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A Ti–25Nb shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibits shape memory effect associated with stress-induced martensitic transformation from β to α″ phase. Addition of oxygen stabilizes the β phase and changes stress–strain response. Oxygen-added Ti–25Nb SMAs show a more distinct superelastic behavior. In this work, digital image correlation (DIC) was applied to investigate for the first time full-field deformation of Ti–25Nb, Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O (at. pct) SMAs. The specimens were subjected to loading–unloading tensile tests to study local and global mechanical characteristics related to activity of particular deformation mechanisms of the SMAs. Strain and strain rate fields were quantitatively compared at selected stages of each SMA's deformation. It was found that the Ti–25Nb SMA exhibits a macroscopically localized Lüders-type deformation associated with the stress-induced phase transformation, whereas Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O SMAs show more discrete types of deformation related to activity of interstitial oxygen atoms. As a consequence, at particular stages of deformation, local values of strain rate of Ti–25Nb SMA were significantly higher than those of average strain rate. The results obtained in this paper provide a better understanding of the deformation mechanism in the oxygen-added Ti–25Nb based SMAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the functional design by investigating the distribution of clothing pressure of cycling knee brace using a three-dimensional virtual clothing program. Based on the average body size of Korean men in their 40 s, clothing pressure in wearing and cycling condition were collected on five knee brace products. According to the results, bonding fabric products had a high possibility of increasing inconvenience, as they had a higher clothing pressure at all measurement points and soared in motion application. It could be adjusted differently depending on the location by mixing materials or using details, so the design with thick pile fabric or velcro strap fastening added more pressure to the lower part of the knee. The length and circumference size also affected the clothing pressure. The design with tight upper and lower circumference pressured excessively the legs and rolled up and clumped together, while the one with loose lower circumference lacked the sufficient strength to support the knees. Also, the design with a curved outline due to the difference in the length of the front and back, increased the clothing pressure on the lower thigh or the upper calf. Therefore, the functional design of cycling knee braces requires comprehensive consideration of material thickness and structure, detailed size of length and circumference, fastening details, to reduce the pressure at the center and top of the knee and to support the lower part with proper pressure, as reflecting the pressure on the body location that come into contact during the motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SLITRK2 is a single-pass transmembrane protein expressed at postsynaptic neurons that regulates neurite outgrowth and excitatory synapse maintenance. In the present study, we report on rare variants (one nonsense and six missense variants) in SLITRK2 on the X chromosome identified by exome sequencing in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Functional studies showed that some variants displayed impaired membrane transport and impaired excitatory synapse-promoting effects. Strikingly, these variations abolished the ability of SLITRK2 wild-type to reduce the levels of the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB in neurons. Moreover, Slitrk2 conditional knockout mice exhibited impaired long-term memory and abnormal gait, recapitulating a subset of clinical features of patients with SLITRK2 variants. Furthermore, impaired excitatory synapse maintenance induced by hippocampal CA1-specific cKO of Slitrk2 caused abnormalities in spatial reference memory. Collectively, these data suggest that SLITRK2 is involved in X-linked neurodevelopmental disorders that are caused by perturbation of diverse facets of SLITRK2 function. The protein SLITRK2 plays an important role in synaptic communication. This study identifies X-linked SLITRK2 variants that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders by impairing excitatory synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy is increasingly important for the survival of these patients. