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A palynological study of genus Dioscorea L. in Korea was conducted to evaluate the taxonomic implications. As a result of confirming the palynological characteristics of seven taxa of Dioscorea L., including six that are distributed in Korea and D. tokoro found in Japan, sections or species were classified according to the characteristics, such as the number of apertures, the polar end shape, and exine sculpturing. Specifically, the exine sculptures of D. coreana and D. tokoro, erroneously known to be distributed in Korea, are distinguished. The change in the number of apertures is closely associated with microsporogenesis, and it can be presumed that disulcate pollen might have been derived from monosulcate pollen in Dioscorea.

Seven species and two varieties belonging to the genus Boehmeria Jacq. (Urticaceae) are known to be distributed in Korea. Among them, B. spicata, B. tricuspis, and B. tricuspis var. unicuspis were subjected to an external morphological study. Among the individuals believed to exhibit variations in the leaf shape, B. gracilis and B. silvestrii were newly recognized. Unlike related taxa, B. gracilis has middle leaves with an elliptic, broadly elliptic, ovate, or broadly depressed ovate shape, a regular and serrulate-dentate margin, and an unlobed and short caudate or cuspidate apex. Boehmeria silvestrii has middle leaves with 5-angled ovate, orbicular ovate or broadly ovate shapes, and 3- or 5-lobed and caudate apices. Therefore, we assigned the corresponding names ‘Top-geo-buk-kko-ri’ and ‘Cham-geo-buk-kko-ri’. Meanwhile, the B. spicata complex (B. gracilis, B. silvestrii, B. spicata, and B. tricuspis var. unicuspis) is very closely related in terms of the morphological characters, whereas B. tricuspis exhibits no relationship. Furthermore, because the scientific name and type specimen of B. tricuspis var. unicuspis (Pul-geo-buk-kko-ri) are problematic, the correct name B. paraspicata Nakai and corresponding holotype are presented. Additionally, lectotypes of B. gracilis and B. silvestrii are newly designated here. A taxonomic treatment, descriptions, a key, photographs, type specimens, and leaf variation images of the B. spicata complex are provided in this study.

Catheter ablation (CA) is a well-established therapy for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, CA outcomes for persistent AF remain unsatisfactory because of the high recurrence rate despite time-consuming efforts and the latest ablation technology. Therefore, the selection of good responders to CA is necessary. Surface electrocardiography (sECG)-based complexity parameters were tested for the predictive ability of procedural termination failure during CA and late recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (AA) after CA. A total of 130 patients with nonparoxysmal AF who underwent CA for the first time were investigated. A 10-second sECG of 4 leads (leads I, II, V1, and V6) was analyzed to compute the fibrillatory wave amplitude (FWA), dominant frequency (DF), spectral entropy (SE), organization index (OI), and sample entropy (SampEn). The study endpoints were procedural termination failure during CA and late (≥1 year) AA recurrence after CA. In the multivariate analysis, FWA in lead V1 and DF in lead I were independent predictors of successful AF termination during CA (P.05). The optimal cut-off values for FWA in lead V1 and DF in lead I were 60.38 μV (area under the curve [AUC], 0.672; P = .001) and 5.7 Hz (AUC, 0.630; P = .016), respectively. The combination of FWA of lead V1 and DF of lead I had a more powerful odds ratio for predicting procedural termination failure (OR, 8.542; 95% CI, 2.938-28.834; P.001). FWA in lead V1 was the only independent predictor of late recurrence after CA. The cut-off value is 65.73 μV which was 0.634 of the AUC (P = .009). These sECG parameters, FWA in lead V1 and DF in lead I, predicted AF termination by CA in patients with nonparoxysmal AF. In particular, FWA in lead V1 was an independent predictor of late recurrence of AA after CA.

