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Predicting the survival of cancer patients provides prognostic information and therapeutic guidance. However, improved prediction models are needed for use in diagnosis and treatment.This study aimed to identify genomic prognostic biomarkers related to colon cancer (CC) based on computational data and to develop survival prediction models.We performed machine-learning (ML) analysis to screen pathogenic survival-related driver genes related to patient prognosis by integrating copy number variation and gene expression data. Moreover, in silico system analysis was performed to clinically assess data from ML analysis, and we identified RABGAP1L, MYH9, and DRD4 as candidate genes. These three genes and tumor stages were used to generate survival prediction models. Moreover, the genes were validated by experimental and clinical analyses, and the theranostic application of the survival prediction models was assessed.RABGAP1L, MYH9, and DRD4 were identified as survival-related candidate genes by ML and in silico system analysis. The survival prediction model using the expression of the three genes showed higher predictive performance when applied to predict the prognosis of CC patients. A series of functional analyses revealed that each knockdown of three genes reduced the protumor activity of CC cells. In particular, validation with an independent cohort of CC patients confirmed that the coexpression of MYH9 and DRD4 gene expression reflected poorer clinical outcomes in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival.Our survival prediction approach will contribute to providing information on patients and developing a therapeutic strategy for CC patients.

A visual hull is an approximation of a three-dimensional (3-D) object generated by the shape-from-silhouettes (SfS) technique. Because a visual hull is calculated from silhouettes, a visual hull can be represented by silhouette images, encoded by a small number of bits. However, it is challenging to represent the concave regions of a visual hull. In this paper, we model voxel data with a set of visual hulls, thereby handling the concave regions of voxel data. To accomplish this, silhouettes are generated from input voxel data using virtual cameras, and a visual hull is computed by SfS using the silhouettes. To handle the concave regions, we calculate the residuals of visual hulls, and the residuals are represented by visual hulls again. This process is repeated until all concave regions are processed, and a hierarchical data structure, i.e., a visual hull tree, is generated. Because the visual hull tree is constituted from a set of visual hulls, it can represent the details of the voxel data even in the root node. Also, because a set of visual hulls can be represented by silhouettes, a visual hull tree has a small number of bits. From the experiments, we compare our method to the octree-based representation, and our method demonstrates good encoding performance.

The representation of voxel colors has become crucial because voxelized 3D data are used in a variety of applications. In particular, texture atlases are widely used for representing voxel colors. The texture atlas is typically utilized for encoding voxel colors using image/video encoders, so it is important to design a texture atlas while maintaining the connectivity between voxels. In this paper, we present a texture atlas based on a surface scanning scheme. To this end, we represent a 3D object as slices, and texture strips are obtained by scanning voxels along the surface for each slice. The texture strips represent the voxel colors while preserving the connectivity of the voxels. Besides, because the texture strips are highly correlated, we construct a texture atlas by aligning texture strips. We also propose a partitioning method for a 3D object to solve the self-occlusion problem that occurs in the alignment process. As an application of the proposed texture atlases, we utilize it for encoding voxel colors and propose encoding strategies. Experimental results indicate that the proposed texture atlases outperform the previous methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use a surface scanning scheme for a texture atlas.

Recurrence and metastasis remain major obstacles in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Recent studies suggest that a small subpopulation of cells with a self-renewal ability, called cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), promotes recurrence and metastasis in CRC. Unfortunately, no CSC inhibitor has been demonstrated to be more effective than existing chemotherapeutic drugs, resulting in a significant unmet need for effective CRC therapies. In this study, transcriptomic profiling of metastatic tumors from CRC patients revealed significant upregulation in the Wnt pathway and stemness genes. Thus, we examined the therapeutic effect of the small-molecule Wnt inhibitor ICG-001 on cancer stemness and metastasis. The ICG-001 treatment efficiently attenuated self-renewal activity and metastatic potential. Mechanistically, myeloid ecotropic viral insertion site 1 (MEIS1) was identified as a target gene of ICG-001 that is transcriptionally regulated by Wnt signaling. A series of functional analyses revealed that MEIS1 enhanced the CSC behavior and metastatic potential of the CRC cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that ICG-001 efficiently inhibits CRC stemness and metastasis by suppressing MEIS1 expression. These results provide a basis for the further clinical investigation of ICG-001 as a targeted therapy for CSCs, opening a new avenue for the development of novel Wnt inhibitors for the treatment of CRC metastasis.

