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Among numerous approaches that have been presented for computational contact analysis, the node-to-segment (NTS) approach is widely adopted in industrial applications, particularly with the penalty method. However, the pure penalty-method-based NTS approach fails the patch test even with the area regularization (AR) technique. There have been relatively few solutions for this problem compared to those for Lagrange-multiplier-method-based NTS approaches. This paper presents an improved AR technique and attempts to make the penalty-method-based NTS approach pass the patch test. The proposed approach improves the accuracy without the need to introduce additional geometry to the conventional penalty-method-based NTS approach. The entire competence area of a slave node is not directly utilized as a penalty weighting factor. Instead, a part of the competence area is extracted in accordance with the projection from a master node to a slave segment. In a complementary manner, a two-pass algorithm is used for the selected master nodes to achieve segment-wise force/moment equivalence. The results obtained using the proposed approach are introduced in a two-dimensional frictionless context. It is observed that the proposed approach passes the patch test. Furthermore, a significant improvement in accuracy compared to the conventional NTS and NTS-AR approaches is observed. We aim to extend the approach to three-dimensional applications in the future work.

Objective Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) impacts fertility in women by affecting the menstrual cycle and embryonic development. We aimed to determine the reproductive toxicity of Escherichia coli (E. coli)-derived recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) by measuring changes in the reproductive performance and organs in rhBMP-2-treated rats. Methods Overall, 88 male and female rats each were categorized into one control and three experimental groups. rhBMP-2 was intravenously administered to the experimental groups at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.50 mg/kg/day, respectively. The male rats were administered rhBMP-2 daily, starting from 28 days before mating until the day of necropsy (48 days), after which they were euthanized and necropsied. The female rats were administered rhBMP-2 daily, starting from 14 days before mating until 7 days after fertilization (22–36 days), after which they were necropsied 13 days after fertilization. Results No rhBMP-2-related death occurred throughout the study period. All rhBMP-2-treated groups showed swelling in the tail at the site of rhBMP-2 administration. In the high-dose rhBMP-2 group, the male rats showed a slight reduction in body weight and food consumption, whereas the female rats showed a reduction in the weights of the ovary and oviduct. Examining the fertilization status and necropsy showed no effect of rhBMP-2 on fertility and early embryonic development. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of rhBMP-2 was 0.50 mg/kg/day in all rats. Conclusion rhBMP-2 had no reproductive toxicity on the reproductive performance and organs in female and male rats. Therefore, these results provide new toxicology information on E. coli-derived rhBMP-2 as a therapeutic protein.

The goal of this paper is to examine the computational approaches for predicting both of the overall sound pressure level (OASPL) at a few locations and acceleration power spectral density (APSD) of surrounding thin plates due to the aero-acoustic pressure generated by a cold jet with M = 1.8. First, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particularly delayed detached eddy simulation, are applied to predict the OASPL at the near-field and compute the acoustic properties. Second, the linearized boundary element method (BEM), that is, the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff method is utilized to propagate the pressure and obtain the OASPL at the far-field. Finally, the finite element method is implemented to predict the APSD for a clamped thin plate based on the optimal triangle membrane element, discrete Kirchhoff triangle plate bending element, and Newmark- β time integration scheme. Using the present CFD and BEM, the OASPLs are compared with the experimental results measured by microphones at both the near- and far-fields, respectively. Moreover, APSDs are compared with the experimental results obtained by an accelerometer at a few different locations. Although OASPLs are overestimated because of the coarse meshes in the higher-angle area and low order scheme of the present CFD analysis, the present integrated aero-vibro-acoustic analysis is capable of predicting the OASPL and APSD generated by a cold jet with M = 1.8.

The conventional representative volume element approach may not be accurate enough in examining stress distribution near singularity in a composite. However, enormous number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) is usually required to discretize the subcomponents within the composite structure; hence, it may not be handled in a single CPU. In this study, the finite element tearing and interconnecting algorithm, a domain decomposition method, is proposed to address the challenges posed by such enormous number of DOFs via parallel computation. Owing to the message passing interface, analyses in this study will be conducted on the parallel computing environment. Furthermore, the METIS algorithm is adopted to automatically divide the solid domain into certain number of subdomains. Consequently, the fiber-reinforced polymer which possesses either a crack or notch discretized by over 10 million DOFs will be readily analyzed. The computational time is reduced significantly compared against the original one. Also, the stress and stiffness predictions show good agreement with those by the other existing analyses or experiments. Therefore, this study is expected to be fast and accurate in analyzing composite structures with enormous number of DOFs.

