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Topological charges of nodal lines in a multigap system are represented by non-Abelian numbers, and the Euler class, a topological invariant, can be used to explain their topological phase transitions, such as pair-annihilation of nodal lines. Up until now, no discussion of phase transitions of nodal lines in photonic crystals using the Euler class has been reported, despite the fact that the Euler class and topological phase transition have recently been addressed in metallic or acoustic crystals. Here, we show how the deformation of a photonic crystal causes topological phase transitions in the nodal lines, and the Euler class can be used to theoretically predict the nodal lines’ stability based on the non-Abelian topological charge theory. Specifically, by manipulating the separation between the two single diamond structures and the extent of structural distortion, we numerically demonstrate the topological transition of nodal lines, e.g., from nodal lines to nodal rings. We then demonstrate that the range of surface states is strongly influenced by the topological phase transition of nodal lines. Moreover, the Zak phase was used to explain the surface states’ existence.

Background/Aims We compared the post-treatment overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class-A and single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated by surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 391 HCC patients with CTP class-A who underwent SR (n=232) or RFA (n=159) as first-line therapy for single small (≤3 cm) HCC. Survival was compared according to the tumor size (≤2 cm/2–3 cm) and the presence of cirrhosis. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPW) method was used to estimate the average causal effect of treatment. Results The median follow-up period was 64.8 months (interquartile range, 0.1–162.6). After IPW, the estimated OS was similar in the SR and RFA groups (P=0.215), and even in patients with HCC of ≤2 cm (P=0.816) and without cirrhosis (P=0.195). The estimated RFS was better in the SR group than in the RFA groups (P=0.005), also in patients without cirrhosis (P

Topological insulators constitute one of the most intriguing phenomena in modern condensed matter theory. The unique and exotic properties of topological states of matter allow for unidirectional gapless electron transport and extremely accurate measurements of the Hall conductivity. Recently, new topological effects occurring at Dirac/Weyl points have been better understood and demonstrated using artificial materials such as photonic and phononic crystals, metamaterials and electrical circuits. In comparison, the topological properties of nodal lines, which are one-dimensional degeneracies in momentum space, remain less explored. Here, we explain the theoretical concept of topological nodal lines and review recent and ongoing progress using artificial materials. The review includes recent demonstrations of non-Abelian topological charges of nodal lines in momentum space and examples of nodal lines realized in photonic and other systems. Finally, we will address the challenges involved in both experimental demonstration and theoretical understanding of topological nodal lines.

A gyroid crystal possesses a peculiar structural feature that can be conceptualized as a triply periodic surface with a constant mean curvature of zero. The exotic optical properties such as the photonic bandgap and optical chirality can emerge from this three-dimensional (3D) morphological feature. As such, gyroid crystals have been considered as the promising structures for photonic crystals and optical metamaterials. To date, several methods have been proposed to materialize gyroid crystals, including 3D printing, layer-by-layer stacking, two-photon lithography, interference lithography, and self-assembly. Furthermore, the discovery of Weyl points in gyroid crystals has further stimulated these advancements. Among such methods, the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) is unique, because this soft approach can provide an easy-to-craft gyroid, especially at the nanoscale. The unit-cell scale of a gyroid ranging within 30–300 nm can be effectively addressed by BCP self-assembly, whereas other methods would be challenging to achieve this size range. Therefore, a BCP gyroid has provided a material platform for metamaterials and photonic crystals functioning at optical frequencies. Currently, BCP gyroid nanophotonics is ready to take the next step toward topological photonics beyond the conventional photonic crystals and metamaterials. In particular, the intrinsic lattice transformations occurring during the self-assembly of BCP into a gyroid crystal could promise a compelling advantage for advancing Weyl photonics in the optical regime. Lattice transformations are routinely considered as limitations, but in this review, we argue that it is time to widen the scope of the lattice transformations for the future generation of nanophotonics. Thus, our review provides a comprehensive understanding of the gyroid crystal and its lattice transformations, the relevant optical properties, and the recent progress in BCP gyroid self-assembly.

