Showing papers by "Seoul National University published in 2008"
TL;DR: The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN as mentioned in this paper was designed to study proton-proton (and lead-lead) collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV (5.5 TeV nucleon-nucleon) and at luminosities up to 10(34)cm(-2)s(-1)
Abstract: The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector is described. The detector operates at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It was conceived to study proton-proton (and lead-lead) collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 14 TeV (5.5 TeV nucleon-nucleon) and at luminosities up to 10(34)cm(-2)s(-1) (10(27)cm(-2)s(-1)). At the core of the CMS detector sits a high-magnetic-field and large-bore superconducting solenoid surrounding an all-silicon pixel and strip tracker, a lead-tungstate scintillating-crystals electromagnetic calorimeter, and a brass-scintillator sampling hadron calorimeter. The iron yoke of the flux-return is instrumented with four stations of muon detectors covering most of the 4 pi solid angle. Forward sampling calorimeters extend the pseudo-rapidity coverage to high values (vertical bar eta vertical bar <= 5) assuring very good hermeticity. The overall dimensions of the CMS detector are a length of 21.6 m, a diameter of 14.6 m and a total weight of 12500 t.
5,193 citations
Federal University of Bahia1, McMaster University2, University of Amsterdam3, National Institutes of Health4, Charité5, Catholic University of Cordoba6, University of Genoa7, Radboud University Nijmegen8, Transilvania University of Brașov9, Ghent University10, University of Tennessee Health Science Center11, University of Naples Federico II12, Laval University13, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais14, University of Oslo15, University of Manchester16, Aarhus University17, Imperial College London18, Erasmus University Rotterdam19, George Washington University20, Seoul National University21, Medical University of Łódź22, Hai phong University Of Medicine and Pharmacy23, Université de Montréal24, Guangzhou Medical University25, University of South Florida26, University of California, San Diego27, University of California28, University of Chicago29, Monash University30, Teikyo University31, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens32, Nippon Medical School33, Sofia Medical University34, Leiden University35, Leiden University Medical Center36, University College London37, University of Manitoba38, University of Helsinki39, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health40, National University of Singapore41, Karolinska Institutet42, University of Minnesota43, Celal Bayar University44, University of Cape Town45, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University46, Tunis University47, University of Ghana48, University of Wisconsin-Madison49, University of British Columbia50, Georgia Regents University51, Vilnius University52, University of Washington53, University of Dundee54, University of Poitiers55, University of Mississippi56, Federal University of São Paulo57, German Red Cross58, Jagiellonian University Medical College59, Chiba University60, American Pharmacists Association61, University of Aberdeen62, University of Nevada, Reno63, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill64
TL;DR: The ARIA guidelines for the management of allergic rhinitis and asthma are similar in both the 1999 ARIA workshop report and the 2008 Update as discussed by the authors, but the GRADE approach is not yet available.
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder of the nose induced after allergen exposure by an IgE-mediated inflammation of the membranes lining the nose. It is a global health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Over 600 million patients from all countries, all ethnic groups and of all ages suffer from allergic rhinitis. It affects social life, sleep, school and work and its economic impact is substantial. Risk factors for allergic rhinitis are well identified. Indoor and outdoor allergens as well as occupational agents cause rhinitis and other allergic diseases. The role of indoor and outdoor pollution is probably very important, but has yet to be fully understood both for the occurrence of the disease and its manifestations.
In 1999, during the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) WHO workshop, the expert panel proposed a new classification for allergic rhinitis which was subdivided into 'intermittent' or 'persistent' disease.
This classification is now validated. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is often quite easy, but in some cases it may cause problems and many patients are still under-diagnosed, often because they do not perceive the symptoms of rhinitis as a disease impairing their social life, school and work.
The management of allergic rhinitis is well established and the ARIA expert panel based its recommendations on evidence using an extensive review of the literature available up to December 1999. The statements of evidence for the development of these guidelines followed WHO rules and were based on those of Shekelle et al. A large number of papers have been published since 2000 and are extensively reviewed in the 2008 Update using the same evidence-based system. Recommendations for the management of allergic rhinitis are similar in both the ARIA workshop report and the 2008 Update. In the future, the GRADE approach will be used, but is not yet available.
Another important aspect of the ARIA guidelines was to consider co-morbidities. Both allergic rhinitis and asthma are systemic inflammatory conditions and often co-exist in the same patients. In the 2008 Update, these links have been confirmed.
The ARIA document is not intended to be a standard-of-care document for individual countries. It is provided as a basis for physicians, health care professionals and organizations involved in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma in various countries to facilitate the development of relevant local standard-of-care documents for patients.
