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Purpose: The population of end-stage renal failure patients dependent on hemodialysis continues to expand with an increasing number of patients having an unsuitable cephalic vein or failed radio- and brachio-cephalic fistula. In these patients, the transposed basilic vein to brachial artery arteriovenous fistula (BaVT) provides autologous choice for hemodialysis. The results of basilic vein transposition arteriovenous fistula were assessed. Materials and Methods: Three hundred cases of BaVT performed at a single center during the period of January 2005 to December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Data including demographics and postoperative complications were collected. Primary and secondary patency rates were determined by using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: The median age of patients was 57.4±13.1 years, and 154 patients were male. Renal failure was associated with hypertension in 88.7%, and with diabetes in 34.0%. The mean follow-up was 27.4±20.0 (12 to 72) months. There was no operation-related death. Eighteen patients required prosthetic graft interposition because of short vein. Thirty-five postoperative complications developed in 41 patients (148 cases), including thrombosis, stenosis, hematoma, seroma, arm swelling, steal syndrome, infection and aneurysm formation. Primary patency of BaVT was 69%, 60%, 53%, 52%, 44%, and 22% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years, respectively. Secondary patency was 99%, 97%, 97%, 97%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: Chronic renal failure patients with hemodialysis may benefit from BaVT, because of high patency, less radiologic procedure, and less infection rate. The BaVT fistula should be used in preference to polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for secondary access.

Objectives: To assess the association between muscle invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior mandibular alveolar ridge and cervical lymph node metastasis on the basis of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior mandibular alveolar ridge were evaluated by MRI. The associations between cervical lymph node metastasis and independent factors evaluated by MRI were analyzed. Overall survival was also analyzed in this manner. Representative biopsy specimens were stained with anti-podoplanin and anti-CD34 antibodies. Results: Mylohyoid muscle invasion was associated with cervical lymph node metastasis. A combinational factor of mylohyoid and/or buccinator muscle invasion was also associated with cervical lymph node metastasis. Cervical lymph node metastasis and masticator space invasion had a negative effect on overall survival. No lymphatic vessels were identified near the tumor invasion front within the mandible. In contrast, lymphatic vessels were identified near the front of tumor invasion in the muscles. Conclusion: This study demonstrates an association between muscular invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior mandibular alveolar ridge and cervical lymph node metastasis.

To investigate the luminescence characteristics after exposure to X-ray radiation, we developed an independent, small X-ray irradiation system comprising a Varian VF-50J mini X-ray generator, a Pb collimator, a delay shutter, and an Al absorber. With this system, the apparent dose rate increased linearly to 0.8 Gy/s against the emission current for a 50 kV anode potential when the shutter was delayed for an initial 4 s and the Al absorber was 300 µm thick. In addition, an approximately 20 mm diameter sample area was irradiated homogeneously with X rays. Based on three-dimensional (3D) thermoluminescence (TL) spectra, the small X-ray irradiator was considered comparable to the conventional 90Sr/90Y beta source even though the TL intensity from beta irradiation was higher than that from X-ray irradiation. The single aliquot regenerative (SAR) growth curve for the small X-ray irradiator was identical to that for the beta source. Therefore, we concluded that the characteristics of the small X-ray irradiator and the conventional 90Sr/90Y beta source were similar and that X ray irradiation had the potential for being suitable for use in luminescence dosimetry.

ZKSCAN5 (also known as ZFP95) is a zinc-finger protein belonging to the Krűppel family. ZKSCAN5 contains a SCAN box and a KRAB A domain and is proposed to play a distinct role during spermatogenesis. In humans, alternatively spliced ZKSCAN5 transcripts with different 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs) have been identified. However, investigation of our Macaca UniGene Database revealed novel alternative ZKSCAN5 transcripts that arose due to an exon creation event. Therefore, in this study, we identified the full-length sequences of ZKSCAN5 and its alternative transcripts in Macaca spp. Additionally, we investigated different nonhuman primate sequences to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the exon creation event. We analyzed the evolutionary features of the ZKSCAN5 transcripts by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and genomic PCR, and by sequencing various nonhuman primate DNA and RNA samples. The exon-created transcript was only detected in the Macaca lineage (crab-eating monkey and rhesus monkey). Full-length sequence analysis by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) identified ten full-length transcripts and four functional isoforms of ZKSCAN5. Protein sequence analyses revealed the presence of two groups of isoforms that arose because of differences in start-codon usage. Together, our results demonstrate that there has been specific selection for a discrete set of ZKSCAN5 variants in the Macaca lineage. Furthermore, study of this locus (and perhaps others) in Macaca spp. might facilitate our understanding of the evolutionary pressures that have shaped the mechanism of exon creation in primates.

A comprehensive examination of the synthesis of single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) from statistical copolymers of n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and 3-butenyl methacrylate (3BMA), i.e., P(BMA-co-3BMA)s, via the intramolecular olefin metathesis reaction under high dilution conditions is described. The olefin metathesis reaction of P(BMA-co-3BMA) using Grubbs’ 2nd generation catalyst in CH2Cl2 efficiently gave the corresponding SCNPs under mild conditions. We achieved the size-controlled synthesis of the SCNPs by adjusting the following factors: (1) the olefin content in the precursor, (2) the molecular weight of the precursor, and (3) the solvent quality of the reaction medium. The hydrodynamic radius and the intrinsic viscosity of the resultant SCNPs were investigated by DLS and viscometric measurements, respectively, which provided further evidence of SCNP formation with controlled diameters. Furthermore, the above-established intramolecular olefin metathesis approach was successfully applied to poly(acrylate), poly(styrene), and poly(ester) precursors, which proved that the present approach could be applied to a wide range of olefin-containing precursors to give SCNPs with various functional groups.

The directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) has attracted considerable attention due to the outstanding ability of this method to complement or replace the conventional photolithography process. However, there are critical issues to resolve in order to realize the rapid pattern formation of BCPs with a high Flory–Huggins parameter (χ). Here, we introduce a simple method to expedite the self-assembly kinetics with the addition of a polystyrene homopolymer (hPS) to poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) BCPs with a high-χ parameter. We provide a systematic presentation of how the hPS affects the self-assembly of PS-b-PDMS BCPs in the immersion annealing process. We found the optimum annealing conditions of the mixing ratio for the hPS/PS-b-PDMS BCP blends, showing a very short annealing time (

Block copolymers of poly(2-vinyl-9-phenylcarbazole) (PVPK) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) or quaternized P2VP (QP2VP), including homopolymers, were synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization and selective post-modification: PVPK–P2VP (43/57 in volume) and PVPK–QP2VP (31/69). All polymers were amorphous and soluble in common solvents. The blocks in the copolymers were found to undergo phase-separation. Nanoscale thin film morphology details were investigated by quantitative synchrotron grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS) analysis. PVPK–QP2VP (31/69) self-assembled as a vertical lamellar structure in the carbon disulfide-annealed films, exhibiting p-type unipolar write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory behavior. In comparison, PVPK–P2VP (43/57) formed a horizontal lamellar structure in chloroform-annealed films, revealing p-type unipolar dynamic random access memory (DRAM) behavior. Both the memory systems showed very high ON/OFF current ratio, 104–109, depending on the reading voltage. The switching-ON voltage, however, was lower for the PVPK–QP2VP (31/69) film (ca. 4 V) than for the PVPK–P2VP (43/57) (ca. 6 V). Overall, WORM memory and DRAM behaviors were nicely demonstrated with high performances by the development of well-defined lamellar structure in the block copolymer films and their memory modes could be easily tuned from one to another or vice versa by the orientation control of the lamellar structure. Moreover, the excellent memory performance results based on the vertical lamellar structure open up a process feature, that digital memory devices can be significantly improved in terms of their memory capacity by the fabrication of a nanoscale vertical lamellar structure using block copolymers composed of electroactive and dielectric blocks. In addition, memory origins and mechanisms in the block copolymer films were investigated.

Five years have passed since the first set of environmental samples was taken in 2011 to represent various ecosystems which would help future generations lead back to the past environment. Those samples have been preserved cryogenically in the National Environmental Specimen Bank(NESB) at the National Institute of Environmental Research. Even though there is a strict regulation (SOP, standard operating procedure) that rules over the whole sampling procedure to ensure each sample to represent the sampling area, it has not been put to the test for the validation. The question needs to be answered to clear any doubts on the representativeness and the quality of the samples. In order to address the question and ensure the sampling practice set in the SOP, many steps to the measurement of the sample, that is, from sampling in the field and the chemical analysis in the lab are broken down to evaluate the uncertainty at each level. Of the 8 species currently taken for the cryogenic preservation in the NESB, pine tree samples from two different sites were selected for this study. Duplicate samples were taken from each site according to the sampling protocol followed by the duplicate analyses which were carried out for each discrete sample. The uncertainties were evaluated by Robust ANOVA; two levels of uncertainty, one is the uncertainty from the sampling practice, and the other from the analytical process, were then compiled to give the measurement uncertainty on a measured concentration of the measurand. As a result, it was confirmed that it is the sampling practice not the analytical process that accounts for the most of the measurement uncertainty. Based on the top-down approach for the measurement uncertainty, the efficient way to ensure the representativeness of the sample was to increase the quantity of each discrete sample for the making of a composite sample, than to increase the number of the discrete samples across the site. Furthermore, the cost-effective approach to enhance the confidence level on the measurement can be expected from the efforts to lower the sampling uncertainty, not the analytical uncertainty. To test the representativeness of a composite sample of a sampling area, the variance within the site should be less than the difference from duplicate sampling. For that, a criterion, (across the site variance) (variance at the sampling location) was proposed. In light of the criterion, the two representative samples for the two study areas passed the requirement. In contrast, whenever the variance of among the sampling locations (i.e. across the site) is larger than the sampling variance, more sampling increments need to be added within the sampling area until the requirement for the representativeness is achieved.

Purpose: Despite acceptance of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for repair of inguinal hernia, it is still considered to require a prolonged learning curve. We hypothesized that there would be differences in the learning curve for laparoscopic TEP repair among beginner surgeons with or without a supervisor. The current study was conducted to observe the learning curve for laparoscopic TEP repair performed by a surgeon without a supervisor. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the consecutive 143 patients was conducted to document patients’ demographics, hernia types, operative time, and operative outcomes after the operation. Patients were divided into 7 consecutive groups, each comprising 20 patients. Results: The mean age of the study population was 52.5 years (± 18.9 SD), ranging from 16 to 89 years. The learning curve of this technique was almost horizontal throughout the time course. The mean operative time was quite stable among each group. Comparison of the mean operation time and the length of hospital stay among each group did not show significant differences. There was one recurrence in group V. Conclusion: The learning curve for laparoscopic TEP repair is not that prolonged if there is an experienced specialized supervisor and opportunities to observe the entire procedure performed by the supervisor are available. It is not the laparoscopic instrument skills but the way the procedure is performed that is important for successful outcomes.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating human neurodegenerative disease. The precise pathogenic mechanisms of the disease remain uncertain, and as of yet, there is no effective cure. Human adipose stem cells (hASC) can be easily obtained during operative procedures. hASC have a clinically feasible potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders, since cytosolic extract of hASC contain a number of essential neurotrophic factors. In this study, we investigated effects of hASC extract on the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS and in vitro test. Administration of hASC extract improved motor function and prolonged the time until symptom onset, rotarod failure, and death in ALS mice. In the hASC extracts group, choline acetyltransferase immunostaining in the ventral horn of the lumbar spinal cord showed a large number of motor neurons, suggesting normal morphology. The neuroprotective effect of hASC extract in ALS mice was also suggested by western blot analysis of spinal cord extract from ALS mice and in vitro test. hASC extract treatment significantly increased expression of p-Akt, p-CREB, and PGC-1α in SOD1 G93A mouse model and in vitro test. Our results indicated that hASC extract reduced apoptotic cell death and recovered mutant SOD1-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, hASC extract reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that hASC extract exert a potential therapeutic action in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS and in vitro test. These findings suggest that hASC hold promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating ALS.

