Conformally Gated Surface Conducting Behaviors of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin-Film-Transistors

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) have gathered significant interest in various emerging electronics due to their outstanding electrical and mechanical properties. Although large-area and low-cost fabrication of s-SWCNT field effect transistors (FETs) can be easily achieved via solution processing, the electrical performance of the solution-based s-SWCNT FETs is often limited by the charge transport in the s-SWCNT networks and interface between the s-SWCNT and the dielectrics depending on both s-SWCNT solution synthesis and device architecture. Here, we investigate the surface and interfacial electro-chemical behaviors of s-SWCNTs. In addition, we propose a cost-effective and straightforward process capable of minimizing polymers bound to s-SWCNT surfaces acting as an interfering element for the charge carrier transport via a heat-assisted purification (HAP). With the HAP treated s-SWCNTs, we introduced conformal dielectric configuration for s-SWCNT FETs, which are explored by a carefully designed wide array of electrical and chemical characterizations with finite-element analysis (FEA) computer simulation. For more favorable gate-field-induced surface and interfacial behaviors of s-SWCNT, we implemented conformally gated highly capacitive s-SWCNT FETs with ion-gel dielectrics, demonstrating field-effect mobility of ~8.19 cm2/V⋅s and on/off current ratio of ~105 along with negligible hysteresis.

Highly Scalable and Robust Mesa-Island-Structure Metal-Oxide Thin-Film Transistors and Integrated Circuits Enabled by Stress-Diffusive Manipulation

The increasing interest in flexible and wearable electronics has demanded a dramatic improvement of mechanical robustness in electronic devices along with high-resolution implemented architectures. In this study, a site-specific stress-diffusive manipulation is demonstrated to fulfill highly robust and ultraflexible amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) and integrated circuits. The photochemically activated combustion sol-gel a-IGZO TFTs on a mesa-structured polyimide show an average saturation mobility of 6.06 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and a threshold voltage of -0.99 V with less than 9% variation, followed by 10 000 bending cycles with a radius of 125 μm. More importantly, the site-specific monolithic formation of mesa pillar-structured devices can provide fully integrated logic circuits such as seven-stage ring-oscillators, meeting the industrially needed device density and scalability. To exploit the underlying stress-diffusive mechanism, a physical model is provided by using a variety of chemical, structural, and electrical characterizations along with multidomain finite-element analysis simulation. The physical models reveal that a highly scalable and robust device can be achieved via the site-specific mesa architecture, by enabling generation of multineutral layers and fine-tuning the accumulated stresses on specific element of devices with their diffusion out into the boundary of the mesa regions.

A multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group Phase 2b study of belotecan versus topotecan for recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

This Phase 2b study compared the efficacy and toxicity of belotecan and topotecan in recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent or platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (PRROC) were randomised 1:1 to receive belotecan 0.5 mg/m² or topotecan 1.5 mg/m² for five consecutive days every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 140 (belotecan, n = 71; topotecan, n = 69) and 130 patients (belotecan, n = 66; topotecan, n = 64) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations. ORR did not differ significantly between the belotecan and topotecan groups (ITT, 29.6% versus 26.1%; PP, 30.3% versus 25%). Although PFS did not differ between the groups, belotecan was associated with improved OS compared with topotecan in the PP population (39.7 versus 26.6 months; P = 0.034). In particular, belotecan showed longer OS in PRROC and non-high-grade serous carcinoma (non-HGSC; PP, adjusted hazard ratios, 0.499 and 0.187; 95% confidence intervals 0.255-0.977 and 0.039-0.895). Furthermore, there were no differences in toxicities between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Belotecan was not inferior to topotecan in terms of overall response for recurrent ovarian cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01630018.

Dual anode single-photon avalanche diode for high-speed and low-noise Geiger-mode operation

The after-pulsing effect is a common problem in high-speed and low-noise single-photon detection based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). This article presents a dual anode InGaAs/InP SPAD (DA-SPAD) with two separate anode output ports that can be utilized for discriminating relatively weak avalanche signals, providing a simple and robust configuration of the SPAD-based single-photon detection system. Weak avalanche signals with amplitudes below the amplitude of the parasitic capacitive response of the SPAD were easily detected by the DA-SPAD and a simple subtraction circuit. The gated Geiger-mode performance of the DA-SPAD was also investigated. At a gating frequency of 1 GHz, the detection efficiency was 20.4% with an after-pulse probability of 3.5% at a temperature of -20 °C.