3,769 citations
TL;DR: A practical guide to using smFRET, focusing on the study of immobilized molecules that allow measurements of single-molecule reaction trajectories from 1 ms to many minutes, is provided.
Abstract: Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) is one of the most general and adaptable single-molecule techniques. Despite the explosive growth in the application of smFRET to answer biological questions in the last decade, the technique has been practiced mostly by biophysicists. We provide a practical guide to using smFRET, focusing on the study of immobilized molecules that allow measurements of single-molecule reaction trajectories from 1 ms to many minutes. We discuss issues a biologist must consider to conduct successful smFRET experiments, including experimental design, sample preparation, single-molecule detection and data analysis. We also describe how a smFRET-capable instrument can be built at a reasonable cost with off-the-shelf components and operated reliably using well-established protocols and freely available software.
1,929 citations
TL;DR: The results of the present study suggest that silver ions may cause S. aureus and E. coli bacteria to reach an ABNC state and eventually die.
Abstract: The antibacterial effect and mechanism of action of a silver ion solution that was electrically generated were investigated for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by analyzing the growth, morphology, and ultrastructure of the bacterial cells following treatment with the silver ion solution. Bacteria were exposed to the silver ion solution for various lengths of time, and the antibacterial effect of the solution was tested using the conventional plate count method and flow cytometric (FC) analysis. Reductions of more than 5 log10 CFU/ml of both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria were confirmed after 90 min of treatment with the silver ion solution. Significant reduction of S. aureus and E. coli cells was also observed by FC analysis; however, the reduction rate determined by FC analysis was less than that determined by the conventional plate count method. These differences may be attributed to the presence of bacteria in an active but nonculturable (ABNC) state after treatment with the silver ion solution. Transmission electron microscopy showed considerable changes in the bacterial cell membranes upon silver ion treatment, which might be the cause or consequence of cell death. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that silver ions may cause S. aureus and E. coli bacteria to reach an ABNC state and eventually die.
1,616 citations
TL;DR: This review focuses on the various types of chitosan derivatives and their use in various tissue engineering applications namely, skin, bone, cartilage, liver, nerve and blood vessel.
1,278 citations
TL;DR: This work presents discrete, monodisperse, and precisely sizecontrollable core–shell mesoporous silica NPs smaller than 100 nm by using single Fe3O4 nanocrystals as cores (designated as Fe3 O4@mSiO2) and demonstrates the multifunctional bioapplications of the core-shell NPs for simultaneous magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging, and for drug delivery.
Abstract: During the past two decades, extensive research has been carried out on the biomedical applications of nanostructured materials. Among these various nanomaterials, mesoporous silica materials have been intensively investigated for their potential application as delivery vehicles for small-molecule drugs, DNA, and proteins, owing to their uniform pore size, large surface area, and high accessible pore volume. However, to date, there are only a few reports on the in vivo application of mesoporous silica materials administrated by intravenous injection, because it is difficult to synthesize discrete and monodisperse mesoporous silica particles smaller than around 100 nm that possess high colloidal stability in a physiological environment and small enough size to allow a long blood circulation. In general, bigger nanoparticles (NPs) result in more rapid uptake by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), such as liver and spleen, but smaller NPs can escape from phagocytes in RES and circulate through blood vessels with a long blood half-life. Although there have been several reports on the synthesis of uniform mesoporous silica particles smaller than 200 nm observed in TEM, the particles are not discrete but aggregated. Consequently, it is still a challenge to synthesize discrete, monodisperse, and size-controllable mesoporous silica NPs for in vivo applications. Recently, multifunctional nanostructured materials have been applied to multimodal imaging and simultaneous diagnosis and therapy. In this context, the integration of mesoporous silica with superparamagnetic monodisperse nanocrystals to form uniform core–shell composite particles has great potential for simultaneous bioimaging and drug delivery. Although there have been several reports on composite materials of magnetic nanocrystals and mesoporous silica materials, these materials have not been used for in vivo applications because of their size and aggregation. Herein, we present discrete, monodisperse, and precisely sizecontrollable core–shell mesoporous silica NPs smaller than 100 nm by using single Fe3O4 nanocrystals as cores (designated as Fe3O4@mSiO2). We also demonstrate the multifunctional bioapplications of the core–shell NPs for simultaneous magnetic resonance (MR) and fluorescence imaging, and for drug delivery. The synthetic protocol is represented in Scheme 1. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) serves not only as the stabilizing surfactant for the transfer of hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanocrystals [10] to the aqueous phase but also as the organic template for the formation of mesopores in the sol– gel reaction. After removing the CTAB templates from the as-synthesized materials by heating them at reflux in acidic ethanol solution (pH 1.4), we collected the Fe3O4@mSiO2 particles. When we decreased the pH value of the extraction solution below 1.0, Fe3O4 nanocrystals as well as CTAB were fully removed from the as-synthesized Fe3O4@mSiO2, resulting in hollow mesoporous silica NPs (designated as H-mSiO2). Finally, for biomedical applications, the surface of the NPs was modified with PEG to render them biocompatible by
1,189 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A), which is also called anoctamin 1 (ANO1), is a bona fide Ca2+-activated chloride channel that is activated by intracellular Ca2- and Ca2+, and defines a new family of ionic channels.
