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The last two decades have witnessed two large-scale pandemics caused by coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). At the end of 2019, another novel coronavirus, designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hit Wuhan, a city in the center of China, and subsequently spread rapidly to the whole world. Latest reports revealed that more than 800 thousand people in over 200 countries are involved in the epidemic disease by SARS-CoV-2. Due to the high mortality rate and the lack of optimum therapeutics, it is crucial to understand the biological characteristics of the virus and its possible pathogenesis to respond to the SARS-CoV-2. Rapid diagnostics and effective therapeutics are also important interventions for the management of infection control. However, the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 exerted tremendous challenges on its diagnostics and therapeutics. Therefore, there is an urgent need to summarize the existing research results to guide decision-making on the prioritization of resources for research and development. In this review, we focus on our current understanding of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) was 2.95% among 6644 hip and femoral fractures. Independent risk factors included the use of bisphosphonates (BPs), osteopenia or osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, increased femoral curvatures, and thicker femoral cortices. Patients with AFFs and BP treatment were more likely to have problematic healing than those with typical femoral fractures (TFFs) and no BP treatment. To determine the incidence and risk factors of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), we performed a multicenter case-control study. We also investigated the effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) on AFF healing. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 6644 hip and femoral fractures of patients from eight tertiary referral hospitals. All the radiographs were reviewed to distinguish AFFs from TFFs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors, and interaction analyses were used to investigate the effects of BPs on fracture healing. The incidence of AFFs among 6644 hip and femoral fractures was 2.95% (90 subtrochanter and 106 femoral shaft fractures). All patients were females with a mean age of 72 years, and 75.5% were exposed to BPs for an average duration of 5.2 years (range, 1–17 years). The use of BPs was significantly associated with AFFs (p

The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) was 2.95% among 6644 hip and femoral fractures. Independent risk factors included the use of bisphosphonates (BPs), osteopenia or osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, increased femoral curvatures, and thicker femoral cortices. Patients with AFFs and BP treatment were more likely to have problematic healing than those with typical femoral fractures (TFFs) and no BP treatment.To determine the incidence and risk factors of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), we performed a multicenter case-control study. We also investigated the effects of bisphosphonates (BPs) on AFF healing.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 6644 hip and femoral fractures of patients from eight tertiary referral hospitals. All the radiographs were reviewed to distinguish AFFs from TFFs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors, and interaction analyses were used to investigate the effects of BPs on fracture healing.The incidence of AFFs among 6644 hip and femoral fractures was 2.95% (90 subtrochanter and 106 femoral shaft fractures). All patients were females with a mean age of 72 years, and 75.5% were exposed to BPs for an average duration of 5.2 years (range, 1-17 years). The use of BPs was significantly associated with AFFs (p 0.001, odds ratio = 25.65; 95% confidence interval = 10.74-61.28). Other independent risk factors for AFFs included osteopenia or osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, increased anterior and lateral femoral curvatures, and thicker lateral femoral cortex at the shaft level. Interaction analyses showed that patients with AFFs using BPs had a significantly higher risk of problematic fracture healing than those with TFFs and no BP treatment.The incidence of AFFs among 6644 hip and femoral fractures was 2.95%. Osteopenia or osteoporosis, use of BPs, rheumatoid arthritis, increased anterior and lateral femoral curvatures, and thicker lateral femoral cortex were independent risk factors for the development of AFFs. Patients with AFFs and BP treatment were more likely to have problematic fracture healing than those with TFFs and no BP treatment.

To study flame propagation in a spark ignition engine, it must concentrate on the initial combustion stage, i.e., the formation and development of flame. Therefore, we must study the theoretical calculation of minimum flame kernel radius which affects the formation and development of flame kernel. To calculate the minimum flame kernel radius, we must know the thermal conductivity, flame temperature, laminar burning velocity, etc. To evaluate the accuracy of the minimum flame kernel radius based on the theory, authors compared with those from calculation and those from tests. According to the increase of number of sparks and spark intervals, the flame kernel radii become to increase and the expected lean limits are extended. It is considered that is due to the stability of combustion as increase of flame kernel size according as high ignition energy supplies in initial period and discharge energy period lengthens.

