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In compromised bone conditions such as osteoporosis, developments of the implant surface are necessary to secure the stability of implants. This study investigated the effect of the surface porous titanium structure (PS) on the osseointegration of implants in osteoporotic bone. Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) was performed in 4 female beagle dogs to induce osteoporosis for 32 wk. Success of induction was based on the evaluation of bone mineral density by Hounsfield units (HU) in computed tomography images. Posterior teeth in both mandibles were extracted 1 wk after OVX, and a total of 30 implants (15 implants in each group) were placed after 32 wk of osteoporosis induction. The control group implant underwent resorbable blast media (RBM) surface treatment, whereas the test group underwent RBM surface treatment in the coronal two-thirds and a PS added to the apical 3-mm portion. HU values in the mandibular trabecular bone, lumbar, and femoral head significantly decreased 32 wk after OVX, confirming osteoporotic condition after induction. Resonance frequency analysis and removal torque test showed comparable values between the 2 groups at 4 wk after implant placement. The surface topography of the implant after removal showed hard tissue integration at the PS in the test group. Bone-to-implant contact length was greater in the apical portion of the test group, although statistical significance was not found between the groups. Interthread bone area in the apical portion of the test group showed a significant increase compared to the control group (control: 0.059 ± 0.041 mm2, test: 0.121 ± 0.060 mm2, P = 0.028) with the histological feature of bone ingrowth at the PS. The findings of the study demonstrated that the surface PS could improve osteoconductivity in the osteoporotic trabecular bone by bone ingrowth at the pore space, thereby enhancing the osseointegration and stability of the implants.

Canine cloning is occasionally accompanied by abnormal sexual development. Some male donor cells produce cloned pups with female external genitalia and complete male gonadal dysgenesis, which is classified as an XY disorder of sex development (XY DSD). In this study, we examine the potential of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, to reduce the phenotypic abnormality XY DSD in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)- derived pups. We used a 9-year-old normal male German Shepherd dog as a cell donor. Donor cells were treated with 10 nM 5-aza-dC for 4 days before being used for SCNT. At the same stage of cell development, significantly lower levels of DNA methylation of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) promoter was observed in the treated donor cells compared to that in the untreated cells (95.2% versus 53.3% on day 4 for the control and treated groups, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the control or treatment groups concerning fusion rate, pregnancy rate (30 days or entire period), the number of pups, or the incidence of XY DSD. However, more XY DSD dogs were observed in the control group (31.25%) than in the treatment group (14.29%). Hypermethylation of the SRY promoter was observed in the XY DSD cloned pups in both the treatment (84.8%) and control groups (91.1 ± 1.4%) compared to the methylation level in the phenotypically normal male pups of the treatment (23.2 ± 20.9%) and control groups (39.1 ± 20.1%). These results suggest that 5-aza-dC treatment of donor cells can reduce the methylation level of the SRY promoter in donor cells, and thus, 5-aza-dC is advantageous for reducing the incidence of XY DSD in canine cloning.

We have constructed and completed the preparation for a long-term operation test of a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) in a Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) test grid. The SFCL with rating of 22.9 kV/630 A, 3-phases, has been connected to the 22.9 kV test grid equipped with reclosers and other protection devices in Gochang Power Testing Center of KEPCO. The main goals of the test are the verification of SFCL performance and protection coordination studies. A line-commutation type SFCL was fabricated and installed for this project, and the superconducting components were cooled by a cryo-cooler to 77 K in the sub-cooled liquid nitrogen pressurized by 3 bar of helium gas. The verification test includes un-manned – long-term operation with and without loads and fault tests. Since the test site is 170 km away from the laboratory, we will adopt the un-manned operation with real-time remote monitoring and controlling using high speed internet. For the fault tests, we will apply fault currents up to around 8 kArms to the SFCL using an artificial fault generator. The fault tests may allow us not only to confirm the current limiting capability of the SFCL, but also to adjust the SFCL – recloser coordination such as resetting over-current relay parameters. This paper describes the construction of the testing facilities and discusses the plans for the verification tests.

