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Background/purpose Nasal obstruction leads to oral breathing and consequently hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hypoxia on inflammatory response and the effect on alveolar bone development in a rat model in which mouth breathing was induced by nasal obstruction. Materials and methods Unilateral nasal obstruction was performed by injecting a Merocel sponge into the nasal cavity of 8-week-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. After 3 and 6 weeks of nasal obstruction, rats were sacrificed, the organs were weighed, and the changes in mandibular bone quality were examined by micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The stereomicroscope was used for the morphological analysis of alveolar bone loss in response to nasal obstruction. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining were employed to examine inflammation and bone remodeling induced by hypoxia. Results Nasal obstruction led to a delay in overall growth and organ development. The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) of the mandible were reduced due to nasal obstruction, and the loss of the alveolar bone was confirmed morphologically. Our nasal obstruction method was observed to be successful in inducing hypoxia along with an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-α). Oral hypoxia induced by nasal obstruction increased inflammatory response, and increased expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) led to bone destruction. Conclusion This study demonstrated that nasal obstruction induced mouth breathing led to hypoxia in a rat model. Under hypoxic conditions, an increase in osteoclast differentiation induced by activation of the inflammatory pathway causes destructive changes in the alveolar bone.

This study investigates the phytoremediation efficiency of stem cuttings of Portulaca oleracea L. grown in Cu and Cd-contaminated soils collected from six major arterial roadsides in Coimbatore, India. The levels of Cu and Cd extractable by diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) were tested in all soils. Furthermore, plant growth parameters and the accumulation of Cd and Cu were tested after stem cuttings were grown for 30 days in all soils. The DTPA-extractable levels of Cu (8.45 to 35.34 μg/g) and Cd (0.18 to 3.10 μg/g) showed wide ranges of variations between sites. Furthermore, levels of Cu were higher in all soils (3.46 to 135.92 times higher) than Cd. After 30 days of growth, significant variation was not found between the soils in the plants' number of leaves (39 ± 2.0 to 41 ± 1.5 leaves), length of roots (8.0 ± 0.7 to 8.7 ± 0.7 cm), and fresh weight (11.40 ± 0.59 to 11.73 ± 0.36 g). The accumulation of Cu was higher (by 2.45 to 5.92 times) than that of Cd in all plants. The calculated accumulation factor (transport of Cu and Cd from soil to plants) was higher for Cd (3.01 to 39.22) than Cu (1.24 to 4.59). There was no clear trend between the order of DTPA-extractable Cu and Cd in soil, Cu and Cd accumulation in plants, and the calculated accumulation factor. Considering the accumulation efficiency of P. oleracea for Cu and Cd, this plant could be explored further for the removal of metals from roadside soils.

This study evaluated the synergetic effect between surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (SPRG) filler and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), for inhibiting multi-species biofilm formation, while maintaining or even improving the original beneficial features of SPRG-filled resin-based composite (RBC).MPC (1.5-10wt%) was incorporated into commercial SPRG-filled RBC. Then, the inherent properties of RBC, and ion release and acid-neutralising properties associated with SPRG were investigated. Further, protein adsorptions and bacterial adhesion and viability on the SPRG-filled RBC surfaces were studied using four kinds of oral bacteria; Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Finally, the thickness and biomass of the human saliva-derived biofilm model cultured on test and control samples were analysed.Addition of MPC content resulted in decreased flexural strength and wettability of SPRG-filled RBC. SPRG-filled RBC released significantly higher amounts of multiple ions as contents of MPC increased. Meanwhile, SPRG-filled RBC with 5-wt% MPC significantly improved acid-neutralising properties than those of other test and control samples (P0.001). SPRG-filled RBC with 3wt% MPC significantly reduced the amount of adsorbed bovine serum albumin and proteins from the brain heart infusion medium as compared to the control (P0.01). A similar trend was observed in the attachment of four types of bacteria and multi-species biofilm (P0.01).Despite limitation in terms of deteriorations of some physical properties, addition of 3% MPC to SPRG-filled RBC leads to inhibition of the attachment of multi-species bacteria on its surface, as well as inhibition of biofilm growth. Moreover, the original important bioactive features of SPRG-filled RBC such as ion release and acid neutralisations are either maintained or improved upon adding MPC.