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) is one of the most effective techniques currently available for reducing NOx emissions from compression ignition engines but its application to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) fueled HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression ignition) engine is yet to be widely implemented. The objective of this research is to determine the effects of EGR on the combustion processes of HCCI-LPG engine. Butane and propane were used for the LPG fueled HCCI engines. For this purpose, a 4-cylinder, compression ignition engine was converted into a HCCI-LPG engine, and a heating device was installed to raise the temperature of the intake air and also to make it more consistent. In addition, a pressure sensor was inserted into each of the cylinders to investigate the differences in characteristics among the cylinders.

The plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB) is designed to overcome the vulnerable driving range and performance limitations of a purely electric vehicle (EV) and have an improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions than those of a conventional bus and convention HEBs. The control strategy of the plug-in parallel HEB’s complicated connected propulsion system is one of the most significant factors for achieving a higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions than those of the HEV. The proposed powertrain control strategy has flexibility in adapting to the battery’s state of charge (SOC), exhaust emissions, classified driving patterns, driving conditions, and engine temperature. Simulation is required to model hybrid powertrain systems and test and develop powertrain control strategies for the plug-in parallel HEB. This paper describes the simulation analysis tools, powertrain components’ models and modifications, simulation procedure, and simulation results.

Several studies have shown physiological functions of interleukin (IL)-32, a novel cytokine. However, the role of IL-32 in cancer development has not been reported. In this study, we showed that IL-32γ inhibited tumor growth in IL-32γ-overexpressing transgenic mice inoculated with melanoma as well as colon tumor growth in xenograft nude mice inoculated with IL-32γ-transfected colon cancer cells (SW620). The inhibitory effect of IL-32γ on tumor growth was associated with the inhibition of constitutive activated nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The expression of antiapoptotic, cell proliferation and tumor-promoting genes (bcl-2, X-chromosome inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), cellular IAP and cellular FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein, cyclin D), cyclin-dependent kinase 4, cycolooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase was decreased, whereas the expression of apoptotic target genes (caspase-3 and -9, bax) increased. In tumor, spleen and blood, the number of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells and CD57(+) natural killer cells and the levels of IL-10 increased, but that of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 decreased. We also found that forced overexpression of IL-32γ inhibited colon cancer cell (SW620 and HCT116) growth accompanied with the inhibition of activated NF-κB and STAT3 in vitro. In addition, when IL-32γ was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or neutralized with an anti-IL-32γ antibody, IL-32γ-induced colon cancer cell growth inhibition, the IL-32γ-induced decrease of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 production, and the increase of IL-10 production were abolished. However, siRNA of NF-κB and STAT3 augmented IL-32γ-induced colon cancer cell growth inhibition. These findings indicate significant pathophysiological roles of IL-32γ in cancer development.

This research concerns the design of a powertrain system for a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm for the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV), and it is also designed to improve the fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional buses and conventional HEBs. Optimization of the control strategy for the complicated and interconnected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors for achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In this research, the proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity using the ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator) analysis simulation tool.

This research is the first to develop a design for a powertain system of a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm of the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV) and to improve fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional bus and conventional HEBs. The control strategy of the complicated connected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors in achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions of the HEV. In this research, a new optimal control strategy concept is proposed against existing rule-based control strategies. The optimal powertrain control strategy is obtained through two steps of optimizations: tradeoff optimization for emission control and energy flow optimization based on the instantaneous optimization technique. The proposed powertrain control strategy has the flexibility to adapt to battery SOC, exhaust emission amount, classified driving pattern, driving condition, and engine temperature. The objective of the optimal control strategy is to optimize the fuel consumption, electricity use, and exhaust emissions proper to the performance targets. The proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity by using analysis simulation tool ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator).

Hybrids combine a combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The two technologies can be combined to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. This paper presents the concept of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) applied to truck or van vehicles with diesel engines. The simulation results from the advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR) demonstrate that the required power may be properly shared between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The simulation can also be used to prove that the technique is useful for improvements in driving performance; additionally, the technique is suitable for hybrid electric vehicles, allowing for good fuel economy and low emissions performance.