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an alternative treatment for refractory heart failure in DMD. A 20-year-old man with DMD and dilated cardiomyopathy underwent surgery for LVAD implantation. Respiratory failure may occur due to muscle weakness after surgery under general anesthesia in patients with DMD, and weaning from mechanical ventilation may be delayed or difficult. Considering the application of fast-track anesthesia (FTA), preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation which includes thoracic expansion exercise, air stacking exercise with manual resuscitation bag and manually assisted cough technique, hight-frequency chest wall oscillation, and mechanical insufflation–exsufflation was performed. We report on a patient with DMD in whom FTA and early extubation within 6 h after LVAD implantation was successfully performed without complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim in the present study was to explore the potential application of titanium nanotubes developed in the Ti–24Zr–10Nb–2Sn alloy, as drug delivery systems to prevent bacterial infections in medical devices. A nanotubular oxide layer was synthesized by electrochemical anodizing on the Ti–24Zr–10Nb–2Sn superelastic alloy and the electrical variables that control the growth at constant potential were determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the nanostructures show a positive linear growth as a function of the applied potential, the superficial analysis carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed different states of valence evidencing the presence of TiO2, Nb2O5, SnO2, and ZrO2. FTIR spectra confirm the presence of the antibiotic gentamicin in the Ti–24Zr–10Nb–2Sn nanotubes. The developed nanostructures were evaluated in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) as a controlled release system of antibiotics. It was observed by bacteriological tests that the nanostructured morphology in combination with the chemical composition has bacteriostatic properties; while the release of the antibiotic-loaded inside the nanotubes had a bactericidal effect. The results showed that it is possible to grow and control the morphology of the developed nanostructures on Ti–24Zr–10Nb–2Sn, which can be used for orthopedic purposes to transport and control the local release of molecules like antibiotics at the site of interest and thus prevent postoperative infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We focus on purely autoregressive (AR)-type models defined on the bounded range { 0 , 1 , ... , n } with a fixed upper limit n ∈ N . These include the binomial AR model, binomial AR conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) model, binomial-variation AR model with their linear conditional mean, nonlinear max-binomial AR model, and binomial logit-ARCH model. We consider the key problem of identifying which of these AR-type models is the true data-generating process. Despite the volume of the literature on model selection, little is known about this procedure in the context of nonnested and nonlinear time series models for counts. We consider the most popular approaches used for model identification, Akaike's information criterion and the Bayesian information criterion, and compare them using extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, we investigate the properties of the fitted models (both the correct and wrong models) obtained using maximum likelihood estimation. A real-data example demonstrates our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unexpected facial nerve damage can occur during parotid gland tumor surgery. We sought to determine the incidence and treatment outcomes of unexpected facial nerve injuries in patients with parotid gland tumor surgery. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled in this study five patients, who underwent facial nerve neurorrhaphy due to unexpected facial nerve injury during parotid gland tumor surgery January 2012–August 2019. Results: There were five patients (0.008%) with unexpected facial nerve injuries during the parotid gland tumor surgery of 577 patients in our hospital for approximately 8 years. The most common injury site of facial nerve was the marginal mandibular branch (n = 3), followed by the buccal branch (n = 1), and the cervicofacial division (n = 1). In the case of unexpected facial nerve damage, our treatment is immediate primary neurorrhaphy and steroid treatment. Three patients of five recovered and two did not worsen immediately after surgery. Conclusion: Unexpected facial nerve injury during parotid gland tumor surgery is extremely unfortunate. In this case, immediate primary neurorrhaphy and systemic steroids are recommended to restore facial function and reduce cosmetic deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes maladaptive changes to nociceptive synaptic circuits within the injured spinal cord. Changes also occur at remote regions including the brain stem, limbic system, cortex, and dorsal root ganglia. These maladaptive nociceptive synaptic circuits frequently cause neuronal hyperexcitability in the entire nervous system and enhance nociceptive transmission, resulting in chronic central neuropathic pain following SCI. The underlying mechanism of chronic neuropathic pain depends on the neuroanatomical structures and electrochemical communication between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal membranes, and propagation of synaptic transmission in the ascending pain pathways. In the nervous system, neurons are the only cell type that transmits nociceptive signals from peripheral receptors to supraspinal systems due to their neuroanatomical and electrophysiological properties. However, the entire range of nociceptive signaling is not mediated by any single neuron. Current literature describes regional studies of electrophysiological or neurochemical mechanisms for enhanced nociceptive transmission