In the first-peak non-limiting type superconductor-triggered fault current limiter (STFCL), which was developed by the collaborative work of KEPRI and LSIS, the first half cycle of fault currents is passed, unlimited. Due to these characteristics, information needed for the fault judgments can be provided to the protection relays, which is useful for the protective coordination of power system. In this fault current limiter, superconductors are used as a fault detector that does not generate resistive loss in normal operation state. Therefore, high J c and fast occurrence of large resistance are the essential properties of superconductors for the application to fault detectors. In this study, for the design of superconducting fault detector (SFD), we investigated the quench behavior of two kinds of superconductors, stabilizer-free coated conductors (SF-CC) and Au/YBCO/sapphire substrate, during the operation of the first-peak non-limiting type STFCL. The dimension of SF-CC was 12 mm wide × 1000 mm long and that of Au/YBCO/sapphire was 20 mm wide × 100 mm long. Their critical current ( I c ) values were 250 A and 200 A, respectively, and the critical temperature ( T c ) was both 90 K for both superconductors. When fault currents of over 3 kA were applied, the STFCL carried out the current limitation successfully. At the beginning of the quench, SF-CC generated a resistance of 150 mΩ, and 394 mΩ was generated in the Au/YBCO/sapphire substrate, when 150 V rms was applied. After the first half cycle, the resistance of the superconductors increased up to 263 mΩ, and 846 mΩ, respectively, and the temperature reached 132 K and 127 K. In addition, we also investigated the recovery characteristics of the SFDs. The SF-CC and Au/YBCO/sapphire substrate recovered the superconductivity by 353 ms and 357 ms, respectively. Based on the results of the analysis, we determined the required length of the superconductors for the SFD application.

We have designed and tested a superconducting fault detector (SFD) for a 22.9 kV superconductor triggered fault current limiters (STFCLs) using Au/YBCO thin films. The SFD is to detect a fault and commutate the current from the primary path to the secondary path of the STFCL. First, quench characteristics of the Au/YBCO thin films were investigated for various faults having different fault duration. The rated voltage of the Au/YBCO thin films was determined from the results, considering the stability of the Au/YBCO elements. Second, the recovery time to superconductivity after quench was measured in each fault case. In addition, the dependence of the recovery characteristics on numbers and dimension of Au/YBCO elements were investigated. Based on the results, a SFD was designed, fabricated and tested. The SFD successfully detected a fault current and carried out the line commutation. Its recovery time was confirmed to be less than 0.5 s, satisfying the reclosing scheme in the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)’s power grid.

Ti2AlC ternary carbide is being explored for various high temperature applications due to its strength at high temperatures, excellent thermal-shock resistance, and high electrical conductivity. A potential advantage of Ti2AlC over conventional Al2O3-forming materials is the near-identical coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Ti2AlC and α-Al2O3, which could result in superior spallation resistance and make Ti2AlC a promising option for applications ranging from bondcoats for thermal barrier coatings to furnace heating elements. In this study, isothermal and cyclic oxidation were performed in air to examine the oxidation behavior of Ti2AlC. Isothermal oxidation was performed at 1000, 1200 and 1400 °C for up to 25 h and cyclic oxidation consisted of 1,000 1-hour cycles at 1200 °C. Characteristics of the oxide scale developed in air, including mass change, residual stress in the α-Al2O3 scale, phase constituents and microstructure, were examined as functions of time and temperature by thermogravimetry, photostimulated luminescence, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy via focused ion beam in situ lift-out. Above a continuous and adherent α-Al2O3 layer, a discontinuous-transient rutile-TiO2 scale was identified in the oxide scale developed at 1000 and 1200 °C, while a discontinuous-transient Al2TiO5 scale was identified at 1400 °C. The continuous α-Al2O3scale thickened to more than 15 μm after 25 h of isothermal oxidation at 1400 °C, and after 1,000 1-hour cycles at 1200 °C, yet remained adherent and protective. The compressive residual stress determined by photoluminescence for the α-Al2O3 scale remained under 0.65 GPa for the specimens oxidized up to 1400°C for 25 hours. The small magnitude of the compressive residual stress may be responsible the high spallation-resistance of the protective α-Al2O3 scale developed on Ti2AlC, despite the absence of reactive element additions.

