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Desmoid tumours are rare tumours originating from fibroblasts, and are characterised by local infiltration and no metastasis. When complete resection is possible, surgical resection is considered a first-line treatment. In the case of large desmoid tumours, it is mainly performed by laparotomy, not laparoscopy. We report a case of a 43-year-old female patient presenting with a hypodense mass of approximately 5 cm in the posterior wall of the gastric antrum on computed tomography. There was no history of familial adenomatous polyposis, trauma or abdominal surgery. The patient underwent laparoscopic gastric wedge resection and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy without peri-operative complications. Pathological analysis revealed a desmoid tumour, which originated from the stomach and invaded the pancreas. Despite the large size and the locally infiltrative characteristics of these tumours, laparoscopic surgery can be an optimal treatment option due to its advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their suitable characteristics for throttleable rocket engines, interest in pintle injectors has been recently renewed. Many studies have focused on the correlation between spraying conditions and spray or combustion characteristics for pintle injector. However, there is no previous study on the correlation between spray and combustion characteristics due to the difficulties in controlling each spray characteristic individually. This research presents a solution to this problem. For the control group, a 400 N gas-liquid pintle injector for liquid oxygen and gas methane is designed and its spray characteristics are measured through cold-flow tests. In sequence, a 'reverse injection' idea and its design are proposed to increase spray angle while maintaining the droplet size, which is represented by the Sauter mean diameter. In addition, in the design proposed, the reverse injection effect is intensified as the throttling level increases, decreasing the difference of spray angle between throttling levels. In a cold-flow test, air and water were used under an atmospheric condition for gas-liquid flow simulant. The spray angle and droplet size were measured using the shadow method. The 'reverse injection' feature proposed functioned properly, increasing the spray angle of the injector while maintaining the droplet size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF) is a well-established, minimally invasive surgery for cervical radiculopathy, but have the more chances of neural structure damage due to the limited visibility and steeper learning curve. So, the anatomical understanding of the nerve associated with the bony structure will be an essential surgical guideline. Methods: We measured the distance between the bilateral dura lateral edge and bilateral Vpoint on axial cuts of cervical magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional spine computed tomography imaging, respectively, from 80 patients. We then calculate the distance and position between the dura lateral edge and the V-point as surgically critical width (SCW). Transverse interdural distance (TIDW), transverse inter-V-point distance, and anatomical facet joint width were measured. Results: The mean TIDW decreased as the levels down in the 40s-60s but increased at the C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 levels in the 70s. Statistically significant difference was shown at the C6-7 level between the 40s and the 70s. The mean anatomical inter-V-point distance markedly decreased at C5-6 and continued till the C7-Tl level at all age groups. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was shown at the C3-4 and C4-5 level between the 40s and the 70s. The mean negative values of SCW increased from the 40s to 70s at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels (C5-6: -0.60 ± 1.10 mm to -1.63 ± 1.56 mm; C6-7: -0.90 ± 0.74 mm to -2.18 ± 1.25 mm). There were statistically significant differences between the 2 aged groups at the C3-4, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 levels. Conclusion: A prediction of the correlated position between the lateral dura edge and the V-point is essential for the PECF not to injure the neural structure. In the case of a performing the PECF at the C5-6 and C6-7 level in the old-aged patient, it should be considered the laterally moved dura edge, and more extended bony remove is needed for less neural structure damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To compare the fusion rate of a hydroxyapatite demineralized bone matrix (DBM) with post-laminectomy acquired autograft in lumbar interbody fusion surgery and to evaluate the correlation between fusion rate and clinical outcome. Methods : From January 2013 to April 2014, 98 patients underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM (HA-DBM group) in our institute. Of those patients, 65 received complete CT scans for 12 months postoperatively in order to evaluate fusion status. For comparison with autograft, we selected another 65 patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with post-laminectomy acquired autograft (Autograft group) during the same period. Both fusion material groups were matched in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD). To evaluate the clinical outcomes, we analyzed the results of visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results : We reviewed the CT scans of 149 fusion levels in 130 patients (HA-DBM group, 75 levels/65 patients; Autograft group, 74 levels/65 patients). Age, sex, BMI, and BMD were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.528, p=0.848, p=0.527, and p=0.610, respectively). The HA-DBM group showed 39 of 75 fused levels (52%), and the Autograft group showed 46 of 74 fused levels (62.2%). This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.21). In the HA-DBM group, older age and low BMD were significantly associated with non-fusion (61.24 vs. 66.68, p=0.027; -1.63 vs. -2.29, p=0.015, respectively). VAS and ODI showed significant improvement after surgery when fusion was successfully achieved in both groups (p=0.004, p=0.002, HA-DBM group; p=0.012, p=0.03, Autograft group). Conclusion : The fusion rates of the hydroxyapatite DBM and Autograft groups were not significantly different. In addition, clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. However, older age and low BMD are risk factors that might induce non-union after surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of the efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe)-based solar cells requires the formation of high-grain-sized pure CZTSSe throughout the film. We have successfully selenized precursor samples of Cu/SnS/ZnS/Mo/Soda lime glass in an almost sealed selenium furnace. Owing to the presence of confined and high-pressure Se vapor in the furnace, Se easily diffused into the precursor samples, and high-quality Se-rich CZTSSe absorbers were obtained. To understand the effect of the growth mechanism in our precursor and annealing system, this study examines the phase evolution and grain formation. Device parameters are discussed from the perspective of a material microstructure in order to improve performance. At a selenization temperature of 570 °C, a CZTSSe film showed fully developed grains with a size of around 2 Îm without noticeable pore development near the Mo back contact. Solar cells with up to 8.03% efficiency were obtained with a layer thickness of about 1.2 Îm. Detailed electrical analysis of the device indicated that the performance of the device is mainly associated with shunt resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism lead to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a major type of chronic liver disease worldwide. Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is a novel cytokine involved in inflammation and cancer development. However, the role of IL-32 in chronic liver disease has not been reported. In the present paper, we tested the effect of IL-32γ on ethanol-induced liver injury in IL-32γ -overexpressing transgenic mice (IL-32γ mice) after chronic ethanol feeding. Male C57BL/6 and IL-32γ mice (10–12 weeks old) were fed on a Lieber–DeCarli diet containing 6.6% ethanol for 6 weeks. IL-32γ -transfected HepG2 and Huh7 cells, as well as primary hepatocytes from IL-32γ mice, were treated with or without ethanol. The hepatic steatosis and damage induced by ethanol administration were attenuated in IL-32γ mice. Ethanol-induced cytochrome P450 2E1 expression and hydrogen peroxide levels were decreased in the livers of IL-32γ mice, primary hepatocytes from IL-32γ mice and IL-32γ -overexpressing human hepatic cells. The ethanol-induced expression levels of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and IL-6 were reduced in the livers of IL-32γ mice. Because nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) is a key redox transcription factor of inflammatory responses, we examined NF-κB activity. Ethanol-induced NF-κB activities were significantly lower in the livers of IL-32γ mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, reduced infiltration of natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-cells and macrophages in the liver after ethanol administration was observed in IL-32γ mice. These data suggest that IL-32γ prevents ethanol-induced hepatic injury via the inhibition of oxidative damage and inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed multimodal multiphoton microspectroscopy using a small-diameter probe with gradient-index lenses and applied it to unstained Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain samples. Our system maintained the image quality and spatial resolution of images obtained using an objective lens of similar numerical aperture. Multicolor images of AD brain samples were obtained simultaneously by integrating two-photon excited fluorescence and second-harmonic generation on a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microendoscope platform. Measurements of two hippocampal regions, the cornus ammonis-1 and dentate gyrus, revealed more lipids, amyloid fibers, and collagen in the AD samples than in the normal samples. Normal and AD brains were clearly distinguished by a large spectral difference and quantitative analysis of the CH mode using CARS micro-endoscope spectroscopy. We expect this system to be an important diagnosis tool in AD research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and H3K27 generally mark transcriptionally active and repressive chromatins, respectively. In most cell types, these two modifications are mutually exclusive, and this segregation is crucial for the regulation of gene expression. However, how this anticorrelation is achieved has not been fully understood. Here, we show that removal of the H3K27 trimefhyl mark facilitates recruitment of SETl-like H3K4 methyltransferase complexes to their target genes by eliciting a novel interaction between histone H3 and two common subunits, WDR5 and RBBP5, of SETl-like complexes. Consistent with this result, H3K27 trimethylation destabilizes interactions of H3 with SETl-like complexes and antagonizes their ability to carry out H3K4 trimethylation of peptide (H3 residues 1 to 36), histone octamer, and mononucleosome substrates. Altogether, our studies reveal that H3K27 trimethylation of histone H3 represses a previously unrecognized interaction between H3 and SETl-like complexes. This provides an important mechanism that directs the anticorrelation between H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.-The clinical validity of mucin expression in gastric cancer is debated. Whereas several reports demonstrate a correlation between mucin expression and prognosis, others deny such an association. Objective.-This survival analysis study aims to elucidate the prognostic significance of mucin expression in gastric cancer. Design.-A retrospective survival analysis was done with 412 cases of gastric cancer characterized on the basis of MUC immunohistochemistry using MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, and CD10 antibodies; the cases were divided into those with a gastric, an intestinal, or a null mucin phenotype based on the predominant mucin. Results.-There was no association between mucin expression and survival when considering overall gastric cancers or the advanced gastric cancer subtype. However, early gastric cancers with a gastric mucin phenotype showed longer survival than those with an intestinal mucin phenotype (P = .01) or a null phenotype (P = .01). In particular, MUC5AC-positive early gastric cancers resulted in longer survival than did those that did not express MUC5AC (P = .009). The loss of MUC5AC expression was identified as an independent, poor prognostic factor in early gastric cancers using the Cox regression proportional hazard model (hazard ratio, 3.50; P = .045). Conclusions.-MUC5AC expression is significantly associated with patient survival and can be used to predict outcomes in the gastric cancers, especially in the early gastric cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correct rearrangement of postsynaptic components in dendritic spines is important for driving changes of spine structure and synaptic function. SPIN90 plays an essential role in many cellular processes including actin polymerization, endocytosis, growth cone formation and dendritic spine morphogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that SPIN90, which is a binding partner of PSD95 and Shank in spines, is targeted to synapses and leads to enhanced synaptic activity in neurons. We show, using in vitro and in vivo kinase assays, that SPIN90 is tyrosine phosphorylated by Src kinase. SPIN90 that was tyrosine-phosphorylated by Src was targeted to dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons. Moreover, a SPIN90 phospho-deficient mutant was unable to accumulate at dendritic spines whereas SPIN90 WT and a phospho-mimicking mutant were localized at spines and bound PSD95 and Shank with increased efficiency. Consistent with these findings, hippocampal neurons that overexpressed SPIN90 WT or a phospho-mimicking mutant had enlarged spine heads, leading to enhanced postsynaptic function in terms of both amplitude and frequency. Together, our findings show that SPIN90 modulates synaptic activity in neurons as a result of its phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic changes in cancer have been observed for almost a century. The mechanisms underlying these changes have begun to emerge from the recent studies implicating the tumor suppressor p53 in multiple metabolic pathways. The ability of p53 to regulate metabolism may also play important roles in the physiology of normal cells and organs. Here we demonstrate that p53 lowers bile acid (BA) levels under both normal and stressed conditions primarily through up-regulating expression of small heterodimer partner, a critical inhibitor of BA synthesis. Our results uncover a unique metabolic regulatory axis that unexpectedly couples p53 to BA homeostasis. Our results also warrant future studies to investigate a possible role of this axis in the tumor suppression by p53, because excessive quantities of BAs are cytotoxic and can cause liver damage and promote gastrointestinal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a single-panel LCD microdisplay system using a field-sequential color (FSC) driving method and an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) as a backlight unit (BLU). The 0.76" OLED BLU with red, green, and blue (RGB) colors was fabricated by a conventional UV photolithography patterning process and by vacuum deposition of