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Purpose: We hypothesized that multiple absorbable screws/K-wires would be effective for native head preservation in comminuted radial head fracture fixation (com-RHFs). Methods: Seventeen patients who met the inclusion criteria between 2018 and 2020 were included. Radiologic findings indicating proper union and clinical outcomes such as the range of elbow motion, visual analog scale score, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were assessed prospectively after surgery and at least three years of follow-up. Results: The mean follow-up period was 4.6 years. Eleven, one, three, and two patients presented with isolated com-RHFs, type 2 (accompanied injury of medial collateral ligament), type 4 ("terrible triad") fractures, and type 5 posterior olecranon fracture-dislocations, respectively. Union was achieved after a mean of nine weeks postoperatively. The head and shaft angles did not differ significantly from the contralateral normal values (p = 0.778 and 0.872, coronal and sagittal, respectively). At the final follow-up, the mean flexion–extension/pronation-supination arcs were 126.47 ± 4.92°/135.59 ± 10.13°, and thus were significantly different from those on the contralateral side (p < 0.001, both), however the arcs were functional ranges for ordinary daily life. Also, functional status was satisfactory in all individuals. The arthritis grade and extent of heterotrophic ossification were satisfactory in all cases, and there were no serious complications requiring revision surgery. Conclusions: Absorbable screw/K-wire fixation for com-RHFs is an option before radial head arthroplasty associated with a low complication rate and no need for revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas consist of various land cover types, with a high proportion of artificial surfaces among them. This leads to unfavorable thermal environments in urban areas. Continuous research on the thermal environment, specifically on the sensible heat flux (Qh), has been conducted. However, previous research has faced temporal, spatial, and resolution limitations when it comes to detailed analysis of sensible heat flux in urban areas. Therefore, in this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model combined with the LDAPS and the VUCM was developed to simulate Qh at one-hour intervals over a 1-month period in an urban area with various land cover types. Model validation was performed by comparing it with measurements, confirming the suitability of the model for simulating Qh. The land cover was categorized into five types: building, road, bare land, grassland, and tree areas. Qh exhibited distinct patterns depending on the land cover type. When averaging the Qh distribution over the target period, buildings, roads, and bare land areas showed a predominance of upward Qh values, while grassland and tree areas displayed dominant downward Qh values. Additionally, even within the same land cover types, slight Qh variations were identified based on their surroundings. The averaged Qh value for building areas was the highest at 36.79 W m−2, while that for tree areas was −3.04 W m−2. Moreover, during the target period, the time-averaged Qh showed that building, road, and bare land areas peaked at 14 LST, while grassland and tree areas exhibited very low Qh values. Notably, buildings reached a maximum Qh of 103.30 W m−2 but dropped to a minimum of 1.14 W m−2 at 5 LST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this research is to empirically analyze the determinants of organizational performance using National Basketball Association (NBA) team data. Based on the resource-based theory of the firm, prior studies posit that operational efficiency encompasses the ability of professional sports teams to translate their resources into creating organizational performance. The contention is that NBA teams enhance organizational performance in the market when possessing valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources and capabilities. In this sense, the operational efficiencies of NBA teams align with the concept of core competence, enabling teams to achieve competitive advantages through superior performance. The exploration of the level of operating efficiency in NBA teams and its role in organizational performance is beyond essential. This study conceptualizes operating efficiency as the degree of competence exhibited by professional sports teams, drawing on comprehensive game-related statistics and financial performance data derived from human assets and team budgets. To bridge theory and empirical investigation, data spanning six seasons (2015–2016 to 2020–2021) for all 30 NBA teams were collected. The results reveal that 29 out of 180 decision-making units exhibit outstanding organizational efficiency, significantly contributing to franchise value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current guidelines recommend delaying noncardiac surgery for 6 months after drug eluting stent implantation. However, this recommendation is largely based on limited evidence and various event definitions. Whether early surgery within 6 months of coronary stent implantation increases myocardial injury in patients with normal preoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) has not yet been investigated. This retrospective study assessed patients who received coronary stent implantation and underwent noncardiac surgery (vascular, abdominal, or thoracic) between 2010 and 2017 with normal preoperative hs-cTnI (n = 186). Patients were divided into early (within 6 months of PCI) and late (after 6 months of PCI) groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of myocardial injury as diagnosed by hs-cTnI within 3 days post-operation. The secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, emergent coronary revascularization, major bleeding (bleeding requiring transfusion or intracranial bleeding), stroke, renal failure, heart failure, or death within 30 days post-operation. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was carried out to adjust for the intergroup baseline differences. Myocardial injury occurred in 28.6% (8/28) and 27.8% (44/158) of the early and late groups, respectively, with no difference between groups (odds ratio [OR] 1.067, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.404, 2.482; p = 0.886). Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. IPTW analysis also showed no differences in myocardial injury and secondary outcomes between the groups. In conclusion, early surgery within 6 months after coronary stent implantation did not increase the incidence of myocardial injury in patients with normal preoperative hs-cTnI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For proper treatment of comminuted coronoid fractures with partial loss of articular defects (CCFPLAC), overall restoration of their original shape and height requires meticulous manipulation of the multiple fragments and firm fixation were essential. • For a few decades, several options for the fixation of comminuted fractures and the restoration of biomechanics has been introduced, but these were insufficient for management for the cases with partial articular loss. • The key procedure by which we manage the articular defects due to comminution is maintaining the original height and shape of the entire coronoid, leaving the cartilage defect as is. • Even though there is a paucity of locking plates exclusively manufactured for coronoids, CCFPLAC of the basal-1 type (O'Driscoll classification) can be treated satisfactorily if already designed and popularly distributed locking plates are properly manipulated to maintain the original geometry of the coronoid according to each individual. We have attempted to restore the arc of motion by considering trochlear-coronoid articulation as a complete circle during fixation of the coronoid, even for comminuted coronoid fractures with partial loss of articular cartilage (CCFPLAC), using various kinds of locking plates. Herein, we report the radiological and clinical outcomes after fixation of the basal-1 type of CCFPLAC (O'Driscoll classification) using our method. Thirty-one patients diagnosed with CCFPLAC were admitted between January 2012 and December 2020. Sixteen of these patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Surgically, the lost area (defect of articular cartilage) was never compressed or minimized, but the original height and shape of the coronoid were preserved as is. Provisionally, a few K-wires were used to maintain the original shape and position of the CCFPLAC, and various kinds of locking plates/screws were used to fix the fragment anatomically and firmly. If needed, the plate was bent to ensure stable compression of the coronoid according to its size. In a few cases, locking plates were adjusted by cutting extra screw holes. Among the 16 patients, the mean age was 46.2 years, and the male:female ratio was 10:6. The mean follow-up period was 3.63 years. 