Intersubband transition in lattice-matched BGaN/AlN quantum well structures with high absorption coefficients

Intersubband absorption properties of lattice-matched BGaN/AlN quantum well (QW) structures grown on AlN substrate are theoretically investigated using an effective mass theory considering the nonparabolicity of the conduction band. These results are compared with those of GaN/AlN QW structures. The intersubband absorption coefficient of the BGaN/AlN QW structure is shown to be enhanced significantly, compared to that of the conventional GaN/AlN QW structure. This can be explained by the fact that the BGaN/AlN QW structure exhibits larger intersuband dipole moment and quasi-Fermi-level separation than the GaN/AlN QW structure, due to the increase in the carrier confinement by a larger internal field. We expect that the BGaN/AlN QW structure with a high absorption coefficient can be used for telecommunication applications at 1.55 µm under the lattice-matched condition, instead of the conventional GaN/AlN QW structure with the large strain.

Design of Rehabilitation Treatment Coach Robot

In the rehabilitation treatment for at-home patients, it is not only costly for a patient to hire a professional therapist or personal trainer, but also time consuming for a therapist or trainer to visit all the patients. To improve the situation, we propose the rehabilitation treatment coach robot which helps the patient to do rehabilitation exercises alone. Designed economically with cheap parts, our robot provides multiple functions: rehabilitation program suggestion, rehabilitation posture correction, and emergency detection. A brief plan is presented for data collection and performance evaluation.

Chronic kidney disease and high eGFR according to body composition phenotype in adults with normal BMI

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Body composition contributes to the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and glomerular hyperfiltration. In adults with normal body mass index (BMI), the relationships of body composition with CKD and high estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are largely unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 10,734 adults from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), whose body mass index (BMI) was within the normal range (18.5-24.9 kg/m²). Body composition was categorized into four phenotypes (normal, sarcopenia alone, obesity alone, and sarcopenic obesity) based on appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and total body fat percentage (TBF%) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We examined the relationship of CKD and high eGFR (eGFR ≥ 120 ml/min per 1.73 m²) with body composition phenotypes. Sarcopenia alone (14.3%), obesity alone (16.0%), and sarcopenic obesity (10.7%) were prevalent. The association between sarcopenia alone and eGFR was J-shaped, while that between sarcopenic obesity and eGFR was U-shaped. In multivariate logistic regression analysis compared with the normal phenotype, sarcopenic obesity had an elevated odds ratio (OR) for CKD (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.19). Sarcopenia alone (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.41-2.47) and sarcopenic obesity (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.68-3.36) had elevated OR for high eGFR.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that decreased muscle mass and coexistence with excess adiposity show associations with CKD and high eGFR even in adults with normal BMI. Body composition measured by DXA could provide information on the relationship of body composition with CKD and high eGFR.

IinQ attenuates systemic inflammatory responses via selectively impairing the Myddosome complex formation upon TLR4 ligation

A specific small-molecule inhibitor of the TLR4 signaling complex upstream of the IKK would likely provide therapeutic benefit for NF-κB-mediated inflammatory disease. We previously identified brazilin as a selective upstream IKK inhibitor targeting the Myddosome complex. In this study, using a cell-based ubiquitination assay for IRAK1 and a chemical library comprising a series of structural analogues of brazilin, a novel small molecule, 2-hydroxy-5,6-dihydroisoindolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline-3,8-dione (IinQ), was identified as a selective and potent inhibitor of IRAK1-dependent NF-κB activation upon TLR4 ligation. In RAW264.7 macrophages, IinQ drastically suppressed activation of upstream IKK signaling events including membrane-bound IRAK1 ubiquitination and IKK phosphorylation by the TLR4 ligand, resulting in reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide. Interestingly, IinQ did not suppress NF-κB activation via the TLR3 ligand, DNA damaging agents, or a protein kinase C activator, indicating IinQ is specific for TLR4 signaling. Analysis of upstream signaling events further confirmed that IinQ disrupts the MyD88-IRAK1-TRAF6 complex formation induced by LPS treatment, without affecting TLR4 oligomerization. Moreover, intravenous administration of IinQ significantly reduced lethality and attenuated systemic inflammatory responses in an in vivo mouse model of endotoxin shock following LPS challenge. Thus, IinQ represents a novel class of brazilin analogues with improved potency and specificity toward disruption of Myddosome complex formation in TLR4 signaling, indicating that IinQ may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of systemic inflammatory diseases.