The anti-cancer effects of Alisma canaliculatum extracts (ACE) were identified in AGS gastric cancer cells. Our results showed that ACE inhibited the growth of AGS cells, increased the proportion of sub-G1 phase cells, and depolarized the membrane potential of mitochondria. ACE-induced gastric cancer cell death was associated with Bcl-2, survivin and Bax level changes, and it activated caspase-3 and -9. In addition, it was involved in the activation of MAPKs and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results suggest that ACE induces apoptosis in AGS gastric cancer cells, and therefore, ACE may have the potential to treat gastric cancer.

The anti-cancer effects of [6]-gingerol ([6]-GIN), the main active polyphenol of ginger (

Grape seed is an important natural bioactive product with various health benefits. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The present study investigated the effects of grape seed powder (GSP) on ICC properties and GI motility. GSP depolarized the pacemaker potentials of ICCs in a dose‑dependent manner. Y25130 or SB269970 slightly inhibited GSP‑induced effects. However, Y25130 and SB269970 together completely blocked GSP-induced effects. In the presence of inhibitors of protein kinase C, protein kinase A, or mitogen-activated protein kinase, GSP‑induced ICC depolarization was inhibited. GSP increased the intestinal transit rate in normal mice and in mice with acetic acid-induced GI motility disorder. In addition, the levels of motilin and substance P were elevated after GSP dosing. These results demonstrate that GSP can regulate GI motility, and therefore, it is a potential therapeutic agent for treating GI motility disorders.

This study intended to optimize the favorable operating conditions for Bench-scale shipboard STP by using artificial wastewater. For this purpose, the previously developed advanced sequence batch reactor and membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined system by our group was adopted at Bench-scale to study the applicability of this system for wastewater treatment and for the removal of nutrient and organic matter. The COD:T-N:T-P ratios of the influent were adjusted at 10:3:1 and the aeration during MBR process was provided at 7 min aeration and 3 min stop. The operating conditions were optimized by measuring the removal efficiencies of CODcr, T-P, and T-N at different time intervals of mixing and aeration. The operating conditions included mixing and aeration for 90:30, 80:40, 70:50, and 60:60 min, respectively. The optimal removal efficiencies were achieved under mixing and aeration for 70 min and 50 min, respectively, using Bench-scale shipboard STP. The results of the present study were in accordance with the MEPC.227(64) regulations for the removal of CODcr, phosphorus, and nitrogen for advanced shipboard wastewater treatment. A further study is required to evaluate a detailed mechanism of shipboard STP to justify the MEPC.227(64) regulations.

The anti-cancer mechanisms of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis were investigated in 5637 bladder cancer cells. Radix Sophorae Flavescentis extract (RSF) (50‑400 µg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of 5637 cells and increased sub‑G1 phase ratios. RSF‑induced cell death was associated with the down-regulation of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) and the up-regulation of Bcl‑2 X‑associated protein (Bax). RSF also activated caspase‑3 and -9 and regulated the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In addition, RSF increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings suggest RSF induces apoptosis in 5637 bladder cancer cells and that it has potential use as a novel anti-cancer drug for bladder cancer.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells that control smooth muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The present study investigated the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) on the pacemaker potentials of ICCs from the mouse small intestine in vitro and on GI motility in vivo. The whole‑cell patch‑clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potential in ICCs in vitro, and GI motility was investigated in vivo by recording intestinal transit rate (ITR). Using the whole‑cell patch‑clamp configuration, SM depolarized the pacemaker potentials of ICCs in a dose‑dependent manner. Fulvestrant blocked SM‑induced effects but 1,3‑dihydro‑3,3‑bis(4‑hydroxyphenyl)-7-methyl‑2H‑indol‑2‑one did not. Additionally, 4‑[2‑phenyl-5,7‑bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazolo[1,5‑a]pyrimidin‑3‑yl] phenol blocked SM‑induced effects. Intracellular guanosine 5'‑O‑(2‑thiodiphosphate), and pretreatment with extracellular Ca2+‑ and Na+‑free solutions also blocked SM‑induced effects. Furthermore, ITR values were increased by SM in vivo and SM elevated the levels of motilin (MTL). The SM‑induced increase in ITR was associated with increased protein expression levels of c‑kit and the transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) channel. In addition, SM induced pacemaker potential depolarization through estrogen receptor β in a G protein‑dependent manner via extracellular Ca2+ and Na+ regulation in the murine small intestine in vitro. Moreover, SM increased the ITR in vivo through the MTL hormone via c‑kit and TMEM16A‑dependent pathways. Taken together, these results suggested that SM may have the ability to control GI motility and could be used as a GI motility regulator.