Context. The study of non-principal axis (NPA) rotators can provide important clues to the evolution of the spin state of asteroids. However, very few studies to date have focused on NPA-rotating main belt asteroids (MBAs). One MBA known to be in an excited rotation state is asteroid (5247) Krylov. Aims. By using disk-integrated photometric data, we construct a physical model of (5247) Krylov including shape and spin state. Methods. We applied the light curve convex inversion method employing optical light curves obtained by using ground-based telescopes in three apparitions during 2006, 2016, and 2017, along with infrared light curves obtained by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer satellite in 2010. Results. Asteroid (5247) Krylov is spinning in a short axis mode characterized by rotation and precession periods of 368.7 and 67.27 h, respectively. The angular momentum vector orientation of Krylov is found to be λL = 298° and βL =-58°. The ratio of the rotational kinetic energy to the basic spin-state energy EE0 1.02 shows that the (5247) Krylov is about 2% excited state compared to the principal axis rotation state. The shape of (5247) Krylov can be approximated by an elongated prolate ellipsoid with a ratio of moments of inertia of Ia: Ib: Ic = 0.36: 0.96: 1. This is the first physical model of an NPA rotator among MBAs. The physical processes that led to the current NPA rotation cannot be unambiguously reconstructed. © 2020 ESO., We are very thankful to the reviewer, Dr. M. Drahus for his positive criticisms, suggestions, and comments which greatly improved the original version of the manuscript. This research is supported by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). Work at KASI was partly supported under the framework of international cooperation program managed by the National Research Foundation of Korea (2017K2A9A1A06037218, FY2018). The work of J.. Durech and M. Lehky was supported by the grant 18-04514J of the Czech Science Foundation. The work of C.-H. Kim was financially supported by the Research Year of Chungbuk National University in 2018. The work at Modra was supported by the Slovak Grant Agency for Science VEGA, Grant 1/0911/17. M.K. and O.E. thank to TUB.ITAK for a partial support in using T100 telescope with project number 14BT100-648. This research has made use of the KMTNet system operated by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) and the data were obtained at three host sites of CTIO in Chile, SAAO in South Africa, and SSO in Australia. The Joan Oro Telescope (TJO) of the Montsec Astronomical Observatory (OAdM) is owned by the Catalan Government and operated by the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC). This publication also makes use of data products from NEOWISE, which is a project of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, funded by the Planetary Science Division of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage devices due to its high energy density and reduced cost. The main challenges of Li–S battery are the severe dissolution of lithium polysulfides and low electrical conductivity of S. In this work, the synthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles anchored in MWCNT (MCF) is presented through a facile method with refluxing and heating, and studied as effective S hosts in Li–S batteries. In an electrochemical analysis, the S@MCF-1 electrode shows a high rate capability (over 340 mA h g−1 at 7 C-rate) and stable long-term cycling performance even after 500 cycles (over 545 mA h g−1, at 1 C-rate). These improved electrochemical performances could be corresponded to the two roles of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles as (1) the nodes in MWCNTs for mitigating the aggregation and volume expansion of S, and (2) the active sites and strong chemical adsorption ability on the surface of MWCNTs to directly trap polysulfides during the cycling.

Objective To investigate the distribution and phenotypes of hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and its association with other anomalies. Methods This study included 249 Korean patients with HFM, whose charts, photographs, radiographs, and/or computed tomography scans acquired during 1998–2018 were available from Seoul National University Hospital and Dental Hospital. Prevalence according to sex, side involvement, degree of mandibular deformity, compensatory growth of the mandibular body, and Angle's classification, and its association with other anomalies were statistically analyzed. Results Prevalence was not different between male and female patients (55.0% vs. 45.0%, p > 0.05). Unilateral HFM (UHFM) was more prevalent than bilateral HFM (BHFM) (86.3% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001). Although distribution of the Pruzansky–Kaban types differed significantly in patients with UHFM (I, 53.0%; IIa, 18.6%; IIb, 24.7%; III, 3.7%; p < 0.001), no difference was observed in occurrence between the right and left sides (52.6% vs. 47.4%, p > 0.05). Among patients with BHFM, prevalence of different Pruzansky–Kaban types on the right and left sides was greater than that of the same type on both sides (67.6% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.05). Despite hypoplasia of the condyle/ramus complex, compensatory growth of the mandibular body on the ipsilateral side occurred in 35 patients (14.1%). Class I and II molar relationships were more prevalent than Class III molar relationships (93.2% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001). Forty-eight patients (19.3%) had other anomalies, with 50.0% and 14.4% in the BHFM and UHFM groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions Patients with HFM require individualized diagnosis and treatment planning because of diverse phenotypes and associations with other anomalies.

Background Pedicle screw augmentation with bone cement has been experimentally demonstrated to increase the pullout strength. However, the mechanisms of screw loosening are complicated and interacting. Although vertebroplasty augmentation and fenestrated screw augmentation have been compared in many studies, there has been no comparative study on their clinical effects and complications in real clinical settings. We investigated clinical effects of bone cement augmentation of a pedicle screw and differences according to augmentation methods. Methods Of the total 241 patients who had osteoporosis and underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation without anterior bone graft between January 2010 and December 2016, 132 patients with ≥2 years of radiological follow-up were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into group I (unaugmented) and group II (bone cement augmented). Group II was subdivided into II-S group (solid screw augmented) and II-F group (fenestrated screw augmented). The incidence of screw loosening was compared between groups I and II. Cement leakage, screw loosening, and screw fractures were investigated in the subgroups. Results In total, 36 of 71 (52%, group I) unaugmented cases and 96 of 170 (56%, group II) augmented cases were followed up for ≥2 years. Of the total 78 solid screw augmented cases, 42 (56%) were in II-S group; 54 of the total 92 (59%) fenestrated screw augmented cases were in II-F group. Groups I and II were homogenous regarding demographic characteristics; II-S and II-F groups were also homogenous. The incidence of screw loosening was 50.0% (18/36) in group I and 7.3% (7/96) in group II (p < 0.001). Cement leakage developed in 2 of 42 (4.8%) cases in II-S group and in 5 of 54 (9.3%) cases in II-F group (p = 0.462). Screw loosening developed in 6 of 42 (14.3%) cases in II-S group and in 1 of 54 cases (1.9%) in II-F group (p = 0.041). Screw fracture developed in none of 42 cases in II-S group and in 3 of 54 cases (5.6%) in II-F group (p = 0.254). Conclusions In osteoporotic patients, bone cement augmentation of a pedicle screw decreased the incidence of screw loosening, and fenestrated screw augmentation was more effective than vertebroplasty augmentation.

There is large uncertainty about the changing magnitude and occurrence of coastal flood events with sea-level rise; which poses significant challenges to adaptation planning. Recent decision-making employs flexible options that can be modified/adjusted over time to address uncertainty. This research analyses a real option based method for assessing adaptation investment timing under coastal flooding and sea-level rise. This method recognises and values the flexibility of waiting as an additional adaptation option under an uncertain future, that is, the key question concerns when the option is best implemented? Real options are applied using a test-case in Lymington (UK), a floodprone coastal town. Our findings show that the option value (i.e., the net value of the overall benefit minus cost) grows with rising sea level to a maximum, which is the optimal time for the adaptation investment. The optimum investment time tends to occur at the same magnitude of sea-level rise (relative to 1990) across most sea-level rise scenarios for the same socio-economic scenario. Hence, monitoring sea-level rise provides important information to plan adaptation. The analysis provides an analytical framework on how and when to implement the adaptation option given the various future scenarios which can be developed further