post-SCI, but few studies report the electrophysiological, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical changes across the entire nervous system following a regional SCI. We, along with others, have continuously described the enhanced nociceptive transmission in the spinal dorsal horn, brain stem, thalamus, and cortex in SCI-induced chronic central neuropathic pain condition, respectively. Thus, this review summarizes the current understanding of SCI-induced neuronal hyperexcitability and maladaptive nociceptive transmission in the entire nervous system that contributes to chronic central neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of illness and involves the insertion and manipulation of needles into specific points on the body (termed "acupoints"). It has been suggested that acupoints are not merely discrete, static points, but can be dynamically changed according to the pathological state of internal organs. We investigated in a rat model of mustard oil (MO)-induced visceral hyperalgesia whether the number and size of acupoints were modified according to the severity of the colonic pain, and whether the changes were associated with enhanced activity of the spinal dorsal horn. In MO-treated rats, acupoints showing neurogenic inflammation (termed "neurogenic spots" or Neuro-Sps) were found both bilaterally and unilaterally on the leg. The number and size of these acupoints increased along with increasing doses of MO. Electroacupuncture of the acupoints generated analgesic effects on MO-induced visceral hypersensitivity. The MO-treated rats showed an increase in c-Fos expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons and displayed increased evoked activity and a prolonged after-discharge in spinal wide dynamic response (WDR) neurons in response to colorectal distension. Increased number and size of neurogenic inflammatory acupoints following MO treatment were reduced by inhibiting AMPA and NMDA receptors in the spinal cord. Our findings suggest that acupoints demonstrate increased number and size along with severity of visceral pain, which may be associated with enhanced neuronal responses in spinal dorsal horn neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an ocular disorder that primarily occurs in premature infants and is the most common cause of vision impairment. This study examined the effect of desflurane on angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods: Mice were randomly allocated to the control (C), ROP control (Rc), or ROP with desflurane exposure (Rd) group. To induce ROP, 7-day-old mice were exposed to 75% oxygen in a chamber for 5 days [postnatal days (P) 7–12], and thereafter returned to room air. Age-matched mice exposed to room air formed the C group. The Rd group was exposed to 8% desflurane for 2 h on P12, P13, and P14 with 40% oxygen. To observe changes in angiogenesis of the retina, mice were sacrificed at P16. Results: The ratio of avascular area/total retinal area was not changed significantly in the Rd group, compared to the Rc group. The expression of endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the Rd group and Rc group was not significantly different. Conclusions: Desflurane does not have a significant influence on retinal angiogenesis via HIF-1α and VEGF-A expression in the OIR mouse model. However, these findings are not directly applicable to premature infants, and it is thus necessary to perform further studies to determine the effect of desflurane on angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An operational sea surface current (SSC) retrieval algorithm was developed using consecutive Himawari-8/AHI data based on a feature tracking method. Comparative analyses were conducted to determine the appropriate input data for the SSC retrieval algorithm. Investigation of the input data revealed some limitations in the use of single-band brightness temperatures caused by atmospheric features under moist conditions, especially in the mid- and low-latitude regions. Because of the motion of atmospheric features, cloud and cloud-contaminated pixels tended to contribute to the overestimation of SSC. To reduce overestimation, sea surface temperature images were used as input data and the feature tracking method was applied to calculate the displacement of the surface current vectors. The estimated currents were subjected to a quality control process to remove erroneous vectors. The accuracy of the retrieved surface currents was assessed by comparing the results with the quality-controlled currents obtained from surface drifters in the full-disk region of Himawari-8/AHI. The results revealed that the estimated current speeds and directions agreed with the drifter-based calculated values—the root-mean-square (bias) errors were 0.35 ms−1 (0.11 ms−1) and 33.28° (5.47°), respectively. The estimated current field showed diverse dynamic ocean features, such as a rotating feature around a mesoscale eddy and the characteristic meandering pattern of the Kuroshio Current. Hourly varying surface current fields from geostationary satellite data with high spatio-temporal resolution are expected to augment oceanic and atmospheric applications in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the clinical characteristics and