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The recent advances in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, including single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), has enabled the study of previously inaccessible details, such as the organization of proteins within cellular compartments and even nanostructures in nonbiological nanomaterials, such as the polymers and semiconductors. With such developments, the need for the development of various computational nanostructure analysis methods for SMLM images is also increasing; however, this has been limited to protein cluster analysis. In this study, we developed an edge structure analysis method for pointillistic SMLM images based on the line edge roughness and power spectral density analyses. By investigating the effect of point properties in SMLM images, such as the size, density, and localization precision on the roughness measurement, we successfully demonstrated this analysis method for experimental SMLM images of actual samples, including the semiconductor line patterns, cytoskeletal elements, and cell membranes. This systematic investigation of the effect of each localization rendering parameter on edge roughness measurement provides a range for the optimal rendering parameters that preserve the relevant nanoscale structure of interest. These new methods are expected to expand our understanding of the targets by providing valuable insights into edge nanoscale structures that have not been previously obtained quantitatively.

In 1769, Euler proved the following result: ∫ 0 π 2 log ⁡ ( sin ⁡ θ ) ⁢ 푑 θ = - π 2 ⁢ log ⁡ 2 . \int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\log(\sin\theta)\,d\theta=-\frac{\pi}{2}\log 2. In this paper, as a generalization, we evaluate the definite integrals ∫ 0 x θ r - 2 ⁢ log ⁡ ( cos ⁡ θ 2 ) ⁢ 푑 θ \int_{0}^{x}\theta^{r-2}\log\biggl{(}\cos\frac{\theta}{2}\biggr{)}\,d\theta for r = 2 , 3 , 4 , … r=2,3,4,\dots  . We show that it can be expressed by the special values of Kurokawa and Koyama’s multiple cosine functions 풞 r ⁢ ( x ) {\mathcal{C}_{r}(x)} or by the special values of alternating zeta and Dirichlet lambda functions. In particular, we get the following explicit expression of the zeta value: ζ ⁢ ( 3 ) = 4 ⁢ π 2 21 ⁢ log ⁡ ( e 4 ⁢ G π ⁢ 풞 3 ⁢ ( 1 4 ) 16 2 ) , \zeta(3)=\frac{4\pi^{2}}{21}\log\Biggl{(}\frac{e^{\frac{4G}{\pi}}\mathcal{C}_{% 3}\bigl{(}\frac{1}{4}\bigr{)}^{16}}{\sqrt{2}}\Biggr{)}, where G is Catalan’s constant and 풞 3 ⁢ ( 1 4 ) {\mathcal{C}_{3}(\frac{1}{4})} is the special value of Kurokawa and Koyama’s multiple cosine function 풞 3 ⁢ ( x ) {\mathcal{C}_{3}(x)} at 1 4 {\frac{1}{4}} . Furthermore, we prove several series representations for the logarithm of multiple cosine functions log ⁡ 풞 r ⁢ ( x 2 ) {\log\mathcal{C}_{r}(\frac{x}{2})} by zeta functions, L-functions or polylogarithms. One of them leads to another expression of ζ ⁢ ( 3 ) {\zeta(3)} : ζ ⁢ ( 3 ) = 72 ⁢ π 2 11 ⁢ log ⁡ ( 3 1 72 ⁢ 풞 3 ⁢ ( 1 6 ) 풞 2 ⁢ ( 1 6 ) 1 3 ) . \zeta(3)=\frac{72\pi^{2}}{11}\log\Biggl{(}\frac{3^{\frac{1}{72}}\mathcal{C}_{3% }\bigl{(}\frac{1}{6}\bigr{)}}{\mathcal{C}_{2}\bigl{(}\frac{1}{6}\bigr{)}^{% \frac{1}{3}}}\Biggr{)}. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samter’s Triad is a disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (NPs), asthma, and intolerance to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. However, there have been no studies investigating the prediction of Samter’s Triad using imaging findings. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in computed tomography (CT) findings between patients who have CRS with NPs and those with Samter’s Triad. Patients were classified into a CRS group and a Samter group. Opacification was measured using data from CT scans by scoring each sinus on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 4. The opacification scores of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses were significantly higher in the Samter’s Triad group. Furthermore, Samter’s Triad was more common in patients who scored ≤ 2 for maxillary opacification (7/16) than in those who scored ≥3 (4/45, p=0.005). Patients with Samter’s Triad exhibited a tendency toward higher opacification scores for the ethmoid and frontal sinuses, with a relatively lower opacification score for the maxillary sinus. These findings could be helpful in distinguishing patients with Samter’s Triad from those who have CRS with NPs, and to plan treatment strategies without having to perform additional laboratory or radiological tests.