Objectives We evaluated the clinical usefulness of Allerkin (Lofarma) for nasal provocation testing (NPT) in patients with rhinitis symptoms, by examining changes in nasal symptoms and acoustic parameters after exposure to house dust mite (HDM) extract. Methods Twenty patients (16 males and 4 females, mean age: 29.6±14.6 years) were enrolled. We performed skin prick test (SPT) before and 15 and 30 minutes after intranasal challenge with Allerkin HDM extract, and we evaluated symptom changes (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching) using a visual analogue scale. We also evaluated changes in acoustic parameters such as total nasal volume (TNV) and minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) before and after challenge. Results Group A (the nonallergic group, n=8) showed negative results for all tested aeroallergens in SPT and nonprovocative results (29% decrease in TNV/MCA from the baseline value). Patients in group C showed significant aggravation of nasal obstruction compared to those in group A (P

Objectives Since Korea is geographically close to China (the origin site for Asian sand dust [ASD]) the health influence of ASD event will be still greater in Korea. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter 100 μg/m3) Results There was no significant difference between group A and B in nasal symptoms and PNIF during the 120-day period. Changes in nasal symptoms and PNIF were not statistically significant before or after a PM10 concentration rise above 100 μg/m3. Conclusion Low concentration PM10 does not have significant effect on nasal symptoms and PNIF in AR patients.

This paper presents an image-based object reconstruction with a low memory footprint using run-length representation. While conventional volume-based approaches, which utilize voxels as primitives, are intuitive and easy to manipulate 3D data, they require a large amount of memory and computation during the reconstruction process. To overcome these burdens, this paper uses 3D runs to represent a 3D object and reconstructs each 3D run from multi-view silhouettes with a small amount of memory. The proposed geometry reconstruction is also computationally inexpensive, as it processes multiple voxels simultaneously. And for the compatibility with the conventional data formats, generation of polygonal 3D meshes from the reconstructed 3D runs is proposed as well. Lastly, texture mapping is proposed to additionally reduce the amount of memory for object reconstruction. The proposed reconstruction scheme has been simulated using various types of multi-view datasets. The results show that the proposed method performs object reconstruction with a smaller amount of memory and computation than voxel-based approaches. An image-based object reconstruction using run-length representation is proposed.A fast geometry reconstruction by rectifying images is proposed.A 3D mesh generation algorithm from the reconstructed 3D runs is proposed.View dependent texture mapping algorithm using a color palette is proposed.

Aim of the study We aimed to evaluate the anti-allergic effect of luteolin treatment in mice with allergic asthma and rhinitis. Material and methods Thirty-two BALB/c mice (n = 8 for each group) were used. Mice in group A (nonallergic group) were exposed to saline, while those in Group B (allergic group) were exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and intranasal (i.n.) challenge. Null treatment group (Group C) received sterile saline (150 μl) i.p. injection, 30 minutes before each i.n. challenge. Finally, the treatment group (Group D) received luteolin (0.1 mg/kg) by i.p. injection, 30 minutes before each i.n. challenge. We evaluated the number of inflammatory cells including eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, the titers of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in lung homogenate, and we also evaluated histopathologic findings, including infiltration of inflammatory cells into the pulmonary parenchyma and nasal mucosa. Results After the OVA challenge, the number of eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BAL fluid was significantly increased in group B, compared to group A (p < 0.001). Mice in group C had no significant difference (p > 0.05). On the other hand, group D showed a significant decrease in all inflammatory cells compared to group B (p < 0.05). Also, group D showed a significant decrease in IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in their lung homogenate compared to groups B and C (p < 0.05). Group D also showed a significant decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration after luteolin treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion Luteolin had an anti-allergic effect in a murine model of allergic asthma and rhinitis.