Abstract: Calcium (Ca2+)-activated chloride channels are fundamental mediators in numerous physiological processes including transepithelial secretion, cardiac and neuronal excitation, sensory transduction, smooth muscle contraction and fertilization. Despite their physiological importance, their molecular identity has remained largely unknown. Here we show that transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A, which we also call anoctamin 1 (ANO1)) is a bona fide Ca2+-activated chloride channel that is activated by intracellular Ca2+ and Ca2+-mobilizing stimuli. With eight putative transmembrane domains and no apparent similarity to previously characterized channels, ANO1 defines a new family of ionic channels. The biophysical properties as well as the pharmacological profile of ANO1 are in full agreement with native Ca2+-activated chloride currents. ANO1 is expressed in various secretory epithelia, the retina and sensory neurons. Furthermore, knockdown of mouse Ano1 markedly reduced native Ca2+-activated chloride currents as well as saliva production in mice. We conclude that ANO1 is a candidate Ca2+-activated chloride channel that mediates receptor-activated chloride currents in diverse physiological processes. Calcium-activated chloride channels play a fundamental role in many physiological processes, but their molecular identity has so far evaded characterization. This paper shows that the transmembrane protein TMEM16A, also known as anoctamin 1 or ANO1, is a Ca2+-activated chloride channel. TMEM16A has a novel trimeric structure composed of eight transmembrane domains, very different from all previously characterized ionic channels. Its knock-down reduced native Ca2+activated chloride currents and impairs salivary secretion in mice.
1,162 citations
TL;DR: The electronic structure of 5d transition-metal oxide Sr2IrO4 is investigated using angle-resolved photoemission, optical conductivity, x-ray absorption measurements, and first-principles band calculations, suggesting a new class of Jeff quantum spin driven correlated-electron phenomena.
Abstract: We investigated the electronic structure of 5d transition-metal oxide Sr2IrO4 using angle-resolved photoemission, optical conductivity, x-ray absorption measurements, and first-principles band calculations. The system was found to be well described by novel effective total angular momentum Jeff states, in which the relativistic spin-orbit coupling is fully taken into account under a large crystal field. Despite delocalized Ir 5d states, the Jeff states form such narrow bands that even a small correlation energy leads to the Jeff=1/2 Mott ground state with unique electronic and magnetic behaviors, suggesting a new class of Jeff quantum spin driven correlated-electron phenomena.
1,110 citations
TL;DR: It is found that PPARbeta/delta agonist and exercise training synergistically increase oxidative myofibers and running endurance in adult mice and demonstrates that AMPK-PPARdelta pathway can be targeted by orally active drugs to enhance training adaptation or even to increase endurance without exercise.
1,084 citations
TL;DR: Shape, margin, echogenicity, and presence of calcification are helpful criteria for the discrimination of malignant from benign nodules; the diagnostic accuracy of US criteria is dependent on tumor size.
Abstract: Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic (US) criteria for the depiction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by using tissue diagnosis as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: This study had institutional review board approval, and informed consent was waived. From January 2003 through June 2003, 8024 consecutive patients had undergone thyroid US at nine affiliated hospitals. A total of 831 patients (716 women, 115 men; mean age, 49.5 years ± 13.8 [standard deviation]) with 849 nodules (360 malignant, 489 benign) that were diagnosed at surgery or biopsy were included in this study. Three radiologists retrospectively evaluated the following characteristics on US images: nodule size, presence of spongiform appearance, shape, margin, echotexture, echogenicity, and presence of microcalcification, macrocalcification, or rim calcification. A χ2 test and multiple regression analysis were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive...
956 citations
TL;DR: The Lin28-mediated downregulation of let-7 may play a key role in development, stem cell programming, and tumorigenesis and is provided for the posttranscriptional regulation of miRNA biogenesis by Lin28 which is highly expressed in undifferentiated cells and certain cancer cells.