Latrophilin receptors: novel bronchodilator targets in asthma

Background

Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide. In asthma, the major cause of morbidity and mortality is acute airway narrowing, due to airway smooth muscle (ASM) hypercontraction, associated with airway remodelling. However, little is known about the transcriptional differences between healthy and asthmatic ASM cells.

Objectives

To investigate the transcriptional differences between asthmatic and healthy airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) in culture and investigate the identified targets using in vitro and ex vivo techniques.

Methods

Human asthmatic and healthy ASMC grown in culture were run on Affymetrix_Hugene_1.0_ST microarrays. Identified candidates were confirmed by PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Functional analysis was conducted using in vitro ASMC proliferation, attachment and contraction assays and ex vivo contraction of mouse airways.

Results

We suggest a novel role for latrophilin (LPHN) receptors, finding increased expression on ASMC from asthmatics, compared with non-asthmatics in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a role in mediating airway function. A single nucleotide polymorphism in LPHN1 was associated with asthma and with increased LPHN1 expression in lung tissue. When activated, LPHNs regulated ASMC adhesion and proliferation in vitro, and promoted contraction of mouse airways and ASMC.

Conclusions

Given the need for novel inhibitors of airway remodelling and bronchodilators in asthma, the LPHN family may represent promising novel targets for future dual therapeutic intervention.

Dose-related effect of urinary cotinine levels on pulmonary function among Korean women

SETTING

Country-wide general population in South Korea.

BACKGROUND

The dose-response relationship between smoking and pulmonary function in women may have been significantly over-estimated by studies that employed a self-reporting questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether this relationship was still observed among Korean women when smoking levels were determined by urinary cotinine measurements.

DESIGN

A total of 4584 Korean women from the spirometry data set of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys IV and V (2008-2010) were included. Analysis of covariance was performed to estimate the dose-related effect of urinary cotinine levels on pulmonary function after adjusting for covariates in this country-wide cross-sectional study.

RESULTS

Compared to urinary cotinine levels (cut-off 50 ng/ml), the false-positive rate of self-reported smoking was 53.2%. After the smokers were divided into deciles, the regression coefficients for percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%) and percentage forced expiratory volume/forced volume capacity (FEV₁/FVC) ratio (FEV1/FVC%) were -0.2903 and -0.2680 (%/decile), respectively (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to use objective methods when determining the smoking status of Korean women. Even after reducing information bias, smoking affected pulmonary function in a dose-dependent manner.

Calcium and vitamin D intake maintained from preovariectomy independently affect calcium metabolism and bone properties in Sprague Dawley rats

The interaction of habitual Ca and vitamin D intake from preovariectomy to 4 months postovariectomy on bone and Ca metabolism was assessed. Higher Ca intake suppressed net bone turnover, and both nutrients independently benefitted trabecular structure. Habitual intake of adequate Ca and ~50 nmol/L vitamin D status is most beneficial.

INTRODUCTION

Dietary strategies to benefit bone are typically tested prior to or after menopause but not through menopause transition. We investigated the interaction of Ca and vitamin D status on Ca absorption, bone remodeling, Ca kinetics, and bone strength as rats transitioned through estrogen deficiency.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were randomized at 8 weeks to 0.2 or 1.0 % Ca and 50, 100, or 1,000 IU (1.25, 2.5, or 25 μg) vitamin D/kg diet (2 × 3 factorial design) and ovariectomized at 12 weeks. Urinary (45)Ca excretion from deep-labeled bone was used to assess net bone turnover weekly. Ca kinetics was performed between 25 and 28 weeks. Rats were killed at 29 weeks. Femoral and tibiae structure (by μCT), dynamic histomorphometry, and bone Ca content were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean 25(OH)D for rats on the 50, 100, 1,000 IU vitamin D/kg diet were 32, 54, and 175 nmol/L, respectively. Higher Ca intake ameliorated net bone turnover, reduced fractional Ca absorption and bone resorption, and increased net Ca absorption. Tibial and femoral trabecular structures were enhanced independently by higher Ca and vitamin D intake. Tibial bone width and fracture resistance were enhanced by higher vitamin D intake. Dynamic histomorphometry in the tibia was not affected by either nutrient. A Ca × vitamin D interaction existed in femur length, tibial Ca content, and mass of the soft tissue/extracellular fluid compartment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate Ca intake and serum 25(OH)D level of 50 nmol/L provided the most benefit for bone health, mostly through independent effects of Ca and vitamin D.