Alisol B 23‑acetate (AB23A) is a natural triterpenoid isolated from Alismatis rhizoma, which exhibits a number of pharmacological activities. In the present study, AB23A‑induced anticancer efficacy was examined in AGS gastric cancer cells. Cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, caspase activity assay, western blotting and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were used to investigate the anticancer effects of AB23A on AGS cells. AB23A reduced the viability of AGS cells, increased the sub‑G1 cell fraction and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane. Notably, AB23A‑induced cell death was associated with downregulation of the B‑cell lymphoma 2 and survivin proteins, and upregulation of the Bax protein. In addition, AB23A increased caspase‑3 and ‑9 activities, and regulated the activation of mitogen‑activated protein kinases (MAPK). Moreover, AB23A increased the production of reactive oxygen species. These results suggested that AB23A may induce apoptosis through cell cycle arrest and the mitochondrial pathway, accompanied by the caspase and MAPK signaling cascades. In conclusion, AB23A may have potential as a novel anticancer drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

In Lilium, a popular horticulture crop, the main objective of crossbreeding is introgression of desirable genes and features into new cultivars. Commercial Lilium cultivars were produced primarily through 2n-gametes or 2x-gametes as parental plants or backcrossing. The primary genetic difference in 2 methods, is the presence of genomic recombination. Especially, GISH (genomic in situ hybridization) among molecular cytogenetic analysis, is the relevant technique to detect genetic information; genome composition, chromosome behavior during meiosis and recombination of hybrids as using their parental DNA as a probe. Based on previous studies, in this research, 12 LA (L. longiflorum x L. Asiatic hybrids) hybrids were analyzed by GISH (genomic in situ hybridization) along with ploidy analysis, and pollen germination tests. The LA hybrids used in this study, showed less pollen germination ability (ranged 0 - 21.74%), but germination of ‘Caesars Palace’ was significantly higher (59.09%). Interestingly, ploidy analysis showed that ‘Caesars Palace’ was tetraploid and ‘Batistero’ had one more additional chromosome from the L genome. Nine of the 12 cultivars exhibited recombination and 3 had only non-recombinant chromosomes; fewer L. longiflorum chromosomes were present in the cultivars than Asiatic chromosomes. Consequentially, it is assumed that 2n-gametes were more common methodology than 2x-gametes for producing commercial cultivars. Moreover, backcrossing tended to be performed with the Asiatic hybrid cultivar.

Analyzing chromosomal traits is one of the pragmatic ways to establish evolutionary and genetic database of plants that has complicated phylogenetic system. There are some conflicts on the exact phylogeny and evolutionary pathway of Lilium, and section martagon is the most complicated part among them. In this study, chromosomal traits of martagon lily species are described. All martagon lilies were analyzed with FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) technique, followed by detailed karyotyping. Each species showed 2n = 2x = 24 of chromosome complement. Size of chromosomes ranged from 451.04 to 680.06 µm. 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA, general molecular markers in modern evolutionary research were used as probe in this study. Variation in rDNA loci and chromosome translocation were observed in Lilium hansonii; the highest number of 45S rDNA loci was detected in Lilium hansonii, followed by other martagon lilies, in similar locations but with differences, and chromosome translocation was observed from one individual of Lilium hansonii. Additionally, Lilium tsingtauense from Jeju-do Island, Korea was detected with two extra chromosomes. These kind of genetic variations through karyotyping indicate ongoing genetic variations in martagon lilies. In this study, precise analysis of chromosome traits in Lilium species belonging to section martagonperformed to contribute to better comprehension of the evolutionary pathway and establishment of cytogenetic database for further plant breeding research.

