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To verify the diagnostic performance of the loss of nigrosome-1 on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) with compressed sensing-sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) and neuromelanin on neuromelanin-sensitive (NM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical Parkinsonism. A total of 195 patients who underwent MRI between October 2019 and February 2020, including SWI, with or without CS-SENSE, and NM-MRI, were reviewed retrospectively. Two neuroradiologists assessed the loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI and neuromelanin on the NM-MRI. The result of N-3-fluoropropyl-2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane positron-emission tomography (PET) was set as the reference standard. When CS-SENSE was applied for nigrosome-1 imaging on SWI, the non-diagnostic scan rate was lowered significantly from 19.3% (17/88) to 5.6% (6/107; p =0.004). Diagnosis of PD and atypical Parkinsonism based on the loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI and based on NM-MRI showed good diagnostic value (area under the curve [AUC] 0.821, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.755–0.875: AUC 0.832, 95% CI = 0.771–0.882, respectively) with a substantial inter-reader agreement (κ = 0.791 and 0.681, respectively). Combined SWI and neuromelanin had a similar discriminatory ability (AUC 0.830, 95% CI = 0.770–0.880). Similarly, the diagnosis of PD was excellent. CS-SENSE may add value to the diagnostic capability of nigrosome-1 on SWI to reduce the nondiagnostic scan rates. Furthermore, loss of nigrosome-1 on SWI or volume loss of neuromelanin on NM-MRI may be helpful for diagnosing PD. • CS-SENSE on SWI for the nigrosome-1 reduced nondiagnostic scan and acquisition time. • CS-SENSE for the nigrosome-1 improved diagnostic performance for PD and Parkinsonism. • Neuromelanin on NM-MRI indicated a comparable diagnostic ability to nigrosome-1 on SWI. • NM-MRI had a lower nondiagnostic scan rate than SWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard red spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) differ due to the need for vernalization to induce flowering in winter wheat, adaptation to different environments, and the requirement for higher grain protein content for end-use quality in spring wheat. Genetic studies on spring x winter wheat crosses to identify beneficial alleles are difficult due to segregation of vernalization (Vrn) genes. For this experiment, 'Yellowstone', a widely grown winter wheat cultivar, was converted to the spring habit through marker-assisted backcrossing of Vrn-A1 and is now referred to as 'S-Yellowstone'. S-Yellowstone was crossed to the spring wheat cultivar 'Choteau' to produce a population of 95 spring habit recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The RILs and parents were evaluated in field trials for 2 yr where S-Yellowstone had higher grain yield and lower grain protein than Choteau. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4A had pleiotropic effects on several traits. The S-Yellowstone allele at this locus resulted in more seeds per head, accounting for 59.5% of the variation across all environments. The QTL was designated QSnh.mst-4A. However, the S-Yellowstone QSnh.mst-4A allele also resulted in lower grain protein across all environments. Results suggest that the favorable QSnh. mst-4A allele for seed number per head identi- fied in the winter wheat parent might be useful for increasing yield in spring wheat, but consequences of the negative pleiotropic effects on grain protein content might be significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An air-core strip-type high-voltage pulse transformer (HVPT) features a relatively simple structure in terms of design and fabrication. However, this HVPT requires considerable attention to prevent dielectric breakdown between the conductor windings. Because each spiral winding must be very thin, the field enhancement at the edges of the windings is very high. Therefore, it is important to develop proper methods to reduce the field enhancement factor and to prevent the dielectric breakdown at the winding edges. In this paper, in order to minimize the field enhancement, the proposed HVPT winding edges were folded, and each winding width was designed to decrease gradually to form a reverse trapezoid. These windings were insulated by multilayer insulators arranged in a specific manner. The requirement specifications are a maximum input voltage of 50 kV and an output voltage of 400 kV. This paper describes a design process and an electric field analysis to reduce the field enhancement. The simulation and experimental results confirmed the validity of the fabricated HVPT. The dielectric breakdown strength was tested up to 467 kV. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a compact high-voltage pulse electron gun power supply (EGPS) consisted of interleaved capacitor-charging power supply (CCPS) with a series-resonant converter (SRC) to drive the electron tube. Requirement specifications are −40 kV, −7 A (280 kW), and continuous output lower than ±1% ripple stability lasted few seconds with <1 ms charging and discharging times. To meet the design specifications, eight stacks operate in parallel, and each stack has a 45° phase shift switching pulse width modulation (PWM) method. Each designed CCPS can supply −40-kV voltage and −0.9-A current. In addition, the proposed CCPS has the SRC to reduce the switching loss. The SRC is a famous topology, which presents main characteristics such as high-power density and efficiency. To prove the validity, this paper is confirmed by the simulation and experimental results of the fabricated −40-kV output CCPS with water load. Then, we implemented the fabricated EGPS to the electron tube. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel design process for a parallel multi-flow type air-cooled condenser of a dual-loop waste heat recovery system with Rankine steam cycles, for improving the fuel efficiency of gasoline automobiles, has been investigated, focusing on reduction of the pressure drop inside the micro-tubes. The low temperature condenser plays a role in dissipating heat from the system, by sufficiently condensing the low temperature loop working fluid. However, the refrigerant has low enough evaporation temperature to recover the waste heat from engine coolant of about 100°C, but has small saturation enthalpy, so that excessive mass flow rate of the LT working fluid, e.g. over 150 g/s, causes an enormously large pressure drop of the working fluid, to maintain the heat dissipation performance of more than 20 kW. This paper has dealt with a scheme to design a low temperature condenser that has reduced the pressure drop, while ensuring the required thermal performance from the waste heat recovery system. The number of passes, arrangement of the tubes of each pass, and positions of the inlet and outlet pipes on the header are the most critical parameters affecting flow uniformity through all the tubes of the condenser. For the purpose of the performance predictions and parametric study for the LT condenser, we have developed a 1-dimensional userfriendly performance prediction program that feasibly calculates the phase change of the working fluid in the tubes. The proposed design process enables design engineers to find the optimum values of the numbers of passes and tubes of the multiflow condenser, for the reduction of the pressure drop sustaining the heat exchange performance. An example is presented through the proposed design process, and compared with an experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyrolysis of two waste wood samples with block polypropylene were investigated for the reaction characteristics and properties of the pyrolytic oil. The thermal decomposition of the mixture led to an increase in the temperature range for the decomposition of polypropylene, which implied an interaction in the mixture. New tar compounds were also identified from the copyrolysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The oil produced from the mixtures in a batch type reactor had an increase in the mass yield, with higher C and H, and lower moisture contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a conventional MPI engine, a pulsation damper is usually mounted on the fuel rail to diminish undesirable noise in the vehicle cabin room; however, pulsation dampers are quite expensive. Therefore, several studies have focused on reducing fuel pressure pulsation by increasing the self-damping characteristics of the fuel rail. This paper details the development of a fuel rail that reduces pulsation using a self-damping effect. Using an oil hammer simulation technique, pressure pulsation characteristics were investigated with respect to the aspect ratio of the cross-section, wall thickness, and fuel rail material. Increasing the aspect ratio and decreasing the wall thickness efficiently reduced the pressure pulsation. In addition, the pressure pulsation characteristics were investigated with respect to the resonant engine speed and injection period. These simulated data can be used to reduce the pressure pulsation peak and to avoid the resonant point in the design stage during the development of a fuel rail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is our endeavor to develop switching technology for the breakdown reliability and reproducibility at extremely high voltages above 1 MV. One of the key objectives of the endeavor is to derive precise breakdown criteria for use in high-voltage applications. We have developed empirical criteria by which the breakdown field strength of a high-pressure \SF6-filled spark gap can be computed. The validity of the computed result has been verified with several experimental data from different investigators. The computed result has shown good agreement in an extended range of pd (pressure times gap distance) and field enhancement factor of the spark gap geometry. Furthermore, a spark gap has been designed and constructed with particular intention of generating a high-pulsed-power source in Pohang Accelerator Laboratory. In parallel, field modeling has been performed to verify the appropriate shape of the highly stressed insulator and electrode design in the spark gap and to evaluate their field enhancements. A series of breakdown voltage tests has demonstrated the function of the spark gap switch as intended up to 9 bars of \SF6. Aside from this, the limitation of the switching behavior has been examined with an aim of operating the designed spark gap to its maximum capability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study was an open-label study without placebo to assess sexual dysfunction in male patients with AS, and to determine whether sexual function might improve with the use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blockers. Twenty-two males with AS (age, 29–48 years) were treated for 3 months with TNF-α blockers. Before and after treatment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was measured, and all patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, a self-administered measure of sexual dysfunction with five domains: erectile function (EF), intercourse satisfaction (IS), orgasmic function (OF), sexual desire (SD) and overall satisfaction (OS). There were significant improvements in BASDAI after treatment with TNF-α blockers (P<0.001). Anti-TNF-α treated patients showed significant improvements in four out of the five IIEF domains (EF, P<0.001; IS, P<0.001; SD, P=0.006; OS, P=0.033). Among patients with erectile dysfunction, there were significant improvements in three IIEF domains (EF, P=0.006; IS, P=0.007; SD, P=0.018). Only IS domain of IIEF showed a significant correlation with BASDAI (partial correlation coefficient = −0.484, P=0.026). This study showed that anti-TNF-α therapy may improve sexual dysfunction in male AS patients, in addition to reducing disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate whether shoulder dystocia documentation could be improved with a simulation-based educational experience.Methods: Obstetricians at our institution (n=71) participated in an unanticipated simulated shoulder dystocia followed by an educational debriefing session. A second shoulder dystocia simulation was completed at a later date. Delivery notes were a required component of each simulation. Notes were evaluated using a standardized checklist for 16 key components. One point was awarded for each element present. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare documentation between simulations.Results: Participants consisted of 43 (61%) attending and 28 (39%) resident physicians. Ages ranged from 25-63 years (mean+/-standard deviation 37.0+/-9.0), and 75% were female. Years of obstetric experience for our attendings ranged from 4 to 31 years (14.5+/-8.1). Documentation scores were significantly improved after training. Attendings' baseline documentation scores were 8.5+/-2.2 and improved to 9.4+/-2.3, P=.03. Residents' documentation scores also improved (9.0+/-2.1 compared with 10.6+/-2.2, P=.001). In particular, improvement was seen in two components of documentation: 1) providers present for shoulder dystocia (P=.007) and 2) which shoulder was anterior (P<.001). No improvement was seen in standard delivery note components (eg, date, time) or infant characteristics (eg, weight, Apgar scores).Conclusion: Although we showed a significant improvement in the quality of documentation through this simulation program, notes were still suboptimal. Use of standardized forms for shoulder dystocia delivery notes may provide the best solution to ensure appropriate documentation.Level Of Evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana, orange, and apple are the major fruits in Western and Asian diets. In order to find the effects of these fruits, neuron like PC12 cells were exposed to the extracts of these fruits before H2O2 treatment. We found a significant viability of PC12 cells by the MTT reduction test, which indicated that the phenolics of banana, orange, and apple fruits prevented oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity. Additional tests by lactate dehydrogenase and trypan blue exclusion assays showed that the extracts reduced oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell membrane damage. These results suggest that fresh apples, banana, and orange in our daily diet along with other fruits may protect neuron cells against oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity and may play an important role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase and trypan blue exclusion assays whether apple phenolics protected oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity. It was found that apple phenolics inhibited oxidative stress-induced membrane damage in neuronal cells. The results also suggest that naturally occurring antioxidants, such as phenolic phytochemicals in fresh apples, may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Radial multichannel pseudospark switches for extremely high-charge transfer were designed, constructed, and tested. The characteristics of the switches were measured for different electrode geometries and materials in hydrogen and helium as function of gas pressure. The switches were operated in a 100-kJ capacitor bank and conducted an effective charge up to 31 C. A sealed-off radial multichannel pseudospark switch was also manufactured and tested with a 300-kJ capacitor bank. The switch was successfully tested up to 105-kA peak current and 78-C charge transfer. The experimental results demonstrated that a radial multichannel pseudospark switch with SiC electrodes and triggered by a high dielectric trigger has the capability of extremely high charge transfer under pulsed operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature and frequency dispersion on sound speed of bulk PVA-PNIPAM hydrogel was measured by a planar resonant cavity. • PVA-PNIPAm is highly dispersive with large variation depending on density and deswelling ratio. • The temperature dependent speed of sound is strong not only for time-of-flight measurements, but for the curve characteristics of the frequency dependent components. • Comparisons find a standard time of flight techniques underestimate the speed of sound by upto 6%. Bulk Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA) Poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel, one of the thermally responsive phase transitive hydrogels, is a versatile material due to its sharp volumetric phase transition and anomalous behaviors with facile tunability by thermal stimulation. At the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 33 °C, the hydrogels undergo a volumetric phase transition that causes drastic, non-monotonic change in the elastic modulus, viscosity, stiffness, and speed of sound. Here, we report the temperature and frequency dependence of the speed of sound in bulk PVA-PNIPAm hydrogel as measured by means of a planar resonant cavity. The linear response theory is applied for calculation of frequency dependent speed of sound. Comparisons find standard time of flight techniques underestimate the speed of sound by up to 6%, with variation in the frequency dependent speed of sound reaching as high as 200 m/s in the ultrasonic range of 0.2–0.8 MHz. The first characterization of frequency dependent speed of sound in PVA-PNIPAm hydrogel is addressed and delineated into its phase transition behaviors as connected to temperature. The findings can lead to better characterization of mechanical properties using ultrasonic spectroscopy, and higher resolution in ultrasonic imaging applications with dispersive media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a theoretical expansion of a new intelligent algorithm called extended support vector data description (E-SVDD) for the analysis and control of dynamic groups to realize macroscopic