University of Miami1, University of Duisburg-Essen2, McMaster University3, Boehringer Ingelheim4, Medical University of South Carolina5, Stanford University6, University of Nottingham7, National University of Singapore8, University of Coimbra9, University of Gothenburg10, University of Melbourne11, University of Illinois at Chicago12, University of Helsinki13, Fudan University14, University of British Columbia15, Sapienza University of Rome16, State University of New York System17, Seoul National University18
TL;DR: The trial did not meet the predefined criteria for noninferiority but showed similar rates of recurrent stroke with ASA-ERDP and with clopidogrel, and there is no evidence that either of the two treatments was superior to the other in the prevention of recurrent strokes.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recurrent stroke is a frequent, disabling event after ischemic stroke. This study compared the efficacy and safety of two antiplatelet regimens--aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole (ASA-ERDP) versus clopidogrel. METHODS: In this double-blind, 2-by-2 factorial trial, we randomly assigned patients to receive 25 mg of aspirin plus 200 mg of extended-release dipyridamole twice daily or to receive 75 mg of clopidogrel daily. The primary outcome was first recurrence of stroke. The secondary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from vascular causes. Sequential statistical testing of noninferiority (margin of 1.075), followed by superiority testing, was planned. RESULTS: A total of 20,332 patients were followed for a mean of 2.5 years. Recurrent stroke occurred in 916 patients (9.0%) receiving ASA-ERDP and in 898 patients (8.8%) receiving clopidogrel (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92 to 1.11). The secondary outcome occurred in 1333 patients (13.1%) in each group (hazard ratio for ASA-ERDP, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.07). There were more major hemorrhagic events among ASA-ERDP recipients (419 [4.1%]) than among clopidogrel recipients (365 [3.6%]) (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.32), including intracranial hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.83). The net risk of recurrent stroke or major hemorrhagic event was similar in the two groups (1194 ASA-ERDP recipients [11.7%], vs. 1156 clopidogrel recipients [11.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.11). CONCLUSIONS: The trial did not meet the predefined criteria for noninferiority but showed similar rates of recurrent stroke with ASA-ERDP and with clopidogrel. There is no evidence that either of the two treatments was superior to the other in the prevention of recurrent stroke. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00153062.)
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present control methods for flow over a bluff body such as a circular cylinder, a 2D bluff body with a blunt trailing edge, and a sphere.
Abstract: In this review, we present control methods for flow over a bluff body such as a circular cylinder, a 2D bluff body with a blunt trailing edge, and a sphere. We introduce recent major achievements in bluff-body flow controls such as 3D forcing, active feedback control, control based on local and global instability, and control with a synthetic jet. We then classify the controls as boundary-layer controls and direct-wake modifications and discuss important features associated with these controls. Finally, we discuss some other issues such as Reynolds-number dependence, the lowest possible drag by control, and control efficiency.
TL;DR: The present article highlights the role of various proinflammatory mediators in carcinogenesis and their promise as potential targets for chemoprevention of inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.
Abstract: Chronic inflammation plays a multifaceted role in carcinogenesis. Mounting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that persistent inflammation functions as a driving force in the journey to cancer. The possible mechanisms by which inflammation can contribute to carcinogenesis include induction of genomic instability, alterations in epigenetic events and subsequent inappropriate gene expression, enhanced proliferation of initiated cells, resistance to apoptosis, aggressive tumor neovascularization, invasion through tumor-associated basement membrane and metastasis, etc. Inflammation-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species cause damage to important cellular components (e.g., DNA, proteins and lipids), which can directly or indirectly contribute to malignant cell transformation. Overexpression, elevated secretion, or abnormal activation of proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandins, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nitric oxide, and a distinct network of intracellular signaling molecules including upstream kinases and transcription factors facilitate tumor promotion and progression. While inflammation promotes development of cancer, components of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor cells, stromal cells in surrounding tissue and infiltrated inflammatory/immune cells generate an intratumoral inflammatory state by aberrant expression or activation of some proinflammatory molecules. Many of proinflammatory mediators, especially cytokines, chemokines and prostaglandins, turn on the angiogenic switches mainly controlled by vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby inducing inflammatory angiogenesis and tumor cell-stroma communication. This will end up with tumor angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion. Moreover, cellular microRNAs are emerging as a potential link between inflammation and cancer. The present article highlights the role of various proinflammatory mediators in carcinogenesis and their promise as potential targets for chemoprevention of inflammation-associated carcinogenesis.
Kobe University1, Gifu University2, University of Tokyo3, Ehime University4, Wakayama Medical University5, Lund University6, Osaka University7, Chinese Academy of Sciences8, Tohoku University9, University of Tokushima10, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine11, Kyoto University12, Shiga University of Medical Science13, New Generation University College14, Seoul National University15, The Chinese University of Hong Kong16, University of Helsinki17, Kyushu University18, National Cancer Research Institute19
TL;DR: The data implicate KCNQ1 as a diabetes susceptibility gene in groups of different ancestries as well as in two independent Japanese populations, and the risk allele of this polymorphism was associated with impairment of insulin secretion according to the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function or the corrected insulin response.