The near-Earth asteroid 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is an attractive object not only from a scientific viewpoint but also because of JAXA's DESTINY+ target. The rotational lightcurve and spin properties were investigated based on the data obtained in the ground-based observation campaign of Phaethon. We aim to refine the lightcurves and shape model of Phaethon using all available lightcurve datasets obtained via optical observation, as well as our time-series observation data from the 2017 apparition. Using eight 1-2-m telescopes and an optical imager, we acquired the optical lightcurves and derived the spin parameters of Phaethon. We applied the lightcurve inversion method and SAGE algorithm to deduce the convex and non-convex shape model and pole orientations. We analysed the optical lightcurve of Phaethon and derived a synodic and a sidereal rotational period of 3.6039 h, with an axis ratio of a/b = 1.07. The ecliptic longitude (lambda) and latitude (beta) of the pole orientation were determined as (308, -52) and (322, -40) via two independent methods. A non-convex model from the SAGE method, which exhibits a concavity feature, is also presented., 14 pages, 4 figures, 1 figure in Appendix A. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A)

Ungrounded haptic force-feedback is a crucial element for applications that aim to immerse users in virtual environments where also mobility is an important component of the experience, like for example Virtual Reality games. In this paper, we present a novel wearable interface that generates a force-feedback by spinning two drone-propellers mounted on a wrist. The device is interfaced with a game running in Unity, and it is capable to render different haptic stimuli mapped to four weapons. A simple evaluation with users demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach.

The concept of surreal virtual space is used in this paper to describe a space which looks realistic but is impossible to exist in reality. For this project, we developed a 3D virtual space using Google Cardboard and an Android mobile device. Referring to the 2D drawing, "Relativity," of M.C. Escher, the virtual space was designed to have multi-directional but connected stairs. This work was exhibited with other artworks at a gallery for a period of three weeks. Despite some minor sensory confusion, all audiences experienced a degree of place illusion, enjoyment and a sense of self-awareness even though the virtual environment did not provide a visual representation of the audience's own body. For future work, we plan to investigate the advantages of these effects and apply them to everyday non-virtual environments.

Rodlike “POSS–bottlebrush block copolymers” (POSSBBCPs) containing crystalline polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) pendants in A block and amorphous polymeric grafts in B block were utilized to create one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals (PCs). 3-(12-(cis-5-Norbornene-exo-2,3-dicarboximido)dodecanoylamino)propylheptaisobutyl POSS (NB-A16-POSS, MA) and exo-5-norbornene-2-carbonyl-end poly(benzyl methacrylate) (NBPBzMA, MB) were employed in sequential ring-opening metathesis polymerization to afford poly[3-(12-(cis-5-norbornene-exo-2,3-dicarboximido)dodecanoylamino)propylheptaisobutyl POSS]-block-poly(exo-5-norbornene-2-carbonylate-graft-benzyl methacrylate)s, P(NB-A16-POSS)-b-P(NB-g-BzMA)s, with well-modulated block compositions (fA = 34, 50, and 67 wt %) and overall degrees of polymerization (DP = 323–939). The P(NB-A16-POSS)-b-P(NB-g-BzMA)s hierarchically self-assembled to form highly ordered 1D PC films with periodic lamellar arrays that can reflect visible light with particular wavelengths. Their reflectance bandwidths, reflectivities, and ranges of peak reflectance wavelnegth (λ_(peak)) were largely dependent on the block composition. The 1D PC films based on lamellar P(NB-A16-POSS)-b-P(NB-g-BzMA)s demonstrated the capability of formaulation of λ_(peak) as linear functions of initial polymerization parameter ([M]_0/[I]_0).

BCS1L gene encodes mitochondrial protein and is a member of conserved AAA protein family. This gene is involved in the incorporation of Rieske FeS and Qcr10p into complex III of respiratory chain. In our previous study, AluYRa2-derived alternative transcript in rhesus monkey genome was identified. However, this transcript has not been reported in human genome. In present study, we conducted evolutionary analysis of AluYRa2-exonized transcript with various primate genomic DNAs and cDNAs from humans, rhesus monkeys, and crab-eating monkeys. Remarkably, our results show that AluYRa2 element has only been integrated into genomes of Macaca species. This Macaca lineage-specific integration of AluYRa2 element led to exonization event in the first intron region of BCS1L gene by producing a conserved 3′ splice site. Intriguingly, in rhesus and crab-eating monkeys, more diverse transcript variants by alternative splicing (AS) events, including exon skipping and different 5′ splice sites from humans, were identified. Alignment of amino acid sequences revealed that AluYRa2-exonized transcript has short N-terminal peptides. Therefore, AS events play a major role in the generation of various transcripts and proteins during primate evolution. In particular, lineage-specific integration of Alu elements and species-specific Alu-derived exonization events could be important sources of gene diversification in primates.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pattern, amount, and distribution of postsurgical relapse in skeletal Class III patients treated with two-jaw surgery (TJS) using conventional three-stage method (CTM) and surgery-first approach (SFA). A total of 38 patients who underwent the nonextraction approach and TJS (LeFort I posterior impaction and mandibular setback) were divided into CTM and SFA groups (all n = 19/group). Lateral cephalograms were taken before treatment (T0), at 1 month before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and at debonding (T3) for CTM patients and at T0, T2, and T3 stages for SFA patients. Cephalometric measurements and statistical analyses were performed. There were no significant differences in the cephalometric variables at all stages except maxillary incisor inclination (U1-UOP) and overbite at T0 between 2 groups. They also did not exhibit significant differences in the amounts of surgical movement except for advancement of the maxilla. The mandible in both groups was rotated slightly clockwise by surgery and counterclockwise during T2-T3 without a significant difference. Distribution of cases with "high relapse" (>30%) and "low relapse" (

Biocompatible keratin-based hydrogels prepared by electron beam irradiation (EBI) were examined in wound healing. As the EBI dose increased to 60 kGy, the tensile strength of the hydrogels increased, while the percentage of elongation of the hydrogels decreased. After 7 days, the dehydrated wool-based hydrogels show the highest mechanical properties (the % elongation of 1341 and the tensile strength of 6030 g/cm(2) at an EBI dose of 30 kGy). Excision wound models were used to evaluate the effects of human hair-based hydrogels and wool-based hydrogels on various phases of healing. On post-wounding days 7 and 14, wounds treated with either human hair-based or wool-based hydrogels were greatly reduced in size compared to wounds that received other treatments, although the hydrocolloid wound dressing-treated wound also showed a pronounced reduction in size compared to an open wound as measured by a histological assay. On the 14th postoperative day, the cellular appearances were similar in the hydrocolloid wound dressing and wool-based hydrogel-treated wounds, and collagen fibers were substituted with fibroblasts and mixed with fibroblasts in the dermis. Furthermore, the wound treated with a human hair-based hydrogel showed almost complete epithelial regeneration, with the maturation of immature connective tissue and hair follicles and formation of a sebaceous gland.

