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Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting the characteristics of patients with head injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with head injuries at a regional emergency medical center in South Korea. Methods: From April 2019 to November 2020, 350 patients with head injuries were admitted to our hospital. The study period was divided into the pre-COVID-19 (n=169) and COVID-19 (n=181) eras (10 months each). Patients with severe head injuries requiring surgery (n=74) were categorized into those who underwent surgery (n=41) and those who refused surgery (n=33). Results: Head injuries in pediatric patients (<3 years) were more frequent in the COVID-19 era than in the pre-COVID-19 era (8.8% vs. 3.6%, p=0.048). More patients refused surgery in the COVID-19 era than in the pre-COVID-19 era (57.9% vs. 30.6%, p=0.021). Refusal of surgery was associated with old age (67.7±14.5 vs. 52.4±19.1, p<0.001), marital status (married, 84.8% vs. 61.0%, p=0.037), unemployment (42.4% vs. 68.3%, p=0.034), COVID-19 era (66.7% vs. 39.0%, p=0.021), and lower Glasgow coma scale scores (6.12±3.08 vs. 10.6±3.80, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that refusal of surgery was independently associated with old age (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.084; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.030-1.140; p=0.002), COVID-19 era (adjusted OR, 6.869; 95% CI, 1.624-29.054; p=0.009), and lower Glasgow coma scale scores (adjusted OR, 0.694; 95% CI, 0.568-0.848; p<0.001). Conclusion: We observed an increased prevalence of head injuries in pediatric patients (<3 years) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, among patients with severe head injuries requiring surgery, more patients refused to undergo surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there are no clear guidelines for treatment of cryptogenic new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) syndrome. Immunotherapy was effective for some patients, but the initiation time was often somewhat late. We experienced two cryptogenic NORSE syndrome patients with favorable outcomes with early immunotherapy. A 59 years old male patient and a 58 years old female patient visited our hospital in status epilepticus, who were later diagnosed as cryptogenic NORSE after full evaluation. Since seizures were not controlled by two or more antiepileptic drugs in both patients, immunotherapy began on the fifth day of hospitalization. There was improvement on EEG and clinical symptoms, one or two days after initiation of immunotherapy. Early diagnosis of NORSE and early immunotherapy may result in favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Rhus succedanea extract addition on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial growth. Methods: Two ruminally-fistulated steers consuming 600 g/kg timothy- and 400 g/kg cracked corn-based concentrate with free access to water and mineral block were used as rumen fluid donors. In vitro batch fermentation, with timothy as a substrate, was conducted for up to 72 h, with Rhus succedanea extracts added to achieve final concentrations of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 mg/L. Results: Effective dry matter (DM) degradability rate linearly decreased (p = 0.046) depending on extract dosing levels. Total gas production after 24 to 72 h incubation tended to decrease following extract addition, beginning with 50 mg/L starting dose (significance of quadratic effects: p = 0.006, p<0.001, and p = 0.008 for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively). Methane production decreased depending on dosing levels following 24 h (p<0.05) and 48 h (p<0.005) incubations and was the lowest with the 50 mg/L dose. The Rhus succedanea extracts increased the abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes (p<0.05) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (p = 0.0597) and decreased the abundance of methanogenic archaea (p<0.05) following 24 h incubation. Conclusion: Rhus succedanea was shown to reduce methane production and increase cellulolytic bacteria without any signs of toxic effects and with a minor effect on DM degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of corn grain particle size on ruminant fermentation and blood metabolites in Holstein steers fed total mixed ration (TMR) as a basal diet to explain fundamental data of corn grain for cattle in Korea. Methods: Four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (body weight 592±29.9 kg) fed TMR as a basal diet were housed individually in an auto temperature and humidity modulated chamber (24°C and 60% for 22 h/d). Treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design were TMR only (control), TMR with whole corn grain (WC), coarsely ground corn grain (CC), and finely ground corn grain (FC), respectively. The corn feeds substituted for 20% energy intake of TMR intake. To measure the ruminal pH, ammonia N, and volatile fatty acids (VFA), ruminal digesta was sampled through ruminal cannula at 1 h intervals after the morning feeding to determine ruminal fermentation characteristics. Blood was sampled via the jugular vein after the ruminal digesta sampling. Results: There was no difference in dry matter (DM) intake between different corn particle size because the DM intake was restricted to 1.66% of body weight. Different corn particle size did not change mean ammonia N and total VFA concentrations whereas lower (p<0.05) ruminal pH and a ratio of acetate to propionate, and higher (p<0.05) propionate concentration were noted when the steers consumed CC compared with WC and FC. Concentration of blood metabolites were not affected by different particle size of corn grain except for blood triglyceride concentration, which was significantly (p<0.05) increased by FC. Conclusion: Results indicate that feeding CC may increase feed digestion in the rumen, whereas the FC group seemed to obtain inadequate corn retention time for microbial degradation in the rumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural design and synthesis of effective cathode catalysts are important concerns for achieving rechargeable Li-O2 batteries. In this study, hexagonal Co3O4 nanoplatelets coated with MnO2 were synthesized as bifunctional catalysts for Li-O2 batteries. The oxygen reduction reaction catalyst (MnO2) was closely integrated on the surface of the oxygen evolution reaction catalyst (hexagonal Co3O4) so that this hetero-structured catalyst (HSC) hybrid would show bifunctional catalytic activity in Li-O2 batteries. A facile synthesis route was developed to form a unique HSC structure, with {111} facet-exposed Co3O4 decorated with perpendicularly arranged MnO2 flakes. The catalytic activity of the HSCs was controlled by tuning the ratio of Co to Mn (the ratio of OER to ORR catalysts) in the hybrids. With the optimized Co3O4-to-MnO2 ratio of 5:3, a Li-O2 cell containing the HSC showed remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance, including discharge capacity, energy