, which varies between and within tissues. To better understand mechanically driven cell migration, it is necessary to manipulate the stiffness gradient across a substrate. Here, we have demonstrated a new variant of the microfabricated polymeric pillar array platform that can decouple the stiffness gradient from the ECM protein area. This goal is achieved via a "stepped" micro pillar array device (SMPAD) in which the contact area with the cell was kept constant while the diameter of the pillar bodies was altered to attain the proper mechanical stiffness. Using double-step SU-8 mold fabrication, the diameter of the top of every pillar was kept uniform, whereas that of the bottom was changed, to achieve the desired substrate rigidity. Fibronectin was immobilized on the pillar tops, providing a focal adhesion site for cells. C2C12, HeLa and NIH3T3 cells were cultured on the SMPAD, and the motion of the cells was observed by time-lapse microscopy. Using this simple platform, which produces a purely physical stimulus, we observed that various types of cell behavior are affected by the mechanical stimulus of the environment. We also demonstrated directed cell migration guided by a discrete rigidity gradient by varying stiffness. Interestingly, cell velocity was highest at the highest stiffness. Our approach enables the regulation of the mechanical properties of the polymeric pillar array device and eliminates the effects of the size of the contact area. This technique is a unique tool for studying cellular motion and behavior relative to various stiffness gradients in the environment. more...

The production of hassium isotopes $^{266--271}\mathrm{Hs}$ in various reactions $^{22}\mathrm{Ne}+^{249}\mathrm{Cf},^{25,26}\mathrm{Mg}+^{248}\mathrm{Cm},^{30}\mathrm{Si}+^{244}\mathrm{Pu},^{34,36}\mathrm{S}+^{238}\mathrm{U},^{40}\mathrm{Ar}+^{232}\mathrm{Th}$, and $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}+^{226}\mathrm{Ra}$ is studied within the dinuclear system model. The experimental excitation functions of the isotopes ${}^{266--271}\text{Hs}$ are well described and predictions are made for future experiments. more...