Background Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem, and its prevalence rate and socioeconomic burden continue to increase. Intranasal steroid (INS) is the first treatment choice in the majority of patients, because of its ability to effectively control allergic symptoms. However, patients and clinicians are concerned about the potential adverse effects of prolonged INS use. Methods We performed to review for evaluating systemic and local safety of INS use, by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database for identification of relevant articles. Results In the present study, the systemic bioavailabilities of several commercially available INSs were researched, and then systemic safeties were reviewed with focus on suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and their effects on pediatric growth. In addition, local adverse effects, such as, epistaxis and nasal septal perforation, were investigated. Finally, the authors proposed some techniques in order to avoid these complications. Conclusion INSs offer a safe, effective means of treating allergic rhinitis in the short- and long-term with no or minimal adverse systemic and local effects.

OBJECTIVES Antiorthostatic suspension (AOS) is ground-based model of simulated microgravity. There is still no study about the effect of long-term microgravity on the clinical course of acute lung injury. We evaluated the effect of simulated microgravity using AOS in a murine model of acute lung injury by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS Thirty BALB/c mice were used. During 4 weeks, mice were equally allocated to control (free movement), restraint (tail suspended, but hindlimbs not unloaded), and AOS group (hindlimb unloaded). After then, mice got intranasal challenge with LPS (20 mg/kg, 50 μL). We measured: weight gain before and after AOS, the number of inflammatory cells and titers of cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, titer of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in serum and lung homogenate, and histopathologic examination of lung tissue. RESULTS AOS group had significant weight loss compared to control and restraint group (P

Results: Selenium plasma levels on days 2 to 7 after burn injury were fairly correlated with ABSI (r=-0.640, P＜0.001), TBSA (r=-0.640, P＜0.001), duration of intravenous antibiotics use (r=-0.555, P＜0.001), and length of stay in intensive care unit (r=-0.445, P=0.004). In comparison between survivor and non-survivor, statistical difference was observed between two selenium plasma levels (66.2±13.6 mcg/L versus 49.4±14.5 mcg/L, P=0.002). Conclusion: In this study, selenium plasma levels on days 2 to 7 after burn injury was related to prognosis of major burn patients. (Surg Metab Nutr 2015;6:28-32)

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the relationship between nasal eosinophilia and nasal hyperresponsiveness to allergen extract. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary rhinologic practice. Subjects and Methods We performed allergy tests (skin prick test and multiple allergosorbent test) and nasal cytology for 194 patients with rhinitis symptoms (76 males and 118 females; age, 11-69 years). According to the results, they were classified into 4 groups: group A (allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia, n = 26), group B (allergic rhinitis without eosinophilia, n = 77), group C (nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome, n = 20), and group D (nonallergic rhinitis without eosinophilia, n = 71). We performed a nasal provocation test (NPT) using house dust mite extract and assessed the changes in symptoms and the decrease in acoustic parameters (total nasal volume and minimal cross-sectional area [MCA]). Results Patients in group C were more likely to have severe rhinorrhea and sneezing than those in group D ( P < .001). After NPT, group C had greater aggravation of nasal obstruction than group D ( P < .001). Group C also showed markedly greater MCA changes as compared with group D 15 minutes after the antigen challenge ( P = .002). There was significant correlation between the number of eosinophils and an increase in nasal obstruction ( r = 0.319, P = .0009), rhinorrhea ( r = 0.302, P = .0017), sneezing ( r = 0.219, P = .0241), change in the total nasal volume 15 minutes after NPT ( r = 0.287, P = .0028), and change in the MCA 15 minutes ( r = 0.322, P = .0008) and 30 minutes ( r = 0.250, P = .0098) after NPT. Conclusion In patients with NAR, nasal eosinophilia is associated with provocative response after NPT. Further research should be performed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon.

Background No standard study protocol or diagnostic criteria based on nasal provocation test (NPT) and acoustic rhinometry (AR) results are available for allergic rhinitis. Objective We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of NPT plus AR for the differential diagnosis of local allergic rhinitis (LAR), allergic, and nonallergic rhinitis. Methods The medical records and skin-prick test (SPT) and NPT results of 262 patients with symptoms of chronic rhinitis were reviewed. Patients were allocated to one of three groups, that is, group A [n = 110, negative SPT result for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP)], group B (n = 53, weakly positive result), or group C (n = 99, strongly positive result). Results Twelve patients had a negative SPT result and provoked response in NPT [29% decrease of minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) after DP challenge] were diagnosed to have LAR. After DP challenge, group C showed significant aggravation of nasal symptoms and a greater decrease in acoustic parameters than groups A and B (p < 0.01). In patients with a more than or equal to 2 visual analog scale (VAS) increase in nasal obstruction (NO) after DP challenge, the criterion “a change of total nasal symptom score (TNSS) of more than or equal to 6.5” had 90.6% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, whereas the diagnostic criterion “a total nasal volume (TNV) change at 30 minutes after DP challenge of more than or equal to 27.6%” had 73.4% sensitivity and 58.1% specificity. Conclusion NPT with AR could be a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of allergic, nonallergic, and local allergic rhinitis.

Red tides – discolorations of the sea surface due to dense plankton blooms – occur regularly in coastal and offshore waters along much of the world's coastline. Red tides often cause large-scale mortalities of fish and shellfish and significant losses to the aquaculture and tourist industries of many countries. Therefore, understanding and predicting the mechanisms controlling the outbreak, persistence, spread, and decline of red tides are important concerns to scientists, officials, industry, and the public. With increasing knowledge of red-tide species and red-tide events, new mechanisms have been discovered. Based on the nutrition and behaviors of red-tide organisms and biological interactions among them, red-tide outbreaks can be categorized into a hierarchy of four generation mechanisms (GM1–GM4). In the simplest, GM1, all phototrophic red-tide species were treated as exclusively autotrophic organisms without the ability to swim. However, this GM cannot explain red-tide outbreaks in oligotrophic surface waters offshore. Vertical migration (considered in GM2) and mixotrophy (GM3) enable red-tide flagellates to acquire growth factors from nutrient-rich deep waters or co-occurring prey, respectively. In natural environments, all red tides occur by those species outgrowing co-occurring organisms; red-tide species dominate communities by eliminating other species or reducing their abundances. Thus, GM4 contains the direct biological interactions (i.e., inhibition by physical contact or chemical effects) and indirect biological interactions (i.e., acquiring resources faster than others) that can affect the dominance of red-tide species under given conditions. Correctly choosing one of these four GMs for red tides dominated by one causative species is important because the accuracy of predictions may be outweighed by the costs and time required to acquire the relevant information. In this study, mechanisms describing the outbreak, persistence, and decline of red tides were reviewed, the advantages and limitations of each mechanism were evaluated, and insights about the evolution of the mechanisms were developed.

The harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides is known to cause fish death by gill-clogging when its abundance exceeds approximately 1000 cells ml−1. Thus, red tides of this dinoflagellate have caused considerable loss in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Typhoons carrying strong winds and heavy rains may alter the process of red tide events. To investigate the effects of typhoons on C. polykrikoides red tides, daily variations in the abundance of C. polykrikoides, and wind speeds in three study areas in the South Sea of Korea were analyzed during the periods of C. polykrikoides red tides and the passage of 14 typhoons during 2012–2014. The typhoons differentially affected Cochlodinium red tides during the study period, and the daily maximum wind speed generated by the typhoon was critical. Four typhoons with daily maximum wind speeds of >14 m s−1 eliminated Cochlodinium red tides, while three typhoons with daily maximum wind speed of 5–14 m s−1 only lowered the abundance. However, other typhoons with daily maximum wind speeds of