Background and study aims Duodenal perforation by migration of plastic stents placed to treat biliary lesions is rare but can be life-threatening. Surgical management is preferred, but it may increase risks of mortality and morbidity, especially in patients with underlying comorbidities and those of advanced age. We describe five cases of duodenal perforation that were successfully managed endoscopically. Four patients were elderly, and one had end-stage renal disease. We used cylindrically adapted cap-fitted endoscopy to successfully retrieve migrated plastic stents and to close the perforated walls with hemoclips. No post-procedural complication was noted. In conclusion, endoscopic management is appropriate as a first-line approach in patients with duodenal perforations caused by plastic stent migration.

The X.509 certificate is generally used for a device authentication of the internet of things platforms. X.509 certificates use the device’s public key based communication for device integrity. However, this process incurs a large overhead. Access tokens, on the other hand, have less overhead but have problems with integrity. In the paper, we propose a new authentication scheme based on blockchain. We conducted several experiments to prove that proposed method have less overhead than X.509 certificates, and that the authentication scheme works appropriately.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether mussel adhesive protein (MAP) blended with gelatin loaded into nanotube titanium (Ti) dental implants enhances osseointegration and supports bone formation. Cell viability, crystal violet staining, Western blot analysis, alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were employed to test the biocompatibility of MAP blended with gelatin (MAP/Gel). MC3T3 E1 cells were used for in vitro and Sprague-Dawley rats for in vivo models in this study. MC3T3 E1 cells cultured in MAP/Gel loaded into nanotube Ti surface demonstrated activation of FAK-PI3K-MAPKs-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhanced osteogenic differentiation. μ-CT, H&E, and IHC staining confirmed that MAP/Gel dental implants promoted bone regeneration around the nanotube Ti implants by upregulation of Runx-2, BMP-2/7, Osterix, and OPG in rat mandible model. MAP/Gel supports osseointegration of dental implant after implantation. It is hypothesized that MAP/Gel loaded into nanotube Ti dental implants may be applicable as a potential treatment for bone formation and proper integration of dental implants with alveolar bone. Graphical abstract.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of insulin growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) on the inhibition of glucose oxidative stress and promotion of bone formation near the implant site in a rat model of methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced bone loss.AnMGO treatment downregulated molecules involved in osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in MC3T3 E1 cells and influenced the bone mineral density and bone volume of the femur and alveolar bone. In contrast, IGFBP-3 inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced osteogenesis in MGO-treated MC3T3 E1 cells. In addition, IGFBP-3 promoted bone formation by reducing inflammatory proteins in MGO-administered rats. The application of Ch-GNPs conjugated withThis study demonstrated that IGFBP-3 could be applied as a therapeutic component in dental implants to promote the osseointegration of dental implants in patients with diabetes, which affects MGO levels.

The use of drug-eluting stents (DESs) is a promising strategy for non-vascular diseases, especially human biliary cancer. However, the implementation of DESs suffers from two major obstacles: the side effects of drugs and the difficulty of controlling the drug release. These problems can be overcome if the stent elutes targeting nanoparticles that release drugs at time intervals that are dictated by the mechanisms of those drugs. We designed temporally controlled polymeric multi-prodrug nanoparticles (TCMPNs) that can be eluted from stents comprising polyurethane (PU) nanofiber as a polymeric matrix and paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded, CD44-targeting, hyaluronic acid-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and gemcitabine (GEM) (P-H-G). TCMPNs enable two different types of drugs to be released temporally; PTX is released first owing to the collapse of the structure in the endosomes, and GEM, which induces synergistic anticancer activities, is hydrolyzed from P-H-G later in response to low pH. Embedded in the PU nanofiber, the TCMPNs demonstrate low initial burst behavior and sustainable release of the prodrug in vitro. Furthermore, TCMPN-eluting stents (TESs) exhibit continuous synergistic efficacy as available targeted cellular uptake prodrug delivery systems in tumor-bearing mice. These results demonstrate that this technology will open up cancer therapy by combining localized delivery and functional multi-drug-loaded nanoparticles.