This paper reports an experimental investigation in designing a tree-shaped wind power system using piezoelectric materials. The proposed system has been designed to produce power if there is any wind strong enough to cause any bending in the energy converting elements, i.e. piezoelectric materials. Two different kinds of piezoelectric materials are used in this study to produce power by scavenging energy from the wind. The soft flexible one is used to make the leaf element, whereas the hard one is applied to the trunk portion of the tree requiring rather strong winds to generate any power. Although small, each leaf deems to play the role of a power producer as currents are continuously trickling down to a storage battery installed at the bottom of the system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle that combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle HEVs do not have limited ranges like battery electric vehicles, which use batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components. The objective of this study is to compare the fuel economies of a conventional step van, a series hybrid electric step van (HESV), and a parallel HESV by calculating the fuel consumption using the ADVISOR software by NREL. We also showed the results of the vehicles in different driving cycles including the Central Business District bus cycles, the New York City Cycle, and the US EPA City and Highway cycles.

In this paper, hybrid air?water discharges were used to develop an optimal condition for providing a high level of water decomposition for hydrogen evolution. Electrical and optical phenomena accompanying the discharges were investigated along with feeding gases, flow rates and point-to-plane electrode gap distance. The experiments were primarily focused on the optical emission of the near UV range, providing a sufficient energy threshold for water dissociation and excitation. The OH(A?2?+ ? X?2?, ?? = 0) band optical emission intensity indicated the presence of plasma chemical reactions involving hydrogen formation. Despite the fact that energy input was high, the OH(A?X) optical emission was found to be negligible at the zero gap distance between the tip of the metal rod and water surface. In the gas atmosphere saturated with water vapour the OH(A?X) intensity was relatively high compared with the liquid and transient phases although the optical emission strongly depended on the flow rate and type of feeding gas. The gas phase was found to be more favourable because of less energy consumption in the cases of He and Ar carrier gases, and quenching mechanisms of oxygen in the N2 carrier gas atmosphere, preventing hydrogen from recombining with oxygen. In the gas phase the discharge was at a steady state, in contrast to the other phases, in which bubbles interrupted propagation of the plasma channel. Optical emission intensity of OH(A?X) band increased according to the flow rate or residence time of the He feeding gas. Nevertheless, a reciprocal tendency was acquired for N2 and Ar carrier gases. The peak value of OH(A?X) band optical emission intensity was observed near the water surface; however in the cases of Ar and N2 with a 0.5?SLM flow rate, it was shifted below the water surface. Rotational temperature was estimated to be in the range of 900?3600?K, according to the carrier gas and flow rate, which is sufficient for hydrogen production.

Detection of irradiated ostrich meat with doses of 1 to 10 kGy using the DNA comet assay and hydrocarbon determinations by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was investigated. The irradiated ostrich meat showed comets with long tails whereas nonirradiated controls showed intact cells only slight comets. Concentrations of radiation-induced hydrocarbons increased with irradiation dose. Radiation-induced hydrocarbons in ostrich meat were detected at doses of 1 kGy or more; however, they were not detected in nonirradiated controls. The prominent radiation-induced hydrocarbons included 14:1, 15:0, 16:2, 16:3, 17:1, and 17:2, with 16:2 the most abundant.

A new series of 3:29 compounds in the Fe–Nd–Ti–Zr quaternary system were synthesized successfully. The formation and structural properties were studied by means of powder x-ray and powder neutron diffraction. The results reveal that only a small amount of Zr content can exist in the 3:29-type compounds in the Fe–Nd–Ti–Zr quaternary system. Higher Zr content induces the formation of rhombohedral Th2Zn17-type phase. In the structures of 3:29-type compounds, the Zr content partially substitutes for Nd and enters the 2a and 4i crystallographic sites exclusively. Upon Zr substitution, the lattice parameters a, b, c and the unit cell volumes V of (Nd,Zr)3(Fe,Ti)29 compounds decrease monotonically and their intrinsic magnetic properties, including the Curie temperature and saturation magnetization, lessen as well.

Objective: A bioequivalence study of prednisolone as Nisolone (test) tablets versus Delta-Cortef (reference) tablets was conducted. Patients and methods: Eighteen healthy male Korean volunteers received both 20 mg formulations of prednisolone in this 2 × 2 crossover study with a 1-week washout period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of prednisolone were monitored over a period of 12 hours after the administration using high-performance liquid chromatography. The AUC (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity) and AUC t (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last sampling time) were calculated using the trapezoidal rule-extrapolation method. The C m a x (maximum plasma drug concentration) and t m a x (time to reach C m a x ) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed AUC, AUC t and C m a x and untransformed t m a x . Results: The geometric mean of AUC t was 1,786 ng/ml × h (test medication) and 1,787 ng/ml ×h (reference medication). A C m a x of 409 ng/ml and 404 ng/ml was achieved for the test and the reference medication, respectively. Point estimates and 90% confidence intervals for AUC t (parametric) and C m a x (parametric) were 0.989 (0.942 ∼ 1.039) and 1.013 (0.934 ∼ 1.100), respectively. These results satisfy the bioequivalence criteria of the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products and the US Food and Drug Administration Guidelines. The corresponding value of t m a x was -0.221 (-0.415 ∼ 0.000). Conclusion: The 2 medications of prednisolone examined are bioequivalent and, thus, may be prescribed interchangeably.