and microscopic behavior prediction in an automotive collision avoidance system. The time to collision concept was extracted as a key parameter via system modeling and used with the E-SVDD algorithm to set up the relevant generalized theoretical system. A new method, along with its practical application, to predict the behavior of micro- and macro-systems in real time and improve the control logic for collision avoidance was realized. A numerical simulation based on actual driving data was performed to compare the proposed collision avoidance logic and the conventional one. The results confirmed the improved performance and effectiveness of the proposed control logic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the detection rate of magnetic resonance (MR) myelography without intrathecal gadolinium for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in patients with newly diagnosed spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and to validate a published scoring system for predicting CSF leakage.Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-institution study included patients with newly diagnosed SIH between March 2015 and April 2021. Patients were included if they (a) had newly diagnosed SIH and (b) underwent initial brain MR imaging and preprocedural MR myelography with two- and three-dimensional turbo spin-echo sequences. Patients who underwent spine surgery or procedures including epidural injection and acupuncture were excluded. The detection rate was defined as the proportion of patients with a true-positive MR myelography result among all patients with confirmed CSF leakage. The interobserver agreement for the MR myelography results between two radiologists was analysed using weighted kappa statistics.Results: A total of 136 patients (mean age, 48 years; 70 women) with suspected SIH were included. Of these patients, 120 (88%, 120/136) were confirmed to have CSF leakage. Of the patients with confirmed CSF leakage, 90 (75%, 90/120) had epidural fluid collection. The detection rate of MR myelography for CSF leakage was 88% (105/120). The interobserver agreement between the two readers for detecting CSF leakage (κ = 0.76) or epidural fluid collection (κ = 0.76) on MR myelography was high. Among 24 patients with normal brain MR imaging results, 16 had CSF leakage (67%, 16/24).Conclusions: Non-invasive MR myelography without intrathecal gadolinium should be considered to detect CSF leakage in patients with suspected SIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the conference paper "Successful ablation of complicated placental chorioangioma using ethyl alcohol as a sclerosant," by H. Heo and colleagues is presented.

Variability of production environments challenges wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeders to develop genotypes with the potential to perform well under different levels of resource availability. An important trait that may provide plasticity to wheat is productive tiller number (PTN). This paper reports two studies. The first study tested the impact of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for PTN on yield and other traits in a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) grown over nine environments in the Pacific Northwest. Results showed that an allele for high tiller number at QTn.mst-6B enhanced early tiller (ETN) formation regardless of environments. Under favorable conditions, the large number of early tillers translated into a capacity for high PTN. Seed weight and seed diameter were negatively affected by the QTn.mst-6B high tiller allele. The second study assessed the impact of QTn. mst-6B under different competition and soil resource levels in three trials in Bozeman, MT. Three treatments were imposed on NIL pairs in replicated experiments: (i) bordered rows that limited soil resources to each NIL, (ii) nonbordered rows with less competition that provided more soil resources to each NIL, and (iii) space-planted plants with limited competition for soil resources. Results complemented those found in the multienvironment trials, as the high tiller allele caused high PTN at low competition levels when soil resources were more abundant. Increased yield as a result of the high tiller allele at QTn.mst-6B was only detectable in the highest resource treatment and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a method to detect abnormality of MGS (Motor-Generator System) in HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) using its temperature. The MGS in HEV consists of two Motor-Generators (MG1, MG2), Compound Gear Unit, and etc. The MG1 is to act as a generator in conventional internal combustion engine. And the MG2 is an electric motor to rotate wheel of vehicle using saved electricity in battery or using produced electricity via the MG1. In case of overheating, the electric motors are easily damaged because resistance of wires in motor is abnormally changed. Therefore, detection of abnormally changed temperature in motors (MG1 and MG2) is essential. In this study, the temperature distribution of two Motor-Generators is observed simultaneously in 2-dimensional space. A boundary region of normal operation temperature of two motors is obtained via SVDD technique utilizing Gaussian kernel, one of the most widely being used Mercer kernels. Linear SVDD technique generates boundary of exact ball shape, however SVDD technique using Gaussian kernel can generate nonlinear boundary of distorted ball shape. Abnormality boundary comparison is made between the obtained boundary via SVDD technique and those obtained from conventional temperature range checking method. In order to compare the performance of proposed method, the actual vehicle operation data in excessive driving condition on mountain road is adopted. In verification, simulation shows that warning time due to proposed method is faster and more efficient than those due to conventional method. It is also shown that the reliability of the Motor-Generator System can be improved