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Including the next generation of migrant workers, the young generation with the new mobility can be appropriately considered as an urban-based floating population because they are not rooted in rural areas, unlike the previous generation. Those of the previous generation had a unilateral mobility trajectory from rural to urban areas, whereas the new generation’s life is based on particular regions and combines mobility trends in a more diverse direction with their own life themes. For explaining the social mobility, we applied descriptive-narrative methodology composing of narrative case study and semi-structured interviews. In this paper, the authors examine the endless variability and temporality that Chinese youths acquire from their migration experiences as well as their empirical emotions of uncertainty, particularly the internal narratives that support them amid such variability. Our conclusion suggests that the diversity of the narratives that supports mobility practices and the possibility of realizing personalized narratives are directly linked to the sustainability of Chinese society. Therefore, future Chinese urban population policies may appropriately be made by considering the narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new Cd(II) metal–organic coordination polymer, {[Cd(eoip)(bipy)(H2O)]·H2O} n (1), (H2eoip = 5-ethoxy-isophthalic acid, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), was assembled under hydrothermal condition by the reactions of Cd(II) acetate with H2eoip and bipy. Complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Complex 1 was also characterized by TG and PXRD. The results reveal that the two carboxylic groups of each eoip ligand adopt chelate coordination modes to bridge adjacent Cd(II) ions to give a 1D chain along the b direction, the adjacent 1D chains are extended into a 3D supramolecular framework by hydrogen bonding. In addition, fluorescent properties of 1 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new Zn(II) metal–organic coordination polymer, {[Zn(eoip)(bipy)]} n (1), (H2eoip = 5-ethoxy-isophthalic acid, bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), was assembled under hydrothermal condition by the reactions of Zn(II) acetate with H2eoip and bipy. Complex 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The results reveal that complex 1 is a two-dimensional layered structure. In addition, fluorescent properties of 1 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) proteins are overexpressed in a certain proportion of gastric cancer cases. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 receptor. Previous studies have demonstrated a synergistic interaction between trastuzumab and 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin in HER2-positive gastric cancer cells. However, it is unclear whether it is rational to combine trastuzumab with other chemotherapy regimens in clinical practice. We evaluated the growth inhibitory effects of combinations of trastuzumab and cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs in HER2-positive gastric cancer cell lines. HER2 protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting in five gastric cancer cell lines. MTT assays were performed to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of trastuzumab and four chemotherapeutic agents, epirubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and docetaxel, both alone and in combination. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic interactions of trastuzumab and chemotherapeutic agent treatment, the protein levels of phospho-protein kinase B (pAkt) were determined by Western blotting. We showed that trastuzumab synergizes with the cytotoxic effect of epirubicin in HER2-positive gastric cancer cells. Further investigation showed that the trastuzumab-epirubicin combination decreased the expression of pAkt. Altogether, our results provide preclinical evidence for the optimization of this combination regimen in the treatment of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To provide a detailed review on the therapeutic efficacy of conbercept for the management of ocular vasculopathies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of various electronic databases was performed. Results: Ocular vasculopathy is one of the major causes of visual impairment and blindness which includes a range of disorders. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates angiogenesis, enhances vascular permeability, and drives the formation of neovascularization. Anti-VEGF therapy has been shown to prevent vision loss or potentially improve vision in patients with exudative or neovascular retinal disease. The most recent anti-VEGF drug in China is conbercept. In the USA and Europe, bevacizumab is the most recently approved anti-VEGF agent. Conclusions: Conbercept serves as another anti-VEGF option for patients with neovascular AMD and other retinal vascular disorders. There have not been many clinical trials that study conbercept as compared with other currently available anti-VEGF drugs. There is a need for large-scale, well-designed, randomized clinical trials to ensure its long-term safety and efficacy and to determine if it has any advantages over other anti-VEGF agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this Delphi-study was to establish the face and content validity of 10 movement skills, each with four evaluation criteria, to create the Children Focused Injury Risk Screening Tool (ChildFIRST) for 8–12-year-old children. We asked an international expert panel (n = 22) to validate a series of movement skills and evaluation criteria. This Delphi-process consisted of three rounds. In the first two rounds, the experts scored the movement skills and evaluation criteria using 5-point Likert scales. Consensus on validating an item was achieved when 75% or more of the experts scored "Agree" or "Strongly Agree." In the third-round, the experts ranked and established the final list with the validated movement skills and evaluation criteria. This study provided preliminary validity evidence for 10 movement skills, each with four evaluation criteria, to create the ChildFIRST. The ChildFIRST is designed to be used to evaluate movement competence and risk of musculoskeletal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Child-Focused Injury Risk Screening Tool (ChildFIRST) is a process-based assessment including 10 movement skills with 4 associated evaluation criteria. The ChildFIRST has been validated by a group of experts to evaluate movement competence and injury risk in 8–12-year-olds. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the ChildFIRST. Twelve college-aged subjects participants attended a 1-hr training session. To evaluate inter-rater reliability, the participants rated 6 videos per movement, 60 videos in total. To evaluate intra-rater reliability, the participants returned after 7 days to rate the same videos. Movement skill inter-rater reliability ranged from −0.306 to 9.380 ICC, intra-rater reliability ranged from −0.386 to 0.881 ICC. Evaluation criteria inter-rater reliability ranged from −0.04 to 0.835 Kα and 52–100% agreement, intra-rater reliability ranged from −0.328 to 0.303 Cohen's K and 45.8–98.6% agreement. The ChildFIRST demonstrates moderate-to-excellent inter-rater reliability for 9 of 10 movement skills, while intra-rater reliability and overall evaluation criteria reliability range from good to poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we obtain the exponential-type inequalities for maximal partial sums of negatively superadditive dependent (NSD) random variables, which extends the corresponding results for independent and negatively associated (NA) random variables. Using these inequalities, we further investigate the weak convergence of the M-estimators in the generalized linear model with NSD errors, which generalize and improve the corresponding results of the independent random errors to that of NSD random errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing the number of rectal tumors undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy or endoscopic resection has increased the importance of accurate tumor localization. This study describes the preoperative endoscopic clipping method for the localization of rectal tumors and evaluated the feasibility of this technique. Material and methods: A total of 109 patients underwent preoperative endoscopic clipping to localize non-palpable rectal adenocarcinomas, which were located within 10 cm from the anal verge. Two endoscopic clips were attached to both lateral sides of the tumor's distal edge. For confirming the distal margin of tumors during surgery, attempts were made to palpate the clips by digital rectal examination. Results: In all 109 cases, endoscopic clips applied to targeted rectal lesions were easily palpable in the operating room. None of the tumors showed involvement at the distal resection margins (median 1.5 cm) in histopathology. Conclusion: Preoperative endoscopic clipping methods can be useful for localizing non-palpable rectal tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCS) could be cured with an intravascular device that releases compression of the root entry zone of cranial nerves by changing the course of offending vessels. The purpose of this study was to report our results of in vitro and in vivo experiments with a novel intra-arterial neurovascular decompressor (IA-NVD) for NVCS. Methods: A nitinol-based IA-NVD was developed to release pressure applied to the root entry zone of cranial nerves by changing the course or angle of an offending vessel, which can possibly cure NVCS. We performed in vitro tests for safety and feasibility and preliminary in vivo tests up to 4 weeks for safety. Results: The bending stiffness of the device was similar to but slightly stronger than that of current, closed-cell intracranial stents. Hemocompatibility tests showed no significant thrombogenesis in whole blood. After the 4-week follow-up, all animals (20-month-old female Gottingen mini-pigs weighing 15–18 kg, n = 4) had a normal upright position and gait. Scanning electron microscopy images and H&E staining of arteries containing the devices showed good neointima formation on the devices. Intima hyperplasia occurred over wires and connecting tubes, but it did not interrupt the patency of the arterial lumen. Discussion: An IA-NVD was created and tested to demonstrate its functionality and biocompatibility in the present experiments. The device may be safely applied to intracranial arteries, providing us a chance to test the efficacy of an upgrade version of the device on changing the course of an artery that compresses a cranial nerve. Abbreviations: CN = cranial nerve; EVT = endovascular treatment; H&E = hematoxylin and eosin; HFS = hemifacial spasm; IA-NVD = intra-arterial neurovascular decompressor; MVD = microvascular decompression; NVCS = neurovascular compression syndrome; REZ = root entry zone; SEM = scanning electron microscopy; TN = trigeminal neuralgia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the color and chemical changes of natural wood veneers after ultraviolet (UV) exposure for automotive interior materials. To control the photodegradation, chemical treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution were applied to the veneer under different concentration conditions. The veneers treated with H2O2 showed strong color changes on the surface after the UV test. On the other hand, the veneers treated with NaClO solution (2-3% concentration) showed excellent color stability compared to the untreated veneer because NaClO partially removed lignin compounds on the veneer surface. NaClO can improve the color stability by destroying the lignin structures. However, 3% NaClO condition was seen to cause surface damage although this treatment condition had the best effect on photoprotection. Therefore, treatment with 2% NaClO was the best condition in this study for against color change and photodegradation caused by UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored whether religiosity/spirituality has a protective role against negative caregiving outcomes, in a large multicenter nationwide sample of caregivers of patients with dementia in South Korea. Additionally, this study was the first to examine whether religiosity/spirituality could affect caregiving outcomes according to the various religious affiliations of caregivers. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 476 caregivers of patients with dementia participated in the Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS). We examined the moderating effect of each of the three dimensions of religiosity/spirituality (organizational religious activity, ORA; non-organizational religious activity, NORA; intrinsic religiosity, IR) on the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with dementia and caregiving burden and depressive symptoms of caregivers, using a series of hierarchical regression analyses. In addition, these analyses were conducted according to the religious affiliations of the caregivers. Results: ORA, NORA, and IR of religiosity/spirituality alleviated the effect of ADL of patients on caregiving burden. ORA and IR moderated the relationship between ADL of patients and depressive symptoms of caregivers. These moderating effects of religiosity on caregiving outcomes were different according to various religious groups. Conclusion: We have identified religiosity/spirituality as a protective factor for caregivers of patients with dementia. The sub-dimensions of religiosity as moderators were different by religious affiliations of caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate the specific religiosity-related factors which could positively impact the mental health of the caregivers of patients with dementia by religions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether obesity accelerates adenoma recurrence is not yet clear; therefore, we analyzed the risk factors for adenoma occurrence at follow-up colonoscopy, with a focus on visceral adiposity. In total, 1516 subjects underwent index colonoscopy, computed tomography, and questionnaire assessment from February to May 2008; 539 subjects underwent follow-up colonoscopy at the National Cancer Center at least 6 mo after the index colonoscopy. The relationships between the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy and anthropometric obesity measurements, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume, were analyzed. 188 (34.9%) had adenomatous polyps at follow-up colonoscopy. Multivariate analysis revealed that VAT volume ≥ 1000 cm3 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were related to the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy (VAT volume 1000-1500 cm3: odds ratio [OR] = 2.13(95% confidence interval, CI = 1.06-4.26), P = 0.034; VAT volume ≥ 1000 cm3: OR = 2.24(95% CI = 1.03-4.88), P = 0.043; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: OR = 4.22(95% CI = 1.12-15.93), P D 0.034). In contrast, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2, SAT volume, and WC were not associated with the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy. In conclusion, excess VAT can contribute to the development and growth of new colorectal adenomas, and is a better predictor of colorectal adenoma occurrence at follow-up colonoscopy than BMI, WC, and SAT volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aneurysms of the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare. The management of proximal PICA aneurysms is challenging with either surgical or endovascular treatment. We report our successful experience of treating PICA aneurysms with a multimodal approach. Methods: Of 2382 treated aneurysms, 22 aneurysms in 21 patients (male:female 8:13, mean age 48.9 years) were enrolled from March 1998 to December 2015. We treated the aneurysms with a multimodal approach and performed angiography to examine aneurysm regrowth at the 12 months follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at the time of discharge and 12 months postoperatively. The treatment modality was mainly dependent on the character of the aneurysms and the clinical presentation of the patients. Results: Microsurgery was performed in seven patients, which entailed proximal occlusion with distal revascularization in two and microsurgical clipping in five. Endovascular treatment was performed in 10 patients because of a serious medical condition, or vertebral artery (VA)/ or PICA tortuosity. Four were treated with coil embolization and six with stent or balloon-assisted coil embolization. Combined surgical and endovascular treatment was applied in four patients. They were treated with distal revascularization followed by occlusion with coils of the aneurysm-incorporated PICA. All patients achieved complete cure of the PICA aneurysms without complications except for one case of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Discussion: Endovascular and microvascular neurosurgeons should work closely in managing these challenging problems. Neurosurgeons should consider multimodal treatment in these cases including trapping after occipital artery (OA)-PICA bypass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corylopsis sinensis Hemsl. is a deciduous shrub endemic to China, which is a valuable medicinal and ornamental species. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of C. sinensis, providing a genomic basis for future research. The chloroplast genome is 159,419 base pairs (bp) in length, with a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,152 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of of 18,701 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,283 bp. The overall GC content is 38.0% and the chloroplast genome encodes 113 unique genes including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic results show that C. sinensis is sister to C. spicata. These results of C. sinensis will improve our understanding of the evolution of Corylopsis and Hamamelidaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the 18S rDNA sequences of Pseudo-nitzsihia and its close relatives, together with their individual secondary structure information to reconstruct phylogenies. Forty-eight taxa classified in the Bacillariaceae and Achnanthaceae were analyzed by character-based (maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood) and distance-based (neighbour-joining) methods. Three raphid diatoms from the Eunotiaceae were used as out-groups. The sequence-structure alignment was generated by 4SALE (i.e. a one-letter encoded alignment that contained the individual secondary structure information) and applied to the character-based phylogeny reconstruction. All analyses highly support Pseudo-nitzschia + Fragilariopsis as monophyletic. The Pseudo-nitzschia/Fragilariopsis clade is further divided into three subclades. One clade comprises members in the P. seriata and P. americana complexes and species of Fragilariopsis; the second and third clades constitute members in P. pseudodelicatissima and P. delicatissima complexes. Among all analyses, the distance-based method yielded a more highly resolved phylogenetic framework for the Pseudo-nitzschia + Fragilariopsis cladc than did the character-based analyses. Other than those currently known genetic markers, 18S rDNA was also useful in exploring the intrageneric relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the particularity of the steel bridge deck pavement, the gussasphalt concrete did not show better high-temperature stability. This paper presented a fundamental approach to investigate how the high temperature properties of gussasphalt concrete are affected by binder types, contents and mixture gradation. A series of experiments were conducted to improve the performance of composite gussasphalt concrete at high temperature. The experiments data indicated: to improve the high-temperature performance and not affect its construction workability, there has an optimal mixing time of 3 h; the coated macadam spraying quantity of 10 kg m-2 is recommended; appropriate reduction of the under layer's thickness can improve the high-temperature performance; modifier has great effect on dynamic stability; the difference for the three kind of gradation's dynamic stability is small; the dynamic stability increased with adding Trinidad Lake Asphalt content from 25% to 30% and decreased with the increased of bitumen content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key factors of successful application of the performance excellence model (PEM) in construction enterprises are explored from the angle of internal and external collaboration. A systematic review is employed to define the foundation of the PEM and to examine which part of the PEM can be problematic when it is applied in construction. Next, according to the research paradigm of grounded theory, TS Group is taken as a representative case to analyse the specific application of the PEM. Encoding and analysing the interview data enable the process and results chain for PEM implementation to be refined. With the help of a canonical model, the logical relationships among phenomenon, action strategy, and control results are displayed. Finally, the optimal operational framework for each key factor is designed to reveal their corresponding causal conditions, context and effect mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common condition of follicular plugging with variable erythema. There is a lack of reliable response to the treatment of KP. Objective:We evaluated the effect and safety of combination peel with fractional prickle coral calcium (FCR™) in the treatment of KP. Materials and methods: Sixteen Korean patients were treated with FCR™ on both upper arms for five sessions at 2-week intervals. Clinical evaluations, mexameter measurements, and assessment of patients' satisfaction and adverse events were performed at baseline and every visit. Results:After treatments, statistically significant improvements in the baseline KP were observed in erythema and melanin index of mexameter on treated upper arms. Both the physicians' and patients' assessments correlate with the results of mexameter scores. Conclusion: Our results suggest FCR™ should be considered as an effective and safe treatment option for the patients with KP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postinflammatory erythema is commonly seen in patients with inflammatory acne. There are no reliable treatment guidelines for acne erythema. Objective: We compared the effect and safety of a nonablative, 1550-nm fractional laser and a 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) for the treatment of acne erythema. Materials and methods: Twelve Korean patients with acne erythema were enrolled. Sides of the face were randomized to receive treatment with a fractional laser or a PDL for a total of three treatments at 4-week intervals. The assessment of effectiveness was mean change in mexameter scores, investigator's and patients' clinical assessments. Results: Statistically significant improvements in baseline acne erythema were observed through an improved erythema index on both treated sides. But, the improvements from each laser treatment were not significantly different. Mean scores of investigator assessments were 3.42 ± 0.67 in fractional laser-treated