Abstract We prospectively investigated the changes of liver stiffness (LS) and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication using direct antiviral agents (DAA) over three years. LS measurement using transient elastography and serum fibrosis surrogate markers before treatment and at 48, 96, 144 weeks after starting direct-acting antivirals (DAA) according to the protocol were evaluated. Patients were also compared with historical cohort treated with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN). Sustained viral response (SVR) was observed in 95.8%. LS value in the patients achieving SVR significantly decreased over time (19.4 ± 12.9 kPa [baseline], 13.9 ± 9.1 kPa [48 weeks], 11.7 ± 8.2 kPa [96 weeks], 10.09 ± 6.23 [144 weeks], all p

Abstract In this paper, by using a technique of the first-order differential subordination, we find several sufficient conditions for an analytic function p such that p ( 0 ) = 1 $p(0)=1$ to satisfy Re { e i β p ( z ) } > γ $\operatorname{Re}\{ {\mathrm{e}}^{{\mathrm{i}}\beta } p(z) \} > \gamma $ or | arg { p ( z ) − γ } | < δ $| \arg \{p(z)-\gamma \} |

Background Several noninvasive tools are available for the assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including clinical and blood biomarkers, transient elastography (TE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, such as proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether magnetic resonance (MR)-based examinations better discriminate the pathophysiologic features and fibrosis progression in NAFLD than other noninvasive methods. Methods A total of 133 subjects (31 healthy volunteers and 102 patients with NAFLD) were subjected to clinical and noninvasive NAFLD evaluation, with additional liver biopsy in some patients (n=54). Results MRI-PDFF correlated far better with hepatic fat measured by MR spectroscopy (r=0.978, P

We investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of Angelica gigas Nakai extract (AGNE) through the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/NF-κB pathway using in vitro and in vivo atopic dermatitis (AD) models. We examined the effects of AGNE on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human mast cell line-1 (HMC-1) cells. Compound 48/80-induced pruritus and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced AD-like skin lesion mouse models were also used to investigate the antiallergic effects of AGNE. AGNE reduced histamine secretion, production of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, and expression of cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 in HMC-1 cells. Scratching behavior and DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions were also attenuated by AGNE administration through the reduction of serum IgE, histamine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 levels, and COX-2 expression in skin tissue from mouse models. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated by the blockade of the MAPKs and NF-κB pathway. The findings of this study proved that AGNE improves the scratching behavior and atopy symptoms and reduces the activity of various atopy-related mediators in HMC-1 cells and mice model. These results suggest the AGNE has a therapeutic potential in anti-AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The clinical significance of partial virological response (PVR) in patients undergoing antiviral therapy is not well known. This study investigated whether PVR after 2 years of entecavir (ETV) therapy is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A total of 472 naïve patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated cirrhosis who were treated with ETV for at least 2 years were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, PVR, and noninvasive fibrosis markers (aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio and FIB-4 index) at 2 years after ETV commencement were analyzed for HCC risk. Results: After excluding those who developed HCC within 2 years of ETV therapy, 359 patients (mean age, 51±10 years; male 64.3%) were examined. During a median follow-up of 82 months, 80 patients developed HCC. In the univariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.056; p

Abstract Background This study was performed to investigate the change in the bony alignment of the foot after tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) and the factors that affect these changes in patients with planovalgus foot deformity. Methods Consecutive 97 patients (150 feet; mean age 10 years; range 5.1–35.7) with Achilles tendon contracture (ATC) and planovalgus foot deformity who underwent TAL were included. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) or lateral (LAT) foot radiographics. Changes in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle, AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle, LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle and the factors affecting such changes after TAL were analyzed using lineal mixed model. Results There were no significant change in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle and AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle after TAL in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) (p = 0.236 and 0.212). However, LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle and calcaneal pitch angle were significantly improved after TAL (13.0°, p < 0.001 and 4.5°, p < 0.001). Age was significantly associated with the change in LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle after TAL (p = 0.028). The changes in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle, AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle after TAL were not significantly associated with the diagnosis (p = 0.879, 0.903, and 0.056). However, patients with CP showed more improvement in LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle (− 5.0°, p = 0.034) than those with idiopathic cause. Conclusion This study showed that TAL can improve the bony alignment of the foot in patients with planovalgus and ATC. We recommend that physicians should consider this study’s findings when planning operative treatment for such patients.