Traditional herbal medicines are being increasingly used worldwide to treat cancer. Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (RSF) is a Chinese herb, which has numerous pharmacological properties, including anti‑tumour effects. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying RSF‑induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells (AGS cells). We found that RSF treatment (20‑200 µg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells and increased the sub‑G1 phase ratio. RSF‑induced cell death was associated with the downregulation of BCl‑2 and upregulation of Bax. In addition to increasing the expression levels of apoptosis‑mediating surface antigen FAS and Fas ligand, RSF also activated caspase‑3; however, mitogen‑activated protein kinase appeared to inhibit RSF‑induced cell death. RSF also led to an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Based on these results, we propose that RSF could be a potential therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.

Background: Carthami flos (CF) is a traditional medicine used to treat various diseases, especially cancer therapy. Objectives: The mechanisms of cell death induction by CF were investigated in AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: Cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, caspase activity assay, western blotting, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were used to check the anti-cancer effects of CF on AGS cells. Results: Treatment with CF (100500 μg/mL) inhibited AGS cell proliferation and increased the ratio of the subG1 phase of the cell cycle. CF induced cell death was associated with a reduction in Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax levels. Moreover, expression of the apoptosismediating surface antigen (FAS) was increased. CF activated caspase-3 and -9. In addition, it regulated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and increased intracellular ROS generation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CF induced apoptosis in AGS cells and could thus, serve as a novel anticancer agent to promote apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.

Background: Bojungikki-tang (BJIT) is a traditional formula used to treat Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Objectives: We investigated the GI motility functions in vivo and the pacemaker potential in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in vitro by BJIT. Materials and Methods: Intestinal transit rate (ITR) and serum levels of GI hormones were investigated in mice. ICC-induced pacemaker potential was evaluated using the electrophysiological method. Results: ITR values and the level of motilin significantly increased after treatment with BJIT. The BJIT-induced ITR increase was related to the increase in the expression of a c-kit. BJIT induced the pacemaker potential depolarizations and the frequency decrease of ICCs. Pretreatment with methoctramine resulted in the inhibition of BJIT-induced depolarization of the pacemaker potential. However, BJIT-induced effects were retained in the presence of 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide. Furthermore, thapsigargin pretreatment resulted in the inhibition of BJIT-induced effects. Moreover, BJIT blocked both transient receptor potential melastatin 7 and calcium-activated chloride (transmembrane protein 16A) channels. Conclusion: These results indicate that BJIT can be considered a good medicine for controlling GI motility.

Background: Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid isolated from the roots of various species of licorice plants. Objectives: Mechanisms underlying ISL-induced cell death were investigated in 5637 human bladder cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: Cell viabilities were measured with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell cycle analysis, caspase activity assay, western blotting, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay were also used to investigate the anticancer effects of ISL on 5637 cells. Results: ISL (100–500 μg/ml) inhibited cancer cell proliferation and increased sub-G1 cell cycle phase ratios. ISL-induced cell death resulted in reduced Bcl-2 and increased Bax. ISL also activated caspase-3 and -9 and increased the levels of intracellular ROS generated. In addition, TG100-115 (transient receptor potential [TRP] melastatin 7 inhibitor) and tranilast (TRP vanilloid 2 inhibitor) each exerted a synergistic effect with ISL on ISL-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ISL causes apoptosis in 5637 cancer cell line. Therefore, ISL may be a potential anticancer drug for treating bladder cancer and a good anticancer supplement.