Hydrogen gas (H2) was produced by gamma-irradiation of pure water in the presence of various TiO2 catalysts. Most catalysts used in this work largely enhanced the radiolytic decomposition of water and subsequent production of H2. The different activity of catalysts was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The addition of methanol as a sacrificing agent further increased the H2 production by scavenging hydroxyl radicals and the scavenging activity was directly identified using an EPR/spin-trapping technique. Among the catalysts studied, nanosized TiO2 (nTiO2) showed an excellent activity in the production of H2. Furthermore, the addition of EDTA instead of methanol largely increased the H2 production. This is quite promising since waste compounds such as EDTA can be removed with concomitant H2 production

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) completed the High-flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor (HANARO) in 1995 and the radioisotope production facilities(RIPF) in 1997. Many devices and handling tools were developed and applied for the production of radioisotopes. Emphasis on RI production plan was placed on the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, the development of new radiation sources for industrial use and the steady production of selected radioisotopes. The selected items are 166Ho-based pharmaceuticals, fission 99Mo/99mTc generators, and products of 131I and 192Ir and 60Co sources for industrial use. Now KAERI regularly produces radioisotopes (131I, 99mTc, 166Ho, 192Ir, 60Co etc.) and labeled compounds including 99mTc cold kits. Newly developed therapeutic agents are a 166Ho-chitosan complex for liver cancer treatment, a 166Ho patch for skin cancer treatment and devices such as the stent and balloon for the prevention against restenosis of the coronary artery. Feasibility studies on the installation of a 99mTc generator loading facility and on 60Co production for food irradiation were finished. The 192Ir sealed source assembly for NDT has been supplied to domestic users since May 2001. The fission moly process, separation process of non-sealed sources (125I, 33P, 89Sr, 153Sm, 188Re) and fabrication process of sealed sources (169Yb, 75Se) are also under development. For the quality assurance of our final products, we obtained ISO certification in 2000. We are carrying out a feasibility study on a new research reactor for the stable supply of radioisotopes in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the absorbed dose distribution of Ho-166 endovascular beta irradiation using an angio-catheter. The liquid form of Ho-166 was produced at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) by an (n,gamma) reaction. Ho-166 has a half-life of 26.8 h and emits a high-energy beta particle with a maximum energy of 1.85 MeV. GafChromic film was used for the estimation of the absorbed dose of beta particles. A Co-60 teletherapy source and a 6 MV photon beam from a linear accelerator were used to generate dose-optical density calibration curves. The exposed films were read using a videodensitometer. With a modified micrometer, the film was positioned accurately on the surface of the balloon in water. The balloon was filled with Ho-166 solution to a pressure of 4 atm. Several film exposures were made with varying irradiation times and activities. The radiation absorbed dose rates were 1.02, 0.51 and 0.35 Gy x min(-1) x GBq(-1) x ml(-1) at the balloon surface, 0.5 and 1 mm from the balloon surface, respectively. The absorbed dose distribution revealed that Ho-166 is a good source for endovascular irradiation as the beta range is very short, avoiding unnecessary irradiation of normal tissue. A clinically applicable irradiation and duration of exposure were achievable utilizing our system.

To evaluate and optimize a modified small bowel follow-through examination (SBFT) by using an oral administration of a large amount (600 mL) of methylcellulose after taking a small amount of barium.Ninety-nine normal subjects underwent modified SBFT with an oral administration of 600 mL of 0.5% methylcellulose after taking 100 mL of 120% or 100, 150, or 200 mL of 70% w/v barium. The transradiancy and distensibility of the bowel and the transit time were compared with those of 39 other normal subjects who underwent conventional SBFT with 500 mL of 70% w/v barium.Except for two subjects who developed diarrhea immediately after examination, no patients complained of acute symptoms, such as abdominal pain or vomiting. Modified SBFT was much superior to conventional series for obtaining good bowel transradiancy and rapid transit time (range = 37-49 min), but bowel distention was not significantly improved. The use of 150 mL of 70% w/v barium was better than the other three modified techniques for achieving good bowel transradiancy, rapid transit time, and less occurrence of flocculation.Modified SBFT is a simple method for easily improving the image quality in terms of bowel transradiancy and transit time.