Nanophotonic engineering of light–matter interaction at subwavelength scale allows thermal radiation that is fundamentally different from that of traditional thermal emitters and provides exciting opportunities for various thermal-photonic applications. We propose a new kind of integrated and electrically controlled thermal emitter that exploits layered metamaterials with lithography-free and dielectric/metallic nanolayers. We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that the proposed concept can create a strong photonic bandgap in the visible regime and allow small impedance mismatch at the infrared wavelengths, which gives rise to optical features of significantly enhanced emissivity at the broad infrared wavelengths of 1.4–14 μm as well as effectively suppressed emissivity in the visible region. The electrically driven metamaterial devices are optically and thermally stable at temperatures up to ∼800 K with electro-optical conversion efficiency reaching ∼30%. We believe that the proposed high-efficiency thermal emitters will pave the way toward integrated infrared light source platforms for various thermal-photonic applications and particularly provide a novel alternative for cost-effective, compact, low glare, and energy-efficient infrared heating.

Although rare patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve HBsAg loss on oral nucleos(t)ide analog (NA), the optimal timing of stopping oral NAs safely has been considered when HBsAg and HBV DNA are negative in the serum because HBsAg loss induced by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) appears to be durable if immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy are not done. On the other hand, the author experienced a case of HBsAg seroreversion and acute decompensation after the discontinuation of NA in a patient with HBsAg loss. This rare case highlights the need for the close monitoring of patients who achieved HBsAg loss and stopped NA.

Heavy-flavor jets are a unique tool to study dynamical evolution of QCD systems via heavy-flavor particles, allowing one to access to the original parton kinematics and to separate out production and fragmentation effects. In these proceedings, various heavy-flavor jet results in pp, pA, and AA collisions are presented, extending the scope of heavy-flavor studies discussed at this conference series, the Strangeness in Quark Matter.

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis. We aimed to evaluate the correlations between clinicopathological characteristics and EMT markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent surgical resection and to identify the key regulator in EMT process. Fresh-frozen HCC tissues and adjacent nontumor liver tissues from 30 patients who underwent surgical resection were provided by the Gachon University Gil Medical Center Bio Bank. Human HCC cell lines, Hep3B, SNU449, and Huh7 cells were transfected with Rac1 siRNA and exposed to hypoxic conditions. The combined EMT markers expression (down-expression of E-cadherin and overexpression of p21-activated kinases 1 (PAK1)/Snail) by Western blot in HCC tissues when compared to adjacent nontumor liver tissues was significantly associated with macrovascular invasion (p = 0.021), microvascular invasion (p = 0.001), large tumor size (p = 0.021), and advanced tumor stage (p = 0.015). Patients with combined EMT markers expression showed early recurrence and poor overall survival. In vitro studies showed that Rac1 knockdown decreased the expression of EMT markers including PAK1 and Snail in hypoxia-induced Hep3B cells and suppressed the migration and invasion of hypoxia-induced HCC cells. Rac1 may be a potential therapeutic target for inhibition of EMT process through the inhibition of PAK1 and Snail in HCC.

Abstract The conjecture proposed by Raina and Sokòł [Hacet. J. Math. Stat. 44(6):1427–1433 (2015)] for a sharp upper bound on the fourth coefficient has been settled in this manuscript. An example is constructed to show that their conjectures for the bound on the fifth coefficient and the bound related to the second Hankel determinant are false. However, the correct bound for the latter is stated and proved. Further, a sharp bound on the initial coefficients for normalized analytic function f such that zf′(z)/f(z)≺1+λz $zf'(z)/f(z)\prec \sqrt{1+\lambda z}$, λ∈(0,1] $\lambda \in (0, 1]$, have also been obtained, which contain many existing results.