Increasing numbers of Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites have led to the requirement of accurate station keeping and precise orbit prediction to avoid collision between satellites. In the case of ground-based optical observation, angular resolution is better than other tracking systems, such as radar systems; however, the observation time of optical observation is limited by weather or lighting conditions. To develop an effective optical observation strategy, the optical observation campaign from January to February 2014 for Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS) was conducted. Because COMS is a controlled satellite with station keeping manoeuvres performed twice a week, the observation results for 1- and 2-day observations were analysed. Sparse and sporadic cases for the sequential observation of multiple satellites and a dense case for the intensive observation of specific targets were assumed for the experiments. In the 1-day arc observation experiment, the estimated orbits for dense observation cases over 10% of the orbital period showed that the maximum difference was less than 40 km (station keeping area) for 7-day propagation compared to the estimation result using the whole 1-day measurement. For the 2-day arc observation, the orbit estimation difference could be maintained within 2 km using a more frequent observation than the 1-h interval for 13 h that was used in the sparse case. Additionally, the longitudinal and latitudinal positions via the estimation result using the optical observation were compared with the Two-Line Elements (TLEs) and operator’s data. Through this study, an adequate optical tracking strategy was studied, and the possibility of cooperation with other systems was also validated.

Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) which consists of three identical 1.6 m wide-field telescopes with 18k × 18k CCDs, is the first optical survey system of its kind. The combination of fast optics and the mosaic CCD delivers seeing limited images over a 4 square degrees field of view. The main science goal of KMTNet is the discovery and characterization of exoplanets, yet it also offers various other science applications including DEep Ecliptic Patrol of SOUTHern sky (DEEP-South). The aim of DEEP-South is to discover and characterize asteroids and comets, including Near Earth Objects (NEOs). We started test runs last February after commissioning, and will return to normal operations in October 2015. A summary of early results from the test runs will be presented.

Objectives/Hypothesis Current management for peritonsillar abscess in pediatric patients includes intensive medical therapy using antibiotics with or without surgical drainage. However, attaining proper surgical drainage is difficult in young children because they have narrow oral cavities and are less cooperative than adults. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors are associated with a good response to nonsurgical treatment of a pediatric peritonsillar abscess. Study Design A retrospective analysis. Methods This study included consecutive children who visited our pediatric clinic for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. All patients initially received medical treatment, and additional surgical treatment was provided if the patient appeared unlikely to recover. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with a good response to nonsurgical treatment. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the age cutoff for predicting good treatment response. Results A total of 88 children were included the study. Patient age, recurrent tonsillitis, and abscess size were significantly associated with response to nonsurgical treatment (adjusted odds ratios = 1.485, 2.403, and 1.325, respectively) after adjusting for sex, body mass index, season, serum C-reactive protein levels, and tonsil grade. The age cutoff associated with good response to nonsurgical treatment was 7.5 years (80.0% sensitivity, 51.5% specificity). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a younger age, fewer episodes of acute tonsillitis, and smaller abscess size predict a successful response to nonsurgical treatment in children with peritonsillar abscess. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 125:2608–2611, 2015

In this study, the accuracy duplication and register rate of the vaccination registration data in National Immunization Registry Information System were evaluated and analyzed. Through which undocumented vaccination status data, duplicate data, missing data, errors data into the vaccination registration data were analyzed. In addition, the quality control for the vaccination registration database quality improvement, were proposed for standard error checking. In this paper, we propose an efficient validation of a quality management system of the database.

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors of outcome and to characterize the patterns of failure in a long-term, single-institution experience with the management of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck using survival analyses. Patients and methods We investigated prognostic factors, such as gender, age, primary tumor site, TNM stage, treatment modalities, perineural invasion, metastases, surgical margins, histological grade, cervical lymph node metastasis, and postoperative RT spread through 86 cases of ACC diagnosed by Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH) from 1984 to 2013. The overall survival and disease-free survival were evaluated. Survival rates were predicted and Kaplan–Meier's survival curves were generated for each factor. Cox proportional hazard models were used for multivariate survival analysis. Results Survival analysis shows that overall survival (OS) at 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years was 75%, 55%, and 41%, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years was 58%, 44%, and 28%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, primary tumor site, histological subtype, clinical stage, cervical lymph node metastasis, and presence of distant metastasis were significant predictors while perineural invasion, margin involvement, and gender did not demonstrate statistical difference between the treatment groups. Our multivariate analysis revealed that advanced clinical stage (stages III and IV), distant metastasis, and age over 60 years were independent significant prognostic factors. Conclusions Recurrence and metastasis were the main cause of treatment failure of ACC in head and neck. T stage, age, primary tumor site, histologic type, cervical lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were the independent prognostic factors of ACC in head and neck. Radical surgery and reasonably postoperative radiotherapy were the main treatment strategy.

Purpose Although nerve growth factor (NGF) has been proved to enhance inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) regeneration, its clinical application remains a challenging issue. This study investigated the functional regeneration of IAN injury by supplying NGF using an NGF-supplying implant and its effect on the osseointegration. Materials and methods In canine IAN transection-and-repair models (n = 9), NGF-supplying implants connected to osmotic pumps were installed just above the transection site. In the right IAN, NGF 300 μg in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) 2 mL was loaded in the pump and pure PBS 2 mL was loaded in the left IAN. The gross clinical finding was evaluated by wound healing, inflammation, implant exposure, and loss of fixture. To evaluate IAN regeneration, electrophysiologic (amplitude, latency, conduction velocity, and peak voltage) and histomorphometric (axon count and density, myelin thickness, and ratio of axon diameter to fiber diameter) analyses were performed. Implant stability quotient, bone-to-implant contact ratio, and new bone area were measured to assess the osseointegration of the NGF-supplying implant. Results The conduction velocity (2.675 m/second) and peak voltage (1.940 μV) of the NGF group at 6 weeks were considerably higher than those of the PBS group (1.892 m/second and 1.300 μV, respectively). The same results were observed for axon count (NGF vs PBS, 4,576.107 ± 270.413 vs 3,606.972 ± 242.876), axon density (10,707.458 ± 638.835 vs 7,899.781 ± 1,063.625/mm(2)), and myelin thickness (1.670 ± 0.555 vs 1.173 ± 0.388 μm). There were no meaningful differences for the other parameters. Conclusions Supplying NGF with specially designed dental implants can be a new therapeutic approach to enable IAN regeneration and osseointegration simultaneously.

Nonvolatile resistive memory devices based on a new low bandgap donor–acceptor (D–A) conjugated polymer, poly((E)-6,6′-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine-5-yl)-1,1′-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-[3,3′-biindolinyi-dene]-2,2′-dione) (PIDED), which are fabricated and operated in ambient air, are reported. The D–A conjugated polymer is synthesized from 2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine and isoindigo as an electron donor and an electron acceptor, respectively, using CH-arylation polymerization. The devices show nonvolatile, unipolar resistive switching behaviors with a high on/off current ratio (∼104), excellent endurance cycles (>200 cycles), and a long retention time (>104 s) in ambient air. These properties remain stable in ambient air over one year, demonstrating that the device performance is significantly unaffected by exposure to air as the isoindigo has strong electron-withdrawing character and the PIDED exhibits a high degree of crystallinity. This study may pave the way for use of practical nonvolatil...