New165Dy and166Ho macroaggregates(165Dy-MA,166Ho-MA) were prepared by reacting the aqueous solution of165Dy(NO3)3 and166Ho(NO3)3, respectively, with sodium borohydride solution in 0.2N NaOH.165Dy-MA and166Ho-MA are sterile suspension of macroaggregates consisted of Dy/Ho (50–56 wt.%) and boron (5–7%) in saline with mean particle size of 2.6 μm (1–8 μm range). Both MA could be prepared from the pre-made164Dy-MA and165Ho-MA followed by neutron irradiation. Even though the165Dy-MA and166Ho-MA suspension in saline were stored at 37°C for 24 hrs (Dy-MA), 10 days (Ho-MA) or autoclaved at 121°C for 30 minutes, there was no significant change in particle size and no leakage problem indicating the prepared165Dy-MA and166Ho-MA are sufficiently stable. The results of in-vivo retention studies using rabbits showed high retention (>99.5%) in knee joint even at 24 hrs (165Dy-MA) or at 10 days (166Ho-MA) after administration. Rabbits treated with intra-articular injections of164Dy-MA or165Ho-MA equivalent to 20–30 times the typical clinical dose showed no signs of any toxic effects at 1 month after administration. The ease with which the165Dy-MA and166Ho-MA can be made in the narrow size range and their high in-vitro and in-vivo stability make them attractive agents for radiation synovectomy.

Chromosome 17p allelic losses and concurrent p53 mutations have been demonstrated in various human cancers. We therefore investigated the presence of chromosome 17p allelic loss and possible concurrent p53 mutation in 29 Korean cases of cervical carcinoma by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) over the region from exon 4 to exon 9 of the p53 gene. We also examined the expression of p53 in paraffin tissues by immunohistochemical staining and determined the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) sequences in the same tissues by multitype PCR analysis to correlate them to the allelic loss on chromosome 17p13 and p53 mutation. In the analysis of 29 cases, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed in eight (40%) cases out of 20 informative cases and p53 mutation was observed in only one case (3.4%) at exon 5. So in the majority of cases with LOH on 17p in this series, mutation of p53 gene appeared to be rare. But we obtained three cases (10.3%) of positive immunoreactivity from 29 cases. Those cases may carry mutations outside of the regions examined by PCR-SSCP. HPV DNA was detected in 27 of 29 cases (93.1%). HPV types 8, 11, 16, and 18 were detected in the samples we tested, while only two (7.4%) out of 27 HPV positive cases exhibited overexpression for p53 without any demonstrable p53 mutation upon PCR-SSCP. These results suggest that HPV infection may play a role in inactivating wild-type p53 protein in cervical carcinomas. In conclusion, mutation and overexpression of p53 gene appear to be rare, particularly in cases of cervical carcinoma associated with positive HPV sequence.

The plasticity index has often been invoked as an indicator of the most likely condition for scuffing of metals. The particular condition for initiating scuffing was thought to be 2% plastic strain in contacting asperities, which would lead to adhesion between asperities. E~eriments were done to validate the hypothesis using low alloy steels and stainless steel, lubricated with plain mineral oil and mineral oil containing 1% stearic acid, in slow single-pass sliding and in repeat pass sliding. Some experiments showed an influence of asperity slope on scuffing load as suggested by the plasticity index. Most experiments showed no such influence. All experiments showed that a great amount of plastic flow occurred before scuffing occurred.

Riassunto Obiettivi Oggetto di questo contributo e la valutazione della tecnica chirurgica ricostruttiva-rigenerativa e/o implantare piu efficace per l’aumento verticale di creste atrofiche, nel rispetto del materiale biologico utilizzato. Materiali e metodi Sono stati analizzati 14 studi clinici randomizzati e controllati presenti in letteratura che rispettavano i criteri di inclusione delle review Cochrane. Risultati e conclusioni Nella mandibola posteriore edentula e possibile rigenerare osso verticalmente ma con complicanze frequenti. Inoltre non e ancora chiaro quale fra le tecniche proposte sia la migliore. In caso invece di mandibola atrofica totalmente edentula, la scelta ottimale sembra essere costituita dagli impianti corti (8-11 mm) posizionati nella zona intraforaminale, in quanto presentano piu facile esecuzione e bassa morbilita, inoltre l’intervento puo svolgersi ambulatorialmente.