by using the proposed abnormality detection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the correlation between optic disc parameters and birth weight or gestational age in premature infants.MethodsRetCam fundal images were taken of 97 premature infants who needed screening for retinopathy of prematurity and who had no ischemic brain injury. The images were taken at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks and analyzed. The optic disc cup to disc ratio, optic disc area, rim area, and cup to disc area ratio were calculated using image analysis. We evaluated the relationship between these optic disc parameters and gestational age or birth weight.ResultsThe optic cup to disc ratio was less than 0.15 in 139 eyes (71.6%) and 0.5 or more in six eyes (3.1%). The optic cup disc area ratio was less than 0.05 in 146 eyes (75.3%) and 0.3 or more in four eyes (2.1%). On evaluating the association between optic disc parameters and gestational age or birth weight, optic disc cup to disc ratio, optic disc area, rim area, and cup to disc area ratio did not show significant relationships.ConclusionThe optic disc parameters of premature infants had no correlation with birth weight and gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo report a series of patients who presented with an atypical retinal traction band, which was developed after an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical record of three patients (five eyes) who had been referred to a tertiary care centre for the management of fibrous retinal traction band, which occurred after a bevacizumab injection for stage 3 ROP with plus disease. Clinical features and courses of these eyes were described based on the medical record and RetCam fundus photography.ResultsAll three patients had taken an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab with or without concomitant laser photocoagulation as an initial treatment option for the active stage 3 ROP. With close follow-ups, regression of extraretinal fibrovascular proliferation and plus disease was noted invariably. After the regression of ROP, atypical fibrous traction membrane had arisen along the major vascular arcades with 2.5 to 4 months of latency, which progressed into tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in three out of five eyes.ConclusionIn active stage 3 ROP, fibrous tractional membrane and subsequent TRD along the major vascular arcades were developed unpredictably after the regression of neovascular activity following bevacizumab injection as an initial treatment. Therefore, ROP patients who received bevacizumab treatment without previous retinal photocoagulation should be closely followed for more than 4 months after the treatments even if the disease seems to have regressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to predict or measure the breakdown strength of SF6 gas in the high pressure range. Therefore, it is hard to find reference data of the high pressure SF6 gas breakdown strength. This paper attempts to provide empirically a novel criterion for the estimation of SF6 gas breakdown strength in a spark gap switch. For this purpose, J.C. Martin's breakdown field strength of non-uniform gap in air and Kuffel et al's breakdown field strength by exploiting streamer criterion of uniform field in SF6 gas are adopted. The research is made for the empirical method of predicting the high pressure SF6 breakdown strength and compared results have been ascertained with several experimental data from different investigators in a wide range of pd (pressure times distance) and field enhancement factor (FEF). For further confirmation of the empirical approach, we have designed and developed a high pressure spark gap switch to be closely coupled to a high voltage PFN-Marx system. The designed spark gap switch operates above 1 MV. Our tests have verified the prediction of the breakdown strength of the SF6 filled spark gap switch in a pd range of 0.27-1.62 MPa . cm (2.7 to 16.2 bar.cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to predict or measure the breakdown strength of SF6 gas in the high pressure range. Therefore, it is hard to find reference data of the high pressure SF6 gas breakdown strength. This paper attempts to provide empirically a novel criterion for the estimation of SF6 gas breakdown strength in a spark gap switch. For this purpose, J.C. Martin's breakdown field strength of non-uniform gap in air and Kuffel et al's breakdown field strength by exploiting streamer criterion of uniform field in SF6 gas are adopted. The research is made for the empirical method of predicting the high pressure SF6 breakdown strength and compared results have been ascertained with several experimental data from different investigators in a wide range of pd (pressure times distance) and field enhancement factor (FEF). For further confirmation of the empirical approach, we have designed and developed a high pressure spark gap switch to be closely coupled to a high voltage PFN-Marx system. The designed spark gap switch operates above 1 MV. Our tests have verified the prediction of the breakdown strength of the SF6 filled spark gap switch in a pd range of 0.27-1.62 MPa . cm (2.7 to 16.2 bar.cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaempferol, one of the phytoestrogens, is found in berries and Brassica and Allium species and is known to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammation effect of kaempferol in an aged animal model. To examine the effect of kaempferol in aged Sprague-Dawley rats, kaempferol was fed at 2 or 4 mg/kg/day for 10 days. The data show that kaempferol exhibited the ability to maintain redox balance. Kaempferol suppressed nuclear factor-[kappa]B (NF-[kappa]B) activation and expression of its target genes cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and regulated upon activation, and normal T-cell expressed and secreted in aged rat kidney and in tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced YPEN-1 cells. Furthermore, kaempferol