For the first time, we describe the production of nanocrystalline CuO particles using cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The effects of CSNL dosage, reaction duration, and concentrations on copper reduction and nanoparticle formation were studied. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using TEM, XRD and FTIR analysis. The syntheses of nano-sized CuO NPs were confirmed via TEM and XRD and show the presence of well-dispersed CuO NPs ranging from 15 to 20 nm. The results confirm that CuO nanocrystals have high antibacterial efficacy and hence have great potential in the preparation of drugs against bacteria.

An aqueous extract of Yoshino cherry blossoms was used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles obtained were characterized using UV–vis spectra, HR-TEM, XRD, SEM–EDS and FTIR analysis. These methods allow the synthesis of spherical and ovoid silver nanoparticles of approximately in the range between 10 and 20 nm with SPR band at 477.0 nm are obtained for the colloid synthesized at room temperature. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles was confirmed from the XRD pattern and the presence of biomolecules responsible for capping of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the FTIR spectra

We prepared electrospun polymer nanofibers by electrospnning method and investigated about their applications to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrospun polymer nanofibers applied to the polymer matrix in electrolyte for DSSCs. To improve the stiffness of polymer nanofiber, poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVDF-HFP/PMMA) blend nanofibers were prepared and examined. In the electrospun PVDF-HFP/PMMA (1:1) blend nanofibers, the best results of VOC, JSC, FF, and efficiency of the DSSC devices showed 0.71 V, 12.8 mA/cm2, 0.61, and 5.56% under AM 1.5 illumination.

This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial resistance, presence of β-lactamase genes and integrons in 83 ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from Nakdong river and Geumho river in Daegu. Among the β-lactam antimicrobials, all isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cephalothin, cefamandole and cefotaxime, followed by piperacillin (98.8%), ampicillin/sulbactam (86.7%), aztreonam (60.2%) and cefepime (59.0%), whereas resistance to piperacillin/tazobacram, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and cefoxitin was less than 30%. Many of the ESBL-producing Escherichia coli were also resistant to non-β-lactams antimicrobials such as nalidixic acid (83.1%), sulfonamides (72.3%), ciprofloxacin (62.7%) and gentamicin (38.6%). All isolates showed resistance to seven or more antimicrobial agents. The most frequently detected gene was blaTEM+CTX-M (49.4%), followed by blaCTX-M (27.7%), blaTEM (6.0%) and blaOXA (1.2%). But blaSHV was not found. Class 1 integrons were found in 61.4% (51 isolates) of isolates, however, class 2 and 3 integrons were not detected. The results showed water from Nakdong river and Geumho river is contaminated with ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. These results suggest the need for further investigation of antibiotic resistant bacteria to prevent public health impacts in the water environment.

A series of biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels that are suitable for a variety of biomedical applications have been presented. The cross-linked, water-swellable and multi-amine-functionalized PEG hydrogels (CWMPHs) with degradable phosphoester and phosphoamide linkages in the backbone were successfully produced by the condensation crosslinking reactions between PEG–O–P(O)Cl2 with different functionalities and 3-arm-PEG–NH2 pre-polymers, followed by the chain-terminating amination using propane-1,3-diamine in a one-pot process. The newly invented protocol for the fabrication of PEG hydrogels exhibits promising advantages over prior methods including a short reaction time, mass-production, easy separation, and high yield. The structures of the pre-polymers and CWMPHs were well characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, and solid state 31P NMR analyses. The mechanical properties of the CWMPHs measured by a rheometer indicate that both storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) increase as the functionality of PEG–O–P(O)Cl2 increases. All the CWMPHs exhibit pH-sensitive water swellability and degradability at room temperature, so that they show a higher water swelling ratio and faster degradation under acidic conditions via an activated cleavage of P–O and P–N bonds. The non-hemolytic property and reasonable biocompatibility of the CWMPHs were proven by in vivo histological assays and in vitro cell viability tests using 293T and HCT-116 cells. We have also demonstrated promising positive results for the use of CWMPHs as a sustained drug delivery system, by mounting an anticancer drug – doxorubicin in vitro, with specifically enhanced release at a low pH 4.0.