Forced vibration analysis is an indispensable process for the design of a rotating component. However, rather expensive nonlinear static and linear frequency response analyses are usually accompanied by a frequency domain analysis. The traditional mode-superposition method (MSM) effectively reduces the cost of the frequency response analysis. However, the nonlinear static analysis of earlier processes remains as the computational bottleneck. In this paper, the application of the hyper-reduction method will be proposed along with the model order reduction (MOR) framework for rotating component forced vibration analysis. The energy-conserving sampling and weighting (ECSW) method will be employed for the nonlinear iterative computation. The pre-stressed stiffness matrix of the reduced finite elements (FEs) resulting from the ECSW will be used for the post computation stage. Also, a variety of MOR will be attempted for the performance comparison, including MSM, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-based reduced order model (ROM), and a hybrid approach. It is found that the present ECSW-combined MOR will significantly relieve the computational bottleneck, provide a minimal loss of accuracy, and be compatible with both nonlinear and linear analyses of the rotating component forced vibration analysis.

As an alternative to other approaches to facial rejuvenation, the air-toxin technique (dermal injection of air with micro-doses of botulinum toxin) is a promising method. We aimed to describe this novel technique and assess the overall safety and efficacy of the air-toxin technique in facial rejuvenation.A retrospective chart review was performed on cases treated with the air-toxin technique. A total of 47 Korean patients underwent a single treatment session. Treatment efficacy was assessed objectively with serial VISIAA significant improvement in wrinkle (p 0.001), UV spot (p 0.001), and porphyrin (p = 0.005) was objectively seen at 12 weeks follow-up. Patients noted improvement in the categories wrinkle (p 0.01), redness (p = 0.029), texture (p 0.001), dilated pore (p 0.001), and lifting (p 0.001) at Week 12 compared to baseline. No major adverse event was reported.Our data show that the air-toxin technique is efficacious in facial rejuvenation as shown by improved skin analysis parameters and patient assessment scores. Notably, there was some discrepancy between the objective and subjective parameters of improvement.

Absorbable wedge-shaped polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are currently available for facial rejuvenation, and they are extremely popular in the aesthetic clinics in Korea. Other than face lifting, threads also can be used for nonsurgical rhinoplasty. The Asian nose is typified by a flat nasal bridge, indistinct nasal dorsum, underprojected and broad nasal tip, and a short columella. In the past, Asian rhinoplasty mainly focused on dorsal augmentation. At present, augmentation of the nasal tip is very popular and is considered an important aspect of achieving a natural and balanced nose.To describe a novel technique with PDO threads in nonsurgical rhinoplasty. In addition, the authors aimed to assess the overall safety and efficacy of nonsurgical rhinoplasty combining both fillers and threads.A retrospective analysis was performed on Korean patients who received rhinoplasty with PDO threads and fillers. All participants underwent a single treatment session. The results were assessed objectively by 2 independent dermatologists using serial photography and subjectively based on the patients' satisfaction scores at 6-month follow-up.A total of 31 patients were evaluated, and 93.5% considered the results satisfactory. Consensus ratings at the 6-month follow-up were largely categorized as very much improved (38.7%), much improved (35.5%), and improved (25.8%). An average increase of 6.3° (percentage increase by 7.6) in the nasolabial angle (p.05) was measured at follow-up. The incidence of the complications was low, and the ones reported were minor.Nonsurgical rhinoplasty combining PDO threads and fillers can be safe and effective, maintaining good results at 6 months after the procedure. Threads are especially useful for lifting-up the nasal tip, contributing to a more harmonious and pleasing nasal appearance by modifying the columella-labial angle.