sites and 3.33 ± 0.65 in PDL-treated sites. Patients assessed their improvement as good or excellent in 91.7% of fractional laser-treated sites and 75% of PDL-treated sites. Conclusion: Both lasers are effective and safe modalities for the treatment of acne erythema; however, these data suggest better clinical efficacy with the use of a 1550-nm, erbium-glass fractional laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of type of phosphate (P) material on reducing soil cadmium (Cd) extractability and radish Cd uptake in the field, two different P materials, fused superphosphate (FSP) and dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), were applied at rates of 0, 33.5, 100.5, and 167.5 kg P ha−1before seeding radish (Raphanus sativaL.) in a Cd-contaminated soil. Plant-available Cd concentration in soil and total Cd uptake by radish increased with increasing FSP application but decreased with K2HPO4. The significant decrease in soil pH and negative charge of soil by FSP application led to an increase in bioavailable Cd fraction in soil and in Cd uptake by radish. However, K2HPO4increased soil pH and negative charge of soil and decreased bioavailable Cd fractions. Soil pH and negative charge of soil played an important role in controlling Cd uptake by radish in soil to which phosphate was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the silicon dioxide chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) process, one of the most challenging issues is the formation of defects such as scratches. In this study, scratch formation behavior and CMP performance were evaluated on high-density plasma oxide (HDP), plasma-enhanced tetraethylorthosilicate (PETEOS), and borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) wafers. To evaluate the number of scratches after the CMP process, contaminated abrasive particles were removed using an optimized post-CMP cleaning process consisting of scrubber cleaning and dilute SC1 megasonic cleaning. The oxide wafers were then treated with dilute hydrogen fluoride (HF) in order to improve the visibility of the generated scratches. The number and shape of the scratches were investigated as a function of oxide film hardness. The results show that a decrease in film hardness correlates with an increase in the number of scratches. Three different types of scratches (chatter marks, line, and rolling) were observed on the oxide surfaces. The dominant scratch shape on all three oxide films was chatter mark–type scratches. This could be attributed to the stick–slip phenomenon. However, the overall fraction of chatter marks compared to other types of scratches (especially line scratches) was proportional to the film hardness. It was also found that scratch depth was strongly influenced by the polishing pressure during CMP. The results clearly show that the mechanical pro- perties of the surface play a critical role in scratch generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two coordination polymers, {[Cu2(L)(en)2(H2O)2]·8H2O}n(1) and {[(CuSaen)3(HL)(H2O)2]·4H2O}n(2) (H4L = 2,2′,6,6′-Tetracarboxybiphenyl, HSaen = N-salicylaldehyde-1,2-diaminoethane and en = Ethylenediamine) have been assembled from 2,2′,6,6′-tetracarboxybiphenyl ligand and Schiff base metal complex CuSaenAc (HAc = acetic acid) by two different methods. Complex 1 has been synthesized under hydrothermal condition and complex 2 has been prepared by volatilization. Their structures have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, complex 1 has a two-dimensional (2D) layer network, whereas complex 2 exhibits a zero-dimensional structure. The elemental analyses, IR spectra, electronic spectra, and thermogravimetric analyses of two complexes were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedum emarginatum Migo is a perennial herb endemic to China. Here, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of S. emarginatum using Illumina sequencing data. Our assembled chloroplast genome is 149,188 base pairs (bp) in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 81,399 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 16,721 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,534 bp. In addition, the chloroplast genome possesses a total of 127 genes, including 82 proteincoding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the interrelation between the biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) byCeriporiasp. ZLY-2010 and its fungal enzyme systems. The degradation rates of Aroclor 1254 and 1260 were 29.01% on day 5 and 36.80% on day 10, respectively. MnP (Manganese dependent peroxidase) and laccase activities showed the greatest increases in the samples containing Aroclors, indicating that extracellular enzymes ofCeriporiasp. ZLY-2010 were affected by the addition of Aroclors. However, the relationship between the biodegradation rate and extracellular enzymes might be obscured by the complexity of the biodegradation process. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase was inhibited and the biodegradation rate of the Aroclor decreased by adding the inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that intracellular enzymes play a significant role in the biodegradation of Aroclor. Complex extracellular and intracellular enzyme systems inCeriporiasp. ZLY-2010 play an important role in degrading PCBs. Physiological changes ofCeriporiasp. ZLY-2010 caused by PCBs appeared to affect biodegradation of PCBs. However, it is necessary to further study the unidentified enzymes related to the biodegradation of Aroclor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) has been proposed to be a new drug target for the development of anticancer agents because of the significant difference in expression of FAS between normal and tumour cells. Since a n-hexane-soluble extract from Ginkgo biloba was demonstrated to inhibit FAS activity in our