The flower buds of Sophora japonica L (SF), as a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, have been used to treat bleeding-related disorders such as hematochezia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and diarrhea. However, no specific anti-cancer effect and its molecular mechanism of SF have been described. Thus, we performed in vitro study to investigate if treatment of SF affects activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expression and ATF3-mediated apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. The effects of SF on cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT assay and Western blot analysis against cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). ATF3 activation induced by SF was evaluated using Western blot analysis, RT-PCR and ATF3 promoter assay. SF treatment caused decrease of cell viability and increase of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Exposure of SF activated the levels of ATF3 protein and mRNA via transcriptional regulation in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 by PD98059 and p38 by SB203580 attenuated SF-induced ATF3 expression and transcriptional activation. Ectopic ATF3 overexpression accelerated SF-induced cleavage of PARP. These findings suggest that SF-mediated apoptosis may be the result of ATF3 expression through ERK1/2 and p38-mediated transcriptional activation.

Summary A novel container system with a time-controlled perforation device was designed to create a modified atmosphere (MA) beneficial for preserving 1.5 kg of enoki mushrooms at 10 °C. Periodic cycles of meeting and eclipse of the block-arc-shaped perforations on the rotor and the fixed container cover in the device provided the repeated time-controlled opening/closing of the perforation to control the gas transfer. A mathematical model describing the container atmospheric change was used to determine an optimal design, which is specified with circular opening ratios of 7% for the rotor and 10% for the fixed cover for a 4-h cycle. The design could create an MA of 1.8% O2 and 19.4% CO2 to preserve the quality in terms of weight loss, mushroom development, colour change, texture and overall appearance. The cycled time control of the perforation was found as an effective means to have MA condition keeping enoki mushrooms fresh.

Background: Herbal medicine has been used for the treatment of obesity. Obesity is a very common global health problem, and it is known to be linked to metabolic diseases. Objective: To investigate on the anti-obesity effects of herbal medicines such as Rehmanniae radix (RR), Citrus unshiu peel (CUP), and Poria cocos wolf (PCW) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or an HFD for 6 weeks, and herbal medicines were administered orally three times a week for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters were detected by measuring glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. In addition, histological changes were observed in epididymal adipose tissues. Results: The RR, CUP, and PCW effectively lowered both the body weight and epididymal adipose tissue weight and reduced the adipocyte enlargement. In addition, we examined the serum biochemical profiles of HFD-induced obese mice to confirm the anti-obesity effects of RR, CUP, and PCW. Compared to the ND mice, the administration of RR, CUP, and PCW efficiently reduced the glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol serum levels in HFD-induced obese mice. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the herbal medicines, such as RR, CUP, and PCW, are potential novel agents for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, especially obesity.

The concept of a fresh produce container equipped with a time-controlled gas-diffusion tube was proposed and tested for its effectiveness at modifying the internal atmosphere of the container beneficially, thus preserving the quality of stored spinach. The time-controlled closing/opening of the properly dimensioned diffusion tube was shown to be useful in attaining a modified atmosphere (MA), which is helpful for quality preservation. A mathematical model of the mass balance of gases in the container, taking care of diffusive gas fluxes through the plastic wall and the tube, convective hydraulic gas flow through the tube and produce respiration, was adopted from the literature and constructed to estimate the gas composition under a variety of design and operation variables, enabling optimization of the system. Cycle time did not affect the averaged container atmosphere at equilibrium, but it did affect the fluctuation levels of the gas composition. Functional relationships between the spinach container atmosphere (i.e., O2 and CO2 concentrations) and independent control variables (i.e., tube dimensions and closed time ratio) were formulated and used to find a container design that gives an MA in the optimal window. A designed prototype container was able to give an optimal MA in agreement with design estimates and offer better spinach quality than the perforated control package, thus verifying the concept and model proposed. Practical Applications A time-controlled opening of gas-diffusion tube is an innovative concept to attain a desired MA in a fresh produce container. The time-controlled opening/closing of a properly dimensioned diffusion tube can be programmed using mathematical modeling to attain an MA that is conducive to the produce quality. Proper combination of the closed time ratio and tube dimension yielding the optimal atmosphere of O2 and CO2 concentrations can be found by the approach given in this study. Use of the developed concept can be applied to the reusable containers or packages keeping the product quality and extending the shelf life in the produce supply chain.