small molecule organic layers. The field-sequential driving frequency was set to 255 Hz to allow each of the RGB colors to be generated without color mixing at the given display frame rate. A prototype FSC LCD microdisplay system consisting of a 0.7" LCD microdisplay panel and the 0.76" OLED BLU successfully exhibited color display and moving picture images using the FSC driving method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new register allocation technique in which register allocation is performed at every reference of a variable. For each reference, the costs of various possible register allocations are estimated by tracing a possible instruction sequence. A cost model is formulated to reduce the scope of tracing. With an extension of the cost model to the estimation of instruction execution time, a new technique for the integration of instruction scheduling and register allocation is also proposed. Experiments show that the proposed register allocation and the integration techniques achieve significant improvements when compared with widely used existing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ASC-2, a multifunctional coactivator, forms a steady-state complex, named ASCOM (for ASC-2 COMplex), that contains the histone - H3-Iysine-4 (H3K4)-methyltransferase MLL3 or its paralogue MLL4. Somewhat surprisingly, given prior indications of redundancy between MLL3 and MLI4, targeted inactivation of the MLL3 H3K4-methylation activity in mice is found to result in ureter epithelial tumors. Interestingly, this phenotype is exacerbated in a p53+/- background and the tumorigenic cells are heavily immunostained for γH2AX. indicating a contribution of MLL3 to the DNA damage response pathway through p53. Consistent with the in vivo observations, and the demonstration of a direct interaction between p53 and ASCOM, cell-based assays have revealed that ASCOM, through ASC-2 and MLL3/4, acts as a p53 coactivator and is required for H3K4-trimethyation and expression of endogenous p53-target genes in response to the DNA damaging agent doxorubicin. In support of redundant functions for MLL3 and MLL4 for some events, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of both MLL3 and MLL4 is required to suppress doxorubicin-inducible expression of several p53-target genes. Importantly, this study identifies a specific H3K4 methytransferase complex, ASCOM, as a physiologically relevant coactivator for p53 and implicates ASCOM in the p53 tumor suppression pathway in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies silicon single-electron transistors (SET) with sidewall depletion gates and their application to dynamic single-electron transistor logic. Device characteristics immune to the gate bias condition; Significance of SET; Feasibility of the dynamic four-input multifunctional SET logic circuit.

We report Coulomb oscillations based on band-to-band tunneling through a valence band in silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors. Degenerately p+-doped channel and n+-doped source/drain enables band-to-band tunneling, which can play a major role in the transport between the channel and source/drain. The formation of tunnel barriers and a quantum dot in a single-electron transistor structure originates from two p+–n+ tunnel junctions and a p+-doped channel with mesoscopic dimension, respectively. Coulomb-blockade oscillations with multiple peaks were clearly observed at liquid nitrogen temperature. Using the electrical and thermal characterization of the quantum dot, single-electron charging effect based on band-to-band tunneling is confirmed. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a subgap density of states (DOS) model of amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) based on optical and electrical measurements. We study the optical absorption spectrum of the a-IGZO using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Together with the first-principles calculations and transient photoconductance spectroscopy from the literature, we determine that the valence band tail and deep-gap states are donors and can be described by exponential and Gaussian distributions, respectively. The conduction band tail and deep-gap states are examined using multi-frequency capacitance-voltage spectroscopy on a-IGZO thin-film transistors (TFTs). The extracted conduction band DOS are fitted to exponential (bandtail) and Gaussian (deep-gap) functions and their validity are supported by the activation energy vs. gate-source bias relationship of the a-IGZO TFT. The PL deep-level emission, which is almost identical to the conduction band deep-gap Gaussian, suggests that these states should be assigned as acceptors. The donor/acceptor assignments of subgap states are consistent with the 2D numerical TFT simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effects of water absorption on the electrical performance and stability in high-mobility zinc oxynitride (ZnON) thin-film transistors (TFTs). The ZnON TFT exhibits a smaller field-effect mobility, lower turn-on voltage, and higher subthreshold slope with a deteriorated electrical stability under positive gate bias stresses after being exposed to water. From the Hall measurements, an increase of the electron concentration and a decrease of the Hall mobility are observed in the ZnON thin film after water absorption. The observed phenomena are mainly attributed to the water molecule-induced increase of the defective ZnXNY bond and the oxygen vacancy inside the ZnON thin film based on the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotopic pancreas in the stomach is usually asymptomatic and benign. Here, we presented a rare case of an early gastric cancer overlying a heterotopic pancreas. A 48-year-old woman underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed a subepithelial mass measuring 2.0×1.5 cm on the gastric antrum with a 1-cm erosive erythematous discoloration on the surface. A biopsy specimen showed moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Endosonography showed a heterogeneous hypoechoic mass measuring 1.3×0.6 cm, with indistinct margins in the second and third layers of the gastric wall; anechoic tubular structures within the mass were suggestive of heterotopic pancreas. Distal gastrectomy was performed, which confirmed an early gastric cancer confined to the mucosa, and a separate underlying heterotopic pancreas. Although heterotopic pancreas is most likely benign, careful endoscopic observation of the mucosal surface is necessary to avoid overlooking a coincident early gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are emitted in the combustion or volatilization of hazardous wastes and fossil fuels. Paint, varnishing agents, and cigarette smoke are also sources of BTEX in living environments. Few studies have examined indoor exposure to BTEX using biomarkers, especially in residential settings. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between residence factors and BTEX exposure using biomarkers among Korean homemakers. Method: We obtained data on 893 non-smoking homemakers older than 19 years from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2009-2011). The concentrations of urinary BTEX metabolites (t,t-muconic acid, hippuric acid, mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid and total methylhippuric acid) were adjusted using the urinary creatinine. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the associations between residence parameters and urinary BTEX metabolites. Results: The geometric mean concentrations of t,t-muconic acid and methylhippuric acid were significantly higher in the group that had remodeled within the previous 6 months (p<0.05) compared with the no-remodeling group. In logistic regression analyses, the odds ratio for exceeding the median urinary concentration of t,t-muconic acid was significantly higher in the group that had remodeled compared with the no-remodeling group (OR=1. 