Detection characteristics of perilla seeds exposed to electron beam doses of 0 to 2 kGy were investigated. DNA comet assay, photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) measurements, and hydrocarbon determinations by GC-MS were carried out. The irradiated samples showed comets with longer tails (152 ± 6 mm) than did nonirradiated samples (35 ± 11 mm). PSL values (photon counts) for the irradiated samples were more than 7865; whereas those of nonirradiated samples were less than 294. TL ratios (Glow 1/Glow 2) obtained from nonirradiated samples were less than 0.01 and above 0.48 from irradiated ones. The prominent radiation-induced hydrocarbons were 16:2, 16:3, 17:1, and 17:2, of which 16:2 was the most abundant.

The effects of 4-O-methylhonokiol (MH), a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, were investigated on human prostate cancer cells and its mechanism of action elucidated.The anti-cancer effects of MH were examined in prostate cancer and normal cells. The effects were validated in vivo using a mouse xenograft model.MH increased the expression of PPARγ in prostate PC-3 and LNCap cells. The pull-down assay and molecular docking study indicated that MH directly binds to PPARγ. MH also increased transcriptional activity of PPARγ but decreased NF-κB activity. MH inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells, an effect attenuated by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. MH induced apoptotic cell death and this was related to G(0) -G(1) phase cell cycle arrest. MH increased the expression of the cell cycle regulator p21, and apoptotic proteins, whereas it decreased phosphorylation of Rb and anti-apoptotic proteins. Transfection of PC3 cells with p21 siRNA or a p21 mutant plasmid on the cyclin D1/ cycline-dependent kinase 4 binding site abolished the effects of MH on cell growth, cell viability and related protein expression. In the animal studies, MH inhibited tumour growth, NF-κB activity and expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, whereas it increased the transcriptional activity and expression of PPARγ, and the expression of apoptotic proteins and p21 in tumour tissues.MH inhibits growth of human prostate cancer cells through activation of PPARγ, suppression of NF-κB and arrest of the cell cycle. Thus, MH might be a useful tool for treatment of prostate cancer.

The purpose of this research was develop a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system which has low energy consumption, sludge production, and land usage. These indicate that BNR system could be a alternative of future wastewater treatment in ubiquitous city(U-city). Organics and nitrogen compounds could be removed by this system so that secondary or tertiary stages of wastewater treatment satisfy their standards. This system was composed of oxic and anoxic filter filed with PVDC and POM media. Anoxic/oxic filter system operated under empty bed contact time of 4 hours by increasing recirculation ratio from 0 to 100 %. The system removals of total nitrogen and COD were 76.3% and 93%, respectively. To be observed internal behavior in this system SCOD, NH3-N, and NO3-N were conducted and removal shows range of 25~100%, 59~99%, and 70~100%, respectively., {"references":["OH, S, A,. (2008). A Study on the u-City Implementation Model-Focused on the Water and Sewer Facilities, Department of Civil\nEngineering Kyungwon University, Sungnam, Korea","Korean Ministry of Environment (2009). Enforcement Regulations of\nSewerage Law. Korean Ministry of Environment, Seoul, Korea.","Payraydeau, M., Pearce, A. R, Goldsmith, R., Bigot B. and Wicquart F.\n(2001). Experience with an up-flow biological aerated filter(BAF) for tertiary treatment: from pilot trials to full scale implementation, Wat. Sci. Tech, Vol. 44, No. 2-3, pp. 63~68","Mckinney R. E. , 1984, Activated Sludge Kinetics-Microbiology, Unpublished.","Jang, A, H., S. Kim, and I. S. Kim (2000), Effect of Nitrate and Nitrite\nLoad on Denitrification Reaction in Anoxic Biofilm Reactor, J. KSEE.\n22(9), 1617-1625.","Standard Methods for the Examination of water and wastewater, 21st\nEd., APHA/AWWA/WEF, Washington DC, 2000.","Korean Ministry of Environment (2000a). Korean Standard Methods for\nthe Examination of Water and Wastewater. Donghwa Technology,\nSeoul, Korea"]}