Placing the patient in the prone position frequently is required for some surgical procedures. If cardiac arrest occurs and the patient cannot be safely turned supine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may need to be performed with the patient in the prone position. Although clear landmarks have been defined for supine CPR, the optimal hand position for CPR in the prone position has not been clearly determined. The purpose of this study was to determine anatomically the optimal hand position for CPR in the prone position.We reviewed retrospectively the chest computed tomography images of 100 patients taken in the prone position. The vertebral body levels crossing the medial angle of the scapula, the inferior angle of the scapula, and the spinous process of the vertebral body connected to the most inferior rib were identified, and we selected the image level at which the left ventricular (LV) cross-sectional area was the largest. This level was defined as the optimal compression level and correlated to surface anatomical landmarks. We calculated the ratio of the distance from the C7 spinous process to the level of the largest LV cross-sectional area divided by the distance from the C7 spinous process to the spinous process of the vertebral body connected with the most inferior rib.The level of the largest LV cross-sectional area in the prone position was 1 vertebral segment below the inferior angle of the scapula in 45% (99% confidence interval [CI], 33-58) of patients and 0 to 2 vertebral segments below that in 95% (99% CI, 86-98) of patients. The mean (SD) ratio of the distance from the C7 spinous process to the level of the largest LV cross-sectional area divided by the distance from the C7 spinous process to T12 spinous process was 67% ± 7% (99% CI, 65-69).When the patient is positioned prone, the largest LV cross-sectional area is 0 to 2 vertebral segments below the inferior angle of the scapula in at least 86% of patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether this position is optimal for chest compressions in the prone position.

Dapsone, an antibiotic, has been used to cure leprosy. It has been reported that dapsone has anti-inflammatory activity in hosts; however, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of dapsone has not been fully elucidated. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dapsone on bone marrow cells (BMs), especially upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We treated BMs with LPS and dapsone, and the treated cells underwent cellular activity assay, flow cytometry analysis, cytokine production assessment, and reactive oxygen species assay. LPS distinctly activated BMs with several characteristics including high cellular activity, granulocyte changes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production increases. Interestingly, dapsone modulated the inflammatory cells, including granulocytes in LPS-treated BMs, by inducing cell death. While the percentage of Gr-1 positive cells was 57% in control cells, LPS increased that to 75%, and LPS plus dapsone decreased it to 64%. Furthermore, dapsone decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of LPS-treated BMs. At a low concentration (25 μg/mL), dapsone significantly decreased the production of TNF-α in LPS-treated BMs by 54%. This study confirmed that dapsone has anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-mediated inflammation via modulation of the number and function of inflammatory cells, providing new and useful information for clinicians and researchers.

A new model of multidimensional in situ diagnostic data is presented. This was accomplished by combining a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), principal component analysis (PCA), and a genetic algorithm (GA). The PCA was used to reduce input dimensionality. The GA was applied to search for a set of optimized training factors involved in BPNN training. The presented technique was evaluated with optical emission spectroscopy (OES) data measured during the etching of oxide thin films in a CHF3–CF4 inductively coupled plasma. For a systematic modeling, the etching process was characterized by a face-centered Box Wilson experiment. The etch responses to be modeled include oxide etch rate, oxide profile angle, and oxide etch rate non-uniformity. In PCA, three types of data variances were employed and the reduced input dimensionality corresponding to 100, 99, and 98% are 16, 8, and 5. The BPNN training factors to be optimized include the training tolerance, number of hidden neurons, magnitude of initial weight distribution, gradient of bipolar sigmoid function, and gradient of linear function. The prediction errors of GA-BPNN models are 249 Å/min, 2.64°, and 0.439% for the etch rate, profile angle, and etch rate non-uniformity, respectively. Compared to the conventional and previous full OES models, the presented models demonstrated a significantly improved prediction for all etch responses.