suppressed the increase of the pro-inflammatory NF-[kappa]B cascade through modulation of nuclear factor-inducing kinase (NIK)/I[kappa]B kinase (IKK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in aged rat kidney. Based on these results, we concluded that anti-oxidative kaempferol suppressed the activation of inflammatory NF-[kappa]B transcription factor through NIK/IKK and MAPKs in aged rat kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in rainfed environments in the northern Great Plains of North America frequently encounter drought and heat stress during grain‐fill, thus reducing yield. Delayed leaf senescence after heading, known as the stay‐green trait, has been found to help spring wheat tolerate drought and heat stress during grain‐fill. To better understand how the stay‐green trait relates to expression of other agronomic traits, data was analyzed from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a 'Vida'/MTHW0202 cross grown in rainfed and irrigated environments. The genetic architecture controlling traits measured in this study were also examined. Results found the stay‐green trait was significantly correlated to overall yield (P <.001, r =.37) in rain‐fed environments, but was not significantly correlated to yield (P =.26, r =.09) in irrigated environments. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) located on chromosomes 2D, 4A, and 4D were associated with the stay‐green trait. The 4A stay‐green QTL, previously designated QGfd.mst‐4A, was collocated with QTL for seed number per head, thousand kernel weight, and heading date. The 4D stay‐green QTL overlaps the Rht‐D1 plant height gene, and the allele prolonging the stay‐green period co‐segregates with the wild‐type (tall) Rht‐D1a allele. Results from this study provide a better understanding of the relationship between stay‐green and agronomic traits in rainfed vs. irrigated environments. Additionally, understanding the genetic architecture controlling stay‐green and agronomic traits will aid in selecting future drought‐tolerant spring wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid stems provide resistance to the wheat stem sawfly (WSS, Cephus cinctus Nort.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A major quantitative trait locus, designated Qss.msub‐3BL, controls most of the variation for stem solidness. Two alleles that differ for temporal expression of stem solidness have been identified. An allele derived from the cultivar 'Rescue', designated Qss.msub‐3BL.b, results in solid stems throughout stem development. An allele derived from the cultivar 'Conan', designated Qss.msub‐3BL.c, causes high stem solidness early in plant development, but solidness declines as the plant matures. The objective of this study was to develop near‐isogenic lines (NILs) derived from marker‐assisted backcrossing to compare the impact of Qss.msub‐3BL alleles in different genetic backgrounds on stem solidness, WSS resistance, and agronomic traits. The Conan‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.c resulted in lower WSS infestation than the Rescue‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.b in two genetic backgrounds. Both alleles showed a high level of early stem solidness, though this declined as the stem matured for NIL with the Conan‐derived allele. The Conan‐derived allele Qss.msub‐3BL.c resulted in lower WSS infestation and stem cutting than the allele for hollow stems in two genetic backgrounds. Based on yield trials grown over 2 yr, there were no significant differences in grain yield between the NIL pairs. Our results indicate the Conan‐derived allele at Qss.msub‐3BL results in lower infestation of WSS and does not significantly affect agronomic performance, thus providing a novel source of resistance for the development of WSS‐resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maturity traits such as days to heading and days to physiological maturity have a large impact on agronomic characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars grown in specific environments. Extended green leaf and green glume duration after heading in hard red spring wheat have been shown to result in longer grain-fill duration, increased kernel weight, and higher grain yield in dry environments. The genetic relationship between maturity traits, seed quality, and functional bread-making characteristics was investigated for three sets of recombinant inbred lines derived from crosses between hard red spring wheat parents. Early heading date was correlated with increased seed quality as indicated by test weight and kernel weight in all three genetic populations. Days to heading was not consistently correlated with functional quality related to bread-baking. Longer green glume and green leaf duration after heading were typically positively related to seed quality traits including test weight and kernel weight in the three populations. However, increased green leaf and green glume duration after heading were often negatively correlated with functional quality parameters related to bread baking. Our results suggest that selection for long green leaf or green glume duration after heading to stabilize grain yield in a warmer climate may also result in a decrease in breadmaking potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding geographical range of wheat stem sawfly (WSS) damage, coupled with the limited number of effective control measures, calls for a need to better characterize and explore the genetic variability for resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm from North America. An association-mapping analysis for stem solidness and wheat stem sawfly resistance was conducted using a set of 244 elite spring wheat lines from 10 North American breeding programs. Three previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance were confirmed, including QTL for stem solidness, heading date, and stem cutting. Three new QTL on chromosomes 2A, 3A, and 5B were identified to be associated with