This study developed a high efficient and combined biological and chemical filter treatment process. This process used PAC (Powder Activated Carbon), Alum and attached growth treatment process. The system removals of total nitrogen and total phosphorus ratio of two were as high as 70% and 73%, moreover, the effluent water was suitable to urban and agricultural water. Also the advantages of this process are not only occupies small place but is simple, economic and easy operating. Besides, our developed process can keep stable process efficiency even in relative low load level. Therefore, this study judges that use of the high efficient and combined biological and chemical filter treatment process, it is expected that the effluent water in this system can be reused as urban and agricultural water.

Biological treatment of secondary effluent wastewater by two combined denitrification/oxic filtration systems packed with Lock type(denitrification filter) and ceramic ball (oxic filter) has been studied for 5months. Two phases of operating conditions were carried out with an influent nitrate and ammonia concentrations varied from 5.8 to 11.7mg/L and 5.4 to 12.4mg/L,respectively. Denitrification/oxic filter treatment system were operated under an EBCT (Empty Bed Contact Time) of 4h at system recirculation ratio in the range from 0 to 300% (Linear Velocity increased 19.5m/d to 78m/d). The system efficiency of denitrification , nitrification over 95% respectively. Total nitrogen and COD removal range from 54.6%(recirculation 0%) to 92.3%(recirculation 300%) and 10% to 62.5%, respectively., {"references":["Canler,J.P. and Perret,J.M. Biological aerated filter : assessment of the\nprocess based on 12 sewage treatment plants. Wat.Sci.Tech., Vol. 29\nno.10-11, pp.13-22,1994.","Dillon, G,R., Thomas,V.K. A pilot-scale evaluation of the \"Biocarbone\nprocess\" for the treatment of settled sewage and for tertiary nitrification of\nsecondary treatment. Wat.Sci.Tech. Vol. 22 no. 10-11, pp.305-316,1990.","Hidaka, T. Development of pre-coagulation and biofiltration\nprocess.ph.D Dissertation, Department of environmental Engineering.\nkyoto University, Kyoto, japan,2002.","Hidaka, T., Tsuno, H., kishimoto, N., 2003a. Advanced treatment of\nsewage by pre-coagulation and biological filtration process. Water Res.\nVol. 37, no 17, 4259-4269,2003a.","Hidaka, T., Tsuno, H., jeong, J., Kishmoto, N., Oda, T. Utilization of\npre-coagulation sludge in biological filtration process. J. Jpn Sewage\nWorks Assco. Vol. 40, no. 487, pp.103-116,2003b","Jepsen S.E., Laursen K., la Cour Jansen J. and Harremoes P.\nDenitrification in submerged filters of nitrified wastewater and\npre-precipitated wastewater. In: Chemical Water and wastewater\nTreatment ,Proc. 5th Gothenburg Symposium, Nice, France,1992.","Mange P., Gros H. Biological treatment of communal wastewater by\nbiofiltration on granular media and nitrification on a submerged filter.\nConf. on Techn. Advanced in Biofilm Reactor, Nice, France,1990","Payraudeau, M., Pearce, A.R., Gousailles, M. Tertiary nitrification in an\nupflow biofilter on floating media: influence of temperature and COD\nload. Wat.Sci.Tech. Vol. 44, no. 2-3, pp.63-68,2000.","Payraudeau, M., paffoni, C., Goldsmith, R., Bigot, B., Wicquart, F.\nExperience with an upflow biological aerated filter (BAF) for tertiary\ntreatment: from pliot trials to full scale implemention. Wat.Sci.Tech. Vol.\n41, no 4-5,pp.21-27,2001.\n[10] Rogalla F., Roudon G., Sibony J. and Blondeau F. Trade-offs between\nphysico-chemical lamella separators and aerate biofiltration. ln: Chemical\nWater and wastewater Treatment ,Proc. 5th Gothenburg Symposium,\nNice, France,1992.\n[11] Tschui, M.,Boller, M., Gujer, W., Eugster, J., Mader, C., Stenger, C.\nTertiary nitrification in aerated pilot biofilters. Wat.Sci.Tech. Vol. 29, no\n10-11, pp.53-60,1994\n[12] Tsuno, H., Hidaka, T., Nakamoto, M. Development of pre-coagulation\nand biofiltration process for advanced treatment of sewage. Wat.Sci.Tech.\nWater Supply Vol. 4, no 1, pp.13-22,2004. Young, \"Synthetic structure of\nindustrial plastics (Book style with paper title and editor),\" in Plastics,\n2nd ed. vol. 3, J. Peters, Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1964, pp. 15-64."]}