8, 6, and 2 patients were designated as group 1 (isolated CCFPLAC), 2 [CCFPLAC in type 4 (terrible triad) injury), and 3 (CCFPLAC in type 5 posterior olecranon fracture-dislocations), respectively. Complete union was achieved after a mean of 8.94 weeks. The mean flexion-extension and pronation-supination arcs were 127.19 ± 4.46° and 135.31.59 ± 8.06°, respectively, which were significantly different from those on the contralateral (normal) side (p < 0.001); however, the arcs were within the functional ranges for ordinary daily living. Additionally, the functional status was satisfactory in all patients. However, Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the degree of arthritis were statistically poor in group 2. CCFPLAC of the basal-1 type (O'Driscoll classification) can be treated satisfactorily if already designed and widely distributed locking plates are properly manipulated to maintain the original geometry of the coronoid according to the individual joint characteristics. Level IV, Retrospective case series [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replantation of multilevel amputation of the hand requires considerable hospital resources, and the surgical outcomes in older adults have not been described in detail. Thus, replantation for this injury was mostly confined to young patients. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old patient with multilevel amputation of the hand in whom replantation surgery was successful with grasp and pinch functions by the last follow-up. We report the clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes and discuss the indications. As the patient transfer system and communication technology develops, more patients will arrive at hospitals in a critical time for replantation. Accordingly, hand surgeons should consider offering replantation option for multilevel amputation after evaluating the indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We confirmed that the hexane layer of Hydrangea macrophylla leaf extract (HLH) is rich in phyllodulcin (PD), an alternative sweetener, through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. To investigate in vivo activity of HLH and its PD, acute toxicity and growth rate of Caenorhabditis elegans were tested and there are no clinical abnormalities at 125-500 µg/mL of HLH. HLH decreased the total lipid and triglyceride contents dose-dependently in glucose-induced obese worms. Also, HLH increased survival rates under oxidative and thermal stress and decreased body reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents significantly. Such antioxidant properties of HLH were attributed to the enhanced activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase. To determine whether the effect of HLH was due to PD, worms were treated with PD (concentration contained in HLH), and inhibitory effects on total lipids and ROS were observed. Our results suggest that HLH and its PD as a natural alternative sweetener can be used as materials to improve metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the practically achievable best error performance obtained from a dimmable visible light communication (VLC) system that conveys information using binary modulations, such as on-off keying (OOK). As compared to previous studies that address the ideal performance of dimmable VLC systems only over reliable channels with arbitrarily small error probability, this paper presents the best achievable error probability of various configurations with the dimming targets, signal quality, and data rate. The numerical results establish the ultimate decoding error performance targeted for dimmable VLC systems and are expected to provide a practical guideline for the enhanced VLC system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after percutaneous coronary intervention is a rare but fatal complication. Although timely application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and discontinuation of antiplatelet/anticoagulation is the treatment of choice, bleeding is often irreversible. Herein, we introduce a patient with refractory diffuse alveolar hemorrhage after prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenator and percutaneous coronary intervention, who was eventually rescued with heart-lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In data mining or machine learning, one of the most commonly used feature extraction techniques is principal component analysis (PCA). However, it performs poorly on a large dataset. In this paper, we propose a new method of accelerating conventional PCA, named hash-tree PCA. It samples the objects that are similar to each other without losing the original data distribution. First, it explores similar objects and stores them in hash tables. Afterward, it samples a certain number of the objects from each hash table and creates a new dataset with a reduced number of objects. Finally, it executes PCA on the sampled dataset. Experimental results show that our method outperforms the PCA and fast PCA methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We conducted a single-center retrospective study to evaluate the effects of intraoperative hypotension (IOH) on postoperative myocardial injury during major noncardiac surgery in patients with prior coronary stents with preoperatively normal cardiac troponin I levels. Although IOH is assumed to increase the risk of postoperative myocardial injury in patients with prior coronary stents, the level and duration of hazardous low blood pressure have not been clarified. Methods: Of 2517 patients with prior coronary stents undergoing noncardiac surgery between January 2010 and March 2017, we analyzed 195 undergoing major surgery (vascular, abdominal, and thoracic surgery) who had a normal preoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) level and were followed up postoperatively within 3 days. Postoperative myocardial injury was defined as a hs-cTnI level greater than the 99th percentile reference value. Primary IOH exposure was defined as a decrease of ≥ 50%, 40%, or 30% from the preinduction mean blood pressure. Additional definition of IOH was absolute mean blood pressure < 70, < 60 or < 50 mmHg. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model the exposure and myocardial injury. Results: Myocardial injury occurred in 53 (27.2%) cases. The predefined levels of IOH were not significantly associated with postoperative myocardial injury, but intraoperative continuous inotropes/vasopressors use was significantly higher in patients with myocardial injury (P = 0.004). Operation time ≥ 166 min (OR = 2.823, 95% CI 1.184–6.731, P = 0.019) and abdominal vascular surgery (OR = 2.693, 95% CI 1.213–5.976, P = 0.015) were independent risk factors for myocardial injury. Conclusion: Although patients with prior coronary stents with normal hs-cTnI levels did not show association between varying levels of IOH and postoperative myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, intraoperative need of continuous inotropes/vasopressors was higher in patients with postoperative myocardial injury. Abdominal vascular surgery and surgical time were independent risk factors for myocardial injury after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) can adversely affect cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes by increasing the intrathoracic pressure. Continuous flow insufflation of oxygen (CFIO) has been investigated as a potential alternative, but evidence supporting its superiority over intermittent positive pressure ventilation in cases of cardiac arrest is scant. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of continuous flow insufflation of oxygen using a one-way valve during cardiopulmonary-resuscitation with intermittent positive pressure ventilation in a rat model of respiratory arrest. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 400∼450 g (from minimum to maximum) were randomly assigned to either a sham, IPPV, or CFIO group (n = 10 per group). Respiratory arrest was induced by blocking the endotracheal tube. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation to compare the oxygenation levels. Tissues were then harvested to compare the degrees of pulmonary barotrauma and ischemic brain injury. Results. Return of spontaneous circulation was observed in 6/10 rats in the IPPV group and 5/10 in the CFIO group. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the mean PaO2 was significantly higher in the CFIO group (83.10 mmHg) than in the IPPV group (56.10 mmHg). Lung biopsy revealed more inflammatory cells and marked thickening of the alveolar wall in the IPPV group; the group also exhibited a higher frequency of neuroglial cells and apoptotic bodies of pyramidal cells, resulting from ischemic injury. Conclusion. In a rat model of respiratory arrest, CFIO using a one-way valve resulted in a greater level of oxygenation and less lung and brain injuries than with IPPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medication is generally recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. However, considering the difficulties and economic factors associated with long-term medication, interest in taichi as an exercise treatment method has increased recently in Korean medical practice. Numerous studies have suggested that taichi can be used to treat various diseases and that is can affect psychosomatic factors such as anxiety. This study aims to evaluate the effect of taichi in reducing blood pressure among grade 1 hypertensive patients.Methods/design: In this randomized, active-controlled, assessor-blinded, two parallel-armed trial, 80 grade 1 hypertension patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the usual care group or to the taichi group (n = 40 in each group). Subjects who voluntarily sign a study agreement will be educated in managing their own blood pressure by restricting salt intake, losing weight, moderating alcohol consumption, performing exercise, and regulating dietary intake at their first visit. In addition to self-management, the taichi group will perform two 60-min taichi sessions per week for a total of 8 weeks. Blood pressure will be measured as the primary outcome. In addition, body composition, heart rate, and the perceived intensity and difficulty of the exercise will be measured as secondary outcomes.Discussion: This study is a randomized controlled trial of taichi, which is not widely practiced in Korea. It may provide valuable data on the effects of taichi on hypertension, which will inform non-pharmaceutical treatment options for this disorder.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0003632. Registered on 18 March 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize the arsenic-adsorption efficiency and the mechanical strength of a hollow-fiber-type adsorbent, the optimal condition of polymeric solution was determined as 32 wt.% TiO2 and 17 wt.% polymer. A micropore-sponge form was developed at the slurry-extrusion speed of 2.500 ml/min and the internal coagulant-solution-extrusion speed of 1.250 ml/min, and the arsenic-adsorption efficiency improved. Given the result under conditions in natural groundwater containing various ions, the hollow-fiber-type adsorbent can be applied to real groundwater purification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing interest in ultraviolet (UV) protection, many efforts have been made to replace synthetic UV filters in sunscreens with natural materials. Wood is a highly scattering natural material mainly due to its cellular structure and can also absorb light through its components such as lignin. In this work, we first apply wood powder obtained from fine grinding of wood as an UV-shielding additive in sunscreens. The powders originating from softwood, hardwood, and waste wood were characterized using photography, color analysis, size analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Effects of its addition to a commercial sunscreen on UV-blocking performance were also examined. The wood powders were light in color unlike technical lignin, and when they were added to the sunscreen, they could enhance the sun protection factor (SPF) value significantly. In particular, the softwood powder increased the SPF value more than threefold at a concentration of 5 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The 2017 Texas Water Development Board's State Water Plan predicts a 41% gap between water demand and existing supply by 2070. This reflects an overall projection, but the challenge will affect various regions of the state differently. Texas has 16 regional water planning zones characterized by distinct populations, water demands, and existing water supplies. Each is expected to face variations of pressures, such as increased agricultural and energy development (particularly hydraulic fracturing) and urban growth that do not necessarily follow the region's water plan. Great variability in resource distribution and competing resource demands across Texas will result in the emergence of distinct hotspots, each with unique characteristics that require multiple, localized, interventions to bridge the statewide water gap. This study explores three such hotspots: 1) water-food competition in Lubbock and the potential of producing 3 billion gallons of treated municipal waste water and encouraging dryland agriculture; 2) implementing Low Impact Developments (LIDs) for agriculture in the City of San Antonio, potentially adding 47 billion gallons of water supply, but carrying a potentially high financial cost; and 3) water-energy interrelations in the Eagle Ford Shale in light of well counts, climate dynamics, and population growth. The growing water gap is a state wide problem that requires holistic assessments that capture the impact on the tightly interconnected water, energy, and food systems. Better understanding the trade-offs associated with each 'solution' and enabling informed dialogue between stakeholders, offers a basis for formulating localized policy recommendations specific to each hotspot. Graphical abstract Spatially distributed distinct and complex hotspots, which require a holistic system of system approach, yet with localized solutions for bridging the water gap. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Bridging Texas water gap requires multi-stakeholder, holistic, localized approaches. • Potential savings of 3 billion gal of water in Lubbock by treating water and dryland agriculture • Potential of adding 47 billion gallons to water supply in San Antonio by LID implementation • Economic advantages vs. impact on local water quality and quantity of Hydraulic Fracturing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The physical water in watershed was connected to virtual water flow as new transboundary water management. • The urban area as food consumers could be considered as main stakeholder of water management in rural area. • Physical-virtual water flow was highly influenced by the self-supply of local food. This study aimed to analyze the interaction among watershed, food-producing, and food-demanding areas through the connected system of physical-virtual water flows and local food networks in terms of the transboundary water-food nexus, even though they might not be geographically connected. Here, we analyzed the potential food network of local rice among 47 prefectures in Japan using the gravity model and estimated the physical-virtual water flows (PVWFs) by lining the physical water flow in food-producing areas and virtual water flow embedded in the food network. Through in-and out-degree centralities of the food network, we found that the results of degree centrality revealed which prefecture was more influenced by the changes in self-supply ratios (SSRs) of local rice. As all prefectures intended to increase consumption of local rice that was produced in their area, the scale of the food network was reduced, as shown by the decrease in in-and out-degree centralities. Based on the food network, we analyzed the dependency of food-demanding areas on each watershed based on a connected system of PVWFs. In a case study of the Kansai region, the northern watershed directly affected Hyogo, which was also indirectly influenced by Osaka in terms of PVWFs. In the food network with 20% SSR, the PVWF was estimated to be 189.17 × 106 m3·yr−1 from the northern watershed to Osaka in the food-producing area of the northern watershed, showing higher interaction of Osaka with the northern watershed than with other watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic response of the mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate ([bmim]FeCl4) and water was investigated. The [bmim]FeCl4 rich phase in the mixture forming two phases was easily separated under an external magnetic field. The homogeneous mixtures of [bmim]FeCl4 and water were also attracted to the direction of the magnetic field. Under a gradually varied magnetic field, the concentration of the mixture varied as a function of the magnetic field strength. We confirmed the possibility of a magnetic recovery system using the mixtures of [bmim]FeCl4 and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One possible approach for addressing water and food insecurity involves food production, trade, and water used elsewhere. In this study, we introduce a water footprint for Korean rice products and focus on the impacts of localized cultivation and water supply systems on the water footprint. In addition, we discuss several studies on the application of water footprint and virtual water trade in water and food management in Korea. Finally, we suggest the role of water footprint and virtual water trade in sustainable resource management through a water-energy-food nexus approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereoselective allylations of acyclic, chiral α-amino-β-hydroxy aldehydes mediated by BF 3 ·OEt 2 and its application to the formal synthesis of the polyhydroxylated γ-amino acid (+)-detoxinine are described. The reactions of syn -α-NHCbz-β-OTBS substrates mediated by BF 3 ·OEt 2 afforded syn -selective products. The same reaction conditions gave anti -selective products from syn -α-NCbzBn-β-OTBS substrates. A hydrogen-bonded transition state and Felkin-Anh model have been suggested to account for the stereochemical outcomes of the two reactions, respectively. One of the allylation products was used for the formal synthesis of the polyhydroxylated γ-amino acid (+)-detoxinine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Porencephalic cysts and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) edema around the intracranial shuntcatheter are rare complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. Possible mechanisms leading to a porencephalic cyst formation in a patient with a VPS include taut ventricle, dysfunction of distalcatheters, and irreversible damage to the brain parenchyma caused by shunt insertion, chemotherapy, or radiation. Most of the previous reports were due to shunt malfunction and treatment consisted of shunt revision or removal.Case Report: We present a case of porencephalic cyst formation in a 6-year-old female as a result ofcerebrospinal fluid under-drainage that was promptly improved with shunt valve adjustment.Coclusions: A heightened index of suspicion is required to prevent misdiagnosis of porencephalic cysts astumors or abscesses that may lead to unnecessary surgical explorations. Further research is needed toelucidate the pathophysiological mechanism that causes a porencephalic cyst formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-voltage operation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a facile approach to obtaining high specific energy density, especially for LiNi 0·5 Mn 0·3 Co 0·2 O 2 (NMC532) cathodes currently used in mid- and large-sized energy storage devices. However, high-voltage charging (>4.3 V) is accompanied by a rapid capacity fade over long cycles due to severe continuous electrolyte decomposition and instability at the cathode surface. In this study, the sulfite-based compound, [4,4′-bi(1,3,2-dioxathiolane)] 2,2′-dioxide (BDTD) is introduced as a novel electrolyte additive to enhance electrochemical performances of alumina-coated NMC532 cathodes cycled in the voltage range of 3.0–4.6 V. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and AC impedance of cells reveal that BDTD preferentially oxidizes prior to the electrolyte solvents and forms stable film layers on to the cathode surface, preventing increased impedance caused by repeated electrolyte solvent decomposition in high-voltage operation. The cycling performance of the Li/NMC532 half-cell using an electrolyte of 1.0 M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate/ethyl methyl carbonate (3/7, in volume) can be improved by adding a small amount of BDTD into the electrolyte. BDTD enables the usage of sulfite-type additives for cathodes in high-voltage operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lignans, zanthoxyloside C (1) and zanthoxyloside D (2), together with nine known compounds comprising lignans (3–5), flavonoids (6–8), and phenolics (9–11), were isolated from the methanol extract of the stems of Zanthoxylum piperitum. All isolates were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic activities using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assays. Compounds 7–10 showed peroxyl radical-scavenging capacities and 4, 6–7, and 9 showed reducing capacities. Moreover, compounds 3, 6–9, and 11 significantly suppressed TRAP activities. These results indicated that the stems of Z. piperitum could be an excellent source for natural antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the expression pattern of chitinase in Xuehuali ( Pyrus bretschneiderilia ) pollen, as well as its subsequent degradation. The chitinase was purified and collected using chitin affinity column chromatography with regenerated chitin. After purification, four additional chitinase isozymes (chiA, chiB, chiC, and chiD) and chitinase (Chi II) were clearly expressed on SDS-PAGE gels that contained 0.01% glycol chitin. The chitinase reaction products were examined using GlcNAc, (GlcNAc) 2 , (GlcNAc) 3 , (GlcNAc) 4 , (GlcNAc) 5 , and (GlcNAc) 6 as substrates at 2 and 24 h after reaction via TLC and HPLC. The (GlcNAc) 4 oligosaccharide was slightly degraded to (GlcNAc) 2 after 24 h of reaction with Xuehuali pollen chitinase on TLC. Meanwhile, (GlcNAc) 5 was degraded to (GlcNAc) 2-4 , and 2300 ppm (GlcNAc) 6 was degraded to 246 ppm (GlcNAc) 2 , 208 ppm (GlcNAc) 3 , 572 ppm (GlcNAc) 4 , and 336 ppm (GlcNAc) 5 on HPLC. With regard to temperature, the strongest Xuehuali pollen chitinase activity (0.69 unit/mL) was observed at 37 °C after 3 h of incubation, and with regard to pH, the strongest activity (0.72 unit/mL) was observed at pH 3 after 3 h of incubation. The main chitin oligomers degraded from (GlcNAc) 6 were (GlcNAc) 2 and (GlcNAc) 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeCl3-catalyzed oxidative polymerization of 3-octylthiophene was achieved using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for the first time. The main goal of this work is to develop the synthesis of poly(3-octylthiophene) in DESs which