Electronic structure of Zn doped Fe3O4 thin films

We investigated the effect of Zn doping on the electronic property of magnetite by using optical spectroscopy. The (Zn(x)Fe(1-x))Fe2O4 (ZFFO) (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.5) samples were prepared by PLD technique. The XRD measurement revealed that all the samples have an inverse spinel-type of crystalline structure. The M-H curves indicate that the saturation magnetization reduces with the increasing x. From the spectroscopic ellipsometry and infrared spectroscopy, we found that the doping of nonmagnetic Zn2+ ions leads to the dramatic change in the electronic structure of the ZFFO films. We discuss the correlation of our spectra with the electric and magnetic properties of the ZFFO films.

How low is low enough? Evaluation of various risk-assessment models for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer: a Korean multicenter study

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify a standard for the evaluation of future models for prediction of lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer through estimation of performance of well-known surgicopathological models.

Methods

Using the medical records of 947 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgical management with lymphadenectomy, we retrospectively assessed the predictive performances of nodal metastasis of currently available models.

Results

We evaluated three models included: 1) a model modified from the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) pilot study; 2) one from the GOG-33 data; and 3) one from Mayo Clinic data. The three models showed similar negative predictive values ranging from 97.1% to 97.4%. Using Bayes' theorem, this can be translated into 2% of negative post-test probability when 10% of prevalence of lymph node metastasis was assumed. In addition, although the negative predictive value was similar among these models, the proportion that was classified as low-risk was significantly different between the studies (56.4%, 44.8%, and 30.5%, respectively; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The current study suggests that a false negativity of 2% or less should be a goal for determining clinical usefulness of preoperative or intraoperative prediction models for low-risk of nodal metastasis.

Increased apoB/A-I ratio independently associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: cross-sectional study in a Korean population

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio is associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus independent of other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 70,063 subjects (41,391 men and 28,672 women; mean age 41.5 years) who visited the Health Screening Center at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital for a routine medical check-up between January 2009 and December 2009 were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

The mean apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio in the study subjects was 0.66 ± 0.18. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased across the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio quartiles (1.0%, 1.6%, 2.9%, and 4.8% for the 1st through 4th quartiles, respectively, P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) also showed an increasing tendency by quartile (P < 0.001). The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio was correlated with age, adiposity, blood pressure, HOMA2-IR value, fasting glucose levels, and other inflammatory marker, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein (a) levels (all P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model, the highest apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio quartile was associated with Type 2 diabetes, even after controlling for other risk factors for diabetes, such as age, gender, BMI, systolic blood pressure, HOMA2-IR values, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, family history of diabetes, presence of metabolic syndrome, and conventional lipid parameters (odds ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.46, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio was found to be associated with Type 2 diabetes independent of other risk factors for diabetes and conventional lipid parameters.

Serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol is associated with diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To determine whether there is a relationship between 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), a marker of postprandial hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability, and the presence of diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Five hundred and sixty-seven patients with Type 2 diabetes (serum creatinine < 133 μmol/l), who were enrolled in the Seoul Metro-City Diabetes Prevention Program (SMC-DPP), were cross-sectionally assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

After controlling for age, sex, binary HbA(1c) levels, duration of diabetes, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia, and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker medication, the odds ratios (95% CI) of diabetic retinopathy were 2.86 (1.12-7.25) for the first (lowest) quartile of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, 2.87 (1.25-6.61) for the second quartile and 0.88 (0.35-2.22) for the third quartile compared with the fourth quartile (P for trend = 0.010). Conversely, the associations between 1,5-anhydroglucitol and clinical albuminuria were non-significant after adjustment. Subjects with low 1,5-anhydroglucitol (< 10.0 μg/ml) were more likely to experience diabetic retinopathy than those with high 1,5-anhