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Exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFSs) can efficiently promote energy efficiency of buildings. In this study, an EIFS with high thermal efficiency is presented to improve the insulation behavior of building enclosure. Based on heat transfer analysis results, energy simulations of buildings with fire spread prevention structures were performed. Results revealed that heat flow through the wall increased by 10.3 % when using a metal rail to fix the insulation; in contrast, using non-combustible phenolic foam reduces heat flow by 37.4 %, satisfying the requirement for fire spread prevention structures. Additionally, the energy consumption decreased by 8.8 % when both mineral wool and phenolic foam were applied. Fire spread prevention structures are essential to improve the fire safety performance of buildings. This external insulation system efficiently promote energy saving in building; additionally, leveraging a phase change material to improve the thermal storage performance of the building can reduce energy consumption by up to 11.9 %.

Introduction Lumbar radicular pain (LRP) is a common symptom characterised by a sharp, shooting or lancinating sensation localised to one or more dermatomes of the lumbar spine. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life, the most effective conservative treatment for patients with LRP remains uncertain. When conventional treatment methods do not provide satisfactory results, the option of using epidural steroids and/or pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment may be considered as a secondary approach for managing the condition. Ongoing advances in the field have led to a wide range of PRF parameters being investigated and extensively documented. Therefore, this study will aim to evaluate the treatment efficacy, sustainability and adverse effects of PRF application for different durations in patients with LRP.Methods and analysis This study will be a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Eligible patients with LRP who visit the International St. Mary’s Hospital pain clinic in Korea will be assigned to three groups (1:1:1 ratio) based on the duration of PRF application: 240, 360 and 480 s. Outcome measures will include an assessment of radicular pain intensity, physical function, global improvement, treatment satisfaction and adverse events. The primary outcome will be a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score 3 months after the procedure. The secondary outcomes will be the number of subjects in each group reporting successful treatment defined as a significant decrease of NRS or improved physical function score or high satisfaction at the 3 and 6 months follow-up. X2 or Fisher’s exact test and one-way analysis of variance will be used to compare the outcomes.Ethics and dissemination This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital (IS23EISE0018). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.Trial registration number KCT0008612.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that morphological changes in the suprascapular notch are closely associated with suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome (SNES). Thus, we hypothesized that the suprascapular notch cross-sectional area (SSNCSA) could be a good diagnostic parameter to assess SNES. Methods We acquired suprascapular notch data from 10 patients with SNES and 10 healthy individuals who had undergone shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (S-MRI) and had no evidence of SNES. T2-weighted coronal magnetic resonance images were acquired from the shoulder. We analyzed the SSNCSA at the shoulder on S-MRI using our image-analysis program (INFINITT PACS). The SSNCSA was measured as the suprascapular notch, which was the most affected site in coronal S-MRI images. Results The mean SSNCSA was 64.50 ± 8.93 mm2 in the control group and 44.94 ± 10.40 mm2 in the SNES group. Patients with SNES had significantly lower SSNCSA (P < 0.01) than those in the control group. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that the best cut-off of the SSNCSA was 57.49 mm2, with 80.0% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, and an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI [0.79, 1.00]). Conclusions The SSNCSA was found to have acceptable diagnostic properties for detecting SNES. We hope that these results will help diagnose SNES objectively.

The CO2 reduction policy has driven the remodeling policy to reduce the energy consumption of buildings, which can be implemented by insulating and replacing windows to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. However, due to energy poverty, many residents have limited opportunities for these projects. Therefore, economically accessible technologies were evaluated in this study. Specifically, practical technologies were applied and evaluated in practice, and a survey of 107 households was conducted to analyze the behavior of energy consumption behavior in the residential areas with buildings. The airtight performance of the window was improved by approximately 15% without replacing it, and energy consumption was reduced by 25%. In the case of electric energy consumption, the use of high-efficiency lighting showed the most direct reduction. However, the introduction of renewable energy into buildings that are not insulated can contribute to relative climate-dependent reductions, but whether direct reductions are possible needs to be examined more closely. Relatively inexpensive technologies have improved insulation performance and have a shorter payback period compared to window replacement, further solidifying economic feasibility.

The physical input values of buildings were entered into a thermal moisture simulation software called WUFI. The categorized criteria were variables of insulation type, standards of insulation (U-value), climate, and the presence or absence of vapor permeable inside and outside the wall. The simulation results graphically displayed the moisture content of the entire wall and the potential for mold growth. The results showed that a vapor barrier paper needs to be installed inside the wall to produce less mold and that the wool-type insulation materials have more moisture content than that of polyester insulation materials. Next, the actual experiment was conducted in a Facing thermo-hygrostat for evaluating the performance of the hygrothermal behavior of the CLT wall using different types of insulation, namely, XPS, PF board, and glass wool. The direction and amount of water vapor in the wall owing to temperature changes were observed in the external environment. The experimental results showed that the CLT wall containing the glass wool insulation was vulnerable to heat and humidity, whereas the CLT wall containing the PF insulation was excellent in resisting heat and humidity. Finally, CLT building with the previously studied was implemented. In this process, a life cycle cost analysis was performed by calculating the daily heating and cooling values for domestic climates to determine the optimal thickness of the insulation to used for each CLT wall.