This paper deals with the development of a practical postprocessor for 5-axis machine tools. Recently, special 5-axis machine tools with non-orthogonal rotary axes as well as typical 5-axis machine tools with orthogonal rotary axes have been introduced. In the present work, the general equations of NC data for 5-axis configurations with non-orthogonal rotary axes are exactly expressed by the inverse kinematics, and a Windows-based postprocessor written in Visual Basic was developed according to the proposed algorithm. The developed postprocessor is a general system suitable for all kinds of 5-axis machine tools not only with orthogonal rotary axes but also with non-orthogonal rotary axes, thereby expanding the range of application of the developed postprocessor. In addition, through implementation of the developed postprocessor and verification by a cutting simulation and machining experiment, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was confirmed. Compatibility was improved by allowing exchange of data formats such as RTCP controlled NC data, Vector post NC data, and POF CL data, and convenience was increased by adding the function of work-piece origin offset. Consequently, a practical post-processor for 5-axis machining has been developed.

The effect of long-term use of high glucose dialysate on peritoneal structure and function, and its relation with accumulation of advanced glycosylation end-product (AGE) in the peritoneum was investigated in this study.Dialysates with 4.25% glucose were injected into the peritoneal cavity of normal rats for 12 weeks without (PD, n = 7) and with (1 g/L, PD+AG, n = 7) aminoguanidine in their drinking water. Rats not having intraperitoneal (IP) injection served as control (n = 9). After 12 weeks of IP injection, a 2-hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed using 30 mL 4.25% glucose dialysate. Intraperitoneal volume (IPV), dialysate-to-plasma urea ratio at 2 hours (D/P2), the ratio of dialysate glucose at 2 hours to initial dialysate glucose (D2/D0), and the peritoneal fluid absorption rate (Qa) were evaluated. After the PET, samples of the parietal peritoneum were taken for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining for AGE.The IPV and D2/D0 glucose were significantly lower and Qa and D2/P2 urea significantly higher in the PD group than in the control group. Aminoguanidine reversed in part the changes in IPV and D2/P2 urea in the PD group; it had no effect on Qa and D2/D0 glucose. The HE staining showed a linear mesothelial lining with negligible cells and capillaries in the narrow submesothelial space in the control group. Mesothelial denudation and submesothelial infiltration of monocytes and capillary formation were observed in the PD group. Mesothelial denudation was relatively intact in the PD+AG group compared with the PD group. Submesothelial monocyte infiltration and capillary formation in the PD+AG group were not as prominent as in the PD group. Positive AGE staining was found in the submesothelial space, vascular walls, and endomysium in the PD group, while it was markedly attenuated in PD+AG group and negligible in the control group.Long-term use of high glucose solutions induced peritoneal AGE accumulation and mesothelial denudation, and increased peritoneal permeability and peritoneal fluid absorption rate. Inhibition of peritoneal AGE accumulation prevented those functional and structural damages to the peritoneum.

Background: We wanted to establish reasonable cholangiographic diagnostic criteria by determining the sensitivity of cholangiography in detecting choledochoceles and those factors that could compromise visualization of choledochoceles. Methods: Over 4 years, 21 patients (seven male, 14 female; mean age = 67 years) were confirmed as having choledochoceles on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Cholangiographic diagnosis was made by following three criteria: a radiolucent halo around the distal common bile duct (CBD), bulbous dilatation of the distal CBD, and the presence of sequential morphologic changes on serial cholangiography. Any two or more combinations of these three criteria were considered enough to diagnose a choledochocele on cholangiography. We compared cholangiographic imaging findings with the ERCP results. Results: Of 21 patients with choledochoceles, nine (43%) were correctly diagnosed on cholangiography. A radiolucent halo was present in six (28%) patients; four of these cases showed optimal duodenal filling, one showed faint duodenal filling, and one showed poor duodenal filling. The shapes of the distal CBD were bulbous, conelike, and blunt. Morphologic changes such as collapsing and bulging of the choledochocele could be seen in 12 (57%) patients on serial cholangiography. Waists were seen in 11 (52%), pseudowebs in four (19%), and wrinkling of the distal CBD in seven (33%). Conclusion: Cholangiography should be obtained with optimal timing and adequate conditions to diagnose choledochocele correctly.