efficiency, and especially cycle performance, compared to cells with a monofunctional catalyst and a powder mixture of Co3O4 and MnO2. The results demonstrate the feasibility of reversible Li-O2 batteries with bifunctional catalyst hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple, sensitive, and effective ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method with an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and positive ion modes to determine diazepam concentrations in human plasma using voriconazole as an internal standard (IS). Diazepam and IS were detected at transition 285.2→193.1 and 350.2→127.1, respectively. After liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) using 1.2 ml of ethyl acetate:n-hexane (80:20, v/v), diazepam and IS were eluted on a Phenomenex Cadenza CD-C18 column (150 × 3.0 mm, 3 μm) with an isocratic mobile phase (10 mM ammonium acetate in water:methanol [5:95, v/v]) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The peak retention time was 2.32 min for diazepam and 2.01 min for IS, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 0.5 ng/mL (S/N > 10) using 50 μL of plasma, and no interferences were observed in chromatograms. Our analytical method was fully validated and successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of two formulations of diazepam in healthy Korean volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using medicinal plant by-products (MPBP) as feed additives may be an eco-friendly option as substitutes for feedstuffs and may assist in reducing the improper disposal of MPBP. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influences of MPBP on the meat quality of Hanwoo steers fed a total mixed ration (TMR). Methods: Twenty seven steers (body weight = 573±57 kg) were randomly divided into three treatments with a control group and two tested groups as follows: control, 1,000 g/kg TMR; treatment 1 (MPBP30), 970 g/kg TMR and 30 g/kg MPBP; treatment 2 (MPBP50), 950 g/kg TMR and 50 g/kg MPBP. Results: Average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L* of muscle were improved (p<0.05, respectively) by MPBP30. Stearic acid (C18:0) was decreased (linear effect, p = 0.012), while oleic acid (C18:1) was increased (linear effect, p = 0.055) by MPBP level. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) were decreased for MPBP50 while unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were increased for MPBP 50. USFA and SFA ratio was increased for MPBP50 as well. Conclusion: These results indicated that MPBP supplementation in Hanwoo steers fed a TMR increased feed efficiency and meat color (lightness) with altering fatty acid proportions. Therefore, MPBP may be successfully used in ruminant feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer activity of vorinostat-incorporated nanoparticles (vorinostat-NPs) against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Vorinostat-NPs were fabricated by a nanoprecipitation method using poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer. Results: Vorinostat-NPs exhibited spherical shapes with sizes <100 nm. Vorinostat-NPs have anticancer activity similar to that of vorinostat in vitro. Vorinostat-NPs as well as vorinostat itself increased acetylation of histone-H3. Furthermore, vorinostat-NPs have similar effectiveness in the suppression or expression of histone deacetylase, mutant type p53, p21, and PARP/cleaved caspase-3. However, vorinostat-NPs showed improved antitumor activity against HuCC-T1 cancer cell-bearing mice compared to vorinostat, whereas empty nanoparticles had no effect on tumor growth. Furthermore, vorinostat-NPs increased the expression of acetylated histone H3 in tumor tissue and suppressed histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression in vivo. The improved antitumor activity of vorinostat-NPs can be explained by molecular imaging studies using near-infrared (NIR) dye-incorporated nanoparticles, i.e. NIR-dye-incorporated nanoparticles were intensively accumulated in the tumor region rather than normal one. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that vorinostat and vorinostat-NPs exert anticancer activity against HuCC-T1 cholangiocarcinoma cells by specific inhibition of HDAC expression. Thus, we suggest that vorinostat-NPs are a promising candidate for anticancer chemotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Claudins are a family of tight junction (TJ) membrane proteins involved in a broad spectrum of human diseases including cancer. Claudin-7 is a unique TJ membrane protein in that it has a strong basolateral membrane distribution in epithelial cells and in tissues. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the functional significance of this non-TJ localization of claudin-7 in human lung cancer cells. Methods: Claudin-7 expression was suppressed or deleted by lentivirus shRNA or by targeted-gene deletion. Cell cycle analysis and antibody blocking methods were employed to assay cell proliferation and cell attachment, respectively. Electron microscopy and transepthelial electrical resistance measurement were performed to examine the TJ ultrastructure and barrier function. Co-immunolocalization and co-immunoprecipitation was used to study claudin-7 interaction with integrin β1. Tumor growth in vivo were analyzed using athymic nude mice. Results: Claudin-7 co-localizes and forms a stable complex with integrin β1. Both suppressing claudin-7 expression by lentivirus shRNA in human lung cancer cells (KD cells) and deletion of claudin-7 in mouse lungs lead to the reduction in integrin β1 and phospho-FAK levels. Suppressing claudin-7 expression increases cell growth and cell cycle progression. More significantly, claudin-7 KD cells have severe defects in cell-matrix interactions and adhere poorly to culture plates with a remarkably reduced integrin β1 expression. When cultured on uncoated glass coverslips, claudin-7 KD cells grow on top of each other and form spheroids while the control cells adhere well and grow as a monolayer. Reintroducing claudin-7 reduces cell proliferation, upregulates integrin β1 expression and increases cell-matrix adhesion. Integrin β1 transfection partially rescues the cell attachment defect. When inoculated into nude mice, claudin-7 KD cells produced significantly larger tumors than control cells. Conclusion: In this study, we identified a previously unrecognized function of claudin-7 in regulating cell proliferation and maintaining epithelial cell attachment through engaging integrin β1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Claudins are a family of tight junction (TJ) membrane proteins involved in a broad spectrum of human diseases including cancer. Claudin-7 is a unique TJ membrane protein in that it has a strong basolateral membrane distribution in epithelial cells and in tissues. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the functional significance of this non-TJ localization of claudin-7 in human lung cancer cells. Methods: Claudin-7 expression was suppressed or deleted by lentivirus shRNA or by targeted-gene deletion. Cell cycle analysis and antibody blocking methods were employed to assay cell proliferation and cell attachment, respectively. Electron microscopy and transepthelial electrical resistance measurement were performed to examine the TJ ultrastructure and barrier function. Co-immunolocalization and co-immunoprecipitation was used to study claudin-7 interaction with integrin β 1. Tumor growth in vivo were analyzed using athymic nude mice. Results: Claudin-7 co-localizes and forms a stable complex with integrin β 1. Both suppressing claudin-7 expression by lentivirus shRNA in human lung cancer cells (KD cells) and deletion of claudin-7 in mouse lungs lead to the reduction in integrin β 1 and phospho-FAK levels. Suppressing claudin-7 expression increases cell growth and cell cycle progression. More significantly, claudin-7 KD cells have severe defects in cell-matrix interactions and adhere poorly to culture plates with a remarkably reduced integrin β 1 expression. When cultured on uncoated glass coverslips, claudin-7 KD cells grow on top of each other and form spheroids while the control cells adhere well and grow as a monolayer. Reintroducing claudin-7 reduces cell proliferation, upregulates integrin β 1 expression and increases cell-matrix adhesion. Integrin β 1 transfection partially rescues the cell attachment defect. When inoculated into nude mice, claudin-7 KD cells produced significantly larger tumors than control cells. Conclusion: In this study, we identified a previously unrecognized function of claudin-7 in regulating cell proliferation and maintaining epithelial cell attachment through engaging integrin β 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell cycles, ordered series of events modulating cell growth and division, are tightly regulated by complexes containing cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins. Cyclin O is a novel cyclin family protein which interacts with CDK2. However, the molecular effects of cyclin O on the activity of CDK2 have not been fully evaluated. In this study, an interaction between cyclin O and CDK2 was identified by co-immunoprecipitation and the effect of cyclin O on the kinase activity of CDK2 was investigated using cyclin O point mutants. Co-immunoprecipitation was achieved using using HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells which were transiently transfected with vectors expressing cyclin O and CDK2, which revealed that cyclin O interacted with CDK2, particularly with the active form of endogenous CDK2. Cyclin O was expressed as several different bands with molecular weights between 45 and 50 kDa, possibly due to different post-translational modifications. When co-expressed with CDK2, cyclin O appeared as a band with a molecular weight of 50 kDa. Treatment with calf intestinal phosphatase reduced the intensity of the uppermost band. Mass spectroscopic analysis of cyclin O co-expressed with CDK2 revealed that the 81st serine residue of cyclin O was phosphorylated. The in vitro kinase activity of CDK2 phosphorylating histone H1 was markedly increased in the cells overexpressing cyclin O. This activity was reduced in cells overexpressing cyclin O, in which the 81st serine had been replaced with alanine (S81A). These results suggest that cyclin O is a novel cyclin family protein that regulates CDK2 kinase activity, which is mediated by the phosphorylation of the 81st serine residue of cyclin O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In single-incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS), multiple instruments are inserted through a single working window and at least three hands must move within the limited operative field. When lobectomy is required, SITS has not been preferred for right-side paratracheal lymph node dissection because of instrument collisions. We used our bidirectional traction suture technique to eliminate the need for an azygos vein retractor during dissection, and thereby overcame the instrument collision problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human ChlR1 protein (hChlR1), a member of the cohesion establishment factor family, plays an important role in the segregation of sister chromatids for maintenance of genome integrity. We previously reported that hChlR1 interacts with hFen1 and stimulates its nuclease activity on the flap-structured DNA substrate covered with RPA. To elucidate the relationship between hChlR1 and Okazaki fragment processing, the effect of hChlR1 on in vitro nuclease activities of hFen1 and hDna2 was examined. Independent of ATPase activity, hChlR1 stimulated endonuclease activity of hFen1 but not that of hDna2. Our findings suggest that the acceleration of Okazaki fragment processing near cohesions may aid in reducing the size of the replication machinery, thereby facilitating its entry through the cohesin ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination of vorinostat and epigallocatechin-3-gallate against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells. A novel chemotherapy strategy is required as cholangiocarcinomas rarely respond to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Both vorinostat and EGCG induce apoptosis and suppress invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. The combination of vorinostat and EGCG showed synergistic growth inhibitory effects and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. The Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio and caspase-3 and -7 activity increased, but poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression decreased when compared to treatment with each agent alone. Furthermore, invasion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and migration of tumor cells decreased following treatment with the vorinostat and EGCG combination compared to those of vorinostat or EGCG alone. Tube length and junction number of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) decreased as well as vascular endothelial growth factor expression following vorinostat and EGCG combined treatment. These results indicate that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG had a synergistic effect on inhibiting tumor cell angiogenesis potential. We suggest that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG is a novel option for cholangiocarcinoma chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of water (H2O) cooling and heat treatment on the luminescence efficiency of core CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of the CdSe QDs was enhanced up to ∼85%, and some periodic bright points were observed in wide color ranges during the heat treatment of QDs mixed with H2O. The PL enhancement of QDs could be attributed to the recovery of QDs surface traps by unreacted ligands confined within the hydrophilic H2O molecule containers. We have investigated the effect of water (H2O) cooling and heat treatment on the luminescence efficiency of core CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of the CdSe QDs was enhanced up to ∼85%, and some periodic bright points were observed in wide color ranges during the heat treatment of QDs mixed with H2O. The PL enhancement of QDs could be attributed to the recovery of QDs surface traps by unreacted ligands confined within the hydrophilic H2O molecule containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The preoperative detection of emphysema like changes (ELCs) is necessary for the successful treatment of pneumothorax. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has been used for the preoperative detection of ELCs. However, the traditional HRCT method uses only the axial view, which is perpendicular to the distribution of ELCs. This is not an ideal diagnostic method for the evaluation of ELCs. Methods: Forty-eight patients with pneumothorax had multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) reconstruction using the coronal view. ELCs were evaluated in the axial and coronal view by a radiologist. A surgeon performed intra-operative examinations of the ELCs. The sensitivity of the different views was compared. Results: The detection sensitivity was 74.4% (70/94) for the axial view and 91.5% (86/94) for the axial-coronal combined view. The intra-operative detection rate was 95.7% (90/94). The preoperative detection of ELCs on the axial-coronal combined view was significantly higher than on the conventional axial view alone (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Evaluation of ELCs on the axial and coronal combined HRCT improved the sensitivity of preoperative detection of ELCs compared to the conventional single axial HRCT. This increased sensitivity will help decrease the recurrence with VATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we identified annexin A4 (ANXA4) as a candidate substrate of caspase-3. Proteomic studies were performed to identify interacting proteins with a view to determining the roles of ANXA4. ANXA4 was found to interact with the p105. Subsequent studies revealed that ANXA4 interacts with NF-κB through the Rel homology domain of p50 . Furthermore, the interaction is markedly increased by elevated Ca2+ levels. NF-κB transcriptional activity assays demonstrated that ANXA4 suppresses NF-κB transcriptional activity in the resting state. Following treatment with TNF-α or PMA, ANXA4 also suppressed NF-κB transcriptional activity, which was upregulated significantly early after etoposide treatment. This difference may be due to the intracellular Ca2+ level. Additionally, ANXA4 translocates to the nucleus together with p50, and imparts greater resistance to apoptotic stimulation by etoposide. Our results collectively indicate that ANXA4 differentially modulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, depending on its interactions with p50 and the intracellular Ca2+ ion level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is the enzyme responsible for specifically removing the flap structure produced during DNA replication, repair, and recombination. Here we report that the human replication factor C (RFC) complex stimulates the nuclease activity of human FEN1 in an ATP-independent manner. Although proliferating cell nuclear antigen is also known to stimulate FEN1, less RFC was required for comparable FEN1 stimulation. Kinetic analyses indicate that the mechanism by which RFC stimulates FEN1 is distinct from that by proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Heat-denatured RFC or its subunit retained, fully or partially, the ability to stimulate FEN1. Via systematic deletion analyses, we have defined three specific regions of RFC4 capable of stimulating FEN1. The region of RFC4 with the highest activity spans amino acids 170-194 and contains RFC box VII. Four amino acid residues (i.e. Tyr-182, Glu-188, Pro-189, and Ser-192) are especially important for FEN1 stimulatory activity. Thus, RFC, via several stimulatory motifs per molecule, potently activates FEN1. This function makes RFC a critical partner with FEN1 for the processing of eukaryotic Okazaki fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robot providing services based on interaction with a human needs a fast verification process that knows whether the user belongs to a family or a guest group for providing the differentiated services to each group member. In this paper, we developed a verification system for one-to-group matching (e.g., user-to-family or user-to-guest) and tested on the database acquired using the robot in an uncontrolled environment. The proposed system consists of three parts: face detection using revised modified census transform and adaboost, feature extraction using multiple principle component analysis, and verification using the aggregating Gaussian mixture model–universal background model. Experimental results show that the proposed system works well on the deteriorated database with a high speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the path topology of Hawking, King, and McCarthy can be extended to the causal completion of a globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifold. The suggested topology T is defined only in terms of chronological structures and T is finer than the extended Alexandrov topology. It is also shown that a T-homeomorphism induces a conformal isomorphism and a homeomorphism in the extended Alexandrov topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) from Pseudomonas putida biotype B is a homodimeric enzyme catalyzing an allylic isomerization of [DELTA]5-3-ketosteroids at a rate of the diffusion-controlled limit. The dimeric interactions mediated by Arg72, Glu118, and Asn120, which are conserved in the homologous KSIs, have been characterized in an effort to investigate the roles of the conserved interface residues in stability, function and structure of the enzyme. The interface residues were replaced with alanine to generate the interface mutants R72A, E118A, N120A and E118A/N120A. Equilibrium unfolding analysis revealed that the [DELTA]GUH2O values for the R72A, E118A, N120A, and E118A/N120A mutants were decreased by about 3.8, 3.9, 7.8, and 9.5 kcal/mol, respectively, relative to that of the wild-type enzyme. The interface mutations not only decreased the kcat/KM value by about 8- to 96-fold, but also increased the KD value for d-equilenin, a reaction intermediate analogue, by about 7- to 17.5-fold. The crystal structure of R72A determined at 2.5 Å resolution and the fluorescence spectra of all the mutants indicated that the interface mutations altered the active-site geometry and resulted in the decreases of the conformational stability as well as the catalytic activity of KSI. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the conserved interface residues contribute to stabilization and structural integrity of the active site in the dimeric KSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the association of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and raptor in the nutrient-sensitive complex signaling. Role of raptor in the mTOR pathway; Importance of raptor in the nutrient-stimulated signaling; Mechanism of cell growth regulation in eukaryotes.