Climate change from global warming raises the risk of wood decay. Knowing the inherent durability period of wood is crucial for long-term use. Hence, the natural durability of five important Korean wood species (Larix kaempferi, Pinus densiflora, Quercus rubra, Quercus variabilis, and Quercus serrata) was evaluated. In addition, the fungal diversity isolated from each wood stake was investigated to compare and analyze the differences in natural durability. The natural durability of the five wood species was determined to be highest in Larix kaempferi and Quercus serrata, followed by Quercus variabilis, Quercus rubra, and Pinus densiflora. Overall, 306 fungal isolates were collected, including 16 species of Ascomycota, 22 species of Basidiomycota, 15 species of Zygomycota, and eight unidentified species, which dominate different positions of the wood stake. Less Basidiomycota diversity was observed in the two wood species with high durability. In addition, the isolation of not only Basidiomycota but also Ascomycota and Zygomycota could affect wood deterioration and explain the association with wood durability. These findings are expected to be useful in improving the durability of useful wood in Korea in an era of climate change, where the risk of wood decay is increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis, one of the most serious public health concerns caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, has a major impact on the population. Therefore, finding the effective osteogenic compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis is a promising research approach. In our study, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed polysaccharide (TSP) extracted from tamarind seed was subjected to synthesize its sulfate derivatives. The 1H NMR, FT-IR, SEM, monosaccharide compositions and elemental analysis data revealed that tamarind seed polysaccharide sulfate (TSPS) was successfully prepared. As the result, TSPS showed potent effects on inducing osteoblast differentiation via increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity up to 20% after 10 days and bone mineralization approximately 58% after four weeks at concentration of 20 μg/mL, whereas no statistically increase for both ALP activity and bone mineralization was observed in TSP treatment. Furthermore, TSPS enhanced expression of several marker genes in bone formation. Overall, the obtained data provided novelty on osteogenic compounds originated from TSP of T. indica, as well as scientific fundamentals on drug development and bone tissue engineering for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to develop an efficient process for producing red yeast rice (RYR) with different rice cultivars (Samkwang: used for cooking and Hangaru: used for processing) and amounts of added water (0–100%). Our analyses showed that Hangaru rice had a round starchy form with 18.62% amylose content, and Samkwang rice exhibited an angular starchy form with 15.29% amylose content. The in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis ratio was higher for Hangaru RYR (20.92–24.28%) than for Samakwang RYR (10.97–15.91%) with different amounts of water added. Hangaru RYR showed the highest color value with 60% added water; however, Samkwang RYR highest color value was at 40% added water. The total content of monacolin K was the highest (749.34 mg/kg) for Hangaru RYR treated with 60% added water. These results suggest that Hangaru rice supplemented with 60% water is the most suitable for producing RYR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the development and progression of scoliosis in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Patients with ISS who underwent rhGH treatment from 1997 to 2017 and were followed up for scoliosis screening with serial radiographic examination were included. For assessing scoliosis development, patients who did not have scoliosis at the time of rhGH treatment were included and followed up to determine whether de novo scoliosis developed during the treatment. For evaluating scoliosis progression, patients who already had scoliosis were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses of demographic and radiographic variables were performed to determine the related factors in the development and progression of scoliosis. For assessing scoliosis development, 1093 patients were included. The average duration of rhGH treatment was about 2 years. De novo scoliosis developed in 32 patients (3.7%). The analysis revealed that sex (p=0.016) and chronological age (p=0.048) were statistically significant factors associated with scoliosis development. However, no relationship was observed between scoliosis development and rhGH treatment types or duration. Among 67 patients who already had scoliosis at the time of rhGH treatment, 11 (16.4%) showed scoliosis progression. However, the rhGH types and duration also did not affect scoliosis progression. De novo scoliosis developed in 3.7% and scoliosis progressed in 16.4% of the patients during rhGH treatment. However, scoliosis development or progression was not affected by the types or duration of rhGH treatment in patients with ISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to investigate the cooking characteristics and sensory evaluation of rice cooked in the presence of 20 % germinated barley. The soluble solid and water absorption rate increased significantly with longer barley germination periods. The microstructure of the cooked germinated barley showed some pores 4 days after germination and increased pore numbers and size 6 days after germination. The hardness of cooked-rice tended to decrease after germination of barley. Sensory evaluation indicated that barley germinated for 2–4 days is the most suitable (overall acceptance) for cooking. These results indicate that pores are formed on the surface during the germination of barley, so that water is easily absorbed during cooking and the hardness is low, and the texture of barley is improved even when rice is cooked. This study suggests that rice cooked with germinated barley has improved sensory characteristics, without unnecessary processing (milling, chopping, or pressing) the barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Shiranuhi flower in RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: The effects of the extracts and solvent fractions on cell viability and LPS-induced inflammatory responses were investigated in RAW 264.7 cells. Results: The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (HEF) significantly decreased NO production in RAW 264.7 cells; however, cell viability was not affected. In addition, ELISA assay revealed that HEF significantly inhibited the productions of PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6. As well, using Western blot analysis, it was observed that HEF significantly reduced the expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, we detected a reduced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as p38, JNK, and ERK1/2. This indicates that HEF regulates LPS-induced inflammatory responses, at least in part, via suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway. Correlation analysis also showed that anti-inflammatory activities were highly correlated to antioxidant activities in this study. Characterization of the Shiranuhi flowers for flavonoid