Lactate (LA), an endogenous metabolite produced from pyruvate, can accumulate in skeletal muscle in certain conditions including major diseases, as well as during intensive exercise. Using differentiated C2C12 myotubes, we evaluated the early (1-h) and delayed (24-h) effects of LA (8 mM) on mechanisms involved in myogenesis or muscle atrophy, including 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis through the mTOR/P70-S6K pathway, Akt-mediated inhibition of expression of the MAFbx atrophic factor by FOXO3a and expression of the myogenic transcription factors, MyoD, myogenin and myosin heavy chain. Although the early effects of LA overload were not significant on myogenic or atrophic mechanisms, LA treatment for 24 h significantly activated atrophic mechanisms but suppressed myogenesis in myotubes. In addition, LA overload for 24 h significantly suppressed the expression of Sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha. Consistent with LA-induced activation of atrophic mechanisms, the diameter of C2C12 myotubes treated with LA for 24 h, but not for 1 h, was significantly lower than in control myotubes. Thus, a sustained, but not a transient, LA overload could induce muscle atrophy through the regulation of AMPK- and Akt-mediated pathways, although further in vivo studies are needed to confirm this.

A primary benign schwannoma of the liver is extremely rare. Only 30 cases have been reported in the medical literature worldwide, and only one case has been reported in Korea previously. A 56-year-old man was admitted to Gil Medical Center with incidental findings of a hepatic mass by abdominal computed tomography. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance image revealed a 3×2 cm-sized solid mass in the left lobe of the liver. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma, proven by positive immunoreaction with the neurogenic marker S-100 protein and a negative response to CD34, CD117, and smooth muscle actin. We report a primary benign schwannoma of the liver and review the literature.

Simple hepatic cysts are common benign liver lesions that usually have no malignant capability. They are generally asymptomatic and are often found incidentally by abdominal imaging procedures. Treatment becomes necessary, however, when huge hepatic cysts cause symptoms and develop complications, such as hemorrhage, adjacent organ damage, and infection. Several therapeutic options have been performed for symptomatic and huge cysts, including the aspiration of cystic fluid, infusion of various sclerosing agents, and surgical intervention. The optimal management of huge hepatic cysts is controversial and each option has its complications and limitations. This paper reports a case of a 66-year-old woman diagnosed with a simple hepatic cyst 2 years earlier, who was referred to hospital due to abdominal pain. The diagnosis was a huge hepatic cyst with symptoms by abdominal imaging studies. During the follow-up period, the huge cysts resolved spontaneously without treatment.

Background/Aims: The translocation of bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides from the gut can promote fibrosis in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rifaximin on hepatic fibrosis in a bile duct-ligated rat model. Methods: The bile duct ligation (BDL) was carried out for eight days (acute injury model: sham-operated rats [G1], BDL rats [G2], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G3]) or 22 days (chronic injury model: sham-operated rats [G4], BDL rats [G5], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G6]). Rifaximin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily via gavage after BDL. Liver function, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were measured. Moreover, a histological analysis of fibrosis contents was performed using sirius red stain. Results: In the acute injury model, the liver function and TNF-α level were not improved after the rifaximin treatment. The hydroxyproline levels (μg/g liver tissue) in G1, G2, and G3 were 236.4±103.1, 444.8±114.4, and 312.5±131.6, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.22±0.04, 1.64±0.53, and 1.66±0.44, respectively. The rifaximin treatment did not ameliorate acute BDL-induced fibrosis. In the chronic injury model, the hydroxyproline levels in G4, G5, and G6 were 311.5±72.9, 1,110.3±357.9, and 944.3±209.3, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.19±0.03, 5.04±0.18, and 4.42±0.68, respectively (G5 vs. G6, p=0.059). The rifaximin treatment marginally ameliorated chronic BDL-induced fibrosis. Conclusions: Rifaximin did not reduce inflammation and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rat model.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be one of the important causes of cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD-related HCCs (NAFLD-HCCs) have the following clinical features: high body mass index, deranged lipid profiles, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Among them, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and high Fe contents in the liver are risk factors of developing HCC in patients with NAFLD. Inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, insulin like growth factor-I, and lipotoxicity are intermingled and may cross react with each other to develop HCC. Because there is no guideline for early detection of HCC in patients with NAFLD, NAFLD-HCCs tend to be greater in size and in advanced stages when detected compared with hepatitis virus-related HCCs. Therefore, there is an urgent need of a surveillance program for the early detection of HCC. Treatment of NAFLD-HCCs is not different from other causes-related HCCs. However, patients with NAFLD-HCCs have cardiovascular disease and other metabolic problems, which may complicate treatment.