Presents information on a study that designed and monolithically integrated amorphous silicon thin-film transistor (a-Si TFT) with molybdenum-tip field emitter arrays (FEA) on glass substrate for active-matrix cathodes AMC). Device structure and fabrication procedure; Characteristics of a-Si TFT; Comparison of aging behavior of AMC and simple FEA; Field emission characteristics of AMC device.

Investigates the folding mechanism of ketosteroid isomerase from Comamonas testosteroni by kinetic analysis. Identification of 8-anilo-1-naphthalene-sulphonate binding intermediate; Detection of equilenin binding conformation; Effect of urea on refolding rate constants and amplitudes.

Analyzes the equilibrium and kinetics of folding of ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) from Comamonas testosteroni. Assessment of equilibrium unfolding transitions using fluorescence; Two-state mechanism of KSI folding; Importance of dimerization in maintaining the tertiary structure of KSI.

Examines the role of the hydrogen (H)-bond network in the function and stability of ketosteroid isomerase from Pseudomonas putida biotype B. Role of tyrosine (Tyr) 55 H bond in positioning Tyr14; Interaction energies mediated by Tyr30-Tyr55 and Tyr14-Tyr55; Capacity of H bonds in providing structural support for enzymatic maintenance of active-site geometry.

Investigates the role of active site aromatic residues in steroid binding and catalysis by ketosteroid isomerase from Pseudomonas putida biotype B. Perturbation by site-directed mutagenesis; Differential effects exhibited by mutations.

Excessive vibration during high-speed flights is a critical issue in modern rotorcraft. The aeroelastic design of the composite rotor blades can relieve the hub vibratory loads of the rotor that are a dominant source of these vibrations. However, it has many technical problems, such as a high-dimensional design space, narrow and discontinuous feasible regions, and highly nonlinear design indices. Although the surrogate-based design is known to improve the design results, the conventional surrogate models have an insufficient capacity to represent the nonlinearity of aeroelastic responses. Because the inaccuracy of the surrogate model is combined with the discontinuity of feasible regions during the optimization process, it is likely to converge to local optima. Cluster kriging could accurately represent the complicated physical relations using machine learning techniques, such as soft clustering and classification algorithms. The accurate surrogate model results in a global optimization with 56% vibration reduction, whereas the global approximation using a single kriging yields local optima with 39% vibration reduction. Furthermore, a comprehensive design analysis, conducted to investigate the underlying physics of the vibration reduction, confirms the global optimization. The proposed design method can fully use the multidisciplinary nature of aeroelastic responses, which is not considered in conventional design methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned nanocluster wires (NCWs) were synthesized on indium-tin-oxide-coated glass substrates via the thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 with a resistive heater under a magnetic field. The density of the aligned NCWs was controlled by varying the flow rate of the carrier gas. The low-density NCWs showed better field emission characteristics, with a low turn-on field of about 4 V/μm and a current density as high as 3 mA/cm2 at 7.6 V/μm. The field enhancement factor (γ) was determined to be ∼1200 for high-density NCWs and ∼1600 for low-density NCWs, which is comparable to those of carbon nanotubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A giant magnetostrictive alloy, Terfenol-D, is known to have high magnetostriction and low anisotropy energy. However, oxygen contamination deteriorates the magnetic and magnetoelastic properties of giant magnetostrictive material. Oxygen impurity can originate from the raw materials and from the environment during the manufacturing process. Therefore the effect of oxygen on the magnetostrictive properties and the inicrostructure of the Tb0.3Dy0.γFe1.8 alloy were quantitatively investigated. The results demonstrated that as oxygen content increased, magnetstrictive strain and magnetostrictive coefficient decreased. These effects were discussed from the standpoint of microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the dynamic application of a fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor system to the flutter suppression of a composite plate structure. Overview of FBG sensors and systems; Effectiveness of the flutter suppression system; Schematic diagram of the test model.

Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a condition in which status epilepticus persists despite 48 hours of anesthetic treatment. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is characterized by seizures lasting more than 30 min on an electroencephalogram, with accompanying changes in behavior or consciousness without convulsions. Prompt treatment of NCSE is crucial, as delayed treatment may lead to additional brain damage and progression to convulsive status epilepticus. Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved as an adjunct treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, it is rarely used to treat refractory status epilepticus. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of NCSE treated with VNS have been reported to date, and these patients were successfully treated with VNS for NCSE caused by anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We report the case of a patient with posttraumatic epilepsy who developed super refractory-NCSE after convulsive status epilepticus and was successfully treated with VNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new local operator defined in a neighborhood of any point of a semi-Riemannian manifold, which is coordinate-dependent, is introduced. It is shown that the operator effectively characterizes conformal structures and, on Lorentzian manifolds, the operator characterizes causal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 34-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with symptoms of transient right arm weakness, hemoptysis, headache, and seeing stars. She revealed a long history of epistaxis. Despite receiving electro-coagulation therapy twice, her epistaxis redeveloped. We examined her chest and brain using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Her chest CT scan showed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the right apex and the right lower lung, and the brain MRI indicated an AVM in her frontal head. After the surgical treatment of her pulmonary AVMs, her epistaxis was significantly improved. In addition, her pedigree suggested that her condition might be hereditary. Further investigations revealed that she had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) with mutations in the endoglin gene. Both the patient and her mother were affected. It is known that pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) can cause intrapulmonary right-to-left shunts, which can lead to transient ischemic attacks. However, PAVFs may also cause critical neurologic disorders such as permanent hemiparesis, brain abscesses, and meningoencephalitis when not adequately treated. This case study demonstrates the need for surgical intervention to control pulmonary AVMs and their associated neurologic complications. Furthermore, patients with recurrent epistaxis or hemoptysis with a family history may benefit from genetic testing for HHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the significance of autophagy, a cellular process responsible for degrading organelles and macromolecules, particularly its initiation process. It discusses the limitations of conventional microscopy techniques and introduces quantitative photoactivated localization microscopy (qPALM) to study the behavior of endogenous ULK1 protein clusters during amino acid starvation.

Objective: With the recent increase in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the role of neurosurgeons in AIS treatment has become increasingly important. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of patients with AIS treated by neurosurgeons and neurologists in the emergency room (ER) of a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2021, 536 patients with AIS within 24 hours of symptom onset were admitted to our hospital via the ER. Based on the type of doctors who provided initial care for AIS in the ER, patients were divided into two groups: (a) neurosurgeon group (n=119, 22.2%) and (b) neurologist group (n=417, 77.8%). Results: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered in 82 (15.3%) of 536 patients (n=17 [14.3%] in the neurosurgeon group and n=65 [15.6%] in the neurologist group). The door-to-tPA time was not significantly different between both groups (median, 53 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 45-58 vs. median, 54 minutes; IQR, 46-74; p=0.372). MT was performed in 69 patients (12.9%) (n=25, 36.2% in the neurosurgeon group and n=44, 63.8% in the neurologist group). The neurosurgeon group achieved a shorter door-to-puncture time than the neurologist group (median, 115 minutes; IQR, 107-151 vs. median, 162 minutes; IQR, 117-189; p=0.049). Good clinical outcomes (3-month modified Rankin Scale 0-2) did not differ significantly between the two groups (96/119 [80.7%] vs. 322/417 [77.2%], p=0.454). Conclusion: The neurosurgeon group showed similar door-to-treatment time and clinical outcomes to the neurologist group in patients with AIS in the ER. This study suggests that neurosurgeons have comparable abilities to care for patients with AIS in the ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) changes as a function of psychiatric illness. This study aimed to evaluate HRV among patients with various psychiatric disorders. Methods: The present study recruited patients with schizophrenia (n=35), bipolar disorder (n=41), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n=34), or major depressive disorder (n=34) as well as healthy controls (n=27). The time-domain analysis (the standard deviation of all RR intervals [SDNN] and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal sinus intervals [RMSSD]), the frequency-domain analysis (very low frequency, low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF], and total power [TP]), and a non-linear complexity measure the approximate entropy were computed. Results: SDNN and HF were significantly reduced in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. SDNN, RMSSD, TP, LF, and HF were significantly reduced in bipolar patients compared with healthy controls. HF was significantly reduced in PTSD patients compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that HRV is not sufficiently powerful to discriminate among various psychiatric illnesses. However, our results suggest that HRV, particularly HF, could be used as a tool for discriminating between psychiatric patients and healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The methanol extract of A. glabra leaf showed the strongest bactericidal effect against V. parahaemolyticus (MBC/MIC ratio of 2.50 ± 1.00) compared to ethanol and water extracts. • Shrimp fed A. glabra methanol extracts-containing diets (AMEDs) at 1%, 1.5%, and 2.0% demonstrated no deleterious effects and were significantly increased in growth performance. • Total haemocyte, hyaline haemocyte, and granulocyte levels dramatically increased in shrimps given AMEDs when granulocyte was induced time dependently. • Vibrio spp. and V. parahaemolyticus density was clearly reduced in hepatopancreas shrimps medicated by AMEDs 1.5% and 2.0%. This study aims to investigate the use of pond apple (Annona glabra) compounds as a novel strategy to prevent and treat acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) as well as to better understand the mechanism of health improvement in shrimp. The A. glabra leaf extracts were extracted using various solvents and examined for in vitro and in vivo activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains. In comparison with ethanol and water extracts, methanol