preliminary test, we isolated active compounds from the n-hexane-soluble extract and evaluated their cytotoxic activity in human cancer cells. Three ginkgolic acids 1- 3 isolated from the n-hexane-soluble extract inhibited the enzyme with IC50 values 17.1, 9.2 and 10.5 µM, respectively, and they showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) and HL-60 (human leukaemia) cells. Our findings suggest that alkylphenol derivatives might be a new type of FAS inhibitor with cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low or medium spatial resolution satellite images are used for environmental monitoring in remote, extremely cold areas such as Antarctica. However, they cannot provide detailed spatial and spectral information over Antarctic areas. For obtaining this information, we propose an Antarctic land-cover classification method using IKONOS and Hyperion data over Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. High spatial resolution IKONOS imagery enabled the detection of detailed, accurate boundaries between areas of snow, ice, vegetation, water and rock. Rock types were classified in detail using high spectral resolution Hyperion imagery. Because Antarctic land-cover types exhibit unusual spectral features, a step-by-step classification using various data sets and methods was applied. Five soil types and two rock types were identified by applying spectral linear unmixing to Hyperion data. Our land-cover classification map shows small mossy areas near emperor penguin or skua habitat. Lakes, which are an important factor in environmental monitoring, are also clearly shown. The detailed rock and soil classification map revealed that biotite gneiss and clay soils are dominant. This Antarctic land-cover map is useful for determining a suitable site for an environment-friendly Antarctic station. Among the various land-cover types, the lakes and the vegetation, rock and soil areas are considered to be important environmental factors related to Antarctic living organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocean upwelling pipes are used to upwell nutrient-rich deeper waters in order to fertilize the surface ocean. This article addresses whether international legal rules exist governing the deployment of ocean pipes and which states are entitled to exercise jurisdiction over these objects. Taking into account the need to avoid user conflicts and unauthorized deployment of upwelling pipes in marine areas under the jurisdiction of third states, the article advocates the development of nonbinding guidelines that would implement the general terms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are difficult to degrade due to poor solubility, toxicity, and thermal stability. In the present study, the feasibility of PCB congener biodegradation by Ceriporia sp. ZLY-2010 was evaluated. The biodegradation rates of four PCB congeners, 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl, 2,3′,4′,5-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 2,2′,4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl, and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl were evaluated. The degradation rate of 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl was 34.03% on incubation day 13, while that of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl reached 40.05% on incubation day 17. Therefore, Ceriporia sp. ZLY-2010 was degrading the higher PCB congeners more efficiently. PCB congener degradation products were extracted using acetone and ethyl acetate. No 2,2′,4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl metabolites were detected in Ceriporia sp. ZLY-2010 culture, whereas 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl appeared to degrade to benzoic acid. However, intermediates of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl were not detected during degradation. Therefore, additional studies should be performed to explore the mechanisms of PCB degradation. Our results indicate that Ceriporia sp. ZLY-2010 is able to degrade highly chlorinated biphenyls and has potential for use in PCB biodegradation and bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal laparoscopy is a widely accepted surgical procedure effective even for acute abdominal ailments. However, one major concern in using abdominal laparoscopy is missed lesions, in the past this has not been adequately explored. The aim of this retrospective study, therefore, is to evaluate cancerous lesions that are missed during emergency laparoscopic surgeries. The medical records of 2074 patients who had a laparoscopy from March 1996 to April 2006 for acute abdomen symptoms, including diagnostic laparoscopy ( n = 119), laparoscopic appendectomy ( n = 1336), laparoscopic duodenorrhaphy ( n = 30), and laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( n = 589) were reviewed. Missed cancerous lesions included cecal cancer ( n = 2), sigmoid cancer ( n = 1), and jejunum lymphoma ( n = 1). The incidence of missed cancerous lesions in an emergency laparoscopic surgery is 0.19%, mainly due to its lower tactile sensitivity compared to the direct hand palpation and masqueraded by inflammatory process. Therefore, careful observation is recommended for post-emergency laparoscopic patients and follow-up should be performed within three months, especially for patients with intra-abdominal and/or severe inflammation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the ways and treatments to reduce the inflammation in thyroid eye disease (TED) and Graves' disease (GD). They mention that cytokine-targeted therapy helps disrupt cytokine pathways which causes the inflammation. They add that B-cell-depleting therapies offer great potential in treating autoimmune diseases, such as GD.