OBJECTIVE To compare computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between two histological types of nasal hemangiomas (cavernous hemangioma and capillary or lobular capillary hemangioma). MATERIALS AND METHODS CT (n = 20; six pre-contrast; 20 post-enhancement) and MRI (n = 7) images from 23 patients (16 men and seven women; mean age, 43 years; range, 13-73 years) with a pathologically diagnosed nasal cavity hemangioma (17 capillary and lobular capillary hemangiomas and six cavernous hemangiomas) were reviewed, focusing on lesion location, size, origin, contour, enhancement pattern, attenuation or signal intensity (SI), and bony changes. RESULTS The 17 capillary and lobular hemangiomas averaged 13 mm (range, 4-37 mm) in size, and most (n = 13) were round. Fourteen capillary hemangiomas had marked or moderate early phase enhancement on CT, which dissipated during the delayed phase. Four capillary hemangiomas on MRI showed marked enhancement. Bony changes were usually not seen on CT or MRI (seen on five cases, 29.4%). Half of the lesions (2/4) had low SI on T1-weighted MRI images and heterogeneously high SI with signal voids on T2-weighted images. The six cavernous hemangiomas were larger than the capillary type (mean, 20.5 mm; range, 10-39 mm) and most had lobulating contours (n = 4), with characteristic enhancement patterns (three centripetal and three multifocal nodular), bony remodeling (n = 4, 66.7%), and mild to moderate heterogeneous enhancement during the early and delayed phases. CONCLUSION CT and MRI findings are different between the two histological types of nasal hemangiomas, particularly in the enhancement pattern and size, which can assist in preoperative diagnosis and planning of surgical tumor excision.

The dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium contains numerous genetically distinct lineages that appear ‘morphologically cryptic’. However, detailed morphological assessments of plate formulae visible in the motile phase (mastigote) of two distantly related Symbiodinium spp., representing Clades ‘A’ and ‘E’, were recently shown to be different. While there are several formally described species in Clade A, genetic evidence indicates that many more remain uncharacterized. We focused on closely related phylogenetic lineages within this group to examine whether differences in morphology can be used together with genetic and ecological evidence to describe new species. We found fixed differences in nuclear (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit rDNA), chloroplast (cp23S) and mitochondrial (cob) gene sequences from cultured and field-collected samples of Symbiodinium microadriaticum (sensu Trench & Blank, 1987) and Symbiodinium sp. associated predominantly with giant clams and Pacific Cassiopea...

Anti-Orthostatic Suspension (AOS) is a well-known murine ground-based model of simulated microgravity. However, because no commercial equipment is available for AOS in Specific-Pathogen-Free (SPF) laboratories no previous study has been conducted to examine the effect of AOS on allergic immunity. Accordingly, we developed an AOS cage suitable for SPF conditions, and evaluate its reliability and the effect of 3 weeks of AOS on immunity in a mouse model. An AOS cage were developed using stainless steel components. Fourteen female BALB/c mice were allocated to Group A (control group, n=7) or Group B (AOS, n=7). Body weights and thickness of posterior thigh muscles were measured before and after 3 weeks of AOS, and serum IgE and the titers of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN- γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were compared, as were lung histologic findings. The SPF condition was successfully maintained. No significant difference in weight gain was observed between groups A (0.9 ±1.0 g) and B (0.8 ±1.1 g, P>0.05) after the 3-week experimental period. The mean thickness of posterior thigh muscles in Group B was significantly lower than in Group A (0.7 ±0.2 versus -0.4 ±0.3 mm, P =0.001). However, group serum IgE titers, and IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN- γ titers in BAL fluid were non-significantly different. No intergroup difference was found by histopathologic examinations of lungs. In conclusion, using AOS equipment in a SPF laboratory, immune status was not found to be significantly affected by 3 weeks AOS in healthy mice.

Background: Asian sand dust (ASD) that originates in the Mongolian Desert in the spring induces serious respiratory health problems throughout East Asia (China, Korea, Japan). PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter &lt, 10 μm) is a major air pollutant component in ASD. We studied the effects of PM10 on allergy symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis during the spring season, when ASD frequently develops. Methods: We investigated the changes in allergic symptoms in 108 allergic patients and 47 healthy subjects by comparing their 120-day symptom scores from February to May 2012. At the same time, the contributions of pollen count and PM10 concentration were also assessed. We also compared symptom scores before and 2 days after the daily PM10 concentration was &gt, 100 μg/m3. Results: The PM10 concentration during the 120 days was &lt, 150 μg/m3. No significant correlations were observed between changes in the PM10 concentration and allergic symptom scores (p &gt, 0.05). However, allergic symptoms were significantly correlated with outdoor activity time (p &lt, 0.001). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that a PM10 concentration &lt, 150 μg/m3 did not influence allergy symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis during the 2012 ASD season.