Since the advent of psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, the value of plasma 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) concentrations to predict PUVA-induced erythema has been widely investigated. Plasma 8-MOP concentrations have not been proportional to, and cannot alone predict, the degree of PUVA-induced erythema. We assumed that PUVA-induced erythema was related more closely to psoralen concentrations in the skin tissue rather than those within blood vessels. This study was designed to investigate the correlations between the 8-MOP concentrations in suction blister fluid (SBF) and in plasma, with the degree of PUVA-induced erythema. 8-MOP concentrations in plasma and SBF were measured in 15 vitiligo patients and 11 volunteers. Blood and SBF samples were collected 2 h after taking 8-MOP, and 8-MOP concentrations in plasma and SBF were quantified using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Eleven volunteers were phototested using a series of doses of ultraviolet A at the time of sampling. The erythema responses were estimated visually to determine the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD). SBF 8-MOP concentrations showed a weak positive correlation with plasma 8-MOP concentrations, which means that we could not predict the exact SBF 8-MOP concentrations using the plasma 8-MOP concentrations. The MPD showed a better correlation with the log of the SBF 8-MOP concentration than with that of the plasma 8-MOP concentration. These results show that plasma 8-MOP concentration cannot represent the exact SBF 8-MOP concentration, and that SBF 8-MOP concentrations, which are representative of the skin tissue 8-MOP level, are more closely related to the erythemal sensitivity during PUVA therapy.

The fate of 166Ho-chitosan complex, a radiopharmaceutical drug for cancer therapy, was determined by studying its absorption, distribution and excretion in rats and mice.Holmium-166-chitosan complex [0.75 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O and 1 mg chitosan/ head] was administered intrahepatically to male rats. Radioactive concentrations in blood, urinary and fecal excretion and radioactive distribution in tissues were examined. To determine the effects of chitosan in 166Ho-chitosan complex, 166Ho alone [0.75 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O/head] was intrahepatically administered to male rats, and radioactive concentrations in blood, urinary and fecal excretion and radioactive distribution were examined. In B16 melanoma-transplanted nude mice, radioactive distribution after intratumoral administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex [0.075 mg of Ho(NO3)3 x 5H2O and 0.10 mg chitosan/head] was investigated also.After administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex, the radioactive concentrations in blood were low, and cumulative urinary and fecal excretions over a period of 0-72 hr were 0.53% and 0.54%, respectively. The radioactive concentrations in tissues and the whole-body autoradiography images showed that most of the administered radioactivity was localized at the administration site, and only slight radioactivity was detected from the liver, spleen, lungs and bones. On the other hand, results of intrahepatic administration of 166Ho alone showed high radioactive concentrations in the blood, and the whole-body autoradiographs showed that the administered radioactivity was distributed in many organs and tissues. These results strongly suggest that 166Ho is retained at the administration site only when it forms a chelate complex with chitosan. Autoradiographs after intratumoral administration of 166Ho-chitosan complex showed that radioactivity was localized at the site of administration without distribution to the other organs and tissues.Administered 166Ho-chitosan complex is retained at the administration site after either intrahepatic or intratumoral administration to rats or tumor-transplanted nude mice.

Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder whose clinical findings are quite similar to those of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. The differences between those two diseases include absence of erythroderma and different distributions in the skin in ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens. Recent studies have confirmed that ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens is caused by the mutation in the keratin 2e (K2e) gene, which is expressed in the upper spinous and granular layers. We have identified a sporadic case of ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens; based on diagnosis by histopathological findings, the K2e gene of the patient was analysed. Direct sequencing of PCR products revealed a single base change in sequences encoding the highly conserved end of the 2B rod domain segment of the K2e gene. This mutation results in substitution of the codon for glutamic acid by a codon for lysine in position 493 in K2e (E493K). Mutations of the K2e gene involving five different residue positions (Q187P, T485P, L490P, E493D, E493K and E494K) are known to cause ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens. Of these sites, E493, which is conserved in type I and type II keratin genes, is the most frequently altered amino acid in the K2e gene. These data together suggest that this codon constitutes a hot spot for mutations in the K2e gene.

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPK) constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases marked by the thickening of palms and soles of affected individuals. They are divided into autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive groups by the mode of transmission. The autosomal dominantly transmitted group is further divided into epidermolytic (EPPK, Voerner) and non-epidermolytic (NEPPK, Unna-Thost) types according to the histopathologic findings. Recent development of molecular approaches has confirmed that EPPK and NEPPK are caused by the mutations in keratin 9 and 1 genes, respectively. We have studied three families of EPPK to find the mutation in the keratin 9 gene. DNA sequence analyses revealed single base changes in sequences encoding the highly conserved 1A rod domain segment of the keratin 9 gene in two of the three families. These mutations caused Arg (CGG) to Glu (CAG; R162Q) and Arg (CGG) to Try (TGG; R162W) substitutions. The same arginine position has been mutated in the keratin 10 gene in epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, the keratin 14 gene in epidermolysis bullosa simplex, and the keratin 9 gene in hereditary EPPK in Western patients. In this study we show that unrelated Korean patients have similar mutations.