591, 95% CI=1.063-2.382). Urinary methylhippuric acid was significantly associated with residing in a home located within 100 m of a major road (OR=1.399, 95% CI=1.071-1.826). Conclusion: Our study found some significant associations between urinary BTEX metabolites and residence parameters. To find clear associations, additional and more detailed studies are needed. Trial registration: Not applicable (this study does not include healthcare intervention on human participants). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yeast Gal11 protein, a component of the Mediator complex, is required for the transcriptional activation of many class II genes as a physiological target of various activator proteins in vivo. In this study, we identified the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Mediator complex as a novel coactivator of the transcriptional activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) tau 1 (τ1), the major transcriptional activation domain of the GR. GRτ1 directly interacted with the Mediator complex in vivo and in vitro in a Gal11 module- dependent manner, and the Gal11p subunit interacted directly with GRτ1. Specific amino acid residues within the glutamine-rich (Qr) domain of Gal11p (residues 116 to 277) were essential for its interaction with GRτ1 and GRτ1 transactivity in yeast, as demonstrated by mutational analysis of the Gal11 Qr domain, which is highly conserved among human steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) proteins. A Gal11p variant, mini-Gal11p, comprised of the Mediator association and Qr domains of Gal11p or chimeric mini-Gal11p containing the Qr domain of SRC-1 could potentiate the GRτ1 transactivity in a gal11δ yeast strain. These results suggest that there is functional conservation between Qr domains of yeast Gal11p and mammalian SRC proteins as direct targets of activator proteins in yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a technique that allows for the reduction and stabilization of mandibular fractures. Several methods of IMF, such as self-tapping screws or arch bars, have been developed. This study aimed to validate the usefulness of IMF with a self-tapping screw compared to IMF with arch bars with focus on the patients' perspective. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who were treated for mandibular fractures at our hospital between August 2014 and February 2021. A total of 57 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirteen patients were excluded from the analysis: three patients were lost to follow-up, and 10 patients did not undergo IMF. Finally, 44 patients were analyzed, of which 31 belonged to the arch bar group, and 13 belonged to the screw group. Patient discomfort and pain during IMF application and removal were analyzed using a patient self-assessment questionnaire. The surgeon also assessed oral hygiene, IMF stability, and occlusion. Results: We applied IMF to 34 men (77%) and 10 women (23%). The mean age of the patients was 37.3 years. The most common fracture site was the angle (30%), followed by the parasymphysis (25%), the body (23%), the condyle (11%), and the ramus (11%). Patient discomfort and oral hygiene were statistically favorable in the screw group. The IMF application time was statistically shorter in the screw group (p< 0.001). IMF stability was not statistically different between the two groups. The pain score during IMF removal was lower in the screw group (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Compared to arch bars, IMF screws provide more comfort during the IMF period, help maintain favorable oral hygiene, and have a shorter application time. From the patient's perspective, IMF screws are an excellent alternative to conventional arch bars when applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new multicarbazole based organic dye (C2A1, C2S1A1) with a twisted structure was designed and synthesized, and the corresponding dye (C1A1) without the twisted structure was synthesized for comparison. They were successfully applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The results showed that the nonplanar structure of C2A1 and C2S1A1 can efficiently retard the dye aggregation and charge recombination. The organic dye (C2S1A1) with thiophene units also exhibited a higher molar extinction coefficient and red-shifted absorption, which leads to an improved light harvesting efficiency. The C2S1A1-sensitized solar cell produced a solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 5.1%, high open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.69 V, and short-circuit photocurrent density of 10.83 mA cm-2 under AM 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm-2) conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actin plays a fundamental role in the regulation of spine morphology (both shrinkage and enlargement) upon synaptic activation. In particular, actin depolymerization is crucial for the spine shrinkage in NMDAR-mediated synaptic depression. Here, we define the role of SPIN90 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in regulating actin depolymerization via modulation of cofilin activity. When neurons were treated with NMDA, SPIN90 was dephosphorylated by STEP61 (striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase) and translocated from the spines to the dendritic shafts. In addition, phosphorylated SPIN90 bound cofilin and then inhibited cofilin activity, suggesting that SPIN90 dephosphorylation is a prerequisite step for releasing cofilin so that cofilin can adequately sever actin filaments into monomeric form. We found that SPIN90 YE, a phosphomimetic mutant, remained in the spines after NMDAR activation where it bound cofilin, thereby effectively preventing actin depolymerization. This led to inhibition of the activity-dependent redistribution of cortactin and drebrin A, as well as of the morphological changes in the spines that underlie synaptic plasticity. These findings indicate that NMDA-induced SPIN90 dephosphorylation and translocation initiates cofilin-mediated actin dynamics and spine shrinkage within dendritic spines, thereby modulating synaptic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate diverse physiological processes, including the central nervous system control of energy balance. However, the molecular mechanisms for the central actions of NRs in energy balance remain relatively poorly defined. Here we report a hypothalamic gene network involving two NRs, neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 (NOR1) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which directs the regulated expression of orexigenic neuropeptides agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in response to peripheral signals. Our results suggest that the anorexigenic signal leptin induces NOR1 expression likely via the transcription factor cyclicAMPresponse element-binding protein (CREB), while the orexigenic signal glucocorticoid mobilizesGRto inhibit NOR1 expression by antagonizing the action of CREB. Also, NOR1 suppresses glucocorticoid-dependent expression of AgRP and NPY. Consistently, relative to wild-type mice, NOR1-null mice showed significantly higher levels of AgRP and NPY and were less responsive to leptin in decreasing the expression of AgRP and NPY. These results identify mutual antagonism between NOR1 andGR to be a key rheostat for peripheral metabolic signals to centrally control energy balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For reconstruction after distal gastrectomy, the Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is superior to the Billroth II gastrojejunostomy in terms of bile reflux. Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy prevents reflux gastritis, esophagitis, and carcinogenesis of the gastric remnant. However, the Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is relatively complicated and lengthy. The authors perform a simple, safe Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy using modified hemi-double stapling. We applied this technique to 42 patients with gastric cancer. The average operating and reconstruction times were 172.6 ± 42.0 and 26.2 ± 4.8 min, respectively. The postoperative courses were uneventful and the patients were discharged 11.2 ± 2.4 days postoperatively. Neither leakage nor bleeding from the gastrojejunostomy has occurred postoperatively. The postoperative follow-up was 7–24 months and no local recurrence or stricture at the gastrojejunostomy site occurred. Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy using the modified hemi-double stapling technique can achieve reconstruction more simply, safely and quickly, and may provide an alternative reconstruction method for distal gastrectomy. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(VFB) monitoring using optical-substrate-current spectroscopy (ISub,photo spectroscopy) in nitride-based charge-trap Flash (CTF) memories is proposed. Under optical illumination by photons with above-bandgap energy Eph(> Eg,Si), ISub,photo is abruptly increased at the gate voltage VG = VFB due to a sudden increase of the excess minority-carrier diffusion current. As expected ,in this principle, while the single-step feature of the ISub,photo--VG curve is observed in the case of N-MOSFETs, a multistep response is clearly observed in nitride-based CTF memories. The mechanism of steplike ISub,photo spectroscopy is analyzed, supported by analytical models, and verified by comparison with TCAD simulation results. The results show that the height of the step corresponds to the lateral length LTC of the region, over which localized trapped charges are distributed, and its width to the density Qnit (x) = qNnit (x) [C/cm2] in the nitride storage layer. Based on the proposed ISub,photo spectroscopy, lateral charge profiling is demonstrated in a programmed NROM cell. The validity of the proposed ISub,photo spectroscopy is confirmed by comparing the measured ID-VG characteristics with TCAD simulation incorporating the extracted Nnit(x) by ISub,photo spectroscopy. The proposed lateral charge-profiling technique is expectedto be a useful technique for extracting the trapped-charge distribution in NROM and/or multibit CTF memories. This extraction technique has advantages of electrical stress free, exclusion of the effect from interface traps, and the applicability to devices with large gate leakage current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electro-optic properties of PDLC films were investigated by process conditions such as PDLC injection temperature, UV curing temperature and UV power. The mixture of liquid crystal (TL205) and the prepolymer substituted 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) for trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), and the crosslinker in PN393 was used for PDLC formulation. The contrast ratio and driving voltage of PDLC films were mainly affected by UV curing temperature, rather than by the injection temperature. The film that was prepared at a relatively low UV process temperature revealed a good contrast ratio at a low driving voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many transcription coactivators interact with nuclear receptors in a ligand- and C-terminal transactivation function (AF2)-dependent manner. These include activating signal cointegrator 2 (ASC-2), a recently isolated transcriptional coactivator molecule, which is amplified in human cancers and stimulates transactivation by nuclear receptors and numerous other transcription factors. In this report, we show that ASC-2 belongs to a steady-state complex of approximately 2 MDa (ASC-2 complex [ASCOM]) in HeLa nuclei. ASCOM contains retinoblastoma-binding protein RBQ-3, α/β-tubulins, and trithorax group proteins ALR-1, ALR-2, HALR, and ASH2. In particular, ALR-½ and HALR contain a highly conserved 130- to 140-amino-acid motif termed the SET domain, which was recently implicated in histone H3 lysine-specific methylation activities. Indeed, recombinant ALR-1, HALR, and immunopurified ASCOM exhibit very weak but specific H3-1ysine 4 methylation activities in vitro, and transactivation by retinoic acid receptor appears to involve ligand-dependent recruitment of ASCOM and subsequent transient H3-lysine 4 methylation of the promoter region in vivo. Thus, ASCOM may represent a distinct coactivator complex of nuclear receptors. Further characterization of ASCOM will lead to a better understanding of how nuclear receptors and other transcription factors mediate transcriptional activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the integration of light and brassinosteroid signals via a dark-induced small G protein in etiolated seedling growth. Regulations of light and phytohormone in plant growth and development; Role of Pra2 in hypocotyl growth.

Medical castration that interferes with androgen receptor (AR) function is the principal treatment for advanced prostate cancer. However, clinical progression is universal, and tumors with ARindependent resistance mechanisms appear to be increasing in frequency. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new treatments targeting molecular pathways enriched in lethal prostate cancer. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase and an important regulator of gene expression. Here, we show that LSD1 promotes the survival of prostate cancer cells, including those that are castration-resistant, independently of its demethylase function and of the AR. Importantly, this effect is explained in part by activation of a lethal prostate cancer gene network in collaboration with LSD1's binding protein, ZNF217. Finally, that a small-molecule LSD1 inhibitor?SP-2509?blocks important demethylase-independent functions and suppresses castration-resistant prostate cancer cell viability demonstrates the potential of LSD1 inhibition in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a systematic calculation method for negative bias illumination stress (NBIS)-induced instabilities in amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistors (TFTs). The proposed method is based on activation energy window (AEW) in subgap energy range, and it can reproduce the NBIS time evolution of I-V characteristics without long-term stress test. Furthermore, it quantitatively explains the effect of oxygen content on the NBIS instability. The AEW, which is employed for emulating the oxygen vacancy ionization, peroxide formation, and hole trapping, has the order of magnitude of 1016-1017 cm-3 for the bias stress of -20 V and the commercial LED backlight of 300 cd/m². The proposed method is expected to play such an important role in the instability awareness of amorphous oxide TFTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study is to suggest revised recognition standards for occupational disease due to chromium (VI) by reflecting recent domestic and international research works and considering domestic exposure status with respect to target organs, exposure period, and cumulative exposure dose in relation to the chromium (VI)-induced occupational disease compensation. Methods: In this study, the reports published by major international institutions such as World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2012), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2006), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2013), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) (2004), National Toxicology Program (NTP) (2014), and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) (2012) were reviewed and the recent research works searched by PubMed were summarized. Results: Considering the recent research works and the domestic situation, only lung cancer is conserved in the legislative bill in relation to chromium (VI), and the exposure period is not included in the bill. Nasal and paranasal sinus cancer was excluded from the list of cancers that are compensated as the chromium (VI)- induced occupational disease, while lung cancer remains in the list. In the view of legislative unity, considering the fact that only the cancers having sufficient evidence are included in the conventional list of cancers compensated as occupational disease, nasal and paranasal sinus cancer having limited evidence were excluded from the list. The exposure period was also removed from the legislative bill due to the insufficient evidence. Recent advices in connection with cumulative exposure dose were proposed, and other considerable points were provided with respect to individual occupational relevance. Conclusions: It is suggested that the current recognition standard which is "Lung cancer or nasal and paranasal sinus cancer caused by exposure to chromium (VI) or compounds thereof (exposure for two years or longer), or nickel compounds" should be changed to "Lung cancer caused by exposure to chromium (VI) or compounds thereof, and lung cancer or nasal and paranasal sinus cancer caused by exposure to nickel compounds". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is influenced by its anatomic site; however, few studies on the prognosis of gastric GISTs have been reported. The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term prognoses of patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric GISTs and to compare the clinical efficacy of two staging systems: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria and the 7th Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer (UICC/AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 145 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric GISTs between February 2001 and June 2012 at Pusan National University Hospital (Busan, Korea). Recurrence and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were analyzed.Results: During a median follow-up period of 44 months (range, 6-144 months), 11 recurrent lesions were detected in 9 patients (6.4%). On multivariate analysis, tumor size (>5 cm), mitotic count (>5/50 high-power fields), and epithelioid and mixed pathological type were significantly associated with recurrence. The overall 5-year RFS rate was 93.4%. Although no statistically significant differences were detected (C-statistic difference P = 0.886), all metrics showed lower values for the UICC/AJCC TNM staging system than for the NIH consensus criteria, suggesting that the UICC/AJCC TNM staging system may be a better model.Conclusions: The 5-year RFS rate in patients who underwent curative resection for gastric GISTs was excellent. The UICC/AJCC TNM staging system may be more useful than the NIH consensus criteria for risk categorization of patients with gastric GISTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are emerging materials for semiconducting channels in high-performance thin-film transistor (TFT) technology. However, there are concerns regarding the contact resistance (Rcontact) in CNT-TFTs, which limits the ultimate performance, especially the CNT-TFTs with the inkjet-printed source/drain (S/D) electrodes. Thus, the contact interfaces comprising the overlap between CNTs and metal S/D electrodes play a particularly dominant role in determining the performances and degree of variability in the CNT-TFTs with inkjet-printed S/D electrodes. In this work, the CNT-TFTs with improved device performance are demonstrated to enhance contact interfaces by controlling the CNT density at the network channel and underneath the inkjet-printed S/D electrodes during the formation of a CNT network channel. The origin of the improved device performance was systematically investigated by extracting Rcontact in the CNT-TFTs with the enhanced contact interfaces by depositing a high density of CNTs underneath the S/D electrodes, resulting in a 59% reduction in Rcontact; hence, the key performance metrics were correspondingly improved without sacrificing any other device metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We evaluated 5 different rat models using different agents in order to establish a standard animal model for interstitial cystitis (IC) in terms of the functional and pathologic characteristics of the bladder. Methods: Five IC models were generated in 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats via transurethral instillation of 0.1M hydrogen chloride (HCl) or 3% acetic acid (AA), intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CYP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or subcutaneous injection of uroplakin II (UPK2). After generating the IC models, conscious cystometry was performed on days 3, 7, and 14. All rats were euthanized on day 14 and their bladders were obtained for histological and pro-inflammatory- related gene expression analysis. Results: In the cystometric analysis, all experimental groups showed significantly decreased intercontraction intervals compared with the control group on day 3, but only the LPS and UPK groups maintained significantly shorter intercontraction intervals than the control group on day 14. The histological analysis revealed that areas with severe urothelial erosion (HCl, AA, and UPK) and hyperplasia (CYP and LPS), particularly in the UPK-treated bladders, showed a markedly increased infiltration of toluidine blue-stained mast cells and increased tissue fibrosis. In addition, significantly elevated expression of interleukin- 1b, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 was observed in the UPK group compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Among the 5 different agents, the injection of UPK generated the most effective IC animal model, showing consequent urothelial barrier loss, inflammatory reaction, tissue fibrosis stimulation, and persistent hyperactive bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been regarded as a promising material for highly sensitive gas sensors due to their excellent material properties combined with their one-dimensional structural advantages, i.e., a high surface-to-volume ratio. Here we demonstrate a CNT-based gas sensor based on assembling highly purified, solution-processed 99.9% semiconducting CNT networks bridged by palladium source/drain electrodes in a field-effect transistor (FET) configuration with a local back-gate electrode. We investigated the gas responses of the CNT-FETs under different controlled operating regimes for the enhanced detection of H2 and NO2 gases using sensors with various physical dimensions. With the aid of the CNTs with high semiconducting purity (99.9%), we achieved excellent electrical properties and gas responses in the sensors and clearly determined that the operating regimes and physical dimensions of the sensors should be appropriately adjusted for enhanced sensing performance, depending on the gas molecules to be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational physicians (OPs) have complex relationships with employees, employers, and the general public. OPs may have simultaneous obligations towards third parties, which can lead to variable conflicts of interests. Among the various studies of ethical issues related to OPs, few have focused on the Korean OPs. The aim of the present survey was to investigate the ethical contexts, the practical resolutions, and the ethical principles for the Korean OPs. Methods: An email with a self-administered questionnaire was sent to members of the Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, comprising 150 specialists and 130 residents. The questionnaire was also distributed to 52 specialists and 46 residents who attended