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PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on prostatitis and explore the mechanism of alleviating pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For in vitro testing, RWPE-1 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) RWPE-1 group (normal control), (2) LPS group (lipopolysaccharide inducing inflammation), (3) 0.1ESWT group (treated by 0.1 mJ/mm² energy level), (4) 0.2ESWT group (treated by 0.2 mJ/mm² energy level), and (5) 0.3ESWT group (treated by 0.3 mJ/mm² energy level). After ESWT was administered, cells and supernatant were collected for ELISA and western blot. For in vivo testing, Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) normal group, (2) prostatitis group, and (3) ESWT group (n=12 for each). Prostatitis was induced by 17 beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration. Four weeks after ESWT, the pain index was assessed for all groups and prostate tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, apoptosis analysis and, western blot. RESULTS: Our in vitro studies showed that the optimal energy flux density of ESWT was 0.2 mJ/mm². In vivo, ESWT ameliorated discomfort in rats with prostatitis and inflammation symptoms were improved. Compared to normal rats, overexpressed NLRP3 inflammasomes triggered apoptosis in rats with prostatitis and this was improved by ESWT. TLR4-NFκB pathway was overactive after experimental prostatitis, compared to normal and ESWT groups, and prostatitis induced alterations in BAX/BAK pathway were inhibited by ESWT. CONCLUSIONS: ESWT improved CP/CPPS by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorated apoptosis via inhibiting BAX/BAK pathway in a rat model. TLR4 may play a key role in bonding NLRP3 inflammasome and BAX/BAK pathways. ESWT might be a promising approach for the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Glucose is arguably the most important molecule in metabolism, and its dysregulation underlies diabetes. We describe a family of single-wavelength genetically encoded glucose sensors with a high signal-to-noise ratio, fast kinetics, and affinities varying over four orders of magnitude (1 μM to 10 mM). The sensors allow mechanistic characterization of glucose transporters expressed in cultured cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. Imaging of neuron/glia co-cultures revealed ∼3-fold faster glucose changes in astrocytes. In larval Drosophila central nervous system explants, intracellular neuronal glucose fluxes suggested a rostro-caudal transport pathway in the ventral nerve cord neuropil. In zebrafish, expected glucose-related physiological sequelae of insulin and epinephrine treatments were directly visualized. Additionally, spontaneous muscle twitches induced glucose uptake in muscle, and sensory and pharmacological perturbations produced large changes in the brain. These sensors will enable rapid, high-resolution imaging of glucose influx, efflux, and metabolism in behaving animals.

The data presented are supplementary to an article [Kim et al., 2019] on synthesis and surface characterization of tethered polyacrylic acid (PAA) layers on polysulfone (PSf) film/membrane surfaces via atmospheric pressure plasma-induced graft polymerization (APPIGP). Data on surface characterization of the synthesized tethered PAA layers includes: AFM topographic surface images and height distributions of surface features, dry layer thickness, chain rupture length distributions determined via AFM based force spectroscopy (AFM-FS), in addition to measurements of water contact angles. Fouling propensity data for ultrafiltration of alginic acid as a model foulant are also provided for native and PAA grafted PSf ultrafiltration (UF) membranes.