Yinchuan Plain is one of drinking-water endemic fluorosis areas in China. To the west of the Yellow River phreatic water with high fluorine distributes in alluvial lacustrine plain and confined water only distributes in Dawukou region to the northwest of Helan Mountain. To the east of the Yellow River high fluorine groundwater with broadly distribution and vertically fluorine content changes observably. Hydrochemical types were complex under weakly alkaline environment. Most of the negative ion in phreatic water main was HCO-3, but in confined water which was mainly SO2-4 and Cl-. Fluorion was controlled by the solubility product, which showed inverse ratio with calcium, and showed positive correlation with (K+ + Na+)/Ca2+ value.

We report a case of calcified endobronchial leiomyoma in the left main bronchus. Leiomyoma of the airways is a rare benign tumour, usually described as a solitary lesion and located in the membranous portion of the lower third of the trachea and rarely in the bronchi. Chest CT showed a well-defined, calcified, polypoid endobronchial mass with a broad stalk in the left main bronchus.

Prodigiosin (PDG) was previously reported to be a T cell-specific immunosuppressant. Here we describe the mechanism of action of PDG in T cells and the effect of PDG on autoimmune diseases. PDG selectively suppresses concanavalin A (Con A)-induced T cell proliferation, but has little effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation of B cells and nitric oxide production of macrophages. Although PDG does not block interleukin (IL)-2 production, it efficiently inhibits interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain (IL-2Ralpha) expression, and this results in a disruption of the IL-2/IL-2R signaling pathway, on which a great part of the regulation of T cell activation depends. PDG blocks T cell differentiation into effector helper T cells secreting interferon-gamma and IL-4 as well as into effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressing perforin, which is at least in part resulting from inhibition of the IL-2/IL-2R signaling. PDG indirectly blocks signal transducer and activator of transcription activation by inhibiting cytokine signalings in Con A-activated T cells, although it does not inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, nuclear factor of activated T cells, and activator protein-1. As direct evidence of immunosuppression in vivo, we show that PDG markedly reduced blood glucose levels and cellular infiltration into the pancreatic islets in nonobese diabetic mice, and that it also delays the onset of collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PDG has a unique mode of action, namely, that it blocks T cell activation by inhibiting primarily IL-2Ralpha expression in the IL-2/IL-2R signaling, and show that this compound represents a promising immunosuppressant candidate for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

In this study we investigated not only osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation on the surface of calcium metaphosphate (CMP) matrices in vitro but also bone formation by ectopic implantation of these cell-matrix constructs in athymic mice in vivo. Interconnected porous CMP matrices with pores 200 microm in size were prepared to use as scaffolds for rat-marrow stromal-cell attachment. Cell-matrix constructs were cultured in vitro, and cell proliferation and ALPase activities were monitored for 56 days. In addition to their being cultured in vitro, cell-matrix constructs were implanted into subcutaneous sites of athymic mice. In vitro these porous CMP matrices supported the proliferation of osteoblastic cells as well as their differentiation, as indicated by high ALPase activity. In vivo the transplanted marrow cells gave rise to bone tissues in the pores of the CMP matrices. A small amount of woven bone formation was detected first at 4 weeks; osteogenesis progressed vigorously with time, and thick lamellar bones that had been remodeled were observed at 12 weeks. These findings demonstrate the potential for using a porous CMP matrix as a biodegradable scaffold ex vivo along with attached marrow-derived mesenchymal cells for transplantation into a site for bone regeneration in vivo.