the annual meeting of the Korean Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics in October 2015, and to 240 specialists by uploading the questionnaire to the online community 'oem-doctors' in February 2016. The responses to each question (perception of general ethical conflicts, recognition of various ethical codes for OPs, core professional values in ethics of occupational medicine, and a mock case study) were compared between specialists and residents by the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Responses were received from 80 specialists and 71 residents. Most participants had experienced ethical conflicts at work and felt the need for systematic education and training. OPs suffered the most ethical conflicts in decisions regarding occupational health examination and evaluation for work relatedness. Over 60% of total participants were unaware of the ethical codes of other countries. Participants thought 'consideration of worker's health and safety' (26.0%) and 'neutrality' (24.7%) as the prominent ethical values in professionality ofoccupational medicine. In mock cases, participants chose beneficence and justice for fitness for work and confidential information acquired while on duty, and beneficence and respect for autonomy in pre-placement examinations. Conclusions: This study evaluated the current perception of and attitude toward ethical issues among the Korean OPs. These findings will facilitate the development of a code of ethics and the ethical decision-making program forthe Korean OPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first step in the conventional approach to self-assembled biomaterials is to develop well-defined nanostructures in vitro, which is followed by disruption of the preformed nanostructures at the inside of the cell to achieve bioactivity. Here, we propose an inverse strategy to develop in-cell gain-of-function self-assembled nanostructures. In this approach, the supramolecular building blocks exist in a unimolecular/unordered state in vitro or at the outside of the cell and assemble into well-defined nanostructures after cell internalization. We used block copolypeptides of an oligoarginine and a self-assembling peptide as building blocks and investigated correlations among the nanostructural state, antiprion bioactivity, and cytotoxicity. The optimal bioactivity (i.e., the highest antiprion activity and lowest cytotoxicity) was obtained when the building blocks existed in a unimolecular/unordered state in vitro and during the cell internalization process, exerting minimal cytotoxic damage to cell membranes, and were subsequently converted into high-charge-density vesicles in the low pH endosome/lysosomes in vivo, thus, resulting in the significantly enhanced antiprion activity. In particular, the in-cell self-assembly concept presents a feasible approach to developing therapeutics against protein misfolding diseases. In general, the in-cell self-assembly provides a novel inverse methodology to supramolecular bionanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selectively activated inorganic synaptic devices, showing a high on/off ratio, ultrasmall dimensions, low power consumption, and short programming time, are required to emulate the functions of high-capacity and energy-efficient reconfigurable human neural systems combining information storage and processing (Li et al. Sci. Rep. 2014, 4, 4096). Here, we demonstrate that such a synaptic device is realized using a Ag/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT)/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) with ultrathin PZT (thickness of ∼4 nm). Ag ion migration through the very thin FTJ enables a large on/off ratio (107) and low energy consumption (potentiation energy consumption = ∼22 aJ and depression energy consumption = ∼2.5 pJ). In addition, the simple alignment of the downward polarization in PZT selectively activates the synaptic plasticity of the FTJ and the transition from short-term plasticity to long-term potentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we fabricated the In0.53Ga0.47As metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs) with a MOS interface of Y2O3/In0.53Ga0.47As and recessed gate structure. We investigated the interfacial properties of the gate stack and the junction characteristics of the fabricated MOSFETs. Low subthreshold slope (SS=110mV/dec), high on/off current ratio (Ion/Ioff=106), and high effective mobility of 1600 cm2/V.s were achieved in the MOSFETs at a sheet charge density (Ns)=1.2×1012cm-2. From the temperature dependence of I-V characteristics, the interface trap density was extracted to be Dit=2.2×1011cm-2.eV-1 with a negligible trap-assisted leakage current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate an ink-jet printed ambipolar transistor and inverter based on a semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) network as a channel by employing a solution-based chemical doping technique with an amine-rich polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymer. The PEI polymer has been reported as an efficient electron dopant and thus contributes to enhancing n-type conduction in CNT transistors. However, because of the presence of ambient oxygen and moisture and the hygroscopicity of the PEI polymer, their p-type conduction did not seem to be effectively reduced, resulting in rather ambipolar conduction. Therefore, we utilize a simple solution-based doping technique to convert ptype semiconducting CNT transistors into ambipolar transistors and fabricate the ambipolar CNT transistor by combining a cost-effective ink-jet printing technique and a simple spin-coating method. Finally, the electrical performance of the logic inverter consisting of identical two ambipolar CNT transistors is also evaluated and optimized by adjusting the concentration of PEI polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the concentration of total mercury (THg) in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk, and its association with dietary factors. A total of 127 pregnant women in Busan, Korea were recruited. Maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk were collected at 36 weeks of gestation, at delivery, and at one week after birth, respectively. Information about dietary habits and other factors were obtained from each subject. The mean THg concentrations in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk were 3.12±1.36 μg/L, 5.46±2.41 μg/L, and 0.91±2.08 μg/L, respectively. Positive correlations were found between log-transformed THg concentrations in maternal blood and cord blood (r=0.829, p<0.001), and between maternal blood and breast milk (r=0.296, p=0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the log-transformed concentration of THg in maternal blood was positively correlated with fish consumption (β=0.345, p<0.0001) and negatively correlated with bean consumption (β=-0.055, p=0.048). Fish consumption (β=0.482, p<0.0001) and maternal age (β=0.025, p=0.033) were positively associated with the concentration of THg in cord blood, while negative correlations were found for bean consumption (β=-0.134, p=0.027) and parity (β=-0.172, p=0.015). Beef consumption (β=0.031, p=0.007) was positively associated with log-transformed THg concentrations in breast milk, while negative correlations were found for bean consumption (β=-0.019, p=0.003) and maternal age (β=-0.083, p=0.004). Our study found that both the dietary and demographic factors differently affected to THg concentrations among samples of maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the association between living environment including housing characteristis and lifestyles and phthalate exposure in Korea.