Objective To identify risk factors associated with subsequent recurrent instability and to identify predictors of poor outcomes in terrible triad injury of the elbow. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University trauma center. Patients/participants Seventy-six patients who were surgically treated for terrible triad injury of the elbow. Intervention Review of charts and standardized x-ray images before surgery and 2 years after surgery. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: recurrent instability (group A) or concentric stability (group B). Main outcome measurement Primary outcome measures were injury mechanism, time between injury and operation, fracture type, ligament injury, radial head fixation, coronoid fixation, ligament repair, period of postoperative immobilization, joint space restoration, healing progress, secondary operation, functional outcomes, and complications. Secondary outcome measures were age, sex, height, body mass index, bone mineral density, and comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes). Outcomes were measured before surgery and 2 years after surgery and were compared between groups. Results Recurrent instability occurred in 19.7% of cases; revision surgeries were performed in 12 cases (80%). High-energy trauma (P = 0.012), time between injury and operation (P = 0.001), radial head comminution (P = 0.001), medial collateral injury (P = 0.041), and coronoid nonrepair (P = 0.030) were associated with recurrent instability. Posttraumatic arthritis developed more often in group A (P = 0.001). Conclusions Recurrent instability was associated with high-energy trauma, time between injury and operation, Mason type III radial head fracture, medial collateral injury, and coronoid nonrepair. Patients with recurrent instability were more likely to require secondary surgery and develop posttraumatic arthritis than those with concentric stability. Level of evidence Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4-Ig (CTLA4-Ig) produced using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines is a fusion protein of CTLA4 and the Fc region of antibody. In the present study, we identified and overexpressed genes capable of increasing sialic acid levels in CTLA4-Ig to develop cell lines using glycoengineering technology. CTLA4-Ig was produced using CHO cells overexpressing N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT) and α2,6-sialyltransferase (α2,6-ST). The conditions were wild type (WT), overexpression (GnT-IV, GnT-V, and α2,6-ST), and co-overexpression (GnT-IV and α2,6-ST, and GnT-V and α2,6-ST). GnT-IV and GnT-V were transfected into CHO cells to determine tri-antennary structure formation in CTLA4-Ig. CHO

This study mimicked a real fish movement in the aquarium which was controlled by hand signals. The main idea to develop an aquarium robotic fish with hand gestures. Control actions include directions and stop and go of the fish. The inputs are given by human hands known as bio-mimetic ornamental. We implemented control algorithms to recognize hand gestures. The experimental results showed the effective control of robot fish with hand gestures.

This paper is on the development of color detection algorithm for fish robot swimming in the aquarium to control position of fish and avoid inference of other fishes in their paths. This proposed system obtains position of each fish by detecting the color of the fish to control the position and swimming. Radio Frequency module is used in the proposed detection of fish movement. The experiment result shows the position identification of fish improves swimming of the fish in their way without any interruption of other fishes.

Background Facial wrinkles are key signs of aging which affect one's quality of life and psychological well-being. Absorbable wedge-shaped polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are popular in the esthetic clinics of Korea and may be a treatment option for static wrinkles on the upper face. Objective To describe a novel technique applicable to deep static wrinkles on the upper face and to assess its safety and efficacy. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was performed on the static wrinkle cases which were treated with folded, wedge-shaped PDO threads. A total of 33 Korean patients with glabellar and forehead wrinkles were included. All participants underwent a single treatment session. The results were assessed objectively using serial photography and subjectively based on the patients' satisfaction scores. Complications were also recorded. Results Our patients displayed moderate (15.2%), severe (39.4%), and very severe (45.4%) static wrinkles at baseline. The majority of patients (81.8%) considered the results satisfactory. Consensus ratings by two independent dermatologists showed that the objective outcomes at 2-month follow-up were very much improved (30.3%), much improved (30.3%), and improved (24.2%). The incidence of complications was low, and the complications were minor. Conclusion Wedge-shaped PDO sutures in a folded configuration ("solid fillers") are a promising treatment option for deep static wrinkles on the upper face. They may be applied as an adjunct, or as an alternative to conventional therapies such as botulinum toxin and soft tissue filler injection.

In this study, we fabricated indium tin oxide (ITO) films, which are well-known transparent oxide materials with low resistance and high transmittance. Their photocatalytic effect was investigated ...

A reproducible method for cryopreservation of transgenic rice cells (Oryza sativa L. cv. Dongjin) producing recombinant human cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4-immunoglobulin (hCTLA4Ig) has been established. Here, we assessed recovery media and investigated recombinant protein homogeneity after long-term preservation. For recovery of cryopreserved transgenic rice cells, AA medium was suitable in terms of both morphology and production of hCTLA4Ig. There were no differences in cell growth, sugar consumption, and hCTLA4Ig production between non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved cells for up to 1 month. hCTLA4Ig produced from cryopreserved cells was identical that of hCTLA4Ig from non-cryopreserved cells, as determined by analysis of its molecular weight and isoforms. For long-term preservation, cell viability was stably maintained at 61% for 26 months. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the possibility for reproducible cryocell-banking of transgenic rice cells without changes in the characteristics of cells and target proteins.