We show that radicicol, a fungal antibiotic, produces a marked inhibition of p38 kinase, nuclear factor-kappaB/Rel (NF-kappaB/Rel), and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) transcription by the macrophage line RAW 264.7 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment of RAW 264.7 with radicicol inhibited LPS-stimulated p38 kinase phosphorylation in a dose-related manner. iNOS transcription, which is regulated in part by the NF-kappaB/Rel family of transcription factors, has been shown to be under the control of the p38 kinase signaling cascade. Our data also show that the p38 kinase pathway is specifically involved in LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel activation and iNOS expression because NF-kappaB/Rel DNA binding and iNOS mRNA production in the presence of a specific inhibitor of p38 kinase, SB203580, were dramatically diminished. In contrast, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase kinase 1 had no effect on NF-kappaB/Rel activation and iNOS expression. LPS-induced loss of inhibitory proteins IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta and translocation of p65, c-Rel, and p50 was inhibited by radicicol. Collectively, this series of experiments indicates that radicicol inhibits iNOS gene expression by blocking p38 kinase signaling. Due to the critical role that NO release plays in mediating inflammatory responses, the inhibitory effects of radicicol on iNOS suggest that this potent antifungal agent may represent a useful anti-inflammatory agent.

11069 Background: Survivin is an apoptosis inhibitor and plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer. Polymorphisms in the survivin gene may influence survivin production or activity, thereby modulating susceptibility to lung cancer. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the association between survivin polymorphisms and the risk of lung cancer in a Korean population. Methods: We first screened for polymorphisms in the survivin gene by direct sequencing of genomic DNA samples from 27 healthy Koreans. We selected identified SNPs based on their frequency, linkage disequilibrium (LD) status and haplotype tagging status, and then genotyped the selected SNPs in 582 lung cancer patients and 582 healthy controls who were frequency matched for age and gender. Results: We identified 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): 6 known SNPs [-644T>C, -625G>C, - 31C>G, 9194A>G (K129E), 9386T>C and 9809T>C] and 2 novel SNPs (9974C>T and 10347G>A). Among the SNPs studied, only the -31C>G genot...

Research was performed to increase the efficiency of a plasma reactor for the H2 yield. Ni as a transitional metal catalyst and TiO2 as a photocatalyst were utilized for the generation of H2 from an aqueous solution. The composition of aqueous solution, discharge properties and electrode geometry affected H2 generation. It was found that the hollow type electrode configuration allowed discharge distribution along the perimeter of the electrode's tip, which increased the density of streamers and reduced plasma energy loadings, as the value of the inception voltage for the discharge propagation decreased. The maximum H2 yield was observed at 2 kHz of discharge frequency and 12 kV of applied voltage, using distilled water, which was in compliance with a steep increase in electron density, ne ≈ 1017 cm−3 and electron temperature, Te ≈ 2 eV. Within this favourable discharge condition, the synergistic effect of a non-thermal plasma and TiO2, Ni catalysts was investigated. The plasma state was studied by optical emission spectroscopy (OES), electrical and acoustical techniques. Emitted light, electric current and acoustical signals acquired from the discharge demonstrated systematical correlation. OES was used to estimate ne and Te by measuring the Stark broadening of the Balmer Hβ line and emission of Hα and Hβ lines ratio, respectively. The rotational and vibrational temperatures were deduced from OH(A 2Σ+–X 2Π, Δυ = 0) and N2(C 3Πu–B 3Πg) bands.

Effects of the substitution of nontransition metal Al on phase transition, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of Nd3(Fe,Ti)29-type intermetallics have been systematically investigated by means of x-ray diffractions, time-of-flight powder neutron diffraction, and magnetic measurements. Rietveld analyses of x-ray diffraction patterns indicate that Nd3Fe27.5−xTi1.5Alx compounds mainly crystallize in Nd3(Fe,Ti)29-type structure (A2∕m space group) when x⩽1.5, but the main phase was replaced by Th2Zn17-type structure (R3¯m space group) when x>1.5. The lattice parameters a, b, c, and unit cell volume V of 3:29 phase in Nd3Fe27.5−xTi1.5Alx increase linearly with the substitution of Al. The site distributions of Ti and Al atoms were determined by refining the powder neutron diffraction data and it was found that Ti atoms prefer to occupy 4i1, 4i2, and 4g sites with the largest number of Fe neighbors while Al atoms prefer to take 4i4 and 8j4 sites with the largest number of rare earth neighbors. The Curie ...