contents using HPLC showed varied quantity of narirutin and hesperidin. Conclusion: Overall, the results demonstrate that HEF may be a potential anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, our findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of Shiranuhi flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In childhood and adolescence, some patients with cerebral palsy (CP) have long-term limited mobility, which can lead to secondary osteoporosis, Prevention and treatment strategies have been evaluated for the management of low bone mineral density (BMD) and fragility fractures. Currently, however, there are no established guidelines for the stratification and individualization of therapeutic interventions. Recently, an increasing number of studies have reported on the use of bisphosphonates to increase BMD in various pediatric conditions, and bisphosphonates have been suggested as a method to treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures. Purpose: We performed the current meta-analysis to assess the effects of bisphosphonates on increasing BMD in children who have CP with secondary osteoporosis. Materials and methods: A search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase from inception to April 2014 was performed with the following keywords: (bone disease, metabolic OR osteoporosis OR osteopenia) AND (child OR pediatric OR adolescent) AND (cerebral palsy) AND (bisphosphonate). Four studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis: one randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study and three case-controlled studies. Results: The Z-score of lumbar spine was significantly improved after bisphosphonates treatment compared with pre-treatment values (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.799; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.499-1.100; p<0.001). The Z-score of femur was also improved significantly compared with that of the baseline value (SMD, 0.748; 95% CI, 0.382-1.114; p<0.001). Conclusions: Bisphosphonates have a significant effect on improving BMD in children with CP. Further standardization of treatment protocols including treatment dosage and duration needs to be established, and long-term follow up studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests a role of the IGF axis in the maintenance of normal glucose and lipid metabolism. The local IGF-IGFBP environment changes significantly in response to the diabetes milieu. We aimed at determining serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and their relationship with clinical variables. Seventy-eight patients with T1DM and 47 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Significant reduction for concentration of serum IGF-1 was observed in patients with T1DM compared to healthy controls. However, serum IGFBP-3 levels were similar in patients with T1DM compared to controls. Both serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly correlated with age, BMI, and serum c-peptide levels. In addition, serum IGFBP-3 levels showed significant positive correlation with HbA1c, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the uncontrolled diabetic patients. These findings suggest that IGFBP-3 may be involved in the glucose control and lipid metabolism in those with uncontrolled T1DM. Further studies are needed to document their roles on glucose and lipid metabolism in T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of N-methylacetamide (NMA) molecules encapsulated in the reverse micelles (RMs) formed by anionic surfactant aerosol OT (AOT), are studied with vibrational spectroscopy and computation. Vibrational spectra of the amide I′ mode of the fully deuterated NMA- d7 show gradual increase of peak frequencies and line broadening as the size of RMs decreases. Analyses of the spectral features reveal the presence of three states of NMA- d7 that correspond to NMA located in the core of water phase (absorption frequency of 1606 cm-1) and two types of interfacial NMA near the surfactant layer (1620 and 1644 cm-1). In larger RMs with water content w0 = [D2O]/[AOT] ≥ 10, only the first two states are observed, whereas in smaller RMs, the population of the third state grows up to 25 % at w0 = 2. These results indicate the general validity of the two-state core/shell model for the confined aqueous solution of NMA, with small modifications due to the system-dependent solute-interface interaction. However, simulations of small RM systems with w0 ≤ 15 show continuous variations of the population, frequency shifts, and the solute-solvent interaction strengths at solute-interface distance less than 4 Å. Thus, the distinction of solute core/shell states tends to be blurred in small RMs but is still effective in interpreting the average spectroscopic observables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successional diversity of basidiomycetous fungi was studied on Korean pine ( Pinus koraiensis) and pitch pine ( Pinus rigida) logs that were left exposed on the forest floor based on fungal surveys conducted after 18, 42, and 54 months of exposure. A total of 131 basidiomycetous isolates were recovered from the logs and grouped by their cultural morphology. Fungal identification was achieved by a BLAST search of partial nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences in GenBank. The results of the 18 month survey revealed that the isolation frequency and fungal diversity were higher for pitch pine than Korean pine. The dominant species found on Korean and pitch pine logs during the first survey were Hypochnicium karstenii and Phlebiopsis gigantea, respectively. In the 42 and 54 month surveys, the primary species were replaced by Hypochnicium eichleri, Phanerochaete velutina, Phlebia radiata, Rhizochaete sp., and Trametes versicolor. These results showed that decay fungi have host preference for woody materials that vary according to the species of tree being colonized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fulminant type 1 diabetes has recently been identified as a new subtype of idiopathic diabetes that is mostly found in Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency as well as the clinical and laboratory characteristics of fulminant type 1 diabetes among Korean children with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. One-hundred and fifty patients that had been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over the past 10 years were included. These patients came from three hospitals. Out of the 150 patients, two female patients fulfilled the criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. They were negative for islet autoantibodies. The patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had an older age of onset and a lower HbA1c than the patients with autoimmune or idiopathic type 1 diabetes. In addition, the patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and amylase levels, and decreased fasting serum C-peptide levels. The frequency of fulminant type 1 diabetes was 1.33% among all patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of 16. Although this type of diabetes is more commonly an adult-onset disease, it is possible that fulminant type 1 diabetes has not yet been fully recognized in children and adolescence, and may be more common than initially thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]