With the evolution of facial rejuvenation methods, thread lifts have gained popularity among patients who seek cosmetic improvement. Absorbable wedge-shaped polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are currently available, and they are extremely popular in the aesthetic clinics in Korea. In case of midface and mandibular jowl lift, threads are most often inserted in an oblique manner with vectors of rejuvenation directed toward the temple. However, specific characteristics of skeletal anatomy should be considered when deciding which technique to use in Asians. Herein, the authors introduce a vertical lifting technique most suitable for Asians, in which short (6 cm in length), wedge-shaped PDO sutures are inserted vertically downward in the anterior malar and submalar areas.To describe a novel technique adopted to counteract the descent and laxity of the Asian face. The authors also aimed to assess the overall safety and efficacy of wedge-shaped PDO thread lift in facial rejuvenation.A retrospective chart review was performed on cases of facial laxity treated with vertical thread lifting. A total of 39 Korean patients were included. All participants underwent a single treatment session. The results were assessed objectively using serial photography and subjectively based on the patients' satisfaction scores. Complications were also recorded.Most patients (89.7%) considered the results satisfactory. Consensus ratings by 2 independent dermatologists showed that the objective outcomes at the 6-month follow-up were largely categorized as very much improved (10.3%), much improved (43.6%), and improved (33.3%). The incidence of complications was low, and the complications were minor.Thread lifting with short, wedge-shaped PDO sutures is safe and effective for facial rejuvenation. The authors' vertical lifting technique has several advantages over the current approaches. First, the vectors directly oppose the vertical sagging of the face, which makes the technique highly efficient. The technique also carries a lower risk of accentuating the cheekbones, a feature which most Asians do not prefer.

To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and chondral lesion change using individualized surgery for recurrent patellar dislocation. A total of 31 knees with recurrent patellar dislocation underwent surgery depending on individual pathologic abnormalities. Pathologic abnormalities including medial laxity, lateral tightness, increased tibial tuberosity (TT)-to-trochlear groove distance (>20 mm), and patella alta (Caton–Deschamps ratio >1.2) were evaluated in each patient. The abnormalities were corrected through medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, TT distalization, TT anteromedialization, and lateral retinacula release. The mean follow-up period was 33 months. There was one recurrent case (3.2%), requiring additional surgery. The mean Kujala scores were significantly (P = 0.002) improved from 75.8 (SD 12.4) to 84.6 (SD 13.1). Tegner scores were significantly improved from 3.7 (range 1–9) to 5.4 (range 2–9) (P

Various polymers were used as transfection factors for small interfering RNA (siRNA) to effectively suppress human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin (hCTLA4Ig) gene in transgenic rice cells. Five kinds of polymers (PEI, PVA, PVP, and 8 and 20 kDa PEGs) were applied for delivery of siRNA with lipofectamine used as a control. In the cytotoxicity test, all polymers except 8 kDa PEG showed nontoxicity in relation to cell viability. For transfection efficiency, polyplexes composed of siRNA and PEG (20 kDa) did not significantly reduce production of intracellular hCTLA4Ig. On the other hand, siRNA + PEI polyplexes showed the most effective suppression efficiency with regards to production of intracellular hCTLA4Ig among all other polyplexes (PVA, PVP, and PEG (8 kDa)). Effects of molecular weight ratios of siRNA:PEI were investigated to obtain optimal transfection efficiency and avoid excessive damage to cells. PEI-based polyplexes with a 1:10 ratio of siRNA:PEI reduced production of intracellular hCTLA4Ig up to 70.6% without alteration of cell viability. These results demonstrate that PEI-based polyplexes are easy to prepare, inexpensive, non-toxic, and effective to deliver siRNA to transgenic plant cell cultures.

Polyene macrolides such as nystatin A1 and amphotericin B have been known to be potent antifungal antibiotics for several decades. Because the therapeutic application of polyenes is restricted by severe side effects such as nephrotoxicity, various chemical and biological studies to modify the polyene structure have been conducted to develop less-toxic polyene antifungals. A newly discovered nystatin-like polyene compound NPP was shown to contain an aglycone that was identical to nystatin but harbored a unique di-sugar moiety, mycosaminyl-N-acetyl-glucosamine, which led to higher solubility and reduced hemolytic toxicity. Additionally, a NPP-specific second sugar extending gene, nppY, was recently identified to be responsible for the transfer of a second sugar, N-acetyl-glucosamine, in NPP biosynthesis. In this study, we investigated biosynthesis of the glycoengineered NPP analog through genetic manipulation of the NPP A1 producer, Pseudonocardia autotrophica KCTC9441. NypY is another second sugar glycosyltransferase produced by Pseudonocardia sp. P1 that is responsible for the transfer of a mannose to the mycosaminyl sugar residue of nystatin. We blocked the transfer of a second sugar through nppY disruption, then expressed nypY in P. autotrophica △nppY mutant strain. When compared with nystain A1 and NPP A1, the newly engineered mannosylated NPP analog showed reduced in vitro antifungal activity, while exhibiting higher nephrotoxical activities against human hepatocytes. These results suggest for the first time that not only the number of sugar residues but also the type of extended second sugar moiety could affect biological activities of polyene macrolides.