generate fast polymerization, resulting in high yield, compared to that in ionic liquids or conventional organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to supply electric power to the safety related loads, safety and reliability of onsite power have to be ensured for the safety function performance in nuclear power plants. Even though the existing electric power system of APR1400 meets the requirements of codes regarding Class 1E system, there is a room for improvement in the design margin against the voltage drop and short circuit current. This paper discusses the amount that the voltage drop and short circuit current occur in the existing electric power system of APR1400. Additionally, this paper studies with regard to the improved model that has the extra margin against the high voltage drop and short circuit current by separation of unit auxiliary transformer (UAT) and standby auxiliary transformer (SAT) for the Class 1E loads. The improved model of the electric power system by separation of UAT and SAT has been suggested through this paper. Additionally, effects of reliability and cost caused by the electric power system modification are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a distributed energy-saving management strategy for green cellular networks. During off-peak periods, an energy-saving operation is activated. A subset of base stations (BSs) in the network enters an energy-saving state, i.e., switched-off mode, while satisfying traffic demands without discontinuity of user services. To this end, the remaining operating BSs should compensate for the coverage holes by taking over the responsibility of user service. Such a scenario can be formulated into a combinatorial optimization that maximizes the overall energy savings of the network. To address this computationally demanding task, we develop a distributed algorithm that provides an efficient solution by using a state-of-the-art technique based on a message-passing framework. The simulation results confirm considerable energy-saving gains over previously existing techniques and prove the viability for this strategy for self-organizing green cellular networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of climate change on green and blue water use with temporal change in the transplanting and growing season for paddy fields in South Korea using the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios in 2025 (2011-2040), 2055 (2041-2070), and 2085 (2071-2100). The optimal transplant date determined by an accumulated temperature analysis, between 27 April and 21 May in 1995, was delayed until 29 June in 2085, and the average growing period was decreased by about 20 days in 2085. Changes in the transplanting season and growing period could influence the efficiency of future green water use and blue water savings. Approximately 810.5 Mm of green water was available during the 1995 transplanting season, but the predicted use of green water was 1524.7 Mm in future for the optimal transplanting season. In addition, 923.0 Mm of blue water savings can be expected in 2025. This study showed that appropriate change of transplanting season could mitigate the water requirements in paddy fields by optimizing phenology, improving green water efficiency, and blue water savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a distributed load-balancing algorithm that maximizes the network-wide sum rate in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets). Unlike previous studies that have considered a logarithmic utility defined with respect to the sum rate, we maximize the sum rate directly to achieve the best user association for the HetNet. To capture realistic communication scenarios, we also consider a minimum rate constraint for individual users. The corresponding problem is formulated as a combinatorial optimization of which finding the solution becomes computationally demanding as the size of the network grows. Another challenge in HetNets is that the information exchange among base stations (BSs) is limited if each tier of BSs is deployed by different network vendors or users, and this brings about the need for distributed control. To resolve these challenges, we introduce a promising approach based on a message-passing framework and derive a distributed load-balancing algorithm. The proposed algorithm developed via message passing provides a very efficient solution for the load-balancing problem with reduced computational complexity. We compare the proposed algorithm with existing load-balancing strategies. Simulation results verify that the proposed algorithm significantly improves resource utilization and mitigates the congestion of macro BSs, thereby resulting in a multifold gain to the sum rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cold weather, construction sites typically find it difficult to achieve quality results when preparing concrete structures. In such construction projects, improper selection of the formwork for concrete placement can delay the project schedule and result inconsiderable expense. In this study, rigid urethane board was bonded to the exterior surface of a conventional gang form to ensure sufficient compressive strength of the concrete structures in cold weather. To verify the applicability of the insulated gang form, the temperature history, maturity, and characteristics of strength development of the concrete were examined and compared with the conventional type after the concrete had been placed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, metabolic target reactions for strain engineering were searched via intracellular coenzyme A (CoA) metabolite analysis. The metabolic reactions catalyzed by thiolase (AtoB) and aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE1) were considered potential rate-limiting steps. In addition, CoA transferase (CtfAB) was highlighted as being important for the assimilation of organic acids, in order to achieve high butanol production. Based on this quantitative analysis, the BEKW_E1AB-atoB strain was constructed by overexpressing the thl ( atoB ), adhE1, and ctfAB genes in Clostridium acetobutylicum strain BEKW, which has the phosphotransacetylase ( pta ) and butyrate kinase ( buk ) genes knocked out. After 100 h of continuous fermentation coupled with adsorptive ex situ butanol recovery, the concentrations found after considering desorption, yield, and productivity for the BEKW_E1AB-atoB strain were 55.7 g/L, 0.38 g/g, and 2.64 g/L/h, respectively. The level of butanol production achieved (2.64 g/L/h) represents the highest reported value obtained after adsorptive, long-term fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butanol is considered an attractive biofuel and a commercially important bulk chemical. However, economical production of butanol by solventogenic clostridia, e.g., via fermentative production of acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE), is hampered by low fermentation performance, mainly as a result of toxicity of butanol to microorganisms and high substrate costs. Recently, sugars from marine macroalgae and syngas were recognized as potent carbon sources in biomass feedstocks that are abundant and do not compete for arable land with edible crops. With the aid of systems metabolic engineering, many researchers have developed clostridial strains with improved performance on fermentation of these substrates. Alternatively, fermentation strategies integrated with butanol recovery processes such as adsorption, gas stripping, liquid-liquid extraction, and pervaporation have been designed to increase the overall titer of butanol and volumetric productivity. Nevertheless, for economically feasible production of butanol, innovative strategies based on recent research should be implemented. This review describes and discusses recent advances in the development of biomass feedstocks, microbial strains, and fermentation processes for butanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholinesterase inhibitors block the bioconversion of neurotransmitters by cholinesterase in the nervous system. Epicatechin derivatives ( 1 , 3 and 5 ), polyphenols ( 6 and 7 ) from Orostachys japonicus , and catechin derivatives ( 2 and 4 ) from our in-house library were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on cholinesterase. Compound 5 exhibited IC 50 values of 58.3 ± 2.4 and 17.8 ± 3.8 μg/mL on AChE and BuChE, respectively. Compound 5 inhibited BuChE more strongly than AChE through a competitive behavior. In silico binding positions of 5 in the active site were predicted using Autodock 4.2 and processed in a 10000-ps molecular dynamics simulation to assess the stability of compound 5 binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fat browning contributes to energy consumption and may have metabolic benefits against obesity; however, the potential roles of lactate and β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) in fat browning remain unclear. We investigated the roles of a single bout of aerobic exercise that increases lactate and β-HB levels in the fasted state on the regulation of fat browning in rats and humans. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to 24-h fasting and/or a single bout moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (40 min): sedentary (CON), exercise (ND-EX), fasting (FAST), and exercise + fasting (F-EX). Adult men (n = 13) were randomly assigned into control with food intake (CON), exercise with intensity at onset of blood lactate accumulation in the fasted state (F-OBLA), and high-intensity interval exercise in the fasted state (F-HIIE) until each participant expended 350 kcal of energy. For evaluating the effects of exercise intensity in rats, we conducted another set of animal experiment, including groups of sedentary fed control, fasting control, and exercise with moderate-intensity or HIIE for 40 min after a 24-h fasting. Results: Regardless of fasting, single bout of exercise increases the concentration of lactate and β-HB in rats, but the exercise in the fasted state increases the β-HB level more significantly in rats and humans. F-EX-activated fat browning (AMPK–SirT1–PGC1α pathway and PRDM16) and thermogenic factor (UCP1) in white fat of rats. In rats and humans, exercise in the fasted state increased the blood levels of fat browning–related adipomyokines. In particular, compared with F-OBLA, F-HIIE more efficiently increases free fatty acid as well as blood levels of fat browning adipomyokines in humans, which was correlated with blood levels of lactate and β-HB. In rats that performed exercise with different intensity, the higher plasma lactate and β-HB levels, and higher expression of p-AMPK, UCP1, and PRDM16 in white adipose tissue of HIIE group than those of moderate-intensity group, were observed. Conclusions: A single bout of aerobic exercise in the fasted state significantly induced fat browning–related pathways, free fatty acid, and adipomyokines, particularly F-HIIE in human. Although further evidence for supporting our results is required in humans, aerobic exercise in the fasted state with high intensity that increase lactate and β-HB may be a modality of fat browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because U-shaped steel beams filled with concrete have the advantages of reduced construction period and superior structural performance, they have been widely used as structural elements. In this study, the flexural behavior of newly developed bolt-connected U-shaped steel and concrete composite beams under a negative bending moment was experimentally evaluated. The main test variables were bolt spacing in bottom steel plates and types of U-shaped steel sections. Test results showed that the flexural behavior of the composite beams is determined by the plate-buckling mode of bolt-connected bottom steel plates. Composite beams with a greater bolt spacing than that in the standard AISI S100-16 experienced early plate buckling of the bottom steel plates, resulting in reduction of flexural stiffness and maximum flexural strength. Thus, the buckling mode of bolt-connected bottom plates should be considered for bolt-connected U-shaped composite beams under a negative bending moment. The longitudinal lips of U-shaped steel sections can increase the flexural performance of composite beams due to anchorage performance of the steel sections with lips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and resource scarcity have gained prominence with an increase in the world's population, necessitating the replacement of fossil fuels with eco-friendly alternatives. Here, to produce hydrogen sustainably, a combination of hybrid desalination with water electrolysis, to simultaneously produce hydrogen and pure water (with 4 MW plant capacity), has been proposed. The desalination produces additional electricity, which is used for high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE) using a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), and water electrolysis using an alkaline electrolysis cell (AEC). Reducing the electricity price, which accounts for almost the entire cost of hydrogen production, could decrease the cost of producing hydrogen. The system was verified by process simulation and optimization, along with economic and sensitivity analyses. The levelized cost of pure water was $1.08–1.86 per ton of water (reasonable compared to previous studies); the levelized cost of hydrogen ($1.75–5.32 and $0.63–2.35 per kg of H 2 in SOEC and AEC, respectively) was significantly low, using the electricity generated by desalination. Therefore, this new small-scale paradigm producing pure water and hydrogen simultaneously could be an alternative to distributed hydrogen production, considering the difficulties of hydrogen storage and transportation. [Display omitted] • A new paradigm is proposed for producing pure water and hydrogen simultaneously. • The proposed process can produce hydrogen and pure water in a sustainable way. • Process optimization and economic, exergy, and sensitivity analyses were performed. • Electricity from the desalination process can lower the hydrogen production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal environment of an urban street canyon in summer becomes a great concern for human health under rapid urbanization. For accurate prediction of the in-canyon thermal environment, a realistic representation is required of microscale physical processes within the canyon as well as multi-scale atmospheric interaction between the canopy air and the overlying urban boundary layer. To accomplish this, the Vegetated Urban Canopy Model ( VUCM), which interactively parametrizes in-canyon radiative/dynamic/thermodynamic/hydrological processes based on a combined framework of the two-dimensional single canyon and the single tree canopy, is implemented into the Weather Research and Forecasting ( WRF) model. Using the coupled WRF-VUCM model, a series of simulations is performed for a hot summer day with a finest grid resolution of 0.333 km to investigate the impacts of in-canyon vegetation (permeable grass/soil surfaces and trees, with the vegatation fraction fv ranging from 0 to 0.4 which corresponds to 0 to 15% in urban patch area) and canyon aspect ratio ( h/ w; ranging from 0.5 to 2) on the thermal environment of urban street canyons over the Seoul metropolitan area. The model simulation compares well with the measured 2 m temperatures (above zero-plane displacement height) and canopy air temperatures at 13 urban sites in Seoul, with root mean square errors of 1.0 and 0.96 °C, respectively. The increase of the in-canyon vegetation from 0 to 15% (at h/ w = 1) leads to a reduction of the canopy air temperature throughout the diurnal cycle, exhibiting relatively larger cooling effect during daytime (∼1.1 °C on average) than at night (∼0.8 °C on average) under a limited condition for evapotranspiration by the in-canyon vegetation. Provided that the soil moisture is enough for the hydrological effect, the cooling effects significantly increase by a factor of ∼2.5 in both daytime and night-time. The increase of h/ w from 