This is the first paper of a planned 'Indonesia 2049' project, which asks how far Indonesia's economy will have developed 100 years after actual political independence in 1949. We compare dimensions of Indonesia's economy with those of two oil exporters (Mexico and Nigeria), three large populous developing economies (China, India and Brazil) and three Southeast Asian neighbours (Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines). Under Soeharto, Indonesia's economic performance was better than it had been under Soekarno, and above the average of the eight comparator countries, but below that of the East Asian economies. Our view is that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's second administration must adopt a new economic policy framework to ensure successful transition to knowledge-based growth. This proposed new framework goes beyond the Washington Consensus of 'getting prices right' and 'getting institutions right' to include 'getting the role of science right' and 'getting the conception of the reform process right'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For correction of this asymmetrical hypertrophy, botulinum toxin type A (BTxA) injection is one of convenient treatment modalities. Unfortunately, physical examination of masseter muscle is not enough to estimate the exact volume of muscle hypertrophy difference. Two Koreans, male and female, of bilateral masseter hypertrophy with asymmetricity were evaluated. BTxA (NABOTA®, Daewoong, Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea) was injected at master muscle site with total 50 U (25 U at each side) and volume change was evaluated with three-dimensional (3D) CT image analysis. Maximum reduction of masseter hypertrophy was recognized at 2-month follow-up and reduced muscle size started to restore after 3 months. Mean reduction of masseter muscle volume was 36% compared with baseline. More hypertrophied side of masseter muscle presented 42% of volume reduction at 2-month follow-up but less hypertrophied side of masseter muscle showed 30% of volume shrinkage. In conclusion, 3D CT image analysis might be the exact evaluation tool for correction of asymmetrical masseter hypertrophy by botulinum toxin injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of [Mn3O(PhCO2)6(py)2(H2O)] with a tridentate Schiff-base 2-salicylideneaminoethanol (H2sae) affords a trinuclear manganese complex [Mn3(PhCO2)4(sae)2] (1). X-ray structural analysis of 1 reveals that three manganese ions are linear with each pair bridged by two benzoate groups and one μ-alkoxo oxygen of the sae2- ligand. The central manganese has an octahedral {MnIIO6} configuration and the terminal ones are five-coordinate {MnIIINO4} with a Jahn-Teller elongation axis. The trinuclear complex shows small antiferromagnetic exchange J coupling. The magnetic susceptibility data in the temperature range 2-300 K give the best fitting parameters with J = -8.44 cm-1, g = 2.02, zJ ' = -0.34 cm-1, and R2 = 0.99942. The magnetization versus external magnetic field measurements at 2 K proved that the ground state is S = 3/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigma of mental illness is a major obstacle to its diagnosis and treatment and may be worse among Asians than Caucasians. This study compared the stigma of depression in 50 Chinese Americans (CA) and 50 Caucasian Americans (WA). Subjects were asked to read 5 case vignettes in the following order: diabetes mellitus (DB), major depressive disorder (MDD), somatoform depression (SD), psychotic depression (PD), and fever of unknown origin (HA). Diagnosis of each case was not revealed. Subjects then rated their response to each case, on a Likert scale from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree," to 25 statements that contained 6 stigma factors: fear, shame, cognitive distortion, social consensus, discrimination, and sanction. Composite scores constructed from ratings of each factor were used to calculate the severity of stigma. Stigma of all 5 cases was worse in CA than WA. Both groups ranked DB and HA to be least and PD to be most stigmatizing. CA rated SD to be less stigmatizing thanMDDbut not WA. We concluded that stigma formation and severity were determined by fear, shame, cognitive distortion, social communication, consensus, and sanction. Mental symptoms, particularly psychotic symptoms, were more stigmatizing than physical symptoms, especially for CA. Belief that depression was like a physical illness did not diminish its stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven new metal-organic coordination polymers, [M(tzda)(H2O)4]n [M = Co(1), Ni (2) and Zn(3)], [Zn(tzda)(4,4'-bipy)]n (4), [Cd(tzda)(4,4'-bipy)0.5(H2O)]n (5) and [M(tzda)(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)]n [M = Co(6), Ni(7)] [H2tzda = (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid, 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine] have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compounds 1-3 display similar 1D zigzag chain structure. Compound 4 possesses a 2D-layered architecture generated from [Zn(tzda)]n moiety with double-chain structure cross-linking 4,4'-bipy spacers, while compound 5 consists of -Cd-OCO-Cd-OCO- chains cross-linked through -CH2SC2N2SSCH2- spacers of tzda anions and 4,4'-bipy, also showing a 2D-layered structure. The structures of 6 and 7 seem more complicated, in which the [M(tzda)]n layered subunits are extended to unique 3D framework by the bridging 4,4'-bipy ligand. Photoluminescence investigations reveal that 4 and 5 both display strong blue emissions in the solid state at room temperature, which could be significant in the field of luminescent materials. The magnetic studies of 6 and 7 show both display the characteristics of a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between metal ions in the system mediated by carboxylate bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By refluxing a mixture of CuCl2 and 3-methyl-6-phenyl-[1,2,4]-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole (TRTZ) with addition of acetic acid and KSCN, respectively, the complexes [Cu(TRTZ)2(OAc)2(H2O)] · 1.5H2O (1) and [Cu(TRTZ)2(SCN)2(H2O)2] · 2DMF (2) were obtained. Single-crystal structure of both complexes was determined and their thermal behaviour and IR spectra examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the development of a new low dielectric constant material suited to electronic materials applications. Assessment on the use of hollow keratin fibers and chemically modified soybean oil; Examination of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the new material; Investigation on the acrylated epoxidized soybean oils.