Abstract: We carried out a multistage genome-wide association study of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese individuals, with a total of 1,612 cases and 1,424 controls and 100,000 SNPs. The most significant association was obtained with SNPs in KCNQ1, and dense mapping within the gene revealed that rs2237892 in intron 15 showed the lowest P value (6.7 x 10(-13), odds ratio (OR) = 1.49). The association of KCNQ1 with type 2 diabetes was replicated in populations of Korean, Chinese and European ancestry as well as in two independent Japanese populations, and meta-analysis with a total of 19,930 individuals (9,569 cases and 10,361 controls) yielded a P value of 1.7 x 10(-42) (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.34-1.47) for rs2237892. Among control subjects, the risk allele of this polymorphism was associated with impairment of insulin secretion according to the homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function or the corrected insulin response. Our data thus implicate KCNQ1 as a diabetes susceptibility gene in groups of different ancestries.
TL;DR: This review highlights the cytoprotective gene expression induced by some representative dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals with the Nrf2-Keap1 system as a prime molecular target.
Abstract: A wide array of dietary phytochemicals have been reported to induce the expression of enzymes involved in both cellular antioxidant defenses and elimination/inactivation of electrophilic carcinogens. Induction of such cytoprotective enzymes by edible phytochemicals largely accounts for their cancer chemopreventive and chemoprotective activities. Nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a crucial role in the coordinated induction of those genes encoding many stress-responsive and cytoptotective enzymes and related proteins. These include NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1, heme oxygenase-1, glutamate cysteine ligase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin, etc. In resting cells, Nrf2 is sequestered in the cytoplasm as an inactive complex with the repressor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). The release of Nrf2 from its repressor is most likely to be achieved by alterations in the structure of Keap1. Keap1 contains several reactive cysteine residues that function as sensors of cellular redox changes. Oxidation or covalent modification of some of these critical cysteine thiols would stabilize Nrf2, thereby facilitating nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. After translocation into nucleus, Nrf2 forms a heterodimer with other transcription factors, such as small Maf, which in turn binds to the 5'-upstream CIS-acting regulatory sequence, termed antioxidant response elements (ARE) or electrophile response elements (EpRE), located in the promoter region of genes encoding various antioxidant and phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. Certain dietary chemopreventive agents target Keap1 by oxidizing or chemically modifying one or more of its specific cysteine thiols, thereby stabilizing Nrf2. In addition, phosphorylation of specific serine or threonine residues present in Nrf2 by upstream kinases may also facilitate the nuclear localization of Nrf2. Multiple mechanisms of Nrf2 activation by signals mediated by one or more of the upstream kinases, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphatidylionositol-3-kinase/Akt, protein kinase C, and casein kinase-2 have recently been proposed. This review highlights the cytoprotective gene expression induced by some representative dietary chemopreventive phytochemicals with the Nrf2-Keap1 system as a prime molecular target.
Population Health Research Institute1, Hamilton General Hospital2, University of Duisburg-Essen3, University of Miami4, Boehringer Ingelheim5, University of Coimbra6, University of Gothenburg7, University of Melbourne8, University of Illinois at Chicago9, University of Groningen10, University of British Columbia11, University of Helsinki12, State University of New York System13, Seoul National University14, McMaster University15, Russian National Research Medical University16, Sapienza University of Rome17, Seoul National University Hospital18
TL;DR: Therapy with telmisartan initiated soon after an ischemic stroke and continued for 2.5 years did not significantly lower the rate of recurrent stroke, major cardiovascular events, or diabetes.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prolonged lowering of blood pressure after a stroke reduces the risk of recurrent stroke. In addition, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in high-risk patients reduces the rate of subsequent cardiovascular events, including stroke. However, the effect of lowering of blood pressure with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor soon after a stroke has not been clearly established. We evaluated the effects of therapy with an angiotensin-receptor blocker, telmisartan, initiated early after a stroke. METHODS: In a multicenter trial involving 20,332 patients who recently had an ischemic stroke, we randomly assigned 10,146 to receive telmisartan (80 mg daily) and 10,186 to receive placebo. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke. Secondary outcomes were major cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, or new or worsening heart failure) and new-onset diabetes. RESULTS: The median interval from stroke to randomization was 15 days. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, the mean blood pressure was 3.8/2.0 mm Hg lower in the telmisartan group than in the placebo group. A total of 880 patients (8.7%) in the telmisartan group and 934 patients (9.2%) in the placebo group had a subsequent stroke (hazard ratio in the telmisartan group, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 1.04; P=0.23). Major cardiovascular events occurred in 1367 patients (13.5%) in the telmisartan group and 1463 patients (14.4%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.01; P=0.11). New-onset diabetes occurred in 1.7% of the telmisartan group and 2.1% of the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.04; P=0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with telmisartan initiated soon after an ischemic stroke and continued for 2.5 years did not significantly lower the rate of recurrent stroke, major cardiovascular events, or diabetes. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00153062.)