This study investigated the biologic properties of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) using the rat calvarial defect, ectopic bone formation, and rabbit tibia implant installation models. Animals were divided into two groups: those implanted with nHAp, and negative controls (Collagen). Eight weeks after creating an 8 mm calvarial defect, bone regeneration was evaluated radiographically and histologically. To investigate ectopic bone formation, materials were injected into the right thigh muscle and were evaluated after 8 weeks. nHAp coated implant and conventional titanium implant were placed bilaterally in rabbit tibias. After 4 weeks, bone-implant contact (BIC), new bone area inside the thread, and removal torque were measured. In the calvarial defect model, radiographic and histologic analysis showed more bone formation in the nHAp Group; particularly, histologically assessed bone area (p=0.034) and microcomputed tomography assessed bone mineral density (p=0.034). In the ectopic bone formation model, calcification and expression of osteogenic biomarkers were seen in the nHAp-injected samples but in none of the controls. nHAp coated implant resulted in increased BIC, new bone area, and increased removal torque, with statistical significance for BIC (p=0.034). This study suggests that nHAp has potential as a coating material for dental implant surfaces and as a bone graft material.

The reactivities of 4-[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]styrene (A) and 4,4′-vinylphenyl-N,N-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzenamine (B) were investigated by sequential anionic block copolymerization to synthesize a thermally cross-linkable block copolymer for memory device applications. From the investigation on the reactivities of the monomers, the well-defined poly(B-b-A) was synthesized in a simple manner by sequential addition of B as the first monomer and A as the second monomer using the commercially available s-butyllithium (s-BuLi) initiator in THF at −78 °C. The sequential deprotection was then performed to prepare the deprotected polymer (d-poly(B-b-A)) containing the triphenylamine group as the conducting moiety and the ethynyl group as the thermal cross-linker, and the resulting thermally cross-linked polymer was used as an active layer of the memory device. The device fabricated with cross-linked d-poly(B-b-A) exhibited the write-once-read-many times (WORM) nonvolatile memory behavior, which is governed by the space-charge-limited current (SCLC) conduction mechanism and filament formation.

The anionic block copolymerization of 4,4′-vinylphenyl-N,N-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzenamine (A) with n-hexyl isocyanate (B) was performed using potassium naphthalenide (K-Naph) in THF at −78 and −98 °C in the presence of sodium tetraphenylborate (NaBPh4) to afford the well-defined block copolymers for investigating the effect of morphological structures on electrical memory performances. The well-defined functional block copolymers (PBAB) with different block ratios had predictable molecular weights (Mn = 17 700–79 100 g/mol) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.14–1.19). It was observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that the block copolymers showed different morphological structures depending on block ratios. Although all memory devices fabricated from the resulting block copolymers with different block compositions equally exhibited nonvolatile resistive switching characteristics, which are governed by the trap-controlled space-charge-limited current (SCLC) conduction mec...

Purpose Patients who have secondary hip osteoarthritis as sequelae of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) are severe deformities of femoral head and acetabulum. A few studies have presented that the clinical results and risks associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with a history of LCPD were not satisfactory. In this study, we reported the radiographic and clinical outcomes of THA in patients with sequelae of LCPD. Materials and methods Between March 2007 and May 2012, 23 hips (23 patients) underwent cementless THA and were followed up at least 2 years after surgery. There were 11 male patients and 12 female patients with an average age of 49.2 years old (range, 25 to 69 years old), and the average follow up period was 40.8 months (range, 24 to 84 months). The clinical and radiological evaluations were performed. Results The Harris hip score improved from 48.3 points preoperatively to 92.4 points at the time of the last follow-up. The shortening of affected limb was improved from -1.6 cm to 0.2 cm. The complications included one case of sciatic nerve palsy that developed after extensive lengthening of lower extremity, three cases of intraoperative femur fractures. There was no component loosening. Conclusion Fractures and motor nerve palsies may be more frequent in this population. Careful preoperative planning should be performed to overcome the technical pitfalls. If overcoming this early complication, the clinical and radiological evaluations showed excellent outcomes at average 40-month follow-ups.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the clinical effectiveness of decompression in decreasing the size of a cyst. In addition to the different types of cysts, we tried to reveal what effect host factors, such as the initial size of the lesion and the age of the patient, have on the velocity of cyst shrinkage. Materials and Methods: With the aid of a panoramic view, we measured the size of the cysts before and after decompression in 13 dentigerous cysts (DCs), 14 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KTOCs), and 5 unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) cases. The velocity of shrinkage in the three cystic groups was calculated. Relationships between the age of the patient, the initial size of the cyst, and the shrinkage velocity were investigated. Results: The three types of cysts showed no inter-type differences in their velocity of shrinkage. However, there was a statistically meaningful relationship between the initial size of the lesion and the absolute velocity of shrinkage in the DC group (P=0.02, R=0.65) and the KTOC group (P=0.02, R=0.56). There was also a significant relationship between the age of the patient and the absolute velocity of shrinkage in the KTOC group (P=0.04, R=0.45) and the UA group (P=0.04, R=0.46). Conclusion: There was no difference in the decrease in size due to decompression among the different types of cysts. However, the age of the patient and the initial size of the lesion showed a significant relationship with the velocity of shrinkage.

Context. The so-called Barbarian asteroids share peculiar, but common polarimetric properties, probably related to both their shape and composition. They are named after (234) Barbara, the first on which such properties were identified. As has been suggested, large scale topographic features could play a role in the polarimetric response, if the shapes of Barbarians are particularly irregular and present a variety of scattering/incidence angles. This idea is supported by the shape of (234) Barbara, that appears to be deeply excavated by wide concave areas revealed by photometry and stellar occultations. Aims. With these motivations, we started an observation campaign to characterise the shape and rotation properties of Small Main-Belt Asteroid Spectroscopic Survey (SMASS) type L and Ld asteroids. As many of them show long rotation periods, we activated a worldwide network of observers to obtain a dense temporal coverage. Methods. We used light-curve inversion technique in order to determine the sidereal rotation periods of 15 asteroids and the convergence to a stable shape and pole coordinates for 8 of them. By using available data from occultations, we are able to scale some shapes to an absolute size. We also study the rotation periods of our sample looking for confirmation of the suspected abundance of asteroids with long rotation periods. Results. Our results show that the shape models of our sample do not seem to have peculiar properties with respect to asteroids with similar size, while an excess of slow rotators is most probably confirmed.© 2017 ESO., N.P. acknowledges funding from the Portuguese FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology. CI-TEUC is funded by National Funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology (project: UID/ Multi/00611/2013) and FEDER - European Regional Development Fund through COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme Competitiveness and Internationalisation (project: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006922). SARA observations were obtained under the Chilean Telescope Allocation Committee program CNTAC 2015B-4. P.H. acknowledges financial support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and thanks the staff of Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory for technical support. The work of A.M. was supported by grant no. 2014/13/D/ST9/01818 from the National Science Centre, Poland. The research of V.K. is supported by the APVV-15-0458 grant and the VVGS-2016-72608 internal grant of the Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice. M.K. and O.E. acknowledge TUBITAK National Observatory for a partial support in using T100 telescope with project number 14BT100-648.