We synthesized two organic dyes, (3-(5-(4-(bis(4-bromophenyl)amino)phenyl)thiophen-2-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid ( TPA-T1 ) and 3,3′-(5,5′-(4,4′-(4-bromophenylazanediyl)bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(thiophene-5,2-diyl))bis(2-cyanoacrylic acid) ( TPA-T2 )), which contain the triphenylamine moiety as an electron donor and cyanoacrylic acid moiety as an electron acceptor, connected by thiophene units. Nanocrystalline TiO 2 -based dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using these dyes to confirm the effects of the number of electron acceptors (single or double) on their photovoltaic performance. The DSSC devices based on the TPA-T2 dye showed higher overall efficiencies ( η = 2.68–4.11%) than those based on TPA-T1 ( η = 2.54–3.46%) due to its the superior optical properties.

We prepared electrospun polymer nanofibers by the electrospinning method and investigated about their applications to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Electrospun poly(vinylidenefluoride–co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP) and PVDF–HFP/polystyrene (PS) blend nanofibers were prepared and examined the uptake, the ionic conductivity, and the porosity by impedance measurement and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The best results of Voc, Jsc, FF, and efficiency of the DSSC devices using the electrospun PVDF–HFP/PS(3:1) blend nanofibers were 0.76 V, 11.8 mA/cm2, 0.66, and 5.75% under AM 1.5.

Background Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has recently become widely used for common bile duct (CBD) stone removal, but many clinicians remain concerned about post-procedural pancreatitis with increasing the balloon size to over 15 mm. Aims We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EPLBD with a relatively large balloon (15–20 mm) after EST and to evaluate the factors related to post-EPLBD pancreatitis. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of the endoscopic database of 101 patients with CBD stones who underwent EPLBD using a larger balloon size of over 15 mm (15–20 mm). Clinical parameters, endoscopic data, and outcomes were analyzed. Results The mean age of the subjects was 69 years. All patients had a dilated CBD of over 11 mm (mean = 22.6 mm). The mean size of balloon used in EPLBD was 17.1 ± 1.9 mm (range 15–20 mm). Mechanical lithotripsy was required in seven patients (6.9%). The rate of complete stone removal in the first session was 92.1%. Post-procedural pancreatitis developed in five cases (5.4%), but none were graded as severe. The smaller dilatation of the CBD, longer cannulation time, and longer time for stone removal were associated with post-procedural pancreatitis, but larger size of balloon did not affect the development of post-EPLBD pancreatitis. Conclusions EPLBD with a large balloon of over 15 mm with EST is an effective and safe procedure with a very low probability of severe post-procedural pancreatitis. Post-EPLBD pancreatitis was not associated with larger balloon size, but was associated with longer procedure time and smaller dilatation of the CBD.

This study describes the design and evaluation of a compensating algorithm for the secondary voltage of a coupling capacitor voltage transformer (CCVT) in the time domain by considering the hysteresis characteristics of the core. The major error of the CCVT is the voltage across the capacitor and the tuning reactor caused by a non-sinusoidal exciting current. The proposed algorithm estimates the voltage across the capacitor and the reactor by considering the effect of the hysteresis characteristics of the core and adds it to the measured secondary voltage to obtain the correct voltage. The algorithm reduces the errors of the CCVT significantly both in the steady state and during a fault. The performance of the algorithm is verified under the various fault conditions by varying the fault distance, the fault inception angle and the fault impedance with the EMTP generated data. Test results clearly indicate that the algorithm can increase the accuracy of a CCVT significantly under the fault conditions as well as in the steady state. The algorithm helps to improve the performance of a protection relay or a metring device.