This paper explores the integration of indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO)-based 2-transistor 0-capacitor dynamic random-access memory (2T0C DRAM, or shortly, 2T DRAM) into reservoir computing for advanced semiconductor artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The short-term memory characteristics of IGZO 2T DRAM enable rapid read–write speeds essential for processing time-varying input data. Experimental results confirm high on/off ratios and leaky retention behaviors. The study also examines paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) phenomena, offering insights into reinforcement mechanisms for cognitive computing. Finally, the reservoir computing approach achieves notable pattern recognition accuracy with a 4-bit pulse scheme, showcasing its effectiveness in complex data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to solve multi‐objective problems and reduce the turnaround times of semiconductor processes. However, only brief AI explanations are available for process/device/circuit engineers to provide holistic feedback on the manufactured results. Herein, linear/nonlinear variation decomposition (LVD/NLVD) of neural networks is demonstrated to quantitatively evaluate the influence of unit processes on the figure of merit (FoM) and co‐analyze the unit process influences with device characteristic behaviors. The NLVD can evaluate the output variation from each input of neural networks in an individual sample, although neural networks are not available in an analytic form. The NLVD is successfully verified by confirming that a) the output and summation of all decomposed output variations perfectly coincide and b) the process influences on the FoM are decomposed to 6.01–54.86% more accurately compared with those of LVD in 1Y nm node dynamic random‐access memory test vehicles with a baseline and split tests introducing high‐k metal gates with a minimum gate length of 1 A nm node for further node scaling. The approaches identify defective processes and defect mechanisms in each sample and wafer, which enhance causal analyses for individual cases in diverse fields based on regression artificial neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for an accurate and rapid diagnosis platform for highly contagious viruses, such as pandemic viruses, has rapidly increased. Conventional diagnostic methods in the initial stage of quarantine for the prevention of epidemic spread have encountered limitations such as a long operation time, occupation of a large space, and high cost per single operation. Here, a highly sensitive and selective portable diagnostic platform based on solid‐phase photonic polymerase chain reaction (SP‐PCR) is reported. The thermal cycle is operated by the photothermal energy converted from the photon energy of a light‐emitting diode (LED) through a gold layer to phonons. The formation of an amplicon, which is immobilized through N‐heterocyclic carbene, is confirmed through fluorescence on the surface of the miniaturized SP‐PCR chip. The practical applicability of the newly developed diagnosis platform for the recognition of the presence of a SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific genome sequence is demonstrated utilizing 100 clinical samples, including 72 COVID‐19‐positive clinical samples and 28 negative samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Many countries have enacted indoor smoke-free policies, and some have established outdoor nonsmoking areas. However, no clear standard for determining the optimal distance for these outdoor nonsmoking zones remains. This study aimed to evaluate outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) exposure up to a distance of 21 m and to identify factors influencing OTS levels. Methods To assess OTS levels, PM2.5 concentrations were measured at distances of 6, 12, 15, 18, and 21 m using real-time aerosol monitors. Between August and October 2022, a total of 164 measurements were undertaken. The background PM2.5 concentration was gauged for 5 minutes before smoking commenced and then re-measured 3 minutes during smoking. OTS levels were determined by calculating the difference between the average background PM2.5 and the average PM2.5 concentrations during smoking. A one-sample t test was employed to ascertain if the OTS levels at each distance were significantly elevated compared to 0 µg/m3. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing OTS levels. Results The mean OTS levels recorded at all specified distances significantly surpassed 0 µg/m3. The regression analysis revealed that the OTS levels correlated significantly with distance and wind speed. Specifically, OTS levels diminished as distance expanded and wind speed reduced. Conclusions OTS levels, even at 21 m, were significantly greater than 0 µg/m3. Our results provide robust evidence supporting the establishment of outdoor nonsmoking zone up to 21 m. Implications Outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) level was determined by PM2.5 concentration. The OTS levels significantly exceeded 0 µg/m3 at every measured distance up to 21 m. In the regression model, OTS levels notably correlated with distance and wind speed. OTS levels diminished as distance expanded and wind speed reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the social factors and bilingual education for the children of international couples in South Korea. Previous studies identified two negative factors for bilingual education based on destination and immigrant characteristics: resistance from local spouses and the immigrants' need for assimilation. We further develop the concept of global language status, which may moderate these effects. Using the 2015 Korean Multicultural Family Survey, we conduct regression analyses to test the two factors based on the origin country of immigrant wives. The findings show that the global language status is a meaningful factor that impacts the direction of the local resistance and assimilation effects. Korean husbands' decision-making power on children's education is significantly associated with a decrease in bilingual education. Korean language proficiency and citizenship as markers of assimilation also affect bilingual education, but they show a decrease for Chinese wives but an increase for Southeast Asian wives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]