A heterotrophic dinoflagellate isolated from the waters of Masan Bay, Korea was, at first glance, morphologically similar to Katodinium glandulum, yet had unreported plate patterns and DNA sequences. This dinoflagellate had thin plates arranged in a Kofoidian series Po, X, 4′, 2a, 6″, 6c, PC, 3 + s, 5‴, 0p, and 2⁗, similar to species in the family Pfiesteriaceae. However, it did not have a closing plate (cp) and only small sulcal plates (3 + s). Furthermore, this dinoflagellate had a conspicuous apical hook (finger-like projection) on the epitheca, like K. glandulum and Katodinium asymmetricum, but unlike the other Katodinium species and the other species in the family Pfiesteriaceae. The epitheca had a conical shape and was markedly larger than the hemispherical hypotheca. Cell lengths and widths of live biflagellate cells satiated with the phototrophic dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra were 21.2–29.2 μm and 18.1–24.9 μm, respectively, while those of biflagellate cells starved for 4 d were 10.2–17.3 μm and 7.7–14.6 μm, respectively. The ratio of the width of the epitheca relative to the hypotheca (0.9) is similar to that of K. glandulum, but larger than that of K. asymmetricum (0.5–0.7). The dinoflagellate had a peduncle but lacked an eyespot. The DNA sequences differed from those of K. glaucum, the only Katodinium species with reported rDNA sequences. Compared to the other known genera in the family Pfiesteriaceae, the rDNA sequences of the small subunit (SSU), ITS regions (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2), and D1–D3 large subunit (LSU) differed by 1.9–6.8%, ≥4.4%, and ≥5.6%, respectively. In a phylogenetic tree based on the SSU and LSU rDNA, a clade containing this species belonged to a larger clade of the family Pfiesteriaceae, but was divergent from a clade containing K. glaucum. Due to its morphological similarity to K. glandulum and genetic differences from K. glaucum and the other species in the family Pfiesteriaceae, it is proposed that this species Aduncodinium glandula be assigned to be a new genus and a new combination, A. glandula.

The harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides is responsible for red tides that cause large fish kills and extensive economic losses for the fishing industry. Diatoms, another component of planktonic communities, may play critical roles in the red tide dynamics of C. polykrikoides . Possible inhibition of C. polykrikoides growth rate and swimming speed by the common diatoms Chaetoceros danicus , Skeletonema costatum , and Thalassiosira decipiens through physical and chemical mechanisms was explored. S. costatum , C. danicus , and T. decipiens reduced the swimming speed of C. polykrikoides at diatom concentrations of >5000, 25,000, and 1000 cells ml −1 , respectively. Filtrates from cultures of S. costatum , C. danicus , and T. decipiens also lowered swimming speeds of C. polykrikoides , at diatom concentrations of >250,000, 50,000, and 1000 cells ml −1 , respectively. S. costatum caused negative growth rates of C. polykrikoides at concentrations of >∼130,000 cells ml −1 , while C. danicus caused negative growth rates at concentrations of >∼1200 cells ml −1 . Simple models parameterized using the experimental data reproduced the changes in C. polykrikoides cell concentrations driven by the presence of diatoms. Thus common diatoms may inhibit growth rate and swimming speed of C. polykrikoides ; reduce the depths reached by C. polykrikoides through vertical migration; and, in turn, delay or prevent the outbreak of C. polykrikoides red tides.