Allergic airway inflammation is one of the primary features of allergic asthma. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is recognized as a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates allergic airway inflammation, and its expression is elevated in this condition, but little is known about the regulatory mechanisms underlying IL-33 induction. Here, we show that the RNA binding protein Mex-3B plays a critical role in the induction of IL-33 in the development of allergic airway inflammation. We generated Mex3b−/− mice and found that they develop significantly less airway inflammation than wild-type mice due to reduced induction of IL-33. Furthermore, we show that Mex-3B directly upregulates IL-33 expression by inhibiting miR-487b-3p-mediated repression of IL-33. Moreover, we show that inhalation of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting Mex-3B suppresses allergic airway inflammation. Our data identify a signaling pathway that post-transcriptionally regulates IL-33 expression and suggest that Mex-3B could be a promising molecular target for the treatment of allergic asthma.

Abstract We investigate several sufficient conditions on a function to be convex in one direction or starlike in one direction.

Let f∈A, the class of normalized analytic functions defined in the unit disk D, and be given by f(z)=z+∑n=2∞anzn for z∈D. This paper presents a new approach to finding bounds for |an|. As an application, we find the sharp bound for |a5| for the class B1(α) of Bazilevič functions when α≥1.

Purpose: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of acute acalculous cholecystitis is important, because it is associated with high mortality. In major trauma patients, besides the direct damage the trauma itself causes, many complications can occur due to trauma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for development of acute acalculous cholecystitis in patients with severe traumatic injuries. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the trauma registry data of 629 major trauma patients (injury severity score>15) of Eulji University Hospital seen between May 2012 and March 2015. Of the 629 patients, twelve were diagnosed with acute acalculous cholecystitis. Information collected from the medical record review included demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes. Results: Twelve patients of 629 patients (1.9%) were diagnosed with acute acalculous cholecystitis, and while nine patients survived, three patients died. The clinical and laboratory findings at the initial emergency room visit and at diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis were compared, and there were significant differences in the body temperature (p=0.002), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.002), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.008), total bilirubin (p=0.015), and lactate (p=0.046). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and proper treatment is important in acute acalculous cholecystitis after major trauma. If the patients after major trauma have elevated body temperature, lactate, CRP, ALP, and total bilirubin, one should keep in mind of the possibility of acute acalculous cholecystitis.

Background/AimsLiver stiffness (LS) as assessed by transient elastography (TE) can change longitudinally in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to identify the factors that improve LS.MethodsBetween April 2007 and December 2012, 151 patients with CHB who underwent two TE procedures with an interval of about 2 years were enrolled. Ninety-six of the 151 patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues [the antiviral therapy (+) group], while the remaining 55 patients were not [the antiviral therapy (-) group]. The two groups of patients were stratified according to whether they exhibited an improvement or a deterioration in LS during the study period (defined as an LS change of ≤0 or >0 kPa, respectively, over a 1-year period), and their data were compared.ResultsNo differences were observed between the antiviral therapy (+) and (-) groups with respect to either their clinical characteristics or their initial LS. The observed LS improvement was significantly greater in the antiviral therapy (+) group than in the antiviral therapy (-) group (-3.0 vs. 0.98 kPa, P=0.011). In the antiviral therapy (+) group, the initial LS was higher in the LS improvement group (n=63) than in the LS deterioration group (n=33; 7.9 vs. 4.8 kPa, P