treatment results of benign and malignant tumors of the hard palate in our hospital. Patients and methods: A total of 25 patients who underwent surgical treatment for hard palate tumors between 2008 and 2018 were included in this study. Their demographic characteristics, smoking status, alcohol consumption, symptoms, duration of symptoms, size and localization of hard palate tumor, status of mucosal surface, radiologic examinations, surgery, reconstruction method, histopathologic results, treatment outcomes, oral intake start time, adjuvant treatment, postoperative complications, and recurrence were reviewed. Results: Of the 25 patients with hard palate tumors, 15 (60.0%) had benign tumors and 10 (40.0%) had malignant tumors. Both benign and malignant tumors of the hard palate occurred more frequently in females than in the males. The most common symptom of hard palate tumor was palate mass. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (n = 13). The most common malignant tumors were squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (n = 3 for each). All patients were operated via transoral approach without external incision. We did not experience any recurrence in this study. The oral intake start time was late in malignant hard palate tumors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The comparison of clinical features of benign and malignant hard palate tumors showed a statistical significance only for oral intake start time. Transoral surgical removal with clear margin is a safe and effective procedure for benign and malignant hard palate tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While our recent studies have suggested that effective acupoints display neurogenic inflammation and can be identified as neurogenic spots (Neuro-Sps), the optimal stimulation conditions and the underlying mechanisms remain uncharacterized. We developed a combined mechano-electrical acupuncture device (MEA) and examined the effects of acupuncture at Neuro-Sps on systolic blood pressure (BP) in a rat model of immobilization-induced hypertension (IMH) and the mediation of endogenous opioid systems in its effect. Cutaneous neurogenic spots were found mostly in the forelimb. Electrical and mechanical acupuncture of Neuro-Sps increased 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), c-Fos expression and cell excitability in the midbrain and synergistically alleviated the development of hypertension following immobilization stress, which was prevented by administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). These findings suggest that mechanical and electrical stimulation at Neuro-Sps suppresses the development of hypertension via mediation of the endogenous opioid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although previous studies have suggested an association between unpleasant sounds and the use of drugs, scientific evidence supporting this is lacking. This study investigated in rats (male Sprague-Dawley rats) if aversive sounds modulate dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic reward system and cocaine reinforcement. For sound stimulation, we used artificial low-frequency ultrasound (ALFUS) in the frequency ranges (22–38 kHz) which produces an aversive response in rats. Rats displayed increased anxiety-like behaviors, 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), and stress responses with ALFUS. In vivo extracellular recording and immunohistochemistry revealed that ALFUS stimulation activated central amygdalar neurons and amygdalar GABAergic neurons. Amygdalar lesions prevented an increase of 22-kHz USVs by ALFUS. Dopamine levels in NAc decreased during ALFUS stimulation. In rats self-administering cocaine, ALFUS caused reinstatement of cocaine seeking after a period of extinction. Thus, ALFUS stimulation induced negative emotional states in association with a decrease in mesolimbic DA function and reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviors, suggesting that exposure to unpleasant sounds enhances negative emotional states and may induce relapse in addicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have additional powertrain components compared with conventional vehicles. Thus, to design a Vehicle Thermal Management System (VTMS) architecture and control strategy for a new HEV powertrain, it is necessary to analyze the energy balance in the vehicle powertrain under various driving cycles and environmental conditions. In this study, a 1-D numerical model for an unmanned military ground vehicle powertrain including VTMS is developed and cycle simulations under military operation driving schedule with three different environmental temperatures are conducted to evaluate the cooling/heating performance of the VTMS and the performance of the vehicle. The simulation results showed that the integrated simulation of the VTMS and the powertrain is useful for the estimation of the performance of the new concept of VTMS architecture for a new vehicle platform. This study also suggests that the integrated system model can supply various information for the system design and optimization in the early stage of system design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals are an endogenous sterile particulate that has been identified