The feeding ecology of the newly described heterotrophic dinoflagellate Stoeckeria changwonensis was explored. The feeding behavior of S. changwonensis , and the kinds of prey species that it feeds on were investigated with several different types of microscopes and high-resolution video-microscopy. Additionally, the growth and ingestion rates of S. changwonensis as a function of prey concentration for perch ( Lateolabrax japonicus ) blood cells, the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo , the cryptophytes Rhodomonas salina and Teleaulax sp., and the phototrophic dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae prey were measured. S. changwonensis feeds on prey through a peduncle, after anchoring the prey by using a tow filament. This type of feeding behavior is similar to that of Stoeckeria algicida , Pfiesteria piscicida , and Luciella masanensis in the family Pfiesteriaceae; however, S. changwonensis feeds on various kinds of prey species different from those of the other heterotrophic dinoflagellates. S. changwonensis ingested perch blood cells and diverse algal species, in particular, the large thecate dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum which are not eaten by the other peduncle feeders. H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells supported positive growth of S. changwonensis , but R. salina , Teleaulax sp., and A. carterae which support positive growth of P. piscicida and L. masanensis did not support positive growth of S. changwonensis . With increasing mean prey concentration the growth rates for S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells increased rapidly and then slowly or became saturated. The maximum growth rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells were 0.376 and 0.354 d −1 , respectively. Further, the maximum ingestion rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo and the perch blood cells were 0.35 ng C predator −1 d −1 (3.5 cells predator −1 d −1 ) and 0.27 ng C predator −1 d −1 (29 cells predator −1 d −1 ), respectively. These maximum growth and ingestion rates of S. changwonensis on H. akashiwo , the perch blood cells, R. salina , Teleaulax sp., and A. carterae differed considerably from those of S. algicida , P. piscicida , and L. masanensis on the same prey species. Thus, the feeding behavior of S. changwonensis may differ from that of other species in the family Pfiesteriaceae.

This paper presents a method for estimating the bounding volume for image-based 3D object reconstruction. The bounding volume of an object is a three-dimensional space where the object is expectedto exist, and the size of the bounding volume strongly affects the resolution of the reconstructed geometry. Therefore, the size of a bounding volume should be as small as possible while it encloses an actual object. To this end, the proposed method uses a set of silhouettes of an object and generates a point cloud using a point filter. A bounding volume is then determined as the minimum sphere that encloses the point cloud. The experimental results show that the proposed method generates a bounding volume that encloses an actual object as small as possible.

Experience with the use of porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) for reconstruction of the nasal framework has been limited.To confirm the safety and utility of PHDPE by analyzing aesthetic outcomes and assessing the frequency of complication related to PHDPE in a large, population-based, long-term follow-up study.A total of 151 patients who had undergone septoplasty and/or functional rhinoplasty using PHDPE were enrolled. PHDPE sheets were used for diverse purposes such as septal extension graft, spreader graft, columellar strut or dorsal augmentation graft. After a long-term follow-up period (mean [± SD] 39.5±27.8 months; range six to 101 months), postoperative aesthetic outcome was evaluated objectively (by independent surgeons) and subjectively (patient self-report). Complications related to PHDPE were estimated through review of medical records.The most common use of the PHDPE graft was for septal extension (n=80 [42.6%]) and spreader graft (n=58 [30.9%]). Results of aesthetic evaluation by surgeons were excellent in 61 cases (40.4%), good in 54 (35.8%) and fair in 34 (22.5%). According to patient self-report, 100 were 'satisfied' (66.2%) and 36 rated their new profile as 'better than the preoperative profile' (23.8%). Complications were reported in six cases (4.0% [five cases of extrusion and one case of infection]). All complications were resolved after the surgical removal of PHDPE sheets under local anesthesia.The present study demonstrated that PHDPE could be used in functional primary rhinoplasty with excellent long-term aesthetic results and safety.L’expérience relative à l’utilisation de polyéthylène poreux de haute densité (PÉPHD) pour la reconstruction de la structure nasale est limitée.Confirmer l’innocuité et l’utilité du PÉPHD par l’analyse des résultats esthétiques et l’évaluation de la fréquence des complications qui y sont liées dans le cadre d’une vaste étude de suivi à long terme en population.Au total, 151 patients qui avaient subi une septoplastie ou une rhinoplastie fonctionnelle au moyen de PÉPHD ont participé à l’étude. Les feuilles de PÉPHD ont été utilisées à plusieurs fins, telles qu’une greffe d’expansion de la cloison nasale, une greffe d’écartement, un étai columellaire ou une greffe d’augmentation dorsale. Après un suivi à long terme (moyenne [± ÉT] 39,5±27,8 mois; plage de six à 101 mois), les résultats esthétiques postopératoires ont été évalués de manière objective (par des chirurgiens indépendants) et subjective (par les patients mêmes). Les complications liées au PÉPHD ont été évaluées d’après l’examen des dossiers médicaux.La greffe de PÉPHD était surtout utilisée pour l’expansion de la cloison nasale (n=80 [42,6 %]) et la greffe d’écartement (n=58 [30,9 %]). Les chirurgiens ont jugé les résultats esthétiques excellents dans 61 cas (40,4 %), bons dans 54 cas (35,8 %) et corrects dans 34 cas (22,5 %). Cent patients se sont dits « satisfaits » (66,2 %) et 36 ont classé leur nouveau profil comme « meilleur que le profil préopératoire » (23,8 %). Six cas ont présenté des complications (4,0 % [cinq cas d’extrusion et un cas d’infection]), qui se sont toutes résolues après l’extraction chirurgicale des feuilles de PÉPHD sous anesthésie locale.La présente étude a démontré que le PÉPHD pouvait s’associer à une innocuité et à des résultats esthétiques à long terme extrêmement satisfaisants dans le cadre d’une rhinoplastie primaire fonctionnelle.