extract showed the strongest bactericidal effect (MBC/MIC ratio of 2.50 ± 1.00), with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.023 ± 0.012 mg ml−1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.065 ± 0.062 mg ml−1. White leg shrimp (P. vannamei , body weight 10.37 ± 0.27 g) fed A. glabra methanol extracts-containing diets (AMEDs) at 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2.0 % demonstrated no deleterious effects on survival and were significantly increased in length and weight after 30 days of feeding. The level of total haemocyte, hyaline haemocyte on day 15 and granulocyte on day 30 remarkably increased (p < 0.05) in shrimps fed AMEDs groups compared to those in the control group. The finding demonstrates that granulocyte was induced time dependently. In particular, the survival rate of V. parahaemolyticus challenged shrimps under medication with AMEDs at 1.5 % and 2.0 % was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the control group. The decrease in bacterial load of Vibrio spp. and V. parahaemolyticus was obviously recorded in hepatopancreas shrimp given AMEDs 1.5 % and 2.0 % and may be linked to herb characteristics such as antibacterial activity, enhancing innate immunity, and its potential to maintain the integrity of hepatopancreatic tissue. Our findings suggest that A. glabra extract might be used as a health enhancer in commercial farmed shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holographic data storage system is one of the next-generation data storage systems and is characterized by its high storage density and fast data transfer rate. However, holographic data storage systems are very sensitive to disturbances that affect the position of the media. Therefore, tracking servo control is needed to ensure a good performance of the system even if disturbances occur, such as eccentricity of the disk and external shock. In our previous researches on tracking servo methods, we used additional beams or recorded servo track images with data pages to record additional gratings with data pages. Therefore, the recording density may be reduced and the system may be complicated. In addition, the performance of the system may be compromised by cross-talk noise caused between the reference beams and additional beams. In this paper, we propose a tracking servo method using the residual beam, which is reflected by the reflective optical filter. This method does not require recording supplementary gratings or use additional beams, and only needs to record data pages. The residual beam is retrieved with desired retrieved beam by the reference beam and wasted during the retrieving process. We first constructed a holographic data storage system and designed a reflective optical filter to detect tracking error signals. After detecting the tracking error signals, a tracking servo controller using a lead-lag compensator was incorporated to reduce the tracking error signals. The performance of the designed controller was verified by simulated and experimental results. Finally, the performance of the tracking servo method was investigated by comparing the retrieved data images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, a preliminary experiment on the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater sludge was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of electrokinetic separation. Four different types of processing fluid—tap water, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid (CA), and 0.1 M nitric acid—were tested. EDTA was found to be the most effective agent within the set of chemicals tested for removing heavy metals from sludge because of its strong chelating ability with metals. The removal efficiency of Pb and Cu was higher than that of Zn and Ni for all fluids. In tap water, EDTA, and CA, the metals moved toward the anode, implying that they existed as complexes with EDTA and CA or organic matter in the processing fluid. In nitric acid, the metals moved toward the cathode because nitric acid effectively desorbed the metal from the sludge; however, the removal efficiency was very low. The results indicated that electrokinetic technology effectively separated Cu and Pb, but not Zn and Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed electrokinetics studies were carried out to optimize the removal of Zn and Cd from fine-grained soils and to observe the effects of varying the pulse frequency, pulse time ratio (on/off), and DC voltage gradient. Existing forms of heavy metals in the soil matrix were determined using a sequential extraction method. The strongly bound fraction (bound to organic matter and residuals) that is difficult to remove from the soil matrix comprised 74 and 62% of the total Zn and Cd, respectively. In the electrokinetic remediation experiments, MgSO4 was employed to increase the ionic strength of the soil for 2 weeks. Transportation of heavy metals was influenced by the frequency, pulse ratio, and the voltage gradient of the pulsed electric field. Extraction efficiency of Zn and Cd near the anode was correlated positively with the voltage gradient at a given pulse and ratio. A high pulse frequency (1,800 cycles/h) enhanced the removal efficiency of the heavy metals compared to a low pulse frequency (1,200 cycles/h) at a supplied voltage gradient of 1 V/cm. Although pulsed electrokinetics was more effective in extracting and desorbing ions near the anode than conventional electrokinetics, its ability to transport heavy metals from the anode to the cathode was relatively small. Total removals with pulsed electrokinetics were 21–31% for Zn and 18–24% for Cd. In summary, pulsed electrokinetics can enhance removal efficiency of heavy metals and is beneficial with regard to electrical energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human ChlR1 (hChlR1), a member of the DEAD/DEAH subfamily of helicases, was shown to interact with components of the cohesin complex and play a role in sister chromatid cohesion. In order to study the biochemical and biological properties of hChlR1, we purified the protein from 293 cells and demonstrated that hChlR1 possesses DNA-dependent ATPase and helicase activities. This helicase translocates on single-stranded DNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction in the presence of ATP and, to a lesser extent, dATP. Its unwinding activity requires a 5′-single-stranded region for helicase loading, since flush-ended duplex structures do not support unwinding. The helicase activity of hChlR1 is capable of displacing duplex regions up to 100 bp, which can be extended to 500 bp by RPA or the cohesion establishment factor, the Ctf18-RFC (replication factor C) complex. We show that hChlR1 interacts with the hCtf18-RFC complex, human proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and hFen1. The interactions between Fen1 and hChlR1 stimulate the flap endonuclease activity of Fen1. Selective depletion of either hChlR1 or Fen1 by targeted small interfering RNA treatment results in the precocious separation of sister chromatids. These findings are consistent with a role of hChlR1 in the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion and suggest that its action may contribute to lagging strand processing events important in cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the role of Tyr248 in the catalysis of carboxypeptidase A (CPA). Removal of C-terminal amino acid residue by CPA; Use of CPA in the development of inhibitor design strategies; Importance of Tyr248 in the hydrolysis of enzymes.