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of oxygen-vacancy-related defects on gas-sensing properties of ZnO-nanowire gas sensors was investigated and it was shown that the sensitivity of the sensors to NO2 gas is linearly proportional to the photoluminescence intensity.
Abstract: The effect of oxygen-vacancy-related defects on gas-sensing properties of ZnO-nanowire gas sensors was investigated. Gas sensors were fabricated by growing ZnO nanowires bridging the gap between two prepatterned Au catalysts. The sensor displayed fast response and recovery behavior with a maximum sensitivity to NO2 gas at 225 °C. Gas sensitivity was found to be linearly proportional to the photoluminescence intensity of oxygen-vacancy-related defects in both as-fabricated and defect-controlled gas sensors by postannealing in Ar and H2 atmosphere. This result agrees well with previous theoretical prediction that oxygen vacancies play a role of preferential adsorption sites for NO2 molecules.
TL;DR: In this article, a modified OCV-SoC relationship based on the conventional OCV/SoC was proposed to avoid the defects of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) by preventing the relationship from varying.
TL;DR: Enhanced abiotic stress tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing AtMYB44 was conferred by reduced expression of genes encoding PP2Cs, which have been described as negative regulators of ABA signaling.
Abstract: AtMYB44 belongs to the R2R3 MYB subgroup 22 transcription factor family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Treatment with abscisic acid (ABA) induced AtMYB44 transcript accumulation within 30 min. The gene was also activated under various abiotic stresses, such as dehydration, low temperature, and salinity. In transgenic Arabidopsis carrying an AtMYB44 promoter-driven β-glucuronidase (GUS) construct, strong GUS activity was observed in the vasculature and leaf epidermal guard cells. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing AtMYB44 is more sensitive to ABA and has a more rapid ABA-induced stomatal closure response than wild-type and atmyb44 knockout plants. Transgenic plants exhibited a reduced rate of water loss, as measured by the fresh-weight loss of detached shoots, and remarkably enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress compared to wild-type plants. Microarray analysis and northern blots revealed that salt-induced activation of the genes that encode a group of serine/threonine protein phosphatases 2C (PP2Cs), such as ABI1, ABI2, AtPP2CA, HAB1, and HAB2, was diminished in transgenic plants overexpressing AtMYB44. By contrast, the atmyb44 knockout mutant line exhibited enhanced salt-induced expression of PP2C-encoding genes and reduced drought/salt stress tolerance compared to wild-type plants. Therefore, enhanced abiotic stress tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing AtMYB44 was conferred by reduced expression of genes encoding PP2Cs, which have been described as negative regulators of ABA signaling.
TL;DR: It was observed that cerium oxide nanoparticles penetrated into the cytoplasm and located in the peri-region of the nucleus as aggregated particles, which may induce the direct interaction between nanoparticles and cellular molecules to cause adverse cellular responses.
TL;DR: This commentary reviews key epidemiological aspects of LAICOD and suggests approaches to treatment such as antithrombotic therapies, revascularization procedures, and counterpulsation devices hold promise.
Abstract: Background and Purpose—Large artery intracranial occlusive disease (LAICOD) is a common and important stroke subtype. In this commentary, we review key epidemiological aspects of LAICOD. Summary of Review— LAICOD has emerged as the most common stroke subtype worldwide and is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke. Hypotheses have been proposed to explain causation, which include such factors as traditional cardiovascular risk factors, high blood volume states, and genetic abnormalities. Approaches to treatment such as antithrombotic therapies, revascularization procedures, and counterpulsation devices hold promise. Conclusions—LAICOD poses a major stroke problem worldwide and is likely the most common stroke subtype. The etiology and treatment of this disorder remain poorly defined. International collaborations are needed to pool collective knowledge and develop definitive studies to better understand causation and treatment of LAICOD. (Stroke. 2008;39: 2396-2399.)
09 Dec 2008
TL;DR: This work critically revisit traffic classification by conducting a thorough evaluation of three classification approaches, based on transport layer ports, host behavior, and flow features, and extracts insights and recommendations for both the study and practical application of traffic classification.