Three different structures of TiO 2 electrodes of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices were fabricated with layers of nanoparticles and light-scattering particles, and their photovoltaic performances were investigated when the polymer electrolytes were used. Especially, 20-nm- and 123-nm-TiO 2 pastes were prepared by using sol–gel method, to use for light-scattering layer from the incident light. The best efficiency of 6.03% under AM 1.5 was attained with a multi-layer structure using 123-nm-TiO 2 layer for the light-scattering layer and 9-nm-TiO 2 layer for the dense layer.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were prepared with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) electrolyte using various metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) as an additive. The DSSC device using MPcs has higher power conversion efficiency than that without MPcs, due to decrease of electron transfer distance by the interface adsorption between TiO2 film and PEG electrolyte. The best result on power conversion efficiency was 4.18% in DSSC device using InOHPc. The open-circuit voltage (Voc) was 0.70 V, the short-circuit current density (Jsc) was 10.20 mA/cm2, and the Fill Factor (FF) was 0.58. The addition of MPcs as an additive is useful to improve the performances of DSSC devices such as Voc, Jsc, and power conversion efficiency.

The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) examine long-term stability tests were prepared to SnO2:F (FTO) glass substrates patterned by the etching method were applied to the electrode on the device using polyethyleneglycol (PEG) electrolyte. We investigated the effect of patterned SnO2:F (FTO) glass substrates on the power conversion efficiency and long-term stability of DSSCs. The patterned devices maintained over 83% of its initial overall power conversion efficiency after 720 hours aging at room temperature, while the devices using non-patterned FTO glass substrates showed drastic decrease in performances.

Multi-layered TiO2 nanostructured films were fabricated to improve the light harvest efficiency of the dye-adsorbed TiO2 electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by light scattering. Three different structures of TiO2 electrodes, with layers consisting of TiO2 pastes with average diameters of 9, 20, and 300 nm, respectively, were fabricated and their photovoltaic effects on the DSSC devices were investigated. By utilizing the multi-layered TiO2 electrode constructed using the three different TiO2 pastes, the overall power conversion efficiency of the DSSC devices in the PEG-based electrolyte was increased to 5.24% under irradiation of 100 mW/cm2 at AM 1.5.

This paper proposes novel protection schemes for grid-connected distributed generation (DG) units using the fault location algorithm. The grid-connected DG would be influenced by abnormal distribution line conditions. Identification of the fault location for the distribution lines at the relaying point of DG helps solve the problems of the protection relays for DG. The proposed scheme first identifies fault locations using currents and voltages measured at DG and source impedance of distribution networks. Then the actual faulted feeder is identified, applying time-current characteristic curves (TCC) of overcurrent relay (OCR). The method considering the fault location and TCC of OCR might improve the performance of the conventional relays for DG. Test results show that the method prevents the superfluous operations of protection devices by discriminating the faulted feeder, whether it is a distribution line where DG is integrated or out of the line emanated from the substation to which the DGs are connected.

In this study using two-dimensional system of the analysis of image, when normal males in their twenties who have normal foot and step with heel first are walking and running, they who are wearing running shoes or barefoot are testing and comparing the exchange factors of heel control. There are following results of this test by verifying them with T-Test. 1) When they are running, there are two big different gap which is between barefoot and wearing the running shoes. The former is and the latter is . But it is not statistically significant. The angle of first step with heel is with barefoot and with wearing the running shoes. In this case, it is statistically significant(p between barefoot and wearing the running shoes. The former is and the latter is . It is not statistically significant. The angle of minimal step with heel is with barefoot and with wearing the running shoes. In this case, it is statistically significant(p between barefoot and wearing the running shoes. The former is and the latter is . It is not statistically significant. The angle of first step with heel is with barefoot and with wearing the running shoes. It is not statistically significant. 4) In the angle of the take-off of Achilles` tendon, when they are walking, the angle of the take-off of Achilles` tendon has different gap which is between barefoot and wearing the running shoes. The former is and the latter is . It is statistically significant(p with barefoot and with wearing the running shoes. It is statistically significant(p