0.5 to 2 (at fv = 0.2) reduces the daytime canopy air temperature (∼1.3 °C on average) but increases the nocturnal canopy air temperature (∼0.3 °C on average). It is also found that the existence of in-canyon vegetation at h/ w > 1 has a synergic cooling benefit to the thermal environment of street canyons compared to the effects of no vegetation. These results demonstrate the importance of interactive parametrization of the physical processes and the interplay of in-canyon vegetation and building density (via canyon aspect ratio) effects on accurate prediction of the thermal environment of urban street canyons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper analyzed outcomes of the osteosynthesis with a locking plate system for the fractures of the humerus in throwers using the anterior humeral approach.Methods: Retrospective case series including 31 patients. Bone union was assessed through follow-up radiographs. Results of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion in the elbow joint, time of return to work, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were evaluated to determine functional outcomes. Direction and length of the fracture, the distal cortical length, the humeral diameter, and the total humeral length were measured as part of fracture configuration analysis.Results: Mean patient age was 25.8 (range, 18-34) years. The follow-up average was 16.0 months (range, 12-23). Delayed union was observed in one (3.1 %) patient. Mean final VAS was 0.4 (range, 0-2), mean time of return to work was 18.2 weeks (range, 13-36), and mean MEPS was 96.3 (range, 88-100) points. All fractures showed a spiral configuration. Mean fracture length was 79.7 (95 % CI, 72.6-86.7) mm, and mean distal cortical length was 48.3 (95 % CI, 37.8-58.8) mm.Conclusions: The results of the current study indicates that plate osteosynthesis using a locking plate system combined with interfragmentary lag screws through anterior humeral approach may be a favorable option for the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures in throwers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bissilylated urea-bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas (DUP-PMOs) were synthesized by the co-condensation of N,N′-diureylenepyridine-bis-[(3-propyl)triethoxysilane)] (DUP) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) using a triblock copolymer (Pluronic P123) as a structure-directing agent at various DUP to TEOS ratios. Sulphonic acid-functionalized PMOs (SUP-PMOs) were prepared based on a reaction between amine groups of DUP-PMO with chlorosulphonic acid in chloroform under mild reaction conditions. These PMOs were well characterized by small angle X-ray scattering, N 2 adsorption–desorption measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid state 29 Si magic angle spinning (MAS) and 13 C cross polarisation-MAS nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The DUP-PMOs and SUP-PMOs had an ordered mesostructure, high to low surface area (ranging from 637 to 38 m 2 g − 1 ), medium pore volume (0.69–0.05 cm 3 g − 1 ) and uniform pore sizes (4.3–5.2 nm). The functionalized PMOs were used effectively for the adsorption of Co 2+ ions with high selectivity from artificial seawater. Owing to the presence of highly hydrophilic sulphonic acid moieties as pendent functional groups in the 1 and 3 positions of the urea nitrogen atoms, the materials were found to be highly suitable for the adsorption of Co 2+ ions from artificial seawater at pH 8 with 96.1% selectivity, even in the presence of several interfering metal ions, such as Cr 3+ , Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Li + . The adsorption experiments showed that the selectivity towards Co 2+ depended heavily on the sulphonic acid loading on the surface nitrogen of diureylenepyridine-bridged PMO and the time of contact with metal ions in the artificial seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter considers the downlink of a cellular network with an asymmetric antenna configuration, where virtual multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is formed with receive cooperation over out-of-band or in-band overlay device-to-device (D2D) links. The objective of this work is to determine the best pairing and resource sharing configuration of the cooperative devices such that the overall network utility is optimized and the devices achieve their best available rate larger than that without D2D cooperation. A distributed algorithm is developed via an algorithmic-game-theoretic message-passing framework to obtain a solution at a low computational cost and without reporting the D2D link qualities to the base station. We show that the algorithm converges to an optimal point through analysis and its performance is validated by simulation. In addition, the virtual MIMO network enabled by the D2D receive cooperation is shown to provide a significant gain over the network without the D2D receive cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract and one of the most lethal forms of human cancer. However, there is limited information about the molecular pathogenesis of GBC. Here, we examined the functional role of the tumor suppressor N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) and the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease progression in GBC. Methods Clinical correlations between NDRG2 expression and clinicopathological factors were determined by immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues from 86 GBC patients. Biological functions of NDRG2 and NDRG2-mediated signaling pathways were determined in GBC cell lines with NDRG2 knockdown or overexpression. Results Loss of NDRG2 expression was an independent predictor of decreased survival and was significantly associated with a more advanced T stage, higher cellular grade, and lymphatic invasion in patients with GBC. GBC cells with loss of NDRG2 expression showed significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in vitro , and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo . Loss of NDRG2 induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19), which regulated the expression of Slug at the transcriptional level. In addition, MMP-19-induced Slug, increased the expression of a receptor tyrosine kinase, Axl, which maintained Slug expression through a positive feedback loop, and stabilized epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GBC cells. Conclusions The results of our study help to explain why the loss of NDRG2 expression is closely correlated with malignancy of GBC. These results strongly suggest that NDRG2 could be a favorable prognostic indicator and promising target for therapeutic agents against GBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scintillometers have been widely used in estimating the surface-layer sensible heat flux $$(Q_\mathrm{H})$$ over natural and urban surfaces, but their application over water bodies is rare. Here, a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was deployed over a coastal maritime area ('a beach') with an optical path distance of 1 km to investigate LAS capability in estimating the sensible heat fluxes. The measurements were conducted for clear days in the cold season, characterized by a warmer sea surface than the overlying air throughout the studied days. The LAS-derived $$Q_\mathrm{H} $$ showed a significant diurnal variability of 10-150 W m $$^{-2}$$ at the coastal site, and it was found that local thermal advection and tidal change at the site largely influenced the diurnal variability. A series of sensitivity tests indicated that the uncertainty in the LAS-derived $$Q_\mathrm{H} $$ was less than 11 %, except when De Bruin's similarity function was used. The overall results demonstrate that the LAS system can detect the magnitude and variability of the turbulent heat exchange at the coastal site with high temporal resolution, suggesting its usefulness for estimating $$Q_\mathrm{H} $$ in the coastal maritime environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce butanol toxicity, adsorptive fermentation has been extensively studied. In this study, SP850 was systematically selected as an optimal adsorbent showing high butanol selectivity. In the flask culture involving in situ butanol recovery fermentation using Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 and the adsorbent, production of acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) increased by 46.8%. An acid crash, however, occurred in the ex situ recovery fermentation using SP850. This problem was solved by homologous expression of the adhE1 gene in the ATCC 824 strain. During the ex situ recovery fermentation by the adhE -overexpressing strain, 34.2 g/L of ABE was produced from 132.8 g/L of glucose. In the 146-h continuous mode of ex situ fermentation, the strain produced 205.6 g/L of ABE (146.9 g/L of butanol) from 605.3 g/L of glucose. Our results indicate that proper selection of an adsorbent and strain engineering for the ex situ recovery fermentation is effective at enhancing butanol fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method for estimating modal masses is presented by extending the procedure proposed by a previous study for estimating the first modal mass to a procedure which allows the estimation of modal masses of higher order modes. System matrices are first obtained by using a general system identification technique, and then the natural frequency and damping ratio of each mode are extracted from the obtained system matrices. Controllability and observability matrices are constructed by using both the identified system matrices and the modal space system matrices in which the modal masses are considered as unknown variables. The modal masses can be obtained based on the fact that the multiplication of the controllability and observability matrices does not change with the type of the system matrices, including the modal space ones. The advantage of the proposed method is that an accurate estimation of the modal mass of a higher mode is possible without the information on the modal vector which is difficult to experimentally identify. The proposed method was applied to a real-world 39 story building structure with an active mass damper and higher order modal masses of the building were identified. The dynamic responses analytically obtained by using the identified modal masses were found very close to the measured responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate determination of surface-layer turbulent fluxes over urban areas is critical to understanding urban boundary layer (UBL) evolution. In this study, a remote-sensing technique using a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was investigated to estimate surface-layer turbulent fluxes over a highly heterogeneous urban area. The LAS system, with an optical path length of 2.1 km, was deployed in an urban area characterized by a complicated land-use mix (residential houses, water body, bare ground, etc.). The turbulent sensible heat ( Q) and momentum fluxes (τ) were estimated from the scintillation measurements obtained from the LAS system during the cold season. Three-dimensional LAS footprint modeling was introduced to identify the source areas ('footprint') of the estimated turbulent fluxes. The analysis results showed that the LAS-derived turbulent fluxes for the highly heterogeneous urban area revealed reasonable temporal variation during daytime on clear days, in comparison to the land-surface process-resolving numerical modeling. A series of sensitivity tests indicated that the overall uncertainty in the LAS-derived daytime Q was within 20%-30% in terms of the influence of input parameters and the nondimensional similarity function for the temperature structure function parameter, while the estimation errors in τ were less sensitive to the factors of influence, except aerodynamic roughness length. The 3D LAS footprint modeling characterized the source areas of the LAS-derived turbulent fluxes in the heterogeneous urban area, revealing that the representative spatial scales of the LAS system deployed with the 2.1 km optical path distance ranged from 0.2 to 2 km (a 'micro- a scale'), depending on local meteorological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and its endothelium-specific receptor, tyrosine kinase with Ig and epidermal growth factor homology domain 2 (Tie2), play critical roles in vascular development. Although the Ang1/Tie2 system has been considered a promising target for therapeutic neovascularization, several imitations of large-scale production have hampered the development of recombinant Ang1 for therapeutics. In this study, we produced a fully human agonistic antibody against Tie2, designated 1–4h, and tested the applicability of 1–4h as an alternative to native Ang1 in therapeutic angiogenesis. 1–4h significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Tie2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in human Tie2-expressing HEK293 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Moreover, 1–4h induced the activation of Tie2-mediated intracellular signaling such as AKT, eNOS, MAPK, and Focal Adhesion Kinase p125 FAK . In addition, 1–4h increased the chemotactic motility and capillary-like tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro and enhanced the survival of serum-deprived endothelial cells. Taken together, our data clearly suggest that a human Tie2 agonistic antibody is a potentially useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of several ischemic diseases including delayed-wound healing and ischemic heart and limb diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scoparone, one of the bioactive components of Artemisia capillaris Thunb, has various biological properties including immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aims at evaluating the anti-osteoporotic effect of scoparone and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Scoparone demonstrated potent cellular antioxidant capacity. It was also found that scoparone inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and suppressed cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression via c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38-mediated c-Fos–nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) signaling pathway. During osteoclast differentiation, the production of general reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide anions was dose-dependently attenuated by scoparone. In addition, scoparone diminished NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase 1 (Nox1) expression and activation via the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)–cSrc–phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3k) signaling pathway and prevented the disruption of mitochondrial electron transport chain system. Furthermore, scoparone augmented the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT). The overall results indicate that the inhibitory effect of scoparone on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation is attributed to the suppressive effect on ROS and superoxide anion production by inhibiting Nox1 expression and activation and protecting the mitochondrial electron transport chain system and the scavenging effect of ROS resulting from elevated SOD1 and CAT expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent interest in short-range optical wireless communication technology driven by the widespread deployment of solid state lighting has led to significant efforts on the standardization of visible light communication. In such efforts, the consideration of dimming support poses fundamental challenges on the VLC system design that have not been addressed elsewhere. This article overviews the technical considerations for enhancing the VLC physical layer by summarizing the state-of-the-art advancements in modulation and coding technologies dedicated to VLC systems. In addition, the technical challenges for system enhancement under lighting restrictions are described. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]