9573 Background: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) has been shown to improve local control (LC) in patients with extremity and truncal soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The purpose of this study was to analyze how much RT promoted LC in patients with marginally excised STS compared with patients with widely excised STS. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-two patients with STS (173 extremity cases and 59 trunk cases) who had received conserving surgery were divided into 3 groups according to marginal status and the addition of RT; (1) wide excision alone (n = 56, Group A), (2) wide excision plus RT (n = 64, Group B) and (3) marginal excision plus RT (n = 112, Group C). LC, overall survival, and morbidity rates were retrospectively compared among 3 groups. Results: There were no differences in age, gender, pathologic type, and tumor site among three groups, but Group A had the higher incidence of small-sized tumor and low grade tumor than other groups. Thirty-eight patients experienced local failures (LF) after completion of treatment. Group C had similar incidence of LF compared with Group B (Group A; 4%, Group B; 21%, and Group C; 19%). Overall 5-year and 10-year LC rates were 80% and 70%, and there were no significant differences between Group B and Group C in 10-year LC rate (Group A; 84%, Group B; 65%, and Group C; 68%). Tumor grade and tumor site were found to be significant predictors of LF. Group C had lower 10-year overall actuarial survival rate compared with Group B (Group A; 85%, Group B; 78%, and Group C; 69%). This was associated with significantly different incidence of distant failure (Group A; 11%, Group B; 16%, and Group C; 29%, p=0.008). Seven patients suffered from wound dehiscence, and 1 patient from bone necrosis. The incidence of Grade 3–4 late complication was higher in Group B than Group A and Group C (Group A; 0%, Group B; 9.3%, and Group C; 1.7%, p=0.03). Conclusions: Our data indicate that RT seems to promote LC in patients with positive or close margin up to that of patients with wide margin in extremity and truncal STS. We suggest that conserving surgery and RT for patients with marginal STS should be the alternative choice rather than aggressive surgery for better LC without deteriorating limb-function or causing serious complication. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The effects of a combined substitution of Nd by Y and Fe by Si in Nd2−xYxFe17−ySiy compounds (0⩽x⩽1.5,0⩽y⩽3.0) on structural and magnetic properties have been investigated by means of x-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The investigated samples crystallize in Th2Zn17-type structure with only small amounts of alpha-Fe. The unit cell volume decreases with increasing Y content or Si content. Neutron diffraction analysis indicates that substitution of Y for Nd induces a decrease of Si occupancy in 18h sites and increases in 9d sites and 18f sites. With the substitution of Y for Nd, the average site bond lengths in 6c, 9d, 18f, and 18h sites all decrease, but the distances of all Fe-Fe pairs do not change negatively. The TC of Nd2−xYxFe17−ySiy increases significantly with increasing Si substitution (y⩽3.0), but it changes slightly with increasing Y substitution. Similar to the case of Si substitution, the Ms also first increases and then decreases with increasing Y substitution. ...

A series of compounds Nd3−xYxFe23−yCo6Moy (x=0.36–3.0) has been synthesized and studied by x-ray powder diffraction and neutron diffraction. Rietveld analyses of the diffraction data indicate that all the compounds crystallize in A2∕m. The lattice parameters a, b, and c and unit-cell volume V decreased monotonically with the increase of Y content. Neutron-diffraction results show that Mo atoms occupy three sites, two 4i sites and one 4g site, while Co atoms are found to occupy all the Fe sites not shared with the Mo atoms. However, the most preferential sites for Co are Fe1(2c), Fe8(8j), and Fe11(4e). It is also observed that those sites preferred by Mo have the long average bond length, while sites preferred by Co have short average bond lengths.

The effects of double substitution of Ti and Al for Fe on the structural and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe17−x−yTixAly compounds were investigated. A series of Nd2Fe17−x−yTixAly compounds (0⩽x⩽1.0;0⩽y⩽3) were prepared by arc melting techniques in high pure Ar atmosphere. Rietveld analyses of x-ray and neutron diffractions indicate that all the samples crystallize in the rhombohedral Th2Zn17-type structure. The lattice parameters a, c and the unit-cell volumes of Nd2Fe17−x−yTixAly increase linearly with increasing aluminum content for a given Ti content and increase with the increase of Ti content for a given Al content. The addition of Ti atoms has a positive effect on the increasing rates of the a axis and the unit-cell volume on the Al content, but has a negative effect on the increasing rate of the c axis. Neutron-diffraction analyses indicate that Ti atoms and Al atoms prefer to take 6c sites and 18h sites, respectively, in doubly substituted Nd2Fe17−x−yTixAly but the site occupancies change slightly c...