Abstract: Recent research on Internet traffic classification algorithms has yield a flurry of proposed approaches for distinguishing types of traffic, but no systematic comparison of the various algorithms. This fragmented approach to traffic classification research leaves the operational community with no basis for consensus on what approach to use when, and how to interpret results. In this work we critically revisit traffic classification by conducting a thorough evaluation of three classification approaches, based on transport layer ports, host behavior, and flow features. A strength of our work is the broad range of data against which we test the three classification approaches: seven traces with payload collected in Japan, Korea, and the US. The diverse geographic locations, link characteristics and application traffic mix in these data allowed us to evaluate the approaches under a wide variety of conditions. We analyze the advantages and limitations of each approach, evaluate methods to overcome the limitations, and extract insights and recommendations for both the study and practical application of traffic classification. We make our software, classifiers, and data available for researchers interested in validating or extending this work.
TL;DR: T titanium dioxide nanoparticles seem to penetrate into the cytoplasm and locate in the peri-region of the nucleus as aggregated particles, which may induce direct interactions between the particles and cellular molecules, to cause adverse biological responses.
TL;DR: In a cohort of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease, there was no significant difference in rates of death or of the composite end point of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or stroke between patients receiving stents and those undergoing CABG, but stenting, even with drug-eluting stents, was associated with higher rates of target-vessel revascularization than was CABGs.
Abstract: In the overall matched cohort, there was no significant difference between the stenting and CABG groups in the risk of death (hazard ratio for the stenting group, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.80) or the risk of the composite outcome (hazard ratio for the stenting group, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.62). The rates of target-vessel revascularization were significantly higher in the group that received stents than in the group that underwent CABG (hazard ratio, 4.76; 95% CI, 2.80 to 8.11). Comparisons of the group that received bare-metal stents with the group that underwent CABG and of the group that received drug-eluting stents with the group that underwent CABG produced similar results, although there was a trend toward higher rates of death and the composite end point in the group that received drug-eluting stents. CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease, we found no significant difference in rates of death or of the composite end point of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or stroke between patients receiving stents and those undergoing CABG. However, stenting, even with drug-eluting stents, was associated with higher rates of target-vessel revascularization than was CABG.
TL;DR: Aifantis et al. as discussed by the authors have shown that tin sulfide-based nanostructures have remarkable enhanced electrochemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts owing to nanoscale characteristics that include large surface areas, finite lateral sizes, and enhanced open-edge morphologies.
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanostructures have received increasing interest due to their unique nanoscale phenomena and their potential applications ranging from electronics and energy to catalysis. Recent investigation has revealed that laterally confined layered nanocrystals (LCLN) have remarkably enhanced electrochemical properties compared to their bulk counterparts owing to nanoscale characteristics that include large surface areas, finite lateral sizes, and enhanced open-edge morphologies. Among the variety of layered materials that have been described, tin sulfides are of particular interest because of their unique structural properties. SnS2 has a layered CdI2-type structure, composed of tin atoms sandwiched between two layers of hexagonally disposed closepacked sulfur atoms. The 2D layered characteristics of this substance are revealed in alkali metal intercalation phenomena, and by investigating anisotropy of properties such as electric and photoelectric conductivity. Owing to their large theoretical capacities for battery applications, bulk or micron sized tin-based materials have been extensively studied as possible alternatives for commercially available carbon electrodes. However, the main drawback of this system has been stemming from the large volume changes and accompanying sharp decrease in capacity that occur during electrochemical cycles. Aifantis et al. have reported that active sites with spherical and smaller volume fraction could improve electrochemical properties of anode materials from the view point of fracture mechanics. Other researchers also have reported that nanoscale tin sulfide-based materials would lead to an improvement in the cycling stability of these systems. Especially, layered SnS2 nanoplates with swelling tolerant hosting spaces and enhanced guest accessibility would provide enhanced diffusion for Li ion, and lead to the formation of Li-Sn alloy during the cycle, and improve the
TL;DR: The MIC test demonstrated that the silver/PMMA nanofiber had enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to that of silver sulfadiazine and silver nitrate at the same silver concentration.
Abstract: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofiber containing silver nanoparticles was synthesized by radical-mediated dispersion polymerization and applied to an antibacterial agent. UV−vis spectroscopic analysis indicated that the silver nanoparticles were continually released from the polymer nanofiber in aqueous solution. The antibacterial properties of silver/PMMA nanofiber against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria were evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the modified Kirby−Bauer method, and a kinetic test. The MIC test demonstrated that the silver/PMMA nanofiber had enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to that of silver sulfadiazine and silver nitrate at the same silver concentration.
TL;DR: In this article, a single-step synthetic method for highly luminescent and stable quantum dots (QDs) was demonstrated by using the reactivity difference between Cd and Zn precursors.