larval mortality and a QTL associated with early stem solidness was identified on chromosome 5D. Genetic variation for late stem solidness is mainly determined by the solid-stem QTL on chromosome 3B, while variation for early solidness is affected by chromosomal regions on 1B, 3B, and 5D. Potential sources of a novel resistance mechanism causing larval mortality were identified among the panel lines. Favorable alleles for stem solidness and other resistance traits are available within North American wheat germplasm, but only Montana and South Dakota breeding programs appear to have favorable alleles for all QTLs detected in this study. Improvements in wheat stem sawfly management, for both historically impacted areas and for regions first experiencing damage, may be obtained using alleles that already exist in elite germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The impact of the D genome and QTL in the A and B genomes on agronomic performance of hexaploid wheat and tetraploid durum was determined using novel recombinant inbred line populations derived from interploid crosses. Abstract: Genetic differences between common hexaploid (6X) bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum, 2 n = 6 x = 42, genome, AABBDD) and tetraploid (4X) durum wheat ( T. turgidum subsp. durum, 2 n = 4 x = 28, genome, AABB) may exist due to effects of the D genome and allelic differences at loci in the A and B genomes. Previous work allowed identification of a 6X by 4X cross combination that resulted in a large number of fertile recombinant progeny at both ploidy levels. In this study, interspecific recombinant inbred line populations at both 4X and 6X ploidy with 88 and 117 individuals, respectively, were developed from a cross between Choteau spring wheat (6X) and Mountrail durum wheat (4X). The presence of the D genome in the 6X population resulted in increased yield, tiller number, kernel weight, and kernel size, as well as a decrease in stem solidness, test weight and seed per spike. Similar results were found with a second RIL population containing 152 lines from 18 additional 6X by 4X crosses. Several QTL for agronomic and quality traits were identified in both the 4X and 6X populations. Although negatively impacted by the lack of the D genome, kernel weight in Mountrail (4X) was higher than Choteau (6X) due to positive alleles from Mountrail on chromosomes 3B and 7A. These and other favorable alleles may be useful for introgression between ploidy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary trait in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to prevent damage caused by the wheat stem sawfly (WSS) (Cephus cinctus) is antibiosis facilitated by solid stems. The pith of solid stems impedes development of larvae, often resulting in their death inside the stem. A key question regarding solid stems is the possible impact on grain yield potential due to photosynthate partitioning to stem pith instead of to grain. Molecular markers for the major gene controlling stem solidness, Qss.msub-3BL, were used to develop near-isogenic lines (NIL) for alleles at Qss.msub-3BL in six genetic backgrounds. The NIL were grown in replicated trials in 12 locations that varied for yield potential in Montana, Washington, and Idaho. There was no significant impact of the solid stem allele on grain yield based on mean performance over recurrent parents and locations. Individually, solid-stemmed NIL were significantly lower yielding in one of six genetic backgrounds. Based on means over all crosses, the solid-stemmed NIL had lower yield in only one high-yielding environment. These results suggest that in general the allele for solid stems at Qss.msub-3BL does not result in yield reduction. Development of solidstemmed cultivars with yield potential similar to the best hollow-stemmed cultivars is a reasonable goal for wheat breeding programs in areas impacted by the WSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout adulthood, neurons are continuously replaced by new cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, and this neurogenesis is increased by various neuronal injuries including ischemic stroke and seizure. While several mechanisms of this injury-induced neurogenesis have been elucidated, the initiation factor remains unclear. Here, we investigated which signal(s) trigger(s) ischemia-induced cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampal DG region. We found that early apoptotic cell death of the immature neurons occurred in the DG region following transient forebrain ischemia/reperfusion in mice. Moreover, early immature neuronal death in the DG initiated transient forebrain ischemia/reperfusion-induced neurogenesis through glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin signaling, which was mediated by microglia-derived insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Additionally, we observed that the blockade of immature neuronal cell death, early microglial activation, or IGF-1 signaling attenuated ischemia-induced neurogenesis. These results suggest that early immature neuronal cell death initiates ischemia-induced neurogenesis through microglial IGF-1 in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni/kieselguhr catalysts were applied to hydrodeoxygenate 2-methoxyphenol as a model reaction for bio-oil upgrading in a batch reactor at 100°C and 1.36 MPa. The Ni(40 wt%)-MgO(1.8 wt%)/kieselguhr showed much higher activity in the 2-methoxyphenol hydrodeoxygenation, which could be attributed to the optimal nickel particle size, surface area, and reducibility of the catalyst. Of the Na2CO3+ Urea, NaHCO3, and (NH4)2CO3precipitants, the Na2CO3+ Urea showed the highest activity because the dispersion and surface area of nickel, rather than the pore size of the catalyst, seems to play an important role in the 2-methoxyphenol hydrodeoxygenation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Single-nucleotide polymorphism was used in the construction of an expressed sequence tag map of