as a potent damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP). In humans, the induction of IL-1β production through MSU-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocytes/macrophages is responsible for pathogenesis of gouty arthritis. It was recently reported that in a murine model of this disease, resveratrol decreases MSU-induced recurrent attacks of gouty arthritis. Despite its demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, the mechanisms underlying resveratrol-mediated repression of IL-1β production in MSU-activated monocytes remain poorly understood. Here, we show that resveratrol suppresses secretion of active IL-1β by human primary monocytes stimulated with MSU crystals through suppression of Syk activation. Metabolic labeling and pull-down assays to investigate de novo protein synthesis clearly demonstrated that intracellular pro-IL-1β synthesis is rapidly repressed in monocytes after resveratrol treatment due to decreased phosphorylation of Syk and p38. Resveratrol also inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in MSU-stimulated monocytes by suppressing oligomerization of ASC. Furthermore, resveratrol exerted a beneficial effect by reducing IL-1β production and inhibiting neutrophil recruitment in a mouse model of MSU-mediated peritonitis. Our findings suggest that resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory effects via post-translational regulation of IL-1β production and, thus, may prove beneficial for the treatment of MSU crystal-mediated sterile inflammation.Key message: Resveratrol has negative effects on pro-IL-1β synthesis through Syk and p38.Resveratrol inhibits oligomerization of ASC.Resveratrol is beneficial in a mouse model of MSU-induced peritonitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the modeling of bounded counts, the binomial distribution is a common choice. In applications, however, one often observes an excessive number of zeros and extra-binomial variation, which cannot be explained by a binomial distribution. We propose statistics to evaluate the number of zeros and the dispersion with respect to a binomial model, which is based on the sample binomial index of dispersion and the sample binomial zero index. We apply this index to autocorrelated counts generated by a binomial autoregressive process of order one, which also includes the special case of independent and identically (i. i. d.) bounded counts. The limiting null distributions of the proposed test statistics are derived. A Monte-Carlo study evaluates their size and power under various alternatives. Finally, we present two real-data applications as well as the derivation of effective sample sizes to illustrate the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real count data time series often show an excessive number of zeros, which can form quite different patterns. We develop four extensions of the binomial autoregressive model for autocorrelated counts with a bounded support, which can accommodate a broad variety of zero patterns. The stochastic properties of these models are derived, and ways of parameter estimation and model identification are discussed. The usefulness of the models is illustrated, among others, by an application to the monetary policy decisions of the National Bank of Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sevoflurane is commonly used in general anesthesia for premature neonates. The main mechanism of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). For the investigation of sevoflurane’s effect on angiogenesis, the angiogenesis and VEGF expression in the retina were measured after administering sevoflurane in an oxygen-induced retinopathy mice model.Materials and methods: The mice were divided into the normoxic group (Nc and Ns group; n = 6) and the ROP group (C, Rc, and Rs group; n = 6). Rc group were exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days beginning on postnatal day (P) 7, and then returned to room air. Age-matched mice in the C group were exposed to room air. To observe angiogenesis of the retina, the mice were sacrificed on P16. The Rs group was exposed to 2 vol% sevoflurane for 2 h on P12, P13, and P14 with 40% oxygen.Results: The angiogenic area and the spreading distance of vessels on P4 were statistically decreased in the Ns group, compared to the Nc group. The avascular area on P16 was significantly increased and the expression of VEGF was suppressed in the Rs group compared to the Rc group.Conclusions: Sevoflurane can inhibit retinal angiogenesis via suppressing VEGF expression in an OIR mice model with exposure to relative hypoxia. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to apply the results of this study immediately to humans because of the heterogeneity of responses to sevoflurane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacterial communities in kimchi prepared by representative Korean kimchi companies were investigated using a pyrosequencing method. The pH values of 9 kimchi varieties (K1-K9) ranged from 4.3 to 4.7, and total lactic acid bacterial (LAB) counts ranged from 1.3x10 to 1.6x10 CFU/g. Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc were the dominant genera accounting for 52, 28, and 20%, respectively, of identified genera. At the species level, Weissella koreensis (35%) dominated, followed by Lactobacillus graminis (13%), and Weissella cibaria (11%). Dominant LAB were all heterofermentative LAB. K1 had the most diverse operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and clustering analysis showed that distributions of microorganisms in K2, K6, K5, and K4 were similar each other. LAB communities in kimchi are diverse and heterofermentative LAB dominate in Korean commercial kimchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a sulfonated Zr-terephthalate metal-organic framework (MOF) (UiO-66-SOH) was prepared using two different methods: post-synthetic grafting onto the Zr open metal sites and direct solvothermal method using monosodium 2-sulfoterephthalate. Their catalytic activities for the acid-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts acylation of p-xylene with benzoyl chloride were compared. The physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of the functionalized MOF structure was found to be strongly dependent on the synthesis scheme. UiO-66-SOH prepared by a direct solvothermal route exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability compared to that prepared by post-synthetic grafting. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to determine the efficacy of nitrous oxide (N 2O) in alleviating the pain that followed sequential injection of propofol and rocuronium. Methods: A total of 205 adult patients (age, 18–68 years) received one of the following combinations: NaCl and 100 % O 2 (group C); 0.5 mg/kg lidocaine and 100 % O 2 (group L); NaCl and a mixture of 67 % N 2O/O 2 (group N); or 0.5 mg/kg lidocaine and a mixture of 67 % N 2O/O 2 (group LN). Vein occlusion was released after 1 min, and 5 ml propofol was injected over 10 s. Pain was evaluated on a visually enlarged, laminated, numeric rating (0–10) scale. The remainder of the induction dose of propofol (with a 3-ml bolus of normal saline and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium) was then injected. The response to the rocuronium injection was assessed with a four-point scale (0–3). Results: The incidence and severity of pain from the propofol injection in groups L, N, and LN were significantly lower than those in group C ( P < 0.001). Frequency and intensity of the withdrawal response were significantly less in groups N and LN than in groups C and L (no response, P < 0.001; severe response, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Pretreatment with inhaled N 2O can reduce the pain associated with propofol and rocuronium injection. Moreover, N 2O (with or without lidocaine) is more effective than lidocaine alone in reducing rocuronium-related withdrawal reactions associated with sequential injection of propofol and rocuronium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for analyzing and modeling count data time series are used in various fields of practice, and they are particularly relevant for applications in finance and economy. We consider the binomial autoregressive (AR(1)) model for count data processes with a first-order AR dependence structure and a binomial marginal distribution. We present four approaches for estimating its model parameters based on given time series data, and we derive expressions for the asymptotic distribution of these estimators. Then we investigate the finite-sample performance of the estimators and of the respective asymptotic approximations in a simulation study, including a discussion of the 2-block jackknife. We illustrate our methods and findings with a real-data example about transactions at the Korea stock market. We conclude with an application of our results for obtaining reliable estimates for process capability indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integer-valued time series models make use of thinning operators for coherency in the nature of count data. However, the thinning operators make residuals unobservable and are the main difficulty in developing diagnostic tools for autocorrelated count data. In this regard, we introduce a new residual, which takes the form of predictive distribution functions, to assess probabilistic forecasts, and this new residual is supplemented by a modified usual residuals. Under integer-valued autoregressive (INAR) models, the properties of these two residuals are investigated and used to evaluate the predictive performance and model adequacy of the INAR models. We compare our residuals with the existing residuals through simulation studies and apply our method to select an appropriate INAR model for an over-dispersed real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To demonstrate the change in macular thickness using optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients and to assess its relationship with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Methods: Diabetic patients who underwent at least two macular thickness measurements with OCT within a 12-month period were included. HbA1c values within 1 month of each OCT study, and clinical data such as age, insulin treatment, systemic hypertension, and the severity of diabetic retinopathy were collected. The change in three macula parameters including center point thickness (CPT), central subfoveal macular thickness (CSMT), and total macular volume (TMV) between two measurements was calculated. Patients were divided into two groups based on the half-width of the 95% confidence interval for percent change, the increase group (group 1) and the decrease group (group 2). The associations of CPT change, CSMT change, and TMV change with baseline HbA1c levels, HbA1c change, and other clinical factors were investigated using correlation analysis and group comparison. Results: A total of 23 eyes of 23 patients were studied. In correlation analysis; the increase in CPT, CSMT, and TMV was correlated with baseline HbA1c (CPT, Spearman's rho = 0.462, p = 0.027; CSMT, Spearman's rho = 0.479, p = 0.021; TMV, Spearman's rho = 0.589, p = 0.003), and the change of HbA1c (CPT, Spearman's rho = −0.585, p = 0.003; CSMT, Spearman's rho = −0.583, p = 0.004; TMV, Spearman's rho = −0.725, p < 0.001). In group comparison for CPT, group 1 have a higher baseline HbA1c (11.2% vs 8.7% of THb, p = 0.044) and a greater HbA1c reduction (−3.3% vs −1.2% of THb, p = 0.044) than group 2. For CSMT, group 1 tended to have a greater HbA1c reduction (−2.9% vs −1.2% of THb, p = 0.074) than group 2. For TMV, group 1 had a higher baseline HbA1c (11.6% vs 8.4% of THb, p = 0.001) and a greater HbA1c reduction (−3.5% vs −0.5% of THb, p < 0.001) than group 2. Conclusions: The change in macular thickness and volume developed in relation to HbA1c levels during a less than 12-month period. A high baseline HbA1c and a large reduction of HbA1c were risk factors for the increase in macular thickness. Prospective study with a large number of patients is needed to clarify the change of macular thickness in relation to glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By causing long-term stimulation, gold wire implantation at acupoints has been used empirically to prolong the effects of acupuncture. This study shows that subcutaneous gold wire implantation at acupoints has long-term effects on bone regeneration in the rat ulna bone defect model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of microwaves on catalytic reaction systems are analyzed theoretically in this work. Use of microwaves is encouraged to save energy. The effects of microwave heating are analyzed theoretically by assuming that the catalyst pellet is homogeneous. The temperature and concentration profiles within the catalyst pellet were obtained by numerical simulations for the cases of microwave heating and conventional heating. In the modeling the catalyst pellet is regarded as a continuum. When a chemical reaction was conducted in a heterogeneous medium with microwave heating, the reaction rate and the yield were found to be increased compared to conventional heating under the same reaction conditions. This is due to hot spots generated by selective heating of the catalyst pellet, resulting in an increased reaction rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was performed for measuring velocity and turbulence intensity in a circular tube for Re=10,000, 15,000 and 20,000, with swirl and without swirling flow. The velocity fields were measured using PIV techniques and swirl motion was produced by a tangential inlet condition. Some preliminary measurements indicated that over the first 4 diameter, two regions of flow reversal were set up (the so called 2-cell structure). At the highest Reynolds numbers, the maximum values of the measured axial velocity components had moved toward the test tube wall and produce more flow reversal at the corner of the tube. As the Reynolds number increased, the turbulence intensity of swirling flow at the tube inlet also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we propose a method to identify the kinetics of direction esterification reactions for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) based on a genetic algorithm. The reaction rate parameters could be identified successfully by using a genetic algorithm and plant data. The effects of key operating variables (temperature, pressure, monomer feed ratio and residence time) on the reactor performance were also investigated. It was observed that the reactor performance strongly depends on the degree of dissolution of the solid terephthalic acid (TPA) in the reaction mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the overexpression and one-step purification system of Bacillus subtilis elongation factor-Tu (EF-Tu), the EF-Tu gene was amplified with or without own ribosome binding site (rbs) by PCR and the only PCR product without rbs was subcloned successfully. For the expression of the EF-Tu gene cloned after PCR amplification, a constitutive expression system and inducible expression system with His[sub 6] tag at N-terminus or C-terminus, or glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion system were examined in E. coli and B. subtilis. Except GST fusion system in E. coli, however, all other trials were unsuccessful at the step of plasmid construction for the EF-Tu expression. The GST/EF-Tu fusion proteins were highly expressed by IPTG induction and obtained as both soluble and insoluble form. From the soluble GST/EF-Tu fusion protein, EF-Tu was obtained to near homogeneity by one-step purification with glutathione-sepharose affinity column chromatography followed