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Objective Dentin sialophosphoprotein ( Dspp ) is expressed in odontoblasts and transiently expressed in early ameloblasts. However, the origin of Dspp in ameloblasts remains unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated that copine-7 (CPNE7), a molecule that is secreted by the dental epithelium, is expressed in early ameloblasts and is then translocated to differentiating odontoblasts; its expression levels correlate with odontoblast differentiation under the control of Dspp expression. The objective of this study is to figure out the relationship between CPNE7 and Dspp during amelogenesis. Design The gene expression patterns of CPNE7 and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) were examined by immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of CPNE7 on Dspp regulation were investigated using luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in ameloblastic HAT-7 cells. Results The gene expression pattern of Cpne7 was similar to that of Dspp during ameloblast differentiation. Moreover, Gene expression omnibus profiles indicated that there is a close correlation between Cpne7 and Dspp expression in various normal human tissues. We also confirmed the effects of CPNE7 on the induction of Dspp in ameloblastic HAT-7 cells. Cpne7 overexpression promoted Dspp expression, whereas Dspp expression was down-regulated by Cpne7 inactivation. Conclusions These results suggest that the expression of Dspp in early amelogenesis is linked to CPNE7, a preameloblast-derived factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N6 viruses in 2016 in South Korea, novel H5N8 viruses were also isolated from migratory birds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HA gene of these H5N8 viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4, similarly to recent H5Nx viruses, and originated from A/Brk/Korea/Gochang1/14(H5N8), a minor lineage of H5N8 that appeared in 2014 and then disappeared. At least four reassortment events occurred with different subtypes (H5N8, H7N7, H3N8 and H10N7) and a chicken challenge study revealed that they were classified as HPAI viruses according to OIE criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the conversion of Ni Nd and Ni Tb compartment compounds into 1D coordination polymers or discrete tetranuclear 3 d –4 f compounds under microwave-heating conditions. Stirring a water–ethanol solution containing Ni(CH 3 COO) 2 ·4H 2 O, o -vanillin, 1,3-diaminopropane and LiOH·H 2 O at 30 °C produced [Ni(L 1 ) 2 ](H 2 O) ( 1 ), which possesses two imine–amine type ligands (HL 1 = ((3-methoxysalicylidene)amino)-3-aminopropane). Compound 1 reacted with Nd(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O to give a dinuclear Ni Nd complex [NiNd(HL 1 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 3 ](NO 3 ) 2 ( 2 ). When compound 2 was microwave-heated (700 W) in water in the presence of a bispyridine (bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine; bipp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), a tetranuclear dimer bridged by two nitrato (NO 3 − ) ligands was obtained: [NiNd(L 2 )(NO 3 )( μ 3 -NO 3 )(bipy)] 2 (OH) 2 (H 2 O) 2 (bipy) or [NiNd(L 2 )(NO 3 )( μ 3 -NO 3 )(bipp)] 2 (OH) 2 (H 2 O) 4 (H 2 L 2 = 1,3-bis((3-methoxysalicylidene)amino)propane). By contrast, compound 2 was converted into a 1D coordination polymer, [Ni 2 Nd 2 (L 2 ) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ( μ -NO 3 ) 3 ](OH − ) 3 (H 2 O) 6 , when microwave-heated in the absence of the bispyridine. Compound 1 reacted with Tb(NO 3 ) 3 ·5H 2 O to give a dinuclear complex [NiTb(HL 1 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 3 ]·(NO 3 ) 2 , a Ni Tb analogue of compound 2 . Microwave-heating this Ni Tb compound in water and in acetonitrile produced a 1D coordination polymer, [Ni 2 Tb 2 (L 2 ) 2 ( μ -NO 3 ) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ]·(OH − ) 3 ·4H 2 O, and a tetranuclear Ni Tb dimer, [NiTb(L 2 )( μ 3 -NO 3 )(NO 3 )(H 2 O)] 2 ·(OH) 2 ·(H 2 O) 4 , respectively. The Ni Tb compounds exhibited emission quenching of the Tb 3+ ion, probably due to a Tb 3+ → Ni 2+ energy transfer. In addition, the intensities of the emission spectra of these compounds did not increase when the lattice water molecules were removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)-based small-animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has desirable characteristics such as superior energy resolution, but data acquisition for SPECT imaging has been widely performed with a conventional energy window. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal energy window settings for technetium-99 m ( 99m Tc) and thallium-201 ( 201 Tl), the most commonly used isotopes in SPECT imaging, using CZT-based small-animal SPECT for quantitative accuracy. We experimentally investigated quantitative measurements with respect to primary count rate, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and scatter fraction (SF) within various energy window settings using Triumph X-SPECT. The two ways of energy window settings were considered: an on-peak window and an off-peak window. In the on-peak window setting, energy centers were set on the photopeaks. In the off-peak window setting, the ratios of energy differences between the photopeak from the lower- and higher-threshold varied from 4:6 to 3:7. In addition, the energy-window width for 99m Tc varied from 5% to 20%, and that for 201 Tl varied from 10% to 30%. The results of this study enabled us to determine the optimal energy windows for each isotope in terms of primary count rate, CNR, and SF. We selected the optimal energy window that increases the primary count rate and CNR while decreasing SF. For 99m Tc SPECT imaging, the energy window of 138–145 keV with a 5% width and off-peak ratio of 3:7 was determined to be the optimal energy window. For 201 Tl SPECT imaging, the energy window of 64–85 keV with a 30% width and off-peak ratio of 3:7 was selected as the optimal energy window. Our results demonstrated that the proper energy window should be carefully chosen based on quantitative measurements in order to take advantage of desirable characteristics of CZT-based small-animal SPECT. These results provided valuable reference information for the establishment of new protocol for CZT-based small-animal study, and may offer insights into the potential of multiple-isotope imaging with CZT-based small-animal SPECT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the in vitro activity of various antibiotics including zabofloxacin, against isolates responsible for invasive pneumococcal diseases. Between 1997 and 2008, a total of 208 isolates were collected from sterile fluids, including blood ( n = 196, 94.2%), pleural fluid ( n = 5, 2.4%), cerebrospinal fluid ( n = 5, 2.4%), and ascites ( n = 2, 1.0%). Zabofloxacin showed the lowest MIC 50 (0.015 μg/mL) and MIC 90 (0.025 μg/mL) values of all the tested antibiotics. Rates of isolates resistant to penicillin (MIC ≥8 μg/mL), ceftriaxone (MIC ≥4 μg/mL) and levofloxacin (MIC ≥8 μg/mL) were 3.4%, 0.