Aegilops tauschii, the diploid source of the wheat D genome. Comparisons of the map with the rice and sorghum genome sequences revealed 50 inversions and translocations; 2,8, and 40 were assigned respectively to the rice, sorghum, and Ae. tauschii lineages, showing greatly accelerated genome evolution in the large Triticeae genomes. The reduction of the basic chromosome number from 12 to 7 in the Triticeae has taken place by a process during which an entire chromosome is inserted by its telomeres into a break in the centromeric region of another chromosome. The original centromere-telomere polarity of the chromosome arms is maintained in the new chromosome. An intrachromosomal telomere-telomere fusion resulting in a pericentric translocation of a chromosome segment or an entire arm accompanied or preceded the chromosome insertion in some instances. Insertional dysploidy has been recorded in three grass subfamilies and appears to be the dominant mechanism of basic chromosome number reduction in grasses. A total of 64% and 66% of Ae. tauschii genes were syntenic with sorghum and rice genes, respectively. Synteny was reduced in the vicinity of the termini of modern Ae. tauschii chromosomes but not in the vicinity of the ancient termini embedded in the Ae. tauschii chromosomes. suggesting that the dependence of synteny erosion on gene location along the centromere-telomere axis either evolved recently in the Triticeae phylogenetic lineage or its evolution was recently accelerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allylmethylsulfide (AMS), a volatile organosulfur derivative from garlic, has been shown to have radioprotective effects in radiation-challenged cell and animal models, but the mechanism of radioprotection is not well understood. To determine the mechanism of radioprotection in an in vivo model, we first verified the antioxidant capacity of AMS using 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced human embryonic kidney 293T cells by measuring reactive oxygen species generation, reduced glutathione, protein tyrosine kinase/protein tyrosine phosphatase balance, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) protein levels. We then investigated the protective effects of AMS (55 and 275 micromol/kg, intraperitoneal treatment) on 15 Gy X-ray-irradiated mouse kidney. The results showed that AMS decreased the free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in mice exposed to X-rays. Moreover, the antioxidative AMS suppressed the activation of NF-kappaB and its dependent genes such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 through inhibition of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and activation of IkappaB kinase alpha/beta and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Based on these results, AMS may be a useful radioprotective agent by down-regulating the MAPKs and NF-kappaB signaling pathway that can be induced via X-ray irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov (FPK) equation is a powerful tool with Markovian response for analyzing dynamic systems. In this study we consider the design of a stochastic controller using FPK for a system subjected to a wide band random disturbance with constant power spectral density. The time-domain dynamic system equation is transformed into a general dynamic statistical moment equation in the stochastic domain via the FPK equation. The system transformation cannot be realized in real time. In order to improve stochastic controller design in real time, a new method of designing a stochastic controller and its implementation are proposed. The practical efficiency of the proposed method using the approximate probability density function is verified via numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted differential hybridization using two different tissues (caryopses as a tester and pericarps as a driver) 14 days after fertilization (DAF) to characterize the molecular mechanisms inherent to barley kernel development. Genes that were predominantly expressed in caryopsis were then sequenced and divided into nine categories based on their putative functions. The transcripts of Hordeum vulgare disulfide isomerase ( HvPDI), a cDNA encoding disulfide isomerase, were detected in abundance in the caryopses but were expressed only weakly in the pericarps, stems, and leaves. Additionally, expression of HvPDI was abundant in 5-DAF kernels; however, its expression gradually decreased to 20 DAF. In situ hybridization revealed that HvPDI transcripts were detected primarily in the starch endosperm, located near the aleurone layer, during the later stages of kernel development (i.e., 14 and 20 DAF). The HvPDI gene was up-regulated as a result of several different plant hormone treatments, including treatment with ABA, GA3, benzyladenine, and methyl jasmonate. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms inherent in kernel development and assembly of seed storage proteins for accumulation into caryopses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocity is a fundamental property of the wave equation in a linear medium that originates from time-reversal symmetry, or T symmetry. For electromagnetic waves, reciprocity can be violated by an external magnetic field. It is much harder to realize nonreciprocity for acoustic waves. Here we report the first experimental observation of linear nonreciprocal transmission of ultrasound through a water-submerged phononic crystal consisting of asymmetric rods. Viscosity of water is the factor that breaks the T symmetry. Asymmetry, or broken P symmetry along the direction of sound propagation, is the second necessary factor for nonreciprocity. Experimental results are in agreement with numerical simulations based on the Navier-Stokes equation. Our study demonstrates that a medium with broken PT symmetry is acoustically nonreciprocal. The proposed passive nonreciprocal device is cheap, robust, and does not require an energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]