The effect of direct current sputtering power of indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) on the performance and stability of the corresponding thin-film transistor devices was studied. The field effect mobility increases as the IGZO sputter power increases, at the expense of device reliability under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). Device simulation based on the extracted sub-gap density of states indicates that the field effect mobility is improved as a result of the number of acceptor-like states decreasing. The degradation by NBIS is suggested to be induced by the formation of peroxides in IGZO rather than charge trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease is commonly accompanied by colonic dysmotility and causes changes in intestinal smooth muscle contractility. In this study, colonic smooth muscle contractility in a chronic inflammatory condition was investigated using smooth muscle tissues prepared from interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10-/-) mice. Methods: Prepared smooth muscle sections were placed in an organ bath system. Cholinergic and nitrergic neuronal responses were observed using carbachol and electrical field stimulation with L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The expression of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks, muscarinic receptors, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed via immunofluorescent staining. Results: The spontaneous contractility and expression of ICC networks in the proximal and distal colon was significantly decreased in IL-10-/- mice compared to IL-10+/+ mice. The contractility in response to carbachol was significantly decreased in the proximal colon of I L-10-/- mice compared to IL-10+/+ mice, but no significant difference wao found in the distal colon. In addition, the expression of muscarinic receptor type 2 was reduced in the proximal colon of IL-10-/- mice. The nictric oxide-mediated relaxation after electrical field stimulation was significantly decreased in the proximal and distal colon of IL-10-/- mice. In inflamed colon, the expression of nNOS decreased, whereas the expression of iNOS increased. Conclusions: These results suggest that damage to the ICC network and NOS system in the proximal and distal colon, as well as damage to the smooth muscle cholinergic receptor in the proximal colon may play an important role in the dysmotility of the inflamed colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mobility of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) network thin-film transistors (TFTs) is an essential parameter. Previous extraction methods for mobility encountered problems in extracting accurate intrinsic mobility due to the uncertainty of the SWNT density in the network channel and the existence of contact resistance at the source/drain electrodes. As a result, efficient and accurate extraction of the mobility in SWNT TFTs is challenging using previous methods. We propose a direct method of extracting accurate intrinsic mobility in SWNT TFTs by employing capacitance-voltage and current-voltage measurements. Consequently, we simply obtain accurate intrinsic mobility within the ink-jet printed SWNT TFTs without any complicated calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative analysis of mechanism on negative bias illumination stress (NBIS)-induced instability of amorphous indium-tin-zinc-oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) was suggested along with the effect of equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of gate insulator. The analysis was implemented through combining the experimentally extracted density of subgap states and the device simulation. During NBIS, it was observed that the thicker EOT causes increase in both the shift of threshold voltage and the variation of subthreshold swing as well as the hump-like feature in a transfer curve. We found that the EOT-dependence of NBIS instability can be clearly explicated with the donor creation model, in which a larger amount of valence band tail states is transformed into either the ionized oxygen vacancy VO2+ or peroxide O22- with the increase of EOT. It was also found that the Vo2+-related extrinsic factor accounts for 80%-92% of the total donor creation taking place in the valence band tail states while the rest is taken by the O22- related intrinsic factor. The ratio of extrinsic factor compared to the total donor creation also increased with the increase of EOT, which could be explained by more prominent oxygen deficiency. The key founding of our work certainly represents that the established model should be considered very effective for analyzing the instability of the post-indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) ZnO-based compound semiconductor TFTs with the mobility, which is much higher than those of a-IGZO TFTs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication usually applies feedback loop-based filters and amplifiers to ensure undistorted delivery of messages. Such an amplifier acts during Drosophila melanogaster midoogenesis, when oskar messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) anchoring depends on its own locally translated protein product. We find that the motor regulator Klar (3 mediates a gain-control process that prevents saturation-based distortions in this positive feedback loop. We demonstrate that, like oskar mRNA, Klar β localizes to the posterior pole of oocytes in a kinesin-1-dependent manner. By live imaging and semiquantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show that Klar β restrains oskar ribonucleoprotein motility and decreases the posterior-ward translocation of oskar mRNA, thereby adapting the rate of oskar delivery to the output of the anchoring machinery. This negative regulatory effect of Klar is particularly important for overriding temperature-induced changes in motility. We conclude that by preventing defects in oskar anchoring, this mechanism contributes to the developmental robustness of a poikilothermic organism living in a variable temperature environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a valuable imaging tool for evaluating subepithelial lesions in the stomach. However, there are few studies on differentiation between gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and benign mesenchymal tumors, such as leiomyoma or schwannoma, with the use of EUS. In addition, there are limitations in the analysis of the characteristic features of such tumors due to poor interobserver agreement as a result of subjective interpretation of EUS images. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of digital image analysis in distinguishing the features of GISTs from those of benign mesenchymal tumors on EUS. Methods We enrolled 65 patients with histopathologically proven gastric GIST, leiomyoma or schwannoma on surgically resected specimens who underwent EUS examination at our endoscopic unit from January 2007 to September 2010. After standardization of the EUS images, brightness values including the mean (Tmean), indicative of echogenicity, and the standard deviation (TSD), indicative of heterogeneity, in the tumors were analyzed. Results The Tmean and TSD were significantly higher in GIST than in leiomyoma and schwannoma (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the Tmean or TSD between benign and malignant GISTs. The sensitivity and specificity were almost optimized for differentiating GIST from leiomyoma or schwannoma when the critical values of Tmean and TSD were 65 and 75, respectively. The presence of at least 1 of these 2 findings in a given tumor resulted in a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 94%, negative predictive value of 80%, and accuracy of 90.8% for predicting GIST. Conclusion Digital image analysis provides objective information on EUS images; thus, it can be useful in diagnosing gastric mesenchymal tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]