Let Σ be the class of meromorphic functions f of the form f ( ζ ) = ζ + ∑ n = 0 ∞ a n ζ − n which are analytic in Δ : = { ζ ∈ C : | ζ | > 1 } . For n ∈ N 0 : = N ∪ { 0 } , the nth Faber polynomial Φ n ( w ) of f ∈ Σ is a monic polynomial of degree n that is generated by a function ζ f ′ ( ζ ) / ( f ( ζ ) − w ) . For given f ∈ Σ , by F n , i ( f ) , we denote the ith coefficient of Φ n ( w ) . For given 0 ≤ α < 1 and 0 < β ≤ 1 , let us consider domains H α and S β ⊂ C defined by H α = { w ∈ C : Re ( w ) > α } and S β = { w ∈ C : | arg ( w ) | < β } , which are symmetric with respect to the real axis. A function f ∈ Σ is called meromorphic starlike of order α if ζ f ′ ( ζ ) / f ( ζ ) ∈ H α for all ζ ∈ Δ . Another function f ∈ Σ is called meromorphic strongly starlike of order β if ζ f ′ ( ζ ) / f ( ζ ) ∈ S β for all ζ ∈ Δ . In this paper we investigate the sharp bounds of F n , n − i ( f ) , n ∈ N 0 , i ∈ { 2 , 3 , 4 } , for meromorphic starlike functions of order α and meromorphic strongly starlike of order β . Similar estimates for meromorphic convex functions of order α ( 0 ≤ α < 1 ) and meromorphic strongly convex of order β ( 0 < β ≤ 1 ) are also discussed.

Let SR * be the class of starlike functions with real coefficients, i.e., the class of analytic functions f which satisfy the condition f ( 0 ) = 0 = f ′ ( 0 ) − 1 , Re { z f ′ ( z ) / f ( z ) } > 0 , for z ∈ D : = { z ∈ C : | z | < 1 } and a n : = f ( n ) ( 0 ) / n ! is real for all n ∈ N . In the present paper, it is obtained that the sharp inequalities − 4 / 9 ≤ H 3 , 1 ( f ) ≤ 3 / 9 hold for f ∈ SR * , where H 3 , 1 ( f ) is the third Hankel determinant of order 3 defined by H 3 , 1 ( f ) = a 3 ( a 2 a 4 − a 3 2 ) − a 4 ( a 4 − a 2 a 3 ) + a 5 ( a 3 − a 2 2 ) .

The modular concept design and operation of a centrifugal chiller offers the potential of increased cycle efficiency both at full load and off load conditions compared to the single compressor chiller. Modular chiller design is that a smaller, individual chiller can be connected with another, to make a larger capacity system. In the case of a tandem chiller, there would be faced to the higher initial cost or bigger foot print than a single compressor chiller at the same capacity because manufacturing cost, weight and size will be decreased according to increase of the refrigeration capacity. Therefore, it is obvious that a modular chiller have to be improved its efficiency first by both the operation algorithm and major cycle components. Eventually, the efficiency of the modular chiller achieves up to 6% at the full load condition after added series counter flow effect as much as 3% and more 3% added by improved aerodynamic design for impeller. Moreover, maximize off design potential through the capacity combination algorithm as the way of uneven loading makes 24% improved based on AHRI 550/590.

A multi-thread based navigation algorithm module is designed in a multi radio integrated navigation system modeling and simulation software in order to efficiently use resources in the software platform of the modeling and simulation software. By adopting the multi-thread architecture, features of navigation algorithms and concurrency of the algorisms can be easily included in the navigation algorithm module. In order to show the usefulness of the multi thread based navigation algorithm module design, a navigation algorithm module in the multi-radio integrated navigation system for GPS, KNSS, Loran-C, eLoran and DME/VOR is implemented in C++ under the Windows operating system. The implementation results show that the thread based design can be useful in the development of multi radio integrated navigation systems.