Abstract Background Genetic engineering of microalgae is necessary to produce economically feasible strains for biofuel production. Current efforts are focused on the manipulation of individual metabolic genes, but the outcomes are not sufficiently stable and/or efficient for large-scale production of biofuels and other materials. Transcription factors (TFs) are emerging as good alternatives for engineering of microalgae, not only to increase production of biomaterials but to enhance stress tolerance. Here, we investigated an AP2 type TF Wrinkled1 in Arabidopsis (AtWRI1) known as a key regulator of lipid biosynthesis in plants, and applied it to industrial microalgae, Nannochloropsis salina. Results We expressed AtWRI1 TF heterologously in N. salina, named NsAtWRI1, in an effort to re-enact its key regulatory function of lipid accumulation. Stable integration AtWRI1 was confirmed by RESDA PCR, and its expression was confirmed by Western blotting using the FLAG tag. Characterizations of transformants revealed that the neutral and total lipid contents were greater in NsAtWRI1 transformants than in WT under both normal and stress conditions from day 8. Especially, total lipid contents were 36.5 and 44.7% higher in NsAtWRI1 2–3 than in WT under normal and osmotic stress condition, respectively. FAME contents of NsAtWRI1 2–3 were also increased compared to WT. As a result, FAME yield of NsAtWRI1 2–3 was increased to 768 mg/L/day, which was 64% higher than that of WT under the normal condition. We identified candidates of AtWRI1-regulated genes by searching for the presence of the AW-box in promoter regions, among which lipid metabolic genes were further analyzed by qRT-PCR. Overall, qRT-PCR results on day 1 indicated that AtWRI1 down-regulated TAGL and DAGK, and up-regulated PPDK, LPL, LPGAT1, and PDH, resulting in enhanced lipid production in NsAtWRI1 transformants from early growth phase. Conclusion AtWRI1 TF regulated several genes involved in lipid synthesis in N. salina, resulting in enhancement of neutral lipid and FAME production. These findings suggest that heterologous expression of AtWRI1 TF can be utilized for efficient biofuel production in industrial microalgae.

Objective. Thickened inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) is considered as one of the major morphological parameters of adhesive capsulitis (AC). Previous studies reported that the anterior band of inferior glenohumeral ligament thickness (aIGHLT) is correlated with shoulder capsular contracture, luxatio erecta humeri, and AC. However, the thickness varies from the measured angle. To reduce this measurement error, we devised a new morphological parameter, called the anterior band of inferior glenohumeral ligament area (aIGHLA). Methods. The aIGHL samples were collected from 54 patients with AC and from 50 control subjects who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without any evidence of AC. Coronal T2-weighted MRI images were obtained at the shoulder level from each patient. We measured the aIGHLA and aIGHLT at the maximal view of the IGHL in the coronal plane using our picture archiving and communication system. The aIGHLA was measured at the whole cross-sectional area of the IGHL in the most hypertrophied segment of the coronal MR images. The aIGHLT was measured at the thickest point of the IGHL. Results. The average aIGHLA was 55.58 ± 14.16 mm2 in the control group and 83.71 ± 28.45 mm2 in the AC group. The average aIGHLT was 3.47 ± 0.99 mm in the control group and 4.52 ± 1.02 mm in the AC group. AC patients showed significantly greater aIGHLA (p

The relationship between the change of pulse transit time and the presence of clinical signs after stallate ganglion block (SGB) was investigated in patients with disorders mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. SGB is used for the treatment and diagnosis of these disorders; however, a successful objective marker does not exist. Therefore, identifying increased blood flow following SGB and determining whether pulse transit time could be used to verify the success of SBG would be a helpful resource.

Background. We devised a new morphological parameter called the superior articular process area (SAPA) to evaluate the connection between lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) and the superior articular process. Objective. We hypothesized that the SAPA is an important morphologic parameter in the diagnosis of LFS. Methods. All patients over 60 years of age were included. Data regarding the SAPA were collected from 137 patients with LFS. A total of 167 control subjects underwent lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of a routine medical examination. We analyzed the cross-sectional area of the bone margin of the superior articular process at the level of L4-L5 facet joint in the axial plane. Results. The average SAPA was 96.3±13.6 mm2 in the control group and 128.1±17.2 mm2 in the LFS group. The LFS group was found to have significantly higher levels of SAPA (p