Objective: We evaluated the effect of acute hypergravity (hg) on the immune response in a murine model of allergic asthma. Material and methods: Twenty-eight BaLB/c mice were used. group a (control group, n = 7) mice were sensitized and challenged with normal saline. group B (control hg exposure group, n = 7) mice were sensitized, challenged with saline, and exposed to acute hg (+10 gz) for 4 hours. group C (asthma group, n = 7) mice were challenged with intraperitoneal and intranasal ovalbumin ( oVa) to induce asthma. group D (asthma hg exposure group, n = 7) mice were exposed to hg for 4 hours after the induction of asthma. We estimated the total and oVa-specific serum igE, serum titers of various cytokines, and the number of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BaL) fluid. histopathology of the lung was also evaluated. Results: The serum level of interleukin (iL)-5 was significantly higher in group D (12.9 ±4.9 pg/ml) compared to that in group C (4.7 ±6.5 pg/ml, p = 0.017). in BaL fluid, the number of neutrophils was significantly increased in group D compared to group C (p = 0.014). group D demonstrated a higher infiltration of inflammatory cells (9973.8 ±1642.7 cells/mm 2

BACKGROUND Anti-interleukin-33 (anti-IL-33) and anti-Siglec-F antibodies have potent anti-allergic effects on murine allergic asthma and rhinitis and induce eosinophil apoptosis. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether post-sensitization with anti-IL-33/anti-Siglec-F treatments exhibited more potent effects compared to individual treatments in a murine allergic asthma model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five BALB/c mice were separated into five groups (n = 5): Group A (control), Group B (ovalbumin [OVA] challenge), Group C (OVA + anti-IL-33), Group D (OVA + anti-Siglec-F), and Group E (OVA + anti-IL-33 + anti-Siglec-F). Serum total/ OVA-specific IgE, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) inflammatory cells and cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5), histopathological lung properties, and airway hyperreactivity were compared. RESULTS Ovalbumin challenge induced strong immune and inflammatory responses with > 6-fold IgE level increases; 10- to 25-fold BAL eosinophil, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count increases; and > 1.5-fold IL-4 and IL-5 level increases (p < 0.05). Whereas anti-IL-33 reduced neutrophil counts, anti-Siglec-F and anti-IL-33/anti-Siglec-F reduced both eosinophil and neutrophil counts (p < 0.05). Individual treatments reduced OVA-mediated bronchiolar infiltration by 50% (p