In this paper, a modelling and simulation software is designed in order to evaluate the performance of a multi radio integrated navigation system and the performance evaluation results are presented. The modelling and simulation software is divided into navigation algorithm module, navigation environment generation module, and graphic user interface module with performance evaluation algorithm. In order to show the validity of the design, the modelling and simulation software for GPS, KNSS, Loran-C, eLoran, and DME/VOR is implemented in C++ under Windows OS environment. Accuracy, integrity, continuity and availability are evaluated for the multi radio integrated navigation system in the modelling and simulation software. The performance evaluation results show that the designed modelling and simulation software can be effectively used for the performance evaluation of multi radio integrated navigation systems.

Purpose: Lymph node metastasis is a stage-determining factor and the most important prognostic factor for colon cancer patients. We aimed to verify the influence of the aspects of lymph node metastatic level on the prognosis of the stage III colon cancer patients. Methods: We studied the survival rate of ninety-eight patients with stage III colon cancer who underwent an open and laparoscopic surgery at Eulji University Hospital from November 1998 to December 2009. We evaluated the survival rate and prognostic factors including the level of positive lymph node and additional factors. The level of positive lymph node was classified as either level I (pericolic and intermediate lymph node metastasis) or level II (apical lymph node metastasis). Results: The average age of the patients was 62.7 years (range, 30 to 89 years) old and the mean follow-up period was 45.9 months (range, 2 to 129 months). The comparison of the survival rates based on the level of lymph nodes shows that level I was 89.5% while level II was 41.7% (P=0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that level of positive lymph node was a significant prognostic factor. Conclusion: In this study, the level of lymph node metastasis in stage III colon cancer was significant prognostic factor. Therefore, exact evaluation and further treatment plans should be determined based on clear analysis of various aspects of the lymph nodes acquired by accurate and meticulous surgery.

Optical biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in metallic thin films are currently standard tools for measuring molecular binding kinetics and affinities – an important task for biophysical studies and pharmaceutical development. Motivated by recent progress in the design and fabrication of metallic nanostructures, such as nanoparticles or nanoholes of various shapes, researchers have been pursuing a new generation of biosensors harnessing tailored plasmonic effects in these engineered nanostructures. Nanoplasmonic devices, while demanding nanofabrication, offer tunability with respect to sensor dimension and physical properties, thereby enabling novel biological interfacing opportunities and extreme miniaturization. Here we provide an integrated overview of refractometric biosensing with nanoplasmonic devices and highlight some recent examples of nanoplasmonic sensors capable of unique functions that are difficult to accomplish with conventional SPR. For example, since the local field strength and spatial distribution can be readily tuned by varying the shape and arrangement of nanostructures, biomolecular interactions can be controlled to occur in regions of high field strength. This may improve signal-to-noise and also enable sensing a small number of molecules. Furthermore, the nanoscale plasmonic sensor elements may, in combination with nanofabrication and materials-selective surface-modifications, make it possible to merge affinity biosensing with nanofluidic liquid handling.

Background/AimsSustained virologic response (SVR) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) may differ with ethnicity due to differences in genetic traits. This study evaluated the efficacy of peginterferon and ribavirin, and the association between IL28B genotypes and the treatment efficacy in Korean CHC patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study using data from medical records. Eighty-five CHC patients were eligible for assessment of the efficacy of antiviral therapy, and 47 patients were available for an IL28B genetic study, which was performed using the Multiplex tetra-primer PCR method for rs12979860.ResultsOverall, the early virologic response rate was 87.1%: 84.9% in HCV genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. The overall end-of-treatment virologic response rate was 81.2%: 75.5% in genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. The overall SVR rate was 81.2%: 75.5% in genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. For rs12979860, the frequencies of polymorphisms were 89% for the CC type, 11% for the CT type, and 0% for the TT type. Their overall SVR rate was 87% (39/47): 90.5% (38/42) for the CC type and 20% (1/5) for the CT type. For genotype 1, SVR rates were 88% (21/24) for the CC type and 0% (0/4) for the CT type. Multivariate analysis revealed that the IL28B-CC type was a good predictor for SVR.ConclusionsThe SVR of the combination therapy in Koreans was higher than that observed in Western countries. This finding might be attributable to the high prevalence of IL28B-CC type among Koreans, which may be a good predictor of SVR.