Background Heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters of natural microbial products has become an essential strategy for titer improvement and pathway engineering of various potentially-valuable natural products. A Streptomyces artificial chromosomal conjugation vector, pSBAC, was previously successfully applied for precise cloning and tandem integration of a large polyketide tautomycetin (TMC) biosynthetic gene cluster (Nah et al. in Microb Cell Fact 14(1):1, 2015), implying that this strategy could be employed to develop a custom overexpression scheme of natural product pathway clusters present in actinomycetes. Results To validate the pSBAC system as a generally-applicable heterologous overexpression system for a large-sized polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces, another model polyketide compound, the pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster, was preciously cloned and heterologously expressed using the pSBAC system. A unique HindIII restriction site was precisely inserted at one of the border regions of the pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster within the chromosome of Streptomyces venezuelae, followed by site-specific recombination of pSBAC into the flanking region of the pikromycin gene cluster. Unlike the previous cloning process, one HindIII site integration step was skipped through pSBAC modification. pPik001, a pSBAC containing the pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster, was directly introduced into two heterologous hosts, Streptomyces lividans and Streptomyces coelicolor, resulting in the production of 10-deoxymethynolide, a major pikromycin derivative. When two entire pikromycin biosynthetic gene clusters were tandemly introduced into the S. lividans chromosome, overproduction of 10-deoxymethynolide and the presence of pikromycin, which was previously not detected, were both confirmed. Moreover, comparative qRT-PCR results confirmed that the transcription of pikromycin biosynthetic genes was significantly upregulated in S. lividans containing tandem clusters of pikromycin biosynthetic gene clusters. Conclusions The 60 kb pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster was isolated in a single integration pSBAC vector. Introduction of the pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster into the pikromycin non-producing strains resulted in higher pikromycin production. The utility of the pSBAC system as a precise cloning tool for large-sized biosynthetic gene clusters was verified through heterologous expression of the pikromycin biosynthetic gene cluster. Moreover, this pSBAC-driven heterologous expression strategy was confirmed to be an ideal approach for production of low and inconsistent natural products such as pikromycin in S. venezuelae, implying that this strategy could be employed for development of a custom overexpression scheme of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in actinomycetes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-017-0708-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

We aimed to compare and analyze the outcomes of arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with the Achilles tendon allograft and the quadriceps tendon allograft. Twenty-nine patients who received the same procedure of arthroscopic PCL reconstruction within our inclusion criteria were reviewed retrospectively. There were 13 patients in the Achilles tendon allograft group and 16 patients in the quadriceps tendon allograft group. At least in 2 years of follow-up period, we evaluated the patients using the posterior drawer test, KT 2000 test, Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity scale score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form score, and Telos stress radiography. Between the two groups, no differences were found in preoperative patient demographic factors (age, gender, mean time of surgery, average follow-up period, cause of injury, and combined injury) (p > 0.05). Results of the posterior drawer test, KT 2000 test, Telos stress radiography, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and IKDC subjective score were not significantly different between the two groups at preoperative evaluation and after surgery (p > 0.05). On comparing preoperative evaluation and follow-up after surgery, the Achilles tendon allograft group showed significant improvement in the results of the KT 2000 test, Telos stress radiology, and Lysholm score, whereas the quadriceps tendon allograft group showed significant improvement in the results of the KT 2000 test, Telos stress radiology, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and IKDC subjective score (p