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Four isolates (2.0%) were resistant to levofloxacin, and zabofloxacin showed low MICs (range, 0.025–0.125 μg/mL). Zabofloxacin shows potent in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae isolates that caused invasive disease, even strains that are resistant to levofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Interaction of PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae vaccines in dually infected pigs. [•] No reduction of PCV2-lesions by M. hyopneumoniae vaccine. [•] No reduction of M. hyopneumoniae-lesions by PCV2 vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Diverse avian-derived NS recombinant viruses in A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) exhibited similar viral growth patterns in vitro and in vivo. [•] The NS recombinant viruses showed varied pathogenicity in infected mice. [•] Mice infected with the more highly-virulent recombinant viruses (PR8 and PR8×483NS) showed greater and more sustained cytokine production levels. [•] Avian-derived NS genes alter pathogenicity, histopathology, and cytokine production in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ta metal is frequently used as a raw material in the production of military hardware and electromagnetic components; therefore, obtaining high-purity tantalum is emerging as an important goal. Here, Ta metal powder was successfully prepared by reduction of Mg gas with tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5). The reduction behavior was studied kinetically using Ta 2 O 5 with different initial particle sizes (0.3 and 1.2 μm). Reduction temperature varied in the range from 1073 to 1273 K. In the X-ray diffraction patterns of reduced powders, pure Ta peaks appear above 1123 K when using the 0.3 μm initial powder, and at 1173 K when using the 1.2 μm initial powder. With increasing reduction temperature, reduction rates were higher with the use of the 0.3 μm powder than with the coarser 1.2 μm powder. This behavior resulted in different activation energies for Mg-reduction (5.234 and 8.695 kJ/mol for the 0.3 and 1.2 μm powder, respectively). In the powder reduced at 1273 K, the oxygen content was lowered to 0.66 and 0.88 wt% for the 1.2 and 0.3 μm powders, respectively; this is explained by differences in the specific surface area according to particle size. • Metallic tantalum powder was prepared by reduction of Mg gas with Ta 2 O 5. • Reduction behavior varied with initial Ta 2 O 5 particle size (0.3 vs. 1.2 μm). • Pure tantalum formed above 1123 K (1173 K) using 0.3-μm (1.2-μm) initial powder. • Reduction rate (Mg activation energy) was higher (lower) for 0.3-μm powder. • Oxygen content higher for 0.3-μm powder reflecting different specific surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multi-host pathogen, quorum sensing (QS) plays an essential role in pathogenesis, wherein LasR, QscR and RhlR, the QS regulators, control the expression of many virulence factors. In this study, we constructed a signal-binding-domain (SBD)-deleted QscR (QscR160–237) to make a signal-independently-active form of QscR. However, QscR160–237 that has only a DNA binding domain (DBD) was not fully active. It was able to bind to the target site in a signal-independent manner, but was not able to activate transcription of the target promoter. Since QscR160–237 could interfere with binding of wild-type QscR (QscRwt) to its QscR binding site, we investigated the competition between QscR160–237 and QscRwt on the QscR binding site in vivo and in vitro. When QscRwt and QscR160–237 were independently co-expressed by two different inducers, increasing expression of QscR160–237 interfered with QscRwt activity. This was verified by a competitive gel shift assay in vitro using purified QscRwt and QscR160–237. Our results show that the SBD deletion makes QscR a partially active form that has only DNA binding ability, but it can interfere with QscRwt by competitive binding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method with electrospray ionization was developed for the simultaneous quantitation of five probe drugs and their metabolites in human plasma for assessing the in vivo activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP). CYP isoform specific substrates and their metabolites of CYP1A2 (caffeine), CYP2C9 (losartan), CYP2C19 (omeprazole), CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan) and CYP3A (midazolam) were all simultaneously analyzed using LC–MS/MS after administration of a mixture of five drugs (i.e., a “cocktail approach”) to healthy volunteers. The assay uses propranolol as an internal standard; dual liquid extraction; a Xbridge MS C18 (100mm×2.1mm, 3.5μm) column; a gradient mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (7/3→3/7); mass spectrometric detection in positive ion mode. The method was validated from 5 to 500ng/mL for caffeine and paraxanthine, 0.1–40ng/mL for losartan and EXP3174, 0.05–20ng/mL for omeprazole and 5-hydroxyomeprazole, 0.008–0.8ng/mL for dextromethorphan and dextrorphan, 0.01–1.0ng/mL for midazolam, and 0.04–4ng/mL for 1′-hydroxymidazolam. The intra- and inter-day precision over the concentration ranges for all analytes were lower than 12.5% and 13.8% (relative standard deviation, %RSD), and accuracy was between 86.5% and 108.4% and between 87.0% and 107.0%, respectively. This highly sensitive and quantitative method allowed a pharmacokinetic study in subjects receiving doses 10–100 times lower than typical therapeutic doses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During tooth development and tumorigenesis, the odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) is involved in cellular differentiation and matrix protein production. However, the precise function of ODAM remains largely unknown. To suggest new functional roles of ODAM, we investigated the cellular expression and subcellular localization of ODAM in tooth and cancer cells. ODAM was expressed in ameloblasts, odontoblasts, and osteoblasts in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, ODAM was localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of MMP-20 expressing ameloblasts and odontoblasts, but only in the cytoplasm of non-MMP-20 expressing osteoblasts. The extracellular secretion of ODAM was not observed in odontoblasts and osteoblasts, but was seen in ameloblasts. In addition, ODAM was discovered in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and extracellular matrix of various cancer cells. These results suggest that the expression pattern and subcellular localization of ODAM is highly variable and dependent on cell types and their differentiation states, and that functional correlations exist between ODAM and MMP-20. This study provides the first evidence for ODAM in multiple cellular compartments of differentiating odontogenic and cancer cell lines with important functional implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The forkhead box C2 (Foxc2) protein, a member of the forkhead/winged helix transcription factor family, plays an important role in regulation of metabolism, arterial specification, and vascular sprouting. Foxc2-null mutants die prenatally or perinatally, and they exhibit hypoplasia of the vertebrae and insufficient chondrification or ossification of medial structures. However, the role of Foxc2 in osteoblastogenesis is not yet fully understood. According to the degree of differentiation of osteoblasts, we found that Foxc2 expression was gradually increased and dose-dependently up-regulated by well-known bone anabolic agents, such