Break of B cell tolerance to self-antigens results in the development of autoantibodies and, thus, leads to autoimmunity. How B cell tolerance is maintained during active germinal center (GC) reactions is yet to be fully understood. Recent advances revealed several subsets of T cells and B cells that can positively or negatively regulate GC B cell responses in vivo. IL-21-producing CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells comprise a distinct lineage of helper T cells—termed follicular helper T cells (TFH)—that can provide help for the development of GC reactions where somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation take place. Although the function of TFH cells is beneficial in generating high affinity antibodies against infectious agents, aberrant activation of TFH cell or B cell to self-antigens results in autoimmunity. At least three subsets of immune cells have been proposed as regulatory cells that can limit such antibody-mediated autoimmunity, including follicular regulatory T cells (TFR), Qa-1 restricted CD8+ regulatory T cells (CD8+TREG), and regulatory B cells (BREG). In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of GC B cell regulation with specific emphasis on the newly identified immune cell subsets involved in this process.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have becomepopular as an approach for the identification of large numbersof phenotype-associated variants. However, differences ingenetic architecture and environmental factors mean that theeffect of variants can vary across populations. Understandingpopulation genetic diversity is valuable for the investigation ofpossible population specific and independent effects ofvariants. EvoSNP-DB aims to provide information regardinggenetic diversity among East Asian populations, includingChinese, Japanese, and Korean. Non-redundant SNPs (1.6million) were genotyped in 54 Korean trios (162 samples) andwere compared with 4 million SNPs from HapMap phase IIpopulations. EvoSNP-DB provides two user interfaces for dataquery and visualization, and integrates scores of geneticdiversity (Fst and VarLD) at the level of SNPs, genes, andchromosome regions. EvoSNP-DB is a web-based applicationthat allows users to navigate and visualize measurements ofpopulation genetic differences in an interactive manner, and isavailable online at [http://biomi.cdc.go.kr/EvoSNP/]. [BMBReports 2013; 46(8): 416-421]

Background. The cervical epidural space can be detected by the loss of resistance (LOR) technique which is commonly performed using air. However, this technique using air has been associated with a high false-positive LOR rate during cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (CIESIs). Objective. We investigated whether the detection of LOR with contrast medium might reduce the false-positive LOR rate on the first attempt. Methods. We obtained data retrospectively. A total of 79 patients were divided into two groups according to the LOR technique. Groups 1 and 2 patients underwent CIESI with the LOR technique using air or contrast medium. During the procedure, the injection technique (median or paramedian approach), final depth, LOR technique (air or contrast), total number of LOR attempts, and any side effects were recorded. Results. The mean values for the total number of LOR attempts were 1.38 ± 0.65 (Group 1) and 1.07 ± 0.25 (Group 2). The false-positive rate on the first attempt was 29.4% and 6.6% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.012). Conclusions. The use of contrast medium for LOR technique is associated with a lower rate of false-positivity compared with the use of air.

BXD2 mice spontaneously develop autoantibodies and subsequent glomerulonephritis, offering a useful animal model to study autoimmune lupus. Although initial studies showed a critical contribution of IL-17 and Th17 cells in mediating autoimmune B cell responses in BXD2 mice, the role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells remains incompletely understood. We found that both the frequency of Th17 cells and the levels of IL-17 in circulation in BXD2 mice were comparable to those of wild-type. By contrast, the frequency of PD-1+ CXCR5+ Tfh cells was significantly increased in BXD2 mice compared with wild-type mice, while the frequency of PD-1+ CXCR5+ Foxp3+ follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells was reduced in the former group. The frequency of Tfh cells rather than that of Th17 cells was positively correlated with the frequency of germinal center B cells as well as the levels of autoantibodies to dsDNA. More importantly, CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells isolated from BXD2 mice induced the production of IgG from naïve B cells in an IL-21-dependent manner, while CCR6+ CD4+ T cells failed to do so. These results together demonstrate that Tfh cells rather than Th17 cells contribute to the autoimmune germinal center reactions in BXD2 mice.

Activation of complement is one of the earliest immune responses to exogenous threats, resulting in various cleavage products including anaphylatoxin C3a. In addition to its contribution to host defense, C3a has been shown to mediate Th2 responses in animal models of asthma. However, the role of C3a on pulmonary Th17 responses during allergic inflammation remains unclear. Here, we show that mice deficient in C3a receptor (C3aR) exhibited (i) higher percentages of endogenous IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells in the lungs, (ii) higher amounts of IL-17 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and (iii) more neutrophils in the lungs than wild-type mice when challenged with intranasal allergens. Moreover, adoptive transfer experiments showed that the frequencies of antigen-specific IL-17-producing CD4(+) T cells were significantly higher in the lungs and bronchial lymph nodes of C3aR-deficient recipients than those of wild-types recipients. Bone-marrow reconstitution study indicated that C3aR-deficiency on hematopoietic cells was required for the increased Th17 responses. Furthermore, C3aR-deficient mice exhibited increased percentages of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells; however, depletion of these cells minimally affected the induction of antigen-specific Th17 cell population in the lungs. Neutralization of IL-17 significantly reduced the number of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of C3aR-deficient mice. Our findings demonstrate that C3a signals negatively regulate antigen-specific Th17 responses during allergic lung inflammation and the size of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell population in the periphery.