166Holmium (166Ho) is a radionuclide of rare earth chemical and is known to have antitumor activity. Several chemicals were complexed with 166Ho to facilitate the transport of this radionuclide to the site of action. In this study, 166Ho was complexed to chitosan (Chit) which decreases the distribution of Ho into other tissues when applied intrahepatically. To investigate the single dose toxicity, mice were administered intravenously with 1 mCi/kg body weight of 166Ho-Chit (DW-166HC), Chit or nothing. Organ weights, hematological and histopathological studies were performed in 6 animals per group at 1, 3 and 14 days after administration. In 166Ho-Chit treated animals, a slight decrease of erythrocyte number was observed at day 14 and increases of relative liver and lung weights were found at day 3. Although marked multiple necrotic foci in the white pulp and depletion of marginal zone in the spleen were noted at day 1, these findings were decreased in severity and fully recovered at day 3 and day 14, respectively. Slightly decreased kidney weights were observed both in Chit and in 166Ho-Chit treated groups without histological alterations. Thus it is suggested that most effects of 166Ho-Chit observed at an early stage after administration are limited to rapidly dividing cells and reversible within 14 days.

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in humans. Therapeutic modalities for skin cancer are local destruction, radiotherapy and surgery. External radiation therapy leads to good results, however, generally 5-6 wk of treatment is needed to deliver optimal radiation dose to tumors. In this study, a beta-emitting radionuclide, 166Ho, impregnated in a specially designed patch, was used on superficial skin cancers and Bowen's disease for local irradiation.Ten mice with chemically induced skin tumors were studied. Five-millimeter size patches containing 22.2-72.15 MBq (0.6-1.95 mCi) 166Ho were applied to the tumor surface for 1-2 hr. In a human trial, patients with squamous-cell carcinoma (n = 3), basal cell carcinoma (n = 1) and Bowen's disease (n = 1) were treated with patches containing 273.8-999 MBq (7.4-27 mCi) of 166Ho for 30 min to 1 hr. Pathologic examination was performed 4-7 wk after treatment in an animal model. Skin biopsy was performed 8 wk post-treatment in four patients.Tumor destruction was seen 1 wk post-treatment, however, radiation dermatitis or ulceration developed at the site of radionuclide application. Those reactions healed gradually with fibrosis or epithelialization, which was confirmed pathologically. No significant adverse reaction to radiation except subcutaneous fibrosis was found.Superficial skin tumors could be successfully treated by topical application of beta-emitting radionuclides.

Stage IIb bulky cervical carcinomas have been considered difficult to treat successfully by radiation and/or surgery, compared with smaller lesions. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant pelvic intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) and to determine the optimal dosage of cisplatin for reducing tumor volume in these patients.Twenty-one previously untreated patients with primary cervical carcinoma of more than 4 cm in greatest dimension and parametrial invasion were included in this study. Pelvic IAC was administered using a combination of mitomycin-C, 10 mg/m2; vincristine, 1 mg/m2; and cisplatin, 50 mg/m2 (MVC; group 1, 8 patients) or 75 mg/m2 (group 2, 13 patients). Tumor volumes were measured three-dimensionally by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after three courses of IAC. Clinical responses were evaluated with gynecologic examination and MRI; pathologic responses were evaluated with histologic examinations of surgical specimens.The mean volume reduction rate (74.2% vs. 97.2% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, P = 0.0022), the clinical complete response rate (0% vs. 69.2%, P = 0.0033), and the pathologic complete response rate (0% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.0445) were significantly higher in group 2. Type III radical hysterectomy was possible in 19 patients (90.5%). Toxicities of grades 2-3 (World Health Organization criteria) were nausea and/or vomiting (38.1%), leukopenia (33.3%), and fever (14.2%).These preliminary results suggest that neoadjuvant pelvic IAC with MVC (especially with cisplatin at a dose of 75 mg/m2) is effective in reducing tumor volume, increasing the clinical and pathologic complete response rate, and improving the operability in most patients with Stage IIb bulky cervical carcinoma, generally considered inoperable.