as hPTH(1–34) and BMP2. In ex vivo mouse calvarial organ culture, a significant reduction of the basal expression of Foxc2 induced by siFoxc2 remarkably suppressed cell proliferation and differentiation and induced cell death. Knockdown of Foxc2 expression using siFoxc2 in both MC3T3-E1 and primary mouse calvarial cells also resulted in a significant suppression of proliferation and differentiation, and induced cell death, supporting the ex vivo observations. In addition, the resistance to apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and phosphorylation of both Akt and ERK was significantly reduced after siFoxc2 treatment. Conversely, overexpression of Foxc2 increased the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 and primary mouse calvarial cells. Furthermore, we found that Foxc2 enhanced the expression of integrin β1, an important modulator of osteoblastogenesis, by direct binding to a Forkhead-binding element in its promoter. Taken together, these results indicate that Foxc2 plays an important role in osteoblastogenesis by promoting osteoblast proliferation, survival and differentiation through up-regulation of integrin β1 in response to stimuli which induce bone formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Anodically formed tin oxide typically displays a self-ordered porous structure with a large degree of cracking. In addition, its surface pores are frequently closed, especially in the case where the deposited tin film is anodized. Herein, we report a simple way of eliminating virtually all the inner cracks and ensuring that the surface pores are totally open, leading to well-defined one-dimensional anodic tin oxide. The current efficiency ratio of oxygen gas generation to tin oxide formation and the amount of charge allocated for pore initiation are suggested to be the key factors affecting the internal crack development and pore opening, respectively. Pulsed anodization proved to be quite an effective way to create a well-defined structure with few inner cracks and completely open pores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Osteoblasts originate from mesenchymal stem cells by the coordinated activities of different signaling pathways that regulate the expression of osteoblast-specific genes. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is the master transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. Despite the importance of Runx2 in the developing skeleton, how Runx2 expression is regulated remains a pivotal question. Snail, a zinc finger transcription factor, is essential for triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) during embryonic development and tumor progression. Here, we report that Runx2 expression is significantly up- or down-regulated relative to Snail expression. We demonstrate that Snail binds to the Runx2 promoter and that repression of Runx2 transcription by Snail is dependent on specific E-box sequence within the promoter. With antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)-mediated knockdown of Snail expression in zebrafish, we observed alterations in osteogenic potential. These results indicate that Snail plays a crucial role in osteogenic differentiation by acting as a direct Runx2 repressor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Quinone-methide triterpenes, celastrol (1), pristimerin (2), tingenone (3), and iguesterin (4) were isolated from Triterygium regelii and dihydrocelastrol (5) was synthesized by hydrogenation under palladium catalyst. Isolated quinone-methide triterpenes (1–4) and 5 were evaluated for SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitory activities and showed potent inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 10.3, 5.5, 9.9, and 2.6μM, respectively, whereas the corresponding 5 having phenol moiety was observed in low activity (IC50 =21.7μM). As a result, quinone-methide moiety in A-ring and more hydrophobic E-ring assist to exhibit potent activity. Also, all quinone-methide triterpenes 1–4 have proven to be competitive by the kinetic analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), the potent bone anabolic agent, regulates the bone development, as well as the growth, remodeling and healing of the fracture. The intracellular signaling of FGF2 leads to activation of genes involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival. However, little is known about FGF2-regulated proteins in the osteoblasts. Therefore, in this study, protein profiling in FGF2-treated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells was evaluated using proteomic technologies. Six proteins including asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS), eukaryotic translation termination factor 1 (ETF1), GDP-forming succinyl-CoA synthetase (SUCLG2), heat shock protein 84 (HSP 84), sorting nexin 9 (SNX9) and α glucosidase 2α neutral subunit (GANAB) were increased more than 3-fold after the FGF2 treatment. Also, two proteins including β-tropomyosin and tropomyosin 2 were decreased to 2-folds. Among these proteins, asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS), a member of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS), was strikingly up-regulated more than 900-fold. The overexpression of NARS significantly increased the proliferation of both the MC3T3-E1 and the primary mouse calvarial cells. In contrast, significant reduction of the basal expression of NARS by siNARS remarkably suppressed the proliferation and induced the death of cell. After the siNARS treatment, the resistance to apoptosis induced by serum deprivation was also significantly reduced. The level of p-Akt was also reduced and the activity of caspase 3 significantly enhanced. In addition, NARS-induced protection against apoptosis was abolished by the treatment of PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002. In conclusion, we suggest that NARS is one of the important mediators of FGF2 induced survival signaling in osteoblasts through the activation of PI3K/Akt survival pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A hydrophilic pharmaceutical compound (caffeine) was recrystallized from its solutions using a carbon dioxide as an antisolvent. Caffeine was dissolved in two organic solvents, chloroform and methylene chloride at concentrations of 0.15 and 0.083g/ml, respectively. Carbon dioxide was injected into these solutions, thereby inducing supersaturation of the solution and particle precipitation. The effect of process parameters such as crystallizing temperature, solvent type, and the carbon dioxide injection rate on the solid-state properties of caffeine was investigated. The influence of a growth retardant on crystal habit and particle size was also examined. The recrystallized caffeine particles consistently exhibited acicular crystal habit. Smaller crystals were obtained when crystallization took place at higher temperatures, and submicron size caffeine particles were produced when α-d-glucose penta acetate was used as a growth retardant. Lower crystallizing temperatures provided favorable conditions for a more orderly arrangement of caffeine molecules, and consequently the crystallinity of particles increased when crystals were obtained at low temperatures. The presence of a growth retardant may have suppressed the ordered growth in some minor directions thus leading the molecules to arrange in a particular orientation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The prevalence of the bovine torovirus (BToV) and its genetic characterization have been reported in North America, Europe and Japan. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of the BToV in a total of 645 diarrheic fecal samples from 629 Korean native beef calf herds using RT-PCR and nested PCR with the primer pairs specific to a part of the BToV membrane (M) gene. Overall, 19 (2.9%) out of 645 diarrheic samples from 19 herds (6.9%) tested positive for BToVs by either RT-PCR or nested PCR. A comparison of the nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) sequences of a part of the BToV M gene (409bp) among the BToVs showed the Korean BToVs to have comparatively higher sequence homology to the Japanese and Dutch BToVs than to the American and Italian BToVs. Generally, the Korean BToV strains clustered with the Japanese and Dutch BToV strains. However, the American and Italian BToV strains clustered on a separate major branch, suggesting that these are more distantly related to other known BToV strains. These results suggest that the BToV infections are sporadic in diarrheic calves in South Korea, and the Korean BToV strains are more closely related to the Japanese and Dutch BToVs than to the American and Italian BToVs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The DesVIII is an auxiliary protein which enhances the transfer of TDP-d-desosamine catalyzed by DesVII glycosyltransferase in the biosynthesis of macrolide antibiotics, neomethymycin, methymycin and pikromycin, in Streptomyces venezuelae ATCC 15439. Homologues of the desVIII gene are present in a number of aminosugar-containing antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters including eryCII from the erythromycin producer Saccharopolyspora erythraea, oleP1 from the oleandomycin producer Streptomyces antibioticus, dnrQ from the doxorubicin producer Streptomyces peucetius, and tylMIII from the tylosin producer Streptomyces fradiae. In order to gain further insight into the function of these DesVIII homologues, interspecies complementation experiments were carried out by expressing each gene in a desVIII deletion mutant strain of S. venezuelae. Complementation by expressing EryCII, OleP1, and DnrQ in this mutant strain restored the production of glycosylated macrolides to an approximate level of 66%, 26% and 26%, respectively, compared to self-complementation by DesVIII. However, expression of TylMIII did not restore the antibiotic production. These results suggest that the DesVIII homologues (except for TylMIII) can functionally replace the native DesVIII for glycosylation to proceed in vivo and their functions are similar in acting as glycosyltransferase auxiliary proteins. The requirement of glycosyltransferase auxiliary protein seems to be more widespread in polyketide biosynthetic pathways than previously known. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background:: Hair loss is a distressing condition for an increasing number of men and women. It is of great importance; therefore, to develop new therapies for the treatment of hair loss. Objective:: We examined the effects of 45 plant extracts that have been traditionally used for treating hair loss in oriental medicine in order to identify potential stimulants of hair growth. Methods:: Six-week-old female C57BL/6 and C3H mice were used for evaluating the hair growth-promoting effects of the plant extracts. Topical application onto the backs of the C57BL/6 and C3H mice was performed daily for 30 days and 45 days, respectively. Protein synthesis was measured by the cysteine uptake assay, using cultured murine vibrissae follicles. Proliferation of the immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and human dermal papilla (DP) cells was evaluated by the MTT and thymidine incorporation assays. The mRNA levels of several growth factors that have been implicated in hair growth control were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results:: Among the tested plant extracts, the extract of Asiasari radix showed the most potent hair growth stimulation in C57BL/6 and C3H mice experiments. In addition, this extract markedly increased the protein synthesis in vibrissae follicle cultures and the proliferation of both HaCaT and human DP cells in vitro. Moreover, the A. radix extract induced the expression of VEGF in human DP cells that were cultured in vitro. Conclusion:: These results suggest that the A. radix extract has hair growth-promoting potential, and that this effect may be due to its regulatory effects on both cell growth and growth factor gene expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The elastic deflection of gear teeth is analyzed to investigate the deformation overlap. The deformation overlap, which is a numerically calculated quantity through displacement analysis at the initial contact, is defined as the piled region of a contact tooth pair due to the elastic deformation. The deformation overlap is suggested for an effective indicator to represent the whole deformation of a meshing gear pair. The elastic contact theory and finite element method are used to compute the contact force and teeth deflection. The contact problem is defined as a QP problem, and the contact forces between teeth are calculated from the transmitted torque. Then the deformation overlap is calculated with the contact forces as boundary conditions. For a spur gear pair, the calculated deformation overlap is used for the basis of the tooth tip relief, analysis of deformation characteristics for a profile shifted gear pair, and the selection of profile shift coefficient considering teeth deflection. Deformation overlap is extended to a three-dimensional problem, and implemented to a helical gear pair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Synapsin I is believed to be involved in regulating neurotransmitter release and in synapse formation. Its interactions with the actin filaments and synaptic vesicles are regulated by phosphorylation. Because exocytosis and synapsin I phosphorylation are a Ca2+-dependent process, it is possible that an ischemic insult modifies the presynaptic proteins. However, the neuronal damage and the changes in synapsin I as well as its phosphorylation level as a result of glucose/oxygen deprivation (GOD) and reperfusion in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures have not been established. In this study, the level of synapsin I and phosphosynapsin was measured in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures in order to determine the role of synapsin I in the presynaptic nerve terminals during GOD/reperfusion. Propidium iodide fluorescence was observed in the CA1 area after GOD for 30 min, which could be detected in the whole pyramidal cell layer during reperfusion for 24 h. The immunofluorescence of the neuron specific nuclear protein, NeuN, showed a negative correlation with the PI fluorescence. During GOD/reperfusion, the immunofluorescence of synapsin I increased in the stratum radiatum and the stratum oriens of the CA1 area and the stratum lucidum and the stratum oriens of the CA3 area. The phosphosynapsin level evidently increased in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 area after GOD for 30 min, which was reduced to the