We have derived a series of shape-dependent third-order aberration equations involving lens thickness. These equations are used in a simple and direct method to correct real aberrations and to find the minimum aberration for triple design that has been proposed. These calculated third-order aberrations can exactly meet the target values for each stage by means of the damped least-squares method. The shape of the three elements permits the control of three third-order aberrations: spherical aberration, coma and astigmatism. The spherical aberration is targeted first. The minimal value of the real on-axis aberration is obtained. Similarly, the coma and astigmatism target values are adjusted so as to force the full field angle real off-axis aberrations down to a minimum. Finally, the manual adjustment of the lens thickness and air spacing is used to attain the minimum aberration at the 0.7 field angle. To verify the method, two triplet design examples are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis is an active form of cell death that is initiated by a variety of stimuli, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Previously, it has been reported that UVB-irradiation of keratinocytes leads to intracellular generation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and that antioxidants can inhibit ROS-induced apoptosis. Although both UVB-irradiation and H 2 O 2 -incubation led to increased intracellular H 2 O 2 levels, the antioxidants catalase and glutathione monoester (GME), inhibited apoptosis only when induced by H 2 O 2 , not by UVB. Furthermore, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a prominent member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, was found to be activated by treatment with both UVB and H 2 O 2 . Inhibition of ERK phosphorylation by pre-treatment with PD98059 resulted in enhanced apoptosis after H 2 O 2 -exposure. However, no significant difference of apoptosis was observed between cells with and without inhibitor pre-treatment upon UVB-irradiation. DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers was observed after exposure to UVB, but no photoproducts were found in H 2 O 2 -treated cells. These results suggest a ROS-independent pathway of UVB-induced apoptosis. Although UVB-irradiation causes moderate increase in H 2 O 2 , the generation of H 2 O 2 does not contribute to the induction of apoptosis. Moreover, activation of ERK only blocks H 2 O 2 -dependent apoptosis but has no impact on UVB-induced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and quality management practices and quality results of firms in Singapore. The findings are compared with those reported by Rao et al. (1997, Total Quality Management , 8, pp. 335- 346) on firms in the USA, Mexico, China and India. Eight constructs for quality management practices are identified. Using the questionnaire developed by Rao et al. a survey is carried out on selected firms from the manufacturing, service and construction industries in Singapore. Both ISO 9000 registered and non-registered firms are included in the survey. The questionnaire consists of 91 statements, on a five-point Likert scale, to represent all the eight constructs. A total of 93 valid responses were received. The respondents are mainly from service industries, followed by construction and manufacturing. The majority of these firms are small and medium-sized enterprises, which are locally owned and have local customers and competitors. The data set is subjected to reliability and validity tests. Analysis of variance is carried out to explore the relationship between ISO 9000 certification and quality management practices. The result reveals that the ISO certification does not affect quality management practices and quality results of firms in Singapore. Further analyses indicate that some organizational characteristics, such as size and industry, have relationships with certain constructs of quality management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an algorithm that allows the optimum generation of fixed polarity Reed-Muller expansions of boolean functions. Development of an alternative description for digital circuit testing based on modulo-2 arithmetic; Advantages of the Galois field algebra in matrix and transformation operations; Versatility of modulo-2 algebra in boolean mathematics expression.

Facial scars can be caused by a traumatic event or indeed surgical procedures. Several treatment modalities have been suggested including surgical or resurfacing techniques, autologous fat transfer, and injection of fillers. However, these approaches have varying degrees of success and associated side effects. We report two Korean patients with traumatic scars. Both patients received combined consecutive treatment with 595-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) and 1550-nm erbium-glass fractional laser. Both patients showed remarkable clinical improvements after a course of sessions. Therefore, simultaneous combined treatment with PDL and fractional laser may be considered a reasonable therapeutic option for traumatic facial scars. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]