CD44 is a cell-surface molecule that has been shown to have several splicing isoforms. In various human tumors, such as primary colon and breast tumors, and their metastases, alterations of CD44 isoform expression have been reported. The present study was performed to investigate CD44 alternative transcript splicing in gynecologic malignancies. We performed reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of CD44 splice variant expression on mRNA transcripts from ovarian carcinomas (six primary and 15 metastatic tumors) from 21 patients and from cervical carcinomas (25 primary and two metastatic tumors) from 25 patients. We also performed this analysis on five different ovarian carcinoma cell lines established from ascitic fluid and primary tumors, and two cervical carcinoma cell lines. We included eight normal female genital tissue specimens and one additional placenta specimen in our RT-PCR analysis for comparison with CD44 expression of carcinomas. The CD44H isoform was amplified in all of the specimens. None of eight normal tissue specimens, including myometrium and ovary, expressed CD44R1 transcripts. But the CD44R1 transcript was expressed in 2/6 (33.3%) primary ovarian carcinomas and in 7/15 (46.6%) metastatic ovarian carcinomas. In cervical carcinoma, 13/25 (52.0%) primary tumors and 2/2 (100.0%) metastatic tumors expressed CD44R1. The CD44R1 transcript was expressed increasingly during ovarian and cervical tumor progression (P = 0.026 and P = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, the frequency of CD44R1 transcript expression increased during ovarian and cervical carcinoma progression, and analysis of CD44 splice variants may be useful in detecting primary and metastatic gynecologic malignancies.

In the above paper [1], additional conditions are required for the sliding-mode parameters to avoid the singularity, and some of simulation results do not match up to the theoretical one. In the following remark, the conditions for the controller in [1] to avoid singularity are given.

With a patterned transparent electrode and compressive-elastic gel material, a multi-input transparent touch screen, which detects touch location and touch force, has been realised. The input device of this touch screen is composed of a flexible upper single wall carbon nanotube electrode (SWCNT), a lower indium tin oxide electrode layer, and a silicone gel layer between two electrodes. When a touch force ranging from 0 N to 5 N was applied to the surface of the upper electrode film, the silicone gel was compressed to change the distance between the two electrodes, which resulted in a capacitance change ranging from 1.92 to 3.42pF. The SWCNT electrode on the polyethylene terephthalate showed sufficient flexibility and robustness for mechanical deformation.

A 71-year-old Korean farmer had pruritic erythematous patches on sun-exposed areas after enoxacin treatment for prostatitis. Suggestive features of photoallergy, such as moderate blurring of the margin and possible ectopic flare phenomenon, were reproduced by oral provocation test with enoxacin. Because all quinolones have structural similarities, and photosensitivity was observed in nalidixic acid and enoxacin, it would be advisable to warn all patients taking quinolones about photosensitivity.

This study was to investigate whether the bioactivity of the anodized and hydrothermally treated Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy were affected by the time of hydrothermal treatment. Anodizing was performed at current density 30 up to 300 V in electrolyte solutions containing disodium salt hydrate and calcium acetate (CA). Hydrothermal treatment was done at for 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hrs, and 4 hrs to produce a thin film layer of hydroxyapatite (HA). The bioactivity was evaluated from HA formation on the surfaces in a Hanks` solution with pH 7.4 at for 10, 20, and 30 days. Anodic oxide films were porous with pore size of thickness. The anodic oxide films composed with strong anatase peak with presence of rutile peak, and showed the increase in intensity of anatase peak after hydrothermal treatment. It was shown that the intensity of anatase peak increased with increasing the time of hydrothermal treatment but was no difference in rutile peak. The corrosion voltage was the highest in the group of hydrothermal treatment for 2 hrs (Ecorr: -338.6 mV). The bioactivity in Hank`s solution was accelerated with increasing the time of hydrothermal treatment.

A novel adaptive variable structure controller (AVSC) is proposed for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems. The proposed method guarantees the occurrence of the sliding mode after the state hits the sliding hyperplane for the first time, even though the conventional AVSC could not achieve this. Furthermore, precise a priori knowledge of the bounds for the parametric uncertainties and external disturbances is not needed.