control level after reperfusion. These results suggested that the neuronal damage and degenerations were observed as a result of GOD/reperfusion and the increase in synapsin I and its phosphorylation might play a role in modulating the release of neurotransmitters via exocytosis and in the formation of new synapses after brain ischemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hydrophobicity of biomaterials has been recognized as a limitation to the adequate function of anchorage-dependent cells when hydrophobic biomaterials are used for tissue engineering. This is due to flawed solid-state signals from cell adhesion. In this study, a recombinant osteopontin (rOPN17-169) fragment containing the cell adhesion motifs was expressed in E. coli and was precoated on the hydrophobic surface prior to osteoblastic MG63 cell culture. Precoating the hydrophobic surface with rOPN17-169 improved osteoblastic cell adhesion, which was blocked by soluble RGDS. The adhesion of MG63 cells to rOPN17-169 pre-coated surface-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) such as extracellular signal–receptor kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, p38 MAPK was activated in response to a soluble factor of transforming growth factor-β in the cells adhered to the hydrophobic surface via rOPN17-169. This suggests that rOPN17-169 precoated on the hydrophobic surface can allow osteoblastic cells to generate adhesion signals sufficient for cell adhesion, MAPK activation, and the cytokine activation of osteoblastic cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent studies reported that moderate HBV DNA levels are significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive, non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to develop and validate a new risk score to predict HCC development using baseline moderate HBV DNA levels in patients entering into HBeAg-positive CHB from chronic infection. This multicenter cohort study recruited 3,585 HBeAg-positive, non-cirrhotic patients who started antiviral treatment with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate at phase change into CHB from chronic infection in 23 tertiary university-affiliated hospitals of South Korea (2012–2020). A new HCC risk score (PAGED-B) was developed (training cohort, n = 2,367) based on multivariable Cox models. Internal validation using bootstrap sampling and external validation (validation cohort, n = 1,218) were performed. Sixty (1.7%) patients developed HCC (median follow-up, 5.4 years). In the training cohort, age, gender, platelets, diabetes and moderate HBV DNA levels (5.00–7.99 log 10 IU/ml) were independently associated with HCC development; the PAGED-B score (based on these five predictors) showed a time-dependent AUROC of 0.81 for the prediction of HCC development at 5 years. In the validation cohort, the AUROC of PAGED-B was 0.85, significantly higher than for other risk scores (PAGE-B, mPAGE-B, CAMD, and REAL-B). When stratified by the PAGED-B score, the HCC risk was significantly higher in high-risk patients than in low-risk patients (sub-distribution hazard ratio = 8.43 in the training and 11.59 in the validation cohorts, all p <0.001). The newly established PAGED-B score may enable risk stratification for HCC at the time of transition into HBeAg-positive CHB. In this study, we developed and validated a new risk score to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients entering into hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) from chronic infection. The newly established PAGED-B score, which included baseline moderate HBV DNA levels (5–8 log 10 IU/ml), improved on the predictive performance of prior risk scores. Based on a patient's age, gender, diabetic status, platelet count, and moderate DNA levels (5–8 log 10 IU/ml) at the phase change into CHB from chronic infection, the PAGED-B score represents a reliable and easily available risk score to predict HCC development during the first 5 years of antiviral treatment in HBeAg-positive patients entering into CHB. With a scoring range from 0 to 12 points, the PAGED-B score significantly differentiated the 5-year HCC risk: low <7 points and high ≥7 points. [Display omitted] • A new HCC risk prediction score was developed in patients entering into HBeAg-positive CHB from chronic infection. • PAGED-B score incorporated moderate HBV DNA levels and diabetes status into the original PAGE-B score. • PAGED-B score predicted the 5-year risk of HCC with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The in vitro activities of newer agents against 569 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood isolates stratified by vancomycin MIC values (≤1 versus >1 μg/mL) were evaluated using broth microdilution methods. All agents had good in vitro activities against MRSA regardless of vancomycin MIC values. Some significant correlations between vancomycin and newer agents'' MIC values were observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We compared in vitro activities of carbapenems against 264 penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) isolates. The MIC50/MIC90 (μg/mL) values of imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, and panipenem were 1/1, 0.25/0.25, 0.25/0.5, and 0.125/0.25, respectively. The susceptibility rates to imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem were 0%, 85.2%, and 99.6%, respectively. Compared with imipenem and meropenem, ertapenem and panipenem had better in vitro activities against PRSP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Haloene-ynes 1 with a palladium catalyst would form the alkenylpalladium intermediates via intramolecular Heck reactions, which were reductively cleaved with triethylsilane or formate ligand to give the cycloreduction products 3 in good to excellent yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hexagonal wurtzite (HWZ) ZnS nanorods were formed in specimens with a S/Zn ratio of 1.3, synthesized at temperatures ≥200 °C in a solution containing 80 vol% water and 20 vol% of ethylenediamine (EN). In contrast, HWZ ZnS nanoparticles were formed in specimens synthesized at temperatures lower than 200 °C. Also, cubic zinc blende (CZB) ZnS nanoparticles were formed in specimen synthesized in water. The absorption peak for the HWZ nanorods and CZB ZnS nanoparticles was at wavelength of 325 nm and 339 nm, respectively, indicating that the band gap energy of the former is larger than that of the latter. Moreover, the HWZ ZnS exhibited two emission peaks at 474 nm and 580 nm. The peak at 474 nm is attributed to Zn vacancies but the origin of the peak at 580 nm remains undetermined. Since the intensity of the emission peak at 580 nm was significantly higher for the HWZ nanoparticles than for nanorods, this peak might be associated with defects in the HWZ ZnS nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CPNE7-derived functional peptide (CPNE7-DP) has been introduced as a bioactive therapeutics for dentin diseases. CPNE7-DP regenerates tubular dentin on the pulpal side and occlude dentinal tubules. CPNE7-DP was capable to treat dentin hypersensitivity typically associated with dentinal wear at the neck of the tooth. However, the role of CPNE7-DP in another common dentin disease, dental caries, remains uninvestigated. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of CPNE7-DP in dentin caries using an experimental dentin caries model in rats. The stability of CPNE7-DP in caries-like environments including pathologic bacteria of caries or low pH was tested. We established a nutrition-time/hyposalivation-based dental caries rat model by inoculating caries-inducing bacteria and diet for sufficient time. Glycopyrrolate has been treated to induce reversible hyposalivation for accelerating caries progression. Then the tubular dentin regeneration was investigated with histologic methods. Also, modulation of inflammation or autophagy by CPNE7-DP was investigated with marker gene expression in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) and immunohistochemistry. CPNE7-DP was stable with caries-inducing bacteria and low pH. Establishment of dentin caries was confirmed with radiographic and histologic evaluation. CPNE7-DP regenerated a substantial amount of tubular tertiary dentin and alleviated the pulp inflammation of dentin caries. Under inflammatory conditions, CPNE7-DP reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines. These phenomena could be the consequence of the modulation of autophagy by CPNE7-DP, which reactivates inflamed odontoblasts. Overall, CPNE7-DP, which repairs caries through physiological dentin regeneration, might help overcoming the limitations of current restorative caries treatments. [Display omitted] • CPNE7-DP produced tubular dentin and alleviated pulpitis in carious lesions. • Preserved dentin thickness with tubule occlusion delayed the pulpitis progression. • CPNE7-DP showed potential as a bioactive agent for minimally invasive dentistry. • This could help patients with difficulties in caries treatment such as pediatrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene, mcr-1, was identified for the first time from a hospitalized patient in South Korea. The mcr-1 gene was successfully transferred to E. coli J53 recipient and conferred resistance to colistin in the recipient. The mcr-1 -harboring plasmid possessed a typical IncI2 group and did not have the mcr-1 -associated IS Apl1 element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We isolated 18 polyphenols with neuraminidase inhibitory activity from methanol extracts of the roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. These polyphenols consisted of four chalcones (1–4), nine flavonoids (5–13), four coumarins (14–17), and one phenylbenzofuran (18). When we tested the effects of these individual compounds and analogs thereof on neuraminidase activation, we found that isoliquiritigenin (1, IC50 =9.0μM) and glycyrol (14, IC50 =3.1μM) had strong inhibitory activity. Structure–activity analysis showed that the furan rings of the polyphenols were essential for neuraminidase inhibitory activity, and that this activity was enhanced by the apioside group on the chalcone and flavanone backbone. In addition, the presence of a five-membered ring between C-4 and C-2′ in coumestan was critical for neuraminidase inhibition. All neuraminidase inhibitors screened were found to be reversible noncompetitive inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Five flavonols (3, 5, and 9–11) were isolated from Rhodiola rosea, and compared with commercially available flavonoids (1, 2, 4, 6–8, and 12–14) to facilitate analysis of their structure–activity relationship (SAR). All compounds (1–14) showed neuraminidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 0.8 to 56.9μM. The in vitro anti-influenza virus activities of flavonoids 1–6, 8–12, and 14 were evaluated using two influenza viral strains, H1N1 (A/PR/8/34) and H9N2 (A/Chicken/Korea/MS96/96), testing their ability to reduce virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in MDCK cells. We found that the activity of these compounds ranged from 30.2 to 99.1μM against H1N1- and 18.5 to 133.6μM against H9N2-induced CPE. Of compounds 1–14, gossypetin (6) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 0.8 and 2.6μM on neuraminidases from Clostridium perfringens and recombinant influenza virus A (rvH1N1), respectively. In contrast, kaempferol (3) exhibited the highest activity against two influenza viruses, H1N1 and H9N2 with EC50 values of 30.2 and 18.5μM, respectively. Activity depended on the position and number of hydroxy groups on the flavonoids backbone. In kinetic studies, all isolated compounds behaved as noncompetitive inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The unclassified bovine enteric calicivirus (BEC) is a new bovine enteric calicivirus that is different from bovine norovirus, and causes diarrhea and pathologies in the small intestine of calves. This virus includes Nebraska (NB)- and Newbury agent 1 (NA1)-like strains. The prevalence of this BEC and its genetic characterization has only been reported in the UK and the USA. This study examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of these BECs in diarrheic calves in South Korea. Among a total of 645 diarrheic fecal specimens obtained from 629 cattle herds, these unclassified BECs were detected in 59 (9.1%) diarrheic fecal samples from 57 herds (9.3%) by either RT-PCR or nested PCR. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the partial RdRp gene showed that all the Korean BECs clustered together and were closely related to the NB-like viruses (80.9–88.1% nucleotide and 84.5–98.4% amino acid) but not to the NA1-like viruses (75.8–78.4% nucleotide and 79.7–82.8% amino acid). Although these viruses could not be classified into NA1- and NB-like viruses from the sequence and phylogenetic data of the entire capsid gene, all the Korean BECs clustered together on a branch separate from the other known BECs. These results show that these BEC infections are endemic in diarrheic calves in South Korea. The infecting strains are genetically closer to the NB-like viruses but have a distinct evolutionary pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of dinaphtho[1,2-b;2′,3′-d]furan-7,12-dione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activities against receptor tyrosine kinases. The naphthofuroquinone compounds with dialkylaminoethoxy group at C(5)-position (7, 8, 10, and 11) manifested strong inhibitory activities against epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. Docking study of 11 with EGFR was also performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of pyrazole oxime ether derivatives were prepared and examined as cytotoxic agents. In particular, 5-phenoxypyrazole was comparable to doxorubicin, while exhibiting very potent cytotoxicity against XF 498 and HCT15. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim was to determine whether various clinical specimens obtained from COVID-19 patients contain the infectious virus. To demonstrate whether various clinical specimens contain the viable virus, we collected naso/oropharyngeal swabs and saliva, urine and stool samples from five COVID-19 patients and performed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to assess viral load. Specimens positive with qPCR were subjected to virus isolation in Vero cells. We also used urine and stool samples to intranasally inoculate ferrets and evaluated the virus titres in nasal washes on 2, 4, 6 and 8 days post infection. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in all naso/oropharyngeal swabs and saliva, urine and stool samples collected between days 8 and 30 of the clinical course. Notably, viral loads in urine, saliva and stool samples were almost equal to or higher than those in naso/oropharyngeal swabs (urine 1.08 ± 0.16–2.09 ± 0.85 log 10 copies/mL, saliva 1.07 ± 0.34–1.65 ± 0.46 log 10 copies/mL, stool 1.17 ± 0.32 log 10 copies/mL, naso/oropharyngeal swabs 1.18 ± 0.12–1.34 ± 0.30 log 10 copies/mL). Further, viable SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from naso/oropharyngeal swabs and saliva of COVID-19 patients, as well as nasal washes of ferrets inoculated with patient urine or stool. Viable SARS-CoV-2 was demonstrated in saliva, urine and stool samples from COVID-19 patients up to days 11–15 of the clinical course. This result suggests that viable SARS-CoV-2 can be secreted in various clinical samples and respiratory specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to prepare the epoxy material with high dimensional stability, alkoxysilyl-functionalized bisphenol A novolac epoxy was newly synthesized. The composite film of the new epoxy was prepared by adding polymer binder and its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was measured. After alkoxysilyl-modification, the thermal expansion performance of the epoxy composite was significantly improved. At 80 wt% of silica added, the epoxy composite showed the CTE 1 (CTE at T < Tg) of 5.0 ppm/°C and CTE 2 (CTE at T > Tg) of 9.6 ppm/°C. The better CTE property of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy system than that of the conventional epoxy system was explained to be due to the interfacial bonding mechanism between alkoxysilyl group and silica. However, the observation that CTE of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy composite film was dependent on the concentration and type of polymer binder cannot be explained by the interfacial bonding mechanism. In order to understand the thermal expansion property of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy composite, the new CTE enhancement mechanism was investigated for the first time. Image 1 • Composite film with very-low CTE is prepared using newly synthesized alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy. • CTE controlling mechanisms for the epoxy composite are suggested. • CTE dependence on binder of composite film is explained in terms of the increased internal stress relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy composites were recently reported to offer the ultra-low thermal expansion properties as low as 3–4 ppm/°C at 85 wt% of silica, not normally achievable with conventional epoxy systems. Understanding the curing mechanism of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxies is necessary for future applications, especially in semiconductor packaging. For this purpose, the distinctive chemistry of the alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy using imidazole and triphenylphosphine catalysts was studied. The chemistry of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxies was investigated using model compounds such as monofunctional epoxy, phenol and monofunctional alkoxysilanes. The extent of reaction and reaction products were determined by NMR spectrometry. It was observed that the alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy system shows the unique curing characteristics, different from both (1) ordinary epoxy system and (2) hydrolysable alkoxysilanes. The unique curing characteristics for each catalyst system are explained by suggested mechanisms. Image 1 • CTE of epoxy composite film is significantly by the alkoxysilyl modification. • New alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy shows the unique curing mechanisms. • Epoxide reaction of new epoxy system is different from that of the ordinary epoxy system. • Alkoxysilyl moiety within epoxy shows the different chemistry from typical hydrolysable alkoxysilane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine provided cross-protection against heterologous PRRSV-1 challenge. • Vaccination of gilts with a PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine improved reproductive performance. • Duration of immunity lasted at least 19 weeks. Abstract We have evaluated the cross-protection of a modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine based on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-2, against a heterologous PRRSV-1 challenge in late term pregnancy gilts. Gilts were vaccinated 42 days prior to breeding and then challenged intranasally with PRRSV-1 at 93 days of gestation. No local or systemic adverse effects related to vaccination were observed in the vaccinated gilts throughout the study. Vaccination resulted in a longer gestation period, a higher number of live-born and weaned piglets, and a significant decrease in the number of stillborn piglets compared to the unvaccinated group. The PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine was also able to significantly reduce PRRSV-1 viremia. At the time of PRRSV-1 challenge, vaccinated gilts had significantly higher PRRSV-1 specific interferon-γ secreting cells but low neutralizing antibody titers against PRRSV-1 compared to unvaccinated gilts. This correlated with a reduction of PRRSV-1 viremia, indicating that cell-mediated rather than humoral immunity played a role in PRRSV-1 clearance from the blood. Fetal thymic tissues from vaccinated pregnant gilts had fewer PRRSV-1 positive cells compared to unvaccinated gilts. Taken together these results indicate that vaccination of gilts with PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine can provide cross-protection against PRRSV-1 challenge and improve reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In November 2015, reuse of needles and syringes in conjunction with an increase in cases of HCV at a clinic in Korea was reported and investigated by public health authorities. Patients who received injections at the clinic from the first time this infection control breach may have occurred in 2008 through 2015 when the practice was stopped were offered screening for HCV and other blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, HTLV, HBV, syphilis, and malaria. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess whether an outbreak of hepatitis C had occurred among the potentially exposed clinic patients due to this infection control breach. Study Design We performed hepatitis C viral RNA load tests and genotyping using plasma from hepatitis C antibody-positive individuals who had visited the clinic between May 2008 and November 2015. We analyzed the core-E2 and NS5B regions of the virus from RNA-positive samples by constructing a phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood analysis. To identify transmission risk factors and epidemiological relationships among the patients, we reviewed their medical records, assessed staff infection control practices and performed environmental inspection of the clinic. Environmental samples from medication room surfaces and medication vial contents were tested for HCV RNA. Results and Conclusions Among the 1721 patients tested, 96 were IgG-positive and 70 were viral RNA-positive. Among the 61 patients whose viral loads were greater than the detection limit, 41 (67.2%) were classified as genotype 1a, 1 (1.6%) as genotype 1b, 18 (29.5%) as genotype 1, and