Gaucher disease is an inherited metabolic disease caused by genetic acid β -glucosidase (GBA) deficiency and is currently treated by enzyme replacement therapy. For uptake into macrophages, GBA needs to carry terminal mannose residues on their N-glycans. Knockout mutant rice of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I (gnt1) have a disrupted N-glycan processing pathway and produce only glycoproteins with high mannose residues. In this study, we introduced a gene encoding recombinant human GBA into both wild-type rice (WT) and rice gnt1 calli. Target gene integration and mRNA expression were confirmed by genomic DNA PCR and Northern blotting, respectively. Secreted rhGBAs in culture media from cell lines originating from both WT (WT-GBA) and rice gnt1 (gnt1-GBA) were detected by Western blotting. Each rhGBA was purified by affinity and ion exchange chromatography. In vitro catalytic activity of purified rhGBA was comparable to commercial Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived rhGBA. N-glycans were isolated from WT-GBA and gnt1-GBA and analyzed by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The amounts of high mannose-type N-glycans were highly elevated in gnt1-GBA (100%) compared to WT-GBA (1%).

Polyene macrolides such as nystatin A1 and amphotericin B belong to a large family of very valuable antifungal polyketide compounds typically produced by soil actinomycetes. Recently, nystatin-like Pseudonocardia polyene (NPP) A1 has been identified as a unique disaccharide-containing tetraene antifungal macrolide produced by Pseudonocardia autotrophica. Despite its significantly increased water solubility and decreased hemolytic activity, its antifungal activity remains limited compared with that of nystatin A1. In this study, we developed NPP B1, a novel NPP A1 derivative harboring a heptaene core structure, by introducing two amino acid substitutions in the putative NADPH-binding motif of the enoyl reductase domain in module 5 of the NPP A1 polyketide synthase NppC. The low level NPP B1 production yield was successfully improved by eliminating the native plasmid encoding a polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster present in P. autotrophica. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity and toxicity studies indicated that NPP B1 exhibited comparable antifungal activity against Candida albicans and was less toxic than the most potent heptaene antifungal, amphotericin B. Moreover, NPP B1 showed improved pharmacokinetic parameters compared to those of amphotericin B, suggesting that NPP B1 could be a promising candidate for development into a pharmacokinetically improved and less-toxic polyene antifungal antibiotic.

An exhaust duct is commonly installed in a launch pad to reduce the intense noise generated by the rocket exhaust jet at liftoff. In this paper, we investigate the effects of varying the length and shape of the exhaust duct by comparing the noise reduction performance of several different designs. The sub-scale exhaust ducts tested are variations of the original design by Tsutsumi et al. [AIAA Paper 2015-1007], colloquially known as “Seiji’s dog house,” and experiments are performed using cold jets of Mach 1.8 and 3.1, respectively. Linear and semi-circular microphone arrays are employed near the nozzle and at a radial distance of 100 nozzle diameters from the center of the duct outlet. A design guideline as to the length and the outlet shape of the exhaust duct, leading to the best noise reduction performance, is discussed. [This work was conducted at High-Speed Vehicle Research Center of KAIST with the support of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Agency for Defense Development under Contract UD170018CD.]

Background: Although image analysis has shown that the outside-in (OI) technique is associated with different femoral tunnel geometry than the transportal (TP) technique in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is not known whether clinical results differ between the 2 techniques. Purpose: To compare clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between the TP and OI techniques in anatomic double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From November 2010 to March 2013, 128 patients were enrolled in this study and were randomly assigned to either the TP group (64 patients) or the OI group (64 patients), and DB ACL reconstructions were performed. At the minimum 2-year follow-up (34.9 ± 10.9 months), 111 patients (86.7%) were evaluated with multiple clinical scores and stability tests (KT-2000 arthrometer, Lachman test, and pivot-shift test). Ninety-three knees were evaluated for graft continuity, graft tension, and synovialization by use of second-look arthroscopy. Seventy-eight knees were evaluated on MRI for graft continuity, femoral graft tunnel healing, and graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The primary outcome was KT-2000 arthrometer results. Results were compared between the TP and OI groups. Results: No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of KT-2000 arthrometer results, which was the primary outcome, and other clinical results, with the exception of the postoperative functional test of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score. The ratio of grade A and B on the postoperative functional test of IKDC objective score was significantly larger for the OI group (51/58) than the TP group (36/53) ( P = .005). The second-look arthroscopic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups in either bundle ( P > .05). In addition, MRI findings did not differ significantly between the 2 groups ( P > .05). Conclusion: With the exception of the functional test of IKDC objective score, we found that clinical results, second-look arthroscopic findings, and MRI findings did not differ significantly between the OI and TP techniques for anatomic ACL reconstruction, although femoral tunnel geometries differed significantly between the 2 techniques.