Abstract: We demonstrate a single-step synthetic method for highly luminescent (i.e., quantum yield up to 80%) and stable quantum dots (QDs) by using the reactivity difference between Cd and Zn precursors and that between Se and S precursors. A wide range of emission wavelengths (500−610 nm) with a narrow fwhm (<35 nm) is obtained by changing the ratios of the precursors. Under the reaction conditions selected, Cd- and Se (with a bit of S)-based cores are formed first and Zn- and S-based shells are formed successively; therefore, the QDs have a core/shell structure with composition gradients, which relieve the lattice mismatch between core and shells. The QDs are characterized using the combined techniques of HR-TEM, UV–vis, PL spectroscopy, and ICP-AES. The QDs also have energy gradients depending on their compositions in a radial direction, which energetically confine carriers (electrons and holes) to the cores. This leads to the stability of QDs during their surface passivation from oleic acid to mercaptopropion...
Fermilab1, University of Chicago2, University of Cape Town3, University of Washington4, Seoul National University5, Wayne State University6, Ohio State University7, University of Tokyo8, University of Notre Dame9, New Mexico State University10, Stanford University11, Space Telescope Science Institute12, University of Portsmouth13, Johns Hopkins University14, Rochester Institute of Technology15, University of Pennsylvania16, Pennsylvania State University17, Apache Corporation18, University of Texas at Austin19, Max Planck Society20, University of Bristol21, Liverpool John Moores University22, Columbia University23, Durham University24, United States Naval Academy25, University of California, Berkeley26, Stockholm University27, Princeton University28, Lowell Observatory29, Harvard University30, Subaru31, University of Göttingen32, San Francisco State University33, University of Copenhagen34, University of Barcelona35, University of California, Santa Cruz36, University of Sussex37
TL;DR: The Sloan Digital Sky Survey-II (SDSS-II) as mentioned in this paper is a multi-year project to identify and measure light curves for intermediate-redshift (0.05 < z < 0.35) Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) using repeated five-band imaging over an area of 300 sq. deg.
Abstract: The Sloan Digital Sky Survey-II (SDSS-II) has embarked on a multi-year project to identify and measure light curves for intermediate-redshift (0.05 < z < 0.35) Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) using repeated five-band (ugriz) imaging over an area of 300 sq. deg. The survey region is a stripe 2.5° wide centered on the celestial equator in the Southern Galactic Cap that has been imaged numerous times in earlier years, enabling construction of a deep reference image for the discovery of new objects. Supernova imaging observations are being acquired between September 1 and November 30 of 2005-7. During the first two seasons, each region was imaged on average every five nights. Spectroscopic follow-up observations to determine supernova type and redshift are carried out on a large number of telescopes. In its first two three-month seasons, the survey has discovered and measured light curves for 327 spectroscopically confirmed SNe Ia, 30 probable SNe Ia, 14 confirmed SNe Ib/c, 32 confirmed SNe II, plus a large number of photometrically identified SNe Ia, 94 of which have host-galaxy spectra taken so far. This paper provides an overview of the project and briefly describes the observations completed during the first two seasons of operation.
TL;DR: Genexol-PM appears a promising new paclitaxel in view of significant efficacies, and further trials with different dosing schedules, durations of delivery, or in combination with other drugs are warranted.
Abstract: Genexol-PM is a novel Cremophor EL-free polymeric micelle formulation of paclitaxel. This single arm, multicenter phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Genexol-PM in patients with histologically confirmed metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Forty-one women received Genexol-PM by intravenous infusion at 300 mg/m2 over 3 h every 3 weeks without premedication until disease progression or intolerability. A total of 331 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of 8 cycles per patient (range, 1–16). Overall response rate was 58.5% (95% CI: 43.5–72.3) with 5 complete responses and 19 partial responses. Thirty-seven patients who received Genexol-PM as a first-line therapy for their metastatic disease showed a response rate of 59.5% (95% CI: 43.5–73.7), and two responses were reported in four patients treated in the second-line setting for their metastatic disease. The median time to progression (TTP) for all patients was 9.0 months (range, 1.0–17.0+ months). Grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities included sensory peripheral neuropathy (51.2%), and myalgia (2.4%). Eight patients (19.5%) experienced hypersensitivity reactions, with grade 3 in two patients. Hematologic toxicities were grade 3 and 4 neutropenia (51.2 and 17.1%, respectively), and grade 1 and 2 thrombocytopenia (22.0%). Notably, no febrile neutropenia was observed. Genexol-PM appears a promising new paclitaxel in view of significant efficacies. Further trials with different dosing schedules, durations of delivery, or in combination with other drugs are warranted.