one (1.6%) as genotype 2. After sequencing, 12 genotype 1 cases were further classified as genotype 1a (11) or 1b (1). The sequences of the core-E2 and NS5B regions of 45 patients formed a monophyletic cluster distinct from genotype 1a. The hepatitis C virus sequences from patients and environmental specimens were well-matched in the partial E1 gene region. We detected genotype 1a RNA in environmental specimens, indicating a healthcare-associated outbreak caused by reuse of syringes and contaminated multi-dose vials. Our molecular epidemiological investigation of hepatitis C genotype 1a, rare in Korea, will aid investigations of infection sources during future pathogen outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the design of the semiconductor packaging material, one of the most important challenges is to overcome the higher thermal expansion property of ‘organic’ epoxy composite than that of the ‘inorganic’ IC chip. Therefore, in order to prepare the epoxy composite with the ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the new material class of epoxy, i.e ., alkoxysilyl-functionalized novolac epoxy ( Si(OEt) 3 -EOCN ) was synthesized using the ortho-cresol novolac epoxy ( EOCN ) as a starting material. The new epoxy composite with the 85wt% of silica showed the CTE1 (at T < Tg) of 8 ppm/°C and CTE2 (at T > Tg) of 11 ppm/°C. Note that before alkoxysilyl-modification, the CTE1 and CTE 2 of the EOCN composite were 13 ppm/°C and 44 ppm/°C, respectively. In addition, the alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy was observed to show the unique curing chemistry due to the participation of alkoxysilyl group in epoxy curing reaction. In order to understand the chemistry of alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy, the reaction mechanism was studied using the model compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live-virus (MLV) vaccine was evaluated under field conditions for registration as recommended by the Republic of Korea's Animal, Plant & Fisheries Quarantine & Inspection Agency. A single dose of the vaccine was administered to 1-day-old piglets and their growth performance was monitored under field conditions. Three separate farms were selected based on their history of PRRSV-associated respiratory diseases. On each farm, 40 pigs were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: (i) vaccinated ( n  = 20) and (ii) unvaccinated ( n  = 20) pigs at 1 day of age. Vaccinated pigs showed an increase of their market weight of 6.23 kg/pig compared to the unvaccinated pigs (98.01 kg in vaccinated group vs. 91.78 kg in unvaccinated group; P <  0.05) and exhibited a decrease in mortality rate by 6.7% (3.3% in vaccinated group vs. 10% in unvaccinated group; P <  0.05). The pigs had a sufficiently mature immune system for the vaccine to elicit humoral and cell-mediated immunity (as measured by anti-PRRSV antibodies and PRRSV-specific interferon-γ secreting cells, respectively) at 1 day of age even in the presence of maternally derived antibodies. The results presented in this study demonstrate that the PRRSV MLV vaccine is effective in improving growth performance from day 1 all the way to day 182 in endemic farms suffering with PRRSV-2 infection or both PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the epoxy composite frequently causes the CTE-mismatch problem in semiconductor packaging. However, when the epoxy resins available currently are used for composite, the CTE-mismatch problem is inevitable even at the highly-filled conditions. In this study, the new type of bisphenol A (BPA) epoxy resin, i.e., ethoxysilyl-functionalized BPA epoxy was synthesized for the ultra-low CTE epoxy composite. The new epoxy composite with 85 wt% of silica content showed the ultra-low CTE of 3.2 ppm/°C and 6.0 ppm/°C at the temperature ranges of T < T g and T > T g , respectively. For comparison, the non-functionalized BPA epoxy composite was prepared under the similar conditions and it showed the CTE values of 8 ppm/°C and 40 ppm/°C at the temperature ranges of T < T g and T > T g , respectively. In order to understand the unique feature of the alkoxysilyl-functionalized epoxy, the reaction mechanism of the new epoxy was investigated using the model compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) modified-live virus vaccine in reproductive performance was evaluated under field conditions. Three PRRS endemic farms were selected based on their history of PRRS-associated reproductive failures. On each farm, a total of 40 sows were randomly allocated to either vaccinated ( n = 20) or unvaccinated ( n = 20) groups. Sows were vaccinated six weeks prior to breeding. Clinical data showed a significant improvement in reproductive performance in vaccinated sows. Sows in the vaccinated groups had a significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced number of stillborn piglets in all 3 farms. Sows in the vaccinated groups also had a significantly ( P < 0.05) higher number of live-born piglets in one of the farms. Sows in the vaccinated groups had a significantly ( P < 0.05) higher number of weaned piglets in two of the farms. Premature farrowing, one of the late gestation symptoms of PRRS, was also reduced due to vaccination as suggested by the increase in gestation length and the reduction in the number of stillborn piglets. No adverse systemic or local side effects relative to vaccination were observed during the entire gestation. No vaccine strain was detected in the vaccinated sows from all three farms at 70 and 114 days post vaccination and in live-born piglets at the time of farrowing. Vaccination of sows with this PRRS vaccine was effective in improving reproductive performance in endemic PRRS farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are divided into neuraminidase (NA)-sensitive and NA-insensitive strains depending upon their binding affinity to the VP8* domain in the terminal sialic acids (SAs) of cell surface carbohydrates. Although NA-sensitive strains are known to use terminal SAs as an attachment factor, the exact nature of this attachment factor is largely unknown. Here we show that the specific linkage of SA-containing glycan to glycoprotein or glycolipid is an attachment factor used by NA-sensitive porcine G9P[7] PRG9121 and G9P[23] PRG942, bovine G6P[1] NCDV, and canine G3P[3] strains. Infectivity of porcine G9P[7] and G9P[23] strains was markedly blocked by α2,3-linkage and α2,6-linkage inhibitors, indicating that these strains bind to both α2,3- and α2,6-linked SAs. However, the infectivity of bovine G6P[1] and canine G3P[3] strains was significantly reduced by α2,6-linkage inhibitor but not by α2,3-linkage blockers, demonstrating a predilection of these strains for α2,6-linked SAs. The infectivity of four NA-sensitive strains was equally reduced by inhibitors of lipid membrane and N -linked glycoprotein but not by an inhibitor of O -linked glycoprotein, indicating that these strains utilize both glycolipid and N -linked glycoprotein. Our study demonstrates that four NA-sensitive animal strains could have a strain-dependent binding preference toward α2,6-linked SAs (P[1] NCDV and P[3] CU-1 strains) or both α2,3- and α2,6-linked SAs (P[7] PRG9121 and P[23] PRG942 strains) to the glycolipid and N -linked glycoprotein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]