Tanshinone I (TAN I) as one of the naturally occurring diterpenes from Salvia miltiorrhizae Bunge (Danshen) has been reported to exhibit an anti-cancer activity. However, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Thus, we performed in vitro study to elucidate the biological mechanism by which TAN I may induce the inhibition of cell growth in human colorectal cancer cells. The treatment of TAN I suppressed the cell proliferation in HCT116 and SW480 cells and decreased the level of cyclin D1 protein. However, the mRNA level of cyclin D1 did not changed by TAN I treatment. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation by MG132 blocked TAN I-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation and the half-life of cyclin D1 was decreased in the cells treated with TAN I. In addition, phosphorylation of cyclin D1 at threonine-286 was increased by TAN I and a point mutation of threonine-286 to alanine attenuated TAN I-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation. Inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed cyclin D1 phosphorylation and subsequent downregulation by TAN I. From these results, we suggest that TAN I-mediated cyclin D1 downregulation may result from proteasomal degradation through its ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of threonine-286. In conclusion, the current study provides new mechanistic link between TAN I, cyclin D1 downregulation and cell growth in human colorectal cancer cells.

Modified atmosphere packaging of fresh produce relies on the attainment of desired gas concentration inside the package resulting from product respiration and package’s gas transfer. Systematic package design method to achieve the target modified atmosphere was developed and constructed as software in terms of selecting the most appropriate film, microperforations, and/or CO2scavenger. It incorporates modeling and/or database construction on the produce respiration, gas transfer across the plastic film and microperforation, and CO2absorption by the scavenger. The optimization algorithm first selects the packaging film and/or microperforations to have the target O2concentration in response to the respiration and then tunes the CO2concentration by CO2absorber when it goes above its tolerance limit. The optimization method tested for green pepper, strawberry, and king oyster mushroom packages was shown to be effective to design the package and the results obtained were consistent with literature work and experimental atmosphere.

The comprehensive mass balances of differential equations involving gas diffusion and hydraulic convection through package perforation, gas permeation through polymeric film, and produce respiration have commonly been used to predict the atmosphere of perforated fresh produce packages. However, the predictions often suffer from instability, and to circumvent this problem, a simplified diffusion model that omits the convective gas transfer and empirical models based on experimental mass transfer data have been developed and investigated previously by several researchers. This study investigated the potential and limitations of the simplified diffusion model and two empirical models for predicting the atmosphere in perforated produce packages. The simplified diffusion model satisfactorily estimated the atmosphere inside the perforated packages of fresh produce under the aerobic conditions examined. Published empirical models of the mass transfer coefficients of the perforation seem to be valid only for the measured conditions and thus should be used carefully for that specific purpose.

Urban renewals in an area or district consist of multiple facilities construction projects, and thus, should be managed as a program. Successful program management is enabled by seamless information of subprojects during its whole lifecycle. In the aspect of data management, program is differentiated with project by its own management structure. Specified architectural design data of individual facilities become the source of program management as a project developed into architectural planning phase and even further, while the schematic data on program created in planning phase contain directions to plan individual facilities in the area. For this reason, the authors suggest schema of data interaction in the planning phase from the very initial planning phase to subsequent detailed planning phases. The data interacts based on product models of different management levels and different levels of detail (LOD), which is commonly introduced as BIM (Building Information Model) in architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Based on the advantages of BIM, the suggested data interaction schema is expected to bring managerial opportunities such as instant cost estimation on with its own management structure of megaproject and with data that are required for specific management activity.