Presents a [sup 15]N NMR relaxation studies of backbone dynamics in free and steroid-bound delta[sup 5]-3-ketosteroid isomerase (KSI) from Pseudomonas testosteroni. Comparison of [sup 1]H and [sup 15]N chemical shifts between free and complexed KSI; Molecular rotational diffusion analysis of free and complexed KSI.

Effect of trap-density of amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (a-IGZO TFTs) were studied using different analysis of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profile and density of states (DOSs). To change trap-densities systematically, rf-power was varied to cause different effect on the initial growth stage of a-IGZO layer grown on gate insulator. The interfacial trap-density was confirmed to be dominant effect on the performance and the threshold voltage shift of a-IGZO TFT by observing the variation of O1s binding energy from XPS. The relation between temperature stress induced and trap-density in deep level was investigated by analyzing DOSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly developed polymer, infiltrated grain aligned composite Terfenol-D has the advantages of maintaining the favorable crystal orientation of the directionally grown RFe2 phase. In order to infiltrate the 'polymer effectively'. It is necessary to prepare composition with a low Fe content (0.64 ≤ y ≤ 1.7) in Tb0.33 Dy0 .67 Fey. With decreasing Fe content, the amount of the eutectic phase. increases which can be removed by annealing. This composite Shows many Improved properties compared with conventional composite or monolithic Terfenol-D material. Through this new material, high magenetostrictive strain can be obtained under relatively low magnetic field. In addition, it shows a considerably higher modulus of rupture of around 65 ∼ 92 MPa in four-point bend test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a leaderless lipid carrier protein primarily expressed by adipocytes and macrophages that not only functions intracellularly but is also secreted. The secretion is mediated via unconventional mechanism(s), and in a variety of species, metabolic dysfunction is correlated with elevated circulating FABP4 levels. In diabetic animals, neutralizing antibodies targeting serum FABP4 increase insulin sensitivity and attenuate hepatic glucose output, suggesting the functional importance of circulating FABP4. Using animal and cell-based models, we show that FABP4 is secreted from white, but not brown, adipose tissue in response to lipolytic stimulation in a sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)-dependent manner via a mechanism that requires some, but not all, autophagic components. Silencing of early autophagic genes such as Ulk1/2, Fip200, or Beclin-1 or chemical inhibition of ULK1/2 or VPS34 attenuated secretion, while Atg5 knockdown potentiated FABP4 release. Genetic knockout of Sirt1 diminished secretion, and serum FABP4 levels were undetectable in Sirt1 knockout mice. In addition, blocking SIRT1 by EX527 attenuated secretion while activating SIRT1 by resveratrol-potentiated secretion. These studies suggest that FABP4 secretion from adipocytes is regulated by SIRT1 and requires early autophagic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) jointly started activities related to the research and development of "Active Tab," a helicopter noise reduction technique. KARI constructed the analytical methodology consisting of the aerodynamic, structural dynamic and acoustic codes for defining the requirements to be used in evaluating the performance of Active Tab when installed in a Mach scaled assumed blade. Based on the requirements defined, JAXA carried out a conceptual design study, developed the Active Tab drive mechanism and evaluated its performance. The analytical results show Active Tab satisfying the requirements has sufficient noise reduction capability. Evaluation for the Active Tab drive mechanism demonstrated the dynamic performance and durability required practical use installed in helicopter blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object tracking is an important problem in computer vision research. Among the difficulties of object tracking, the problem of partial and full occlusion is one of the most serious and challenging problems. To address the problem, we proposed methods to object tracking using plenoptic image sequences. Our methods take advantage of the refocusing capability that plenoptic imaging provides. The proposed methods input the sequences of focal stacks constructed by applying the refocusing algorithm on the plenoptic image sequences. The proposed image selection algorithms select the sequence of optimal images that can maximize the tracking accuracy from the sequence of focal stacks. Focus measure approach and confidence measure approach were proposed as image selection methods and both approaches were validated by the experiments using three groups of plenoptic image sequences that include heavily occluded target objects. The experimental results showed that the proposed methods were promising comparing to the conventional 2-D object tracking algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ursolic acid (UA) supplementation was previously shown to improve skeletal muscle function in resistance-trained men. This study aimed to determine, using the same experimental paradigm, whether UA also has beneficial effects on exerciseinduced skeletal muscle damage markers including the levels of cortisol, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in resistance-trained men. Sixteen healthy participants were randomly assigned to resistance training (RT) or RT+UA groups (n=8 per group). Participants were trained according to the RT program (60~80% of 1 repetition, 6 times/week), and the UA group was additionally given UA supplementation (450 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained before and after intervention, and cortisol, BNP, myoglobin, CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were analyzed. Subjects who underwent RT alone showed no significant change in body composition and markers of skeletal muscle damage, whereas RT+UA group showed slightly decreased body weight and body fat percentage and slightly increased lean body mass, but without statistical significance. In addition, UA supplementation significantly decreased the BNP, CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels (p<0.05). In conclusion, UA supplementation alleviates increased skeletal muscle damage markers after RT. This finding provides evidence for a potential new therapy for resistance-trained men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]