Distributed generation (DG) units are rapidly increasing and most of them are interconnected with distribution network to supply power into the network as well as local loads. Islanding operations of DG usually occur when power supply from the main utility is interrupted due to several reasons but the DG keeps supplying power into the distribution networks. These kinds of islanding conditions cause negative impacts on protection, operation, and management of distribution systems; therefore, it is necessary to effectively detect the islanding conditions and swiftly disconnect DG from distribution network. Generally, if there are large changes in loading for DG after loss of the main power supply, then islanding conditions are easily detected by monitoring several parameters: voltage magnitude, phase displacement, and frequency change. However, in case of small changes in loading for DG, the conventional methods have some difficulty in detecting such a particular islanding condition. This paper presents a new islanding detection algorithm for DG effectively working in the most of DG loading conditions. This paper proposes two new parameters for detecting islanding operation of DG: voltage unbalance and total harmonic distortion of current. The proposed method effectively combines the conventional parameters with the newly proposed parameters for detecting the islanding conditions. The proposed methods were verified using the radial distribution network of IEEE 34 bus.

Transenteral (TE) administration of a bowel cleanser prior to colonoscopy avoids the discomfort associated with drinking a large volume of unpalatable cleanser. To explore patient comfort, preference for future colonoscopy, the efficacy and adverse events associated with TE bowel preparation. Bowel preparation is traditionally practised using polyethylene glycol (PEG) + ascorbic acid (ASC), which was the treatment used in the control group (peroral group; PO group). In the study group (TE group), PEG + ASC were administered directly to the third portion of the duodenum through a scope immediately after completing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A higher proportion of subjects in the TE group graded their degree of comfort as very or rather comfortable (28.4 % in the PO group, 65.1 % in the TE group; p = 0.000) and had greater preference for future colonoscopy (69.6 % in the PO group, 82.5 % in the TE group; p = 0.030), compared with the PO group. The TE group had non-inferiority in efficacy compared with the PO group (non-inferiority margin −15 %; lower limit of 95 % confidence interval for difference between success rates −6.4 %, when using the Aronchick Scale, and −7.1 % when using the Ottawa Scale). Nausea or vomiting were more prevalent during preparation in the PO group (46.1 vs. 17.5 %; p = 0.000), and dizziness was more common in the TE group (0 vs. 12.6 %; p = 0.000). TE preparation was found to be more comfortable than the traditional peroral method and not inferior in efficacy. The adverse events rate was acceptable.

Correction for ‘Stent containing CD44-targeting polymeric prodrug nanoparticles that release paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a time interval-controlled manner for synergistic human biliary cancer therapy’ by Dayeon Yun et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 6317–6324.

Ginsenosides are ginseng saponins, which are the major biologically active components ofPanax ginseng, often metabolized by intestinal bacteria into more effective forms. In this study, we found that the antiproliferative activity of ginseng increased after enzymatic processing of ginseng saponin (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50], >30 μg/mL), which may be the result of the accumulation of minor saponins, such as Rh1, Rg3, compound K, and PPT constituents in ginseng saponin. Using the Agilent PrimeView Human Gene Expression Array, we found that the expression of several genes involved in apoptosis (caspase-4, Annexin A2, HSPA9, AIFM1, UQCRC2, andcaspase-7) were increased in HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells after their treatment with enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EMGE). Furthermore, several genes implicated in cell cycle progression (CDCA3, CDCA8, CABLES2, CDC25B, CNNM3, andCCNK) showed decreased expression in HepG2 cells treated with EMGE. Finally, from flow cytometric analysis, we found that EMGE-treated HepG2 cells showed increased apoptotic sub-G1 population (24%), compared with that observed in DMSO-treated control cells (1.6%). Taken together, our results suggest that EMGE induces anticancer activity through the induction of apoptosis-related genes and cell cycle arrest via decreased expression of cell cycle regulatory genes.

Biliary partially covered self-expandable metal stents (PC-SEMS) offer prolonged relief of symptoms of biliary obstruction but may induce complications including pancreatitis, cholecystitis and migration.To assess efficacy and safety of the ComVi partially covered self-expandable metal stents as primary palliative treatment of distal malignant biliary obstruction.Seventy patients (mean age 69.2 years) with distal malignant biliary strictures were prospectively included and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and partially covered self-expandable metal stents placement. Follow-up was done for 12 months. self-expandable metal stents patency, survival and complication-rate after partially covered self-expandable metal stents placement were evaluated.Overall median survival time was 190 days (30-856). Forty-four patients (62.8%) died after median 175.5 days (30-614) without signs of stent dysfunction; 37 patients (52.8%) were alive after 6 months without signs of self-expandable metal stents occlusion. Survival rapidly dropped between 8 and 12 months after treatment. Survival was not influenced by sex (P = 0.1) or type of neoplasia (P = 0.178). Median survival was longer (254 days [44-836]) in patients who underwent chemotherapy (P0.0001). Partially covered self-expandable metal stents occlusion had 24 (35.7%) patients 154 days (35-485) after treatment. Median survival after re-treatment was 66 days (13-597). Cholecystitis occurred in one patient (1.7%).The ComVi partially covered self-expandable metal stents is effective for palliation of biliary obstruction secondary to distal malignant biliary strictures. Self-expandable metal stents patency during follow-up is satisfactory without significant complications.

This paper describes an integrated CMD (Condition Monitoring & Diagnosis) system based on CBM (Condition Based Maintenance) for CGIS (Cubicle Gas Insulated Switchgear) to inspect the failure possibility of the electrical and mechanical components of CGIS in advance. The smart method monitors and diagnoses the condition of CGIS using UHF (Ultra High Frequency) antenna for partial discharge (moving particles, electrode protrusions, floating electrodes, void in solid insulation etc.), pressure sensor for leakage and burst out of tank, and coil current, and stroke sensor for VI (Vacuum Interrupter) trouble (contact abrasion, coil aging, motor dam-age, disoperation etc.). The proposed method can communicate with the smart grid in IEC61850 protocol. The logical nodes for condition monitoring and diagnosis of CGIS are shown. The intelligent monitoring and diagnosis method can prevent the failures of CGIS carrying the enormous blackout as well as the unnecessary displacement of the sound CGIS without damage.

This paper describes the design of a compensating algorithm for an iron-cored measurement current transformer (CT) that removes the effects of the hysteresis characteristics of the iron-core. The exciting current resulting from the hysteresis characteristics of the core causes an error between the primary current and the secondary current of the CT. The proposed algorithm decomposes the exciting current into the core loss current and the magnetizing current and each of them is estimated. The core loss current is calculated from the secondary voltage and the voltage-core loss current curve. The core flux linkage is calculated and then inserted into the flux-current curve to estimate the magnetizing current. The exciting current at every sampling interval is obtained by summing the core-loss and magnetizing currents and then added to the measured current to compensate the secondary current. The voltage-core loss current curve and flux-current curves, which are different from the conventional curves, are derived in this paper. The performance of the proposed algorithm is validated under various conditions using EMTP generated data. The experimental test results of an iron-core type electronic CT, which consists of the iron-core and the compensation board, are also included. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can improve the accuracy of the measurement CT significantly, and thus reduce the size and the cost of the CT.

We have focused on the synthesis and photovoltaic properties of oxotitanium(IV) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-toyl) porphyrin (TiO-TTP) as an additive in the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The chemical structure of TiO-TTP synthesized was characterized by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. We have prepared the DSSC device, using N3 dye as a photosensitizer, sandwiched with a TiO 2 -deposited electrode and a Pt-coated electrode as two electrodes. In order to investigate the photovoltaic effects of the DSSC devices, the FTO/TiO 2 /Dye/Electrolyte/Pt device was fabricated by using the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) electrolyte based on TiO-TTP as the additive. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSC devices were measured by solar simulator under 100 mW/cm2 at AM 1.5. The J sc is 7.75 mA/cm2 and the V OC is 0.76 V and the FF is 0.62, leading to a calculated power conversion efficiency of 3.60 %. When TiO-TTP was introduced into the PEG electrolyte, the η of DSSC device was shown remarkably a high value compared with the value of that without TiO-TTP or metal free TTP. This result was caused by the adsorption on the interface between nanocrystalline porous TiO 2 films and PEG electrolyte by TiO center of TiO-TTP.