In the nucleus, there are several membraneless structures called nuclear bodies. Among them, promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are involved in multiple genome maintenance pathways including the DNA damage response, DNA repair, telomere homeostasis, and p53-associated apoptosis. In response to DNA damage, PML-NBs are coalesced and divided by a fission mechanism, thus increasing their number. PML-NBs also play a role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination (HR). Clinically, the dominant negative PML-RARα fusion protein expressed in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) inhibits the transactivation of downstream factors and disrupts PML function, revealing the tumor suppressor role of PML-NBs. All-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide treatment has been implemented for promyelocytic leukemia to target the PML-RARα fusion protein. PML-NBs are associated with various factors implicated in genome maintenance, and are found at the sites of DNA damage. Their interaction with proteins such as p53 indicates that PML-NBs may play a significant role in apoptosis and cancer. Decades of research have revealed the importance of PML-NBs in diverse cellular pathways, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms and exact functions of PML-NBs remain elusive. In this review, PML protein modifications and the functional relevance of PML-NB and its associated factors in genome maintenance will be discussed.

Sigesbeckia pubescens (SP) is a traditional Chinese medicine, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluate the neuroprotective activities of SP extract on glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells and the molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotection. We applied 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), crystal violet, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and western blot analyses for assessing the neuroprotective effects of SP extract. The experimental study revealed that SP considerably increased the cell viability, and reduced the oxidative stress promoted ROS and LDH generation in HT22 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the morphology of HT22 cells was effectively improved by SP. Upregulated gene expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were markedly attenuated by SP. Similarly, SP notably suppressed the ROS-mediated phosphorylation of MAPK (pERK1/2, pJNK, and pp38) cascades and activation of apoptotic factor caspase-3 signaling pathway that overall contributed to the neuroprotection. Taken together, SP may exert neuroprotective effects via alteration of MAPK and caspase-3 pathways under oxidative stress condition. Therefore, SP is a potential agent for preventing oxidative stress-mediated neuronal cell death.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) plays a pivotal role in neural development and neurodegeneration. CDK5 activity can be regulated by posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation and S-nitrosylation. In this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which the acetylation of CDK5 at K33 (Ac-CDK5) results in the loss of ATP binding and impaired kinase activity. We identify GCN5 and SIRT1 as critical factor controlling Ac-CDK5 levels. Ac-CDK5 achieved its lowest levels in rat fetal brains but was dramatically increased during postnatal periods. Intriguingly, nuclear Ac-CDK5 levels negatively correlated with neurite length in embryonic hippocampal neurons. Either treatment with the SIRT1 activator SRT1720 or overexpression of SIRT1 leads to increases in neurite length, whereas SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 or ectopic expression of acetyl-mimetic (K33Q) CDK5 induced the opposite effect. Furthermore, the expression of nuclear-targeted CDK5 K33Q abolished the SRT1720-induced neurite outgrowth, showing that SIRT1 positively regulates neurite outgrowth via deacetylation of nuclear CDK5. The CDK5 activity-dependent increase of neurite length was mediated by enhanced transcriptional regulation of BDNF via unknown mechanism(s). Our findings identify a novel mechanism by which acetylation-mediated regulation of nuclear CDK5 activity plays a critical role in determining neurite length in embryonic neurons.

Although NDRG2 has recently been found to be a candidate tumor suppressor, its precise role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is not well understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that NDRG2 overexpression in MDA-MB-231 cells down-regulated the expression of Snail, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin and a key regulator of EMT, as well as the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic transcription factor that is activated in many human malignancies including breast cancer. In addition, we confirmed that the expression of Snail and phospho-STAT3 was recovered when NDRG2 was knocked down by siRNA in MCF7 cells in which NDRG2 is endogenously expressed. Interestingly, MDA-MB-231-NDRG2 cells showed remarkably decreased Snail expression after treatment with JSI-124 (also known as cucurbitacin I) or Stattic, STAT3 inhibitors, compared to MDA-MB-231-mock cells. Moreover, STAT3 activation by EGF treatment induced higher Snail expression, and NDRG2 overexpression resulted in the inhibition of Snail expression in MDA-MB-231 cells stimulated by EGF in the absence or presence of STAT3 inhibitor. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with STAT3 inhibitor led to a moderate decrease in wound healing and migration capacity, whereas STAT3 inhibitor treatment of MDA-MB-231-NDRG2 cells resulted in a significant attenuation of migration in both resting and EGF-stimulated cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the inhibition of STAT3 signaling by NDRG2 suppresses EMT progression of EMT via the down-regulation of Snail expression.

The pyridine-containing monomer 2-(4′-vinylbiphenyl-4-yl)pyridine (VBPPy), synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction, was successfully polymerized using diphenylmethylpotassium (DPM-K) as an initiator within 360 min at −78 °C, resulting in 100% yield and polydispersity

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), which is known to have tumor suppressor functions, is frequently down-regulated in breast cancers and potentially involved in preventing the migration and invasion of malignant tumor cells. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effects of NDRG2 overexpression, specifically focusing on the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the migration of breast cancer cells. NDRG2 overexpression in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited the expression of the COX-2 mRNA and protein, the transcriptional activity of COX-2, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, which were induced by a treatment with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling attenuated by NDRG2 expression resulted in a decrease in PMA-induced COX-2 expression. Interestingly, the inhibition of COX-2 strongly suppressed PMA-stimulated migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231-NDRG2 cells. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of NDRG2 in MCF7 cells increased the COX-2 mRNA and protein expression levels and the PMA-induced COX-2 expression levels. Consistent with these results, the migration and invasion of MCF7 cells treated with NDRG2 siRNA were significantly enhanced following treatment with PMA. Taken together, our data show that the inhibition of NF-κB signaling by NDRG2 expression is able to suppress cell migration and invasion through the down-regulation of COX-2 expression.