by factor Xa treatment. The purified EF-Tu showed high GDP binding activity. These results indicate that the GST/ EF-Tu fusion system is favorable to overexpression and purification of B. subtilis EF-Tu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High blood pressure (BP) is a highly controllable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, awareness of this condition and the rates of controlled hypertension are low. Experimental animal studies have shown that stimulation of the median nerve or PC6 acupoint over the wrist has effects on cardiovascular activities, including reductions in systolic and diastolic BPs. A proof-of-concept study was conducted in humans to investigate whether stimulation of median nerve near PC6 acupoint decreased high BP, identify the optimal stimulation parameters for the BP-lowering effects of median nerve stimulation, and determine the specific peripheral nerves or types of afferent fibers mediating the BP-lowering effects. Median nerve stimulation was carried out bilaterally or unilaterally with different stimulation parameters, and the BP and heart rate were monitored. The afferent mechanisms underlying the effects of median nerve stimulation on hypertension were investigated via microneurography, A-fiber blocking experiments, and localized chemical or electrical stimulation. Bilateral median nerve stimulation at either low or high frequencies produced profound but transient reductions in systolic BP, which were elicited when median nerve stimulation was unilaterally applied at interelectrode distances of 2 and 4 cm. Systolic BP was also reduced by electrical stimulation of the thumb on the palm side. Although microneurographic recordings revealed the excitation of both A- and C-fibers following median nerve stimulation, the median nerve-mediated reductions in BP were not affected by A-fiber blockade, and they were mimicked by the activation of C-fibers with capsaicin. The present results indicate that activation of C-fibers in the median nerve generates BP-lowering effects in humans. Based on our clinical study, an optimized median nerve stimulator was built and combined with a wrist BP monitor for simultaneous BP measurements and median nerve stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oplopanax elatus Nakai, a plant traditionally used in folk medicine, is currently in population decline due to uncontrolled harvesting. In the present study, we investigated the factors affecting O. elatus adventitious root production, including hormones (alone or in combination), explant type, basal salt type and strength, sucrose concentration, pH, and temperature. Results revealed that adventitious root formation was optimal with root explants grown on 1/2 Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5 mg L−1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (pH 5.8) at 25 °C. Chlorogenic acid concentration was highest in roots propagated in 1/2 MS medium containing 0.5 mg L−1 IBA; vanillin, another phenolic compound, was also detected in cultures. Liquid media containing 3% sucrose exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity and total phenolic compound contents. X-ray diffraction revealed significant differences in the elemental intensity between adventitious root and field-grown plantlet extracts. Analysis of simple sequence repeats confirmed that adventitious roots regenerated in vitro were genetically similar to their mother plant. Thus, we identified the optimal conditions for proliferation of O. elatus adventitious roots in liquid culture, from which, secondary metabolites, particularly bioactive compounds associated with the medicinal use of this plant, can be mass produced without further population deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances in curing chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the high economic burden to therapy, viral drug resistance, difficult to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and patient groups are still of concern. To address this unmet medical needs, we devised strategies to identify novel viral interventions through target-free high-throughput screening of small molecules utilizing a phenotypic-based HCV infection assay. Thereby, a very potent (EC50 46 ± 26 pM) iminodipyridinopyrimidine (IDPP) drug candidate was selected, and confirmed in primary human hepatocytes (EC50 0.5 nM). IDPP mainly targets a post-attachment step of HCV without affecting endosomal acidification, prevents the secretion of infectious particles and viral cell-to-cell spread. The putative molecular target of IDPP is glycoprotein E1, as revealed by selection for viral drug resistance (Gly-257-Arg). IDPP was synergistic in combination with FDA-approved HCV drugs and inhibited pre-existing resistant HCV strains induced by today's therapies. Interestingly, IDPP exclusively inhibited HCV genotype 2. However, we identified the genotype-specificity determining region in E1 and generated HCV genotype 1 susceptible to IDPP by changing one amino acid in E1 (Gln-257-Gly). Together, our results indicate an opportunity to provide an alternative treatment option for CHC and will shed light on the poorly understood function of HCV glycoprotein E1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]