A current differential relay with harmonic based blocking methods for transformers may maloperate for cases with very low harmonic contents in the operating current and its operation is delayed for the internal faults due to the harmonics. Thus, transformer model based protection techniques have been reported that rely on the electro-magnetic equations of a transformer. These methods require the separate values of the winding resistances and the leakage inductances. The former can be obtained experimentally whilst the latter cannot be obtained experimentally. This paper describes an estimation technique of the separate primary and secondary leakage inductances of a Y-Δ transformer. The method uses the line currents of the delta winding, which is available. The proposed technique can obtain the leakage inductances very accurately. The final paper will include the estimation results during the transient states such as magnetic inrush and over-excitation.

This paper describes a distance relay that operates in conjunction with a current transformer (CT) compensation algorithm, which can be used with a measurement type CT. A distance relay detects a fault based on the ratio of the voltage to the current. If a CT saturates, the calculated impedance becomes larger. This causes maloperation or operating time delay of the distance relay. A compensation algorithm estimates the correct secondary current from the severely distorted currents of the measurement CTs. The compensation algorithm detects the start of saturation and then estimates the core flux at that instant. This value is used to calculate the flux during the fault. The flux is then inserted into the magnetization curve to calculate the magnetizing current corresponding to the flux. The correct current is estimated by adding the calculated magnetizing current to the measured secondary current. Test results show that the proposed distance relay can detect a fault without causing the operating time delay even when the secondary currents are extremely distorted because of use of measurement CTs.

The islanding protection for distributed resources (DR) becomes an important and emerging issue in power system protection since the distributed resources installations are rapidly increasing and most of the installed systems are interconnected with distribution network. In order to avoid the negative impacts from islanding operations of DR to protection, operation, and management of distribution system, it is necessary to effectively detect the islanding operations of DR and disconnect it from distribution network rapidly. Generally, it is difficult to detect islanding operation by monitoring only single system parameter. This paper presents a new logic based islanding detection algorithm for distributed resources that is interconnected with distribution network. The proposed islanding detection algorithm utilizes four system parameters that include the conventionally used ones of voltage magnitude, phase, and frequency and the newly proposed one in this paper of total harmonic distortion (THD) of current. The method monitors changes in four parameters and detects the islanding operations by logical rules. The authors verified the efficiency of the proposed method using the radial distribution network of IEEE 34 bus model.

In this study, we fabricated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) device using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulphonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) or glycerol-modified PEDOT:PSS (G-PEDOT:PSS) as hole conducting materials. In SnO2:F/TiO2/Dye/PEDOT:PSS (or G-PEDOT:PSS)/Pt device system, in order to increase the ionic conductivity, the addition of ionic liquid into PEDOT:PSS solution resulted in the increase of power conversion efficiency of devices. We investigated photovoltaic characteristics of three type devices of SnO2:F/TiO2/Dye/G-PEDOT:PSS/Pt system according to glycerol concentration in PEDOT:PSS. The SnO2:F/TiO2/Dye/G-PEDOT:PSS/Pt device with 6 wt% glycerol in PEDOT:PSS showed the best result on 2.62% of the power conversion efficiency. The open-circuit voltage (Voc) of this device was 0.82 V, the short-circuit current density (Jsc) was 5.48 mA/cm2, and fill factor (FF) was 0.59.

The design, evaluation and implementation of a busbar differential protection relay that operates in conjunction with a current transformer (CT) compensating algorithm are described. Prior to saturation, the secondary current of a CT is not compensated. The compensating algorithm detects the start of first saturation on the basis of the third-difference function of the current and estimates the core flux at the first saturation start by inserting the negative value of the third-difference function of the current into the magnetisation curve of a CT. Thereafter, it calculates the core flux and then the corresponding magnetising current in conjunction with the magnetisation curve. The calculated magnetising current is added to the measured secondary current to obtain the correct secondary current. The algorithm can estimate the correct current irrespective of the level of the remanent flux. In the proposed busbar protection scheme, a current differential relay with the single-slope operating characteristic is used on the basis of the compensated current of the saturated CT. Test results indicate that the relay shows satisfactory performance for the various external and internal faults with CT saturation, particularly in the case of a progressive fault from a feeder fault to a busbar fault. The algorithm is implemented in a prototype relay based on a digital signal processor. The relay achieves greater stability on external faults, enhanced sensitivity on internal faults and fast operation on internal faults with CT saturation.