The impeller and the spiral casing are the key components of a centrifugal pump. Many studies have investigated the impeller, but further research of the spiral casing is needed to improve the performance of centrifugal pumps. The current study uses numerical analysis to investigate the effect of cross-sectional area on the performance of the spiral casing. The accuracy of the analysis is improved by conducting it for all operating points using complete geometry through transient analysis, which has the advantage of simulating realistic flow.

The sequential block copolymerization of 4,4′-vinylphenyl-N,N-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzenamine (A) with 2-(2-(4-vinylphenyl)ethynyl)pyridine (B) was simply carried out using only potassium naphthalenide (K-Naph) as an initiator without any additives in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C. The well-defined functional block copolymers containing A block as an electron donor and B block as a weak electron acceptor had predictable molecular weights (Mn = 8,800–14,500 g/mol) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.09–1.10). The bicontinuous microphase-separated film morphology of the precisely synthesized poly(B-b-A-b-B) (PBAB) with 0.71 of fpoly(A), formed by thermal annealing at 230 °C for 9 h, was expected to be a potential active layer for nonvolatile memory device applications. Indium tin oxide (ITO)/PBAB/aluminum (Al) memory devices with an 8 × 8 cross-bar array structure exhibited nonvolatile resistive switching characteristics. The memory devices showed reliable memory performance in terms of ON/OFF ratios of ∼104, endurance cycles and retention time, and statistical data with regard to cumulative probability of the switching currents and threshold voltage distribution. Filamentary conduction mechanism was proposed to explain the switching of PBAB-based memory devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2625-2632

Purpose: Despite advancements in surgery, laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for inguinal hernia in patients with previous lower abdominal surgeries has been a burden to surgeons. This study was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay m esh (IPOM) hernia repair as an alternative method for these cases. Methods: From May 2006 to November 2010, 48 IPOM repairs were performed in 43 patients. All medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Mean age of patients was 61 years old and male to female ratio was 37:6. Five were direct and 43 were indirect hernias. There were 15 recurrent inguinal hernias after either open or laparoscopic hernia repair, and five of 15 were recurrent cases more than two times. Mean operative time was 44.5 minutes, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.41 days. There were two cases of postoperative swelling at the groin area and two patients complained of pain that required oral pain-killers during out-patient follow-ups. Recurrence developed in one case. Conclusion: Even though laparoscopic IPOM repair is not a preferred m ethod for inguinal hernia, it can be applied as an alternative method in specific cases involving difficulties in approaching the usual plane of repair.

Background Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity plays a central role in motor neuron degeneration. GSK-3β inhibitors have been shown to prolong motor neuron survival and suppress disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of a new GSK-3b inhibitor, JGK-263, on ALS in G93A SOD1 transgenic mice. Methods Previously, biochemical efficacy of JGK-263 was observed in normal and mutant (G93A) hSOD1 -transfected motor neuronal cell lines (NSC34). Based on these previous results, we administered JGK-263 orally to 93 transgenic mice with the human G93A-mutated SOD1 gene. The mice were divided into three groups: a group administered 20 mg/kg JGK-263, a group administered 50 mg/kg JGK-263, and a control group not administered with JGK-263. Clinical status, rotarod test, and survival rates of transgenic mice with ALS were evaluated. Sixteen mice from each group were selected for further biochemical study that involved examination of motor neuron count, apoptosis, and cell survival signals. Results JGK-263 administration remarkably improved motor function and prolonged the time until symptom onset, rotarod failure, and death in transgenic mice with ALS compared to control mice. In JGK-263 groups, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) staining in the ventral horn of the lower lumbar spinal cord showed a large number of motor neurons, suggesting normal morphology. The neuroprotective effects of JGK-263 in ALS mice were also suggested by western blot analysis of spinal cord tissues in transgenic mice. Conclusion These results suggest that JGK-263, an oral GSK-3β inhibitor, is promising as a novel therapeutic agent for ALS. Still, further biochemical studies on the underlying mechanisms and safety of JGK-263 are necessary.

A hybrid optical waveguide with a $$90^{\circ }$$ sharp bend comprising a dielectric straight waveguide, a tapered dielectric strip waveguide, and a microscale metal gap waveguide is proposed, modeled, fabricated, and characterized with the aim of improving the efficiency of light coupling between the dielectric and plasmonic waveguides. The simulation result using the full-vector finite-difference time domain shows a total transmissivity of about 63 % at a wavelength of 1,550 nm. A set of hybrid optical waveguide with a $$90^{\circ }$$ bend is fabricated via the two-step photolithography and a metal lift-off process. From the measured result for the characteristics of the fabricated hybrid optical waveguide, the transmission loss was estimated to be about 17 dB, which is in stark contrast with the simulation value. Nevertheless, such a novel coupling scheme may be of potential use in high-density photonic integration applications.

The newly identified tumor suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), has been studied in various cancers because of its anticancer and antimetastasis effects. In this study, we examined the effect of NDRG2 expression on cell viability in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells under conditions that are similar to the microenvironment of solid tumors, which include glucose deprivation. NDRG2 overexpression enhanced the pro-apoptotic effects of glucose deprivation. Glucose deprivation also induced the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a role in protecting tumor cells from metabolic stresses. NDRG2 overexpression strongly reduced glucose deprivation-induced AMPK phosphorylation and increased the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), which indicated the induction of apoptosis. The expression of a constitutively active form of AMPK effectively blocked glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis in NDRG2-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, NDRG2 overexpression also enhanced the pro-apoptotic effects of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or hypoxia, an inducer of metabolic stresses. Finally, we showed that LKB1 is an upstream kinase of AMPK that is involved in the inhibition of glucose deprivation-induced AMPK activity in NDRG2-overexpressing cells. Our findings collectively suggest that NDRG2 is a negative regulator of AMPK activity and functions as a sensitizer of glucose deprivation.

OBJECTIVE: Verify the impact of physical exercise practice in elders with low weight and sarcopenia, since the latter is a component often associated with thinness in the elderly population. In the same way, it seeks to elicit the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on these same variables. METHODOLOGICAL DELINEATION: Integrative review of PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs databases between 2014 and 2019 using Descritores em Ciência e Saúde (DeCS) (sarcopenia, idoso, perda de peso, exercício and estilo de vida sedentário) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) (aged, aged 80 and over, weight loss, sarcopenia, thinness, exercise and sedentary behavior). RESULTS: Fourteen articles were included in the synthesis. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to loss of strength and muscle mass among the elderly. Older people who practice physical activity have improved performance and muscle mass, functional capacity, and strength. CONCLUSION: In general, the articles demonstrated that physical activity assists in the maintenance of lean body mass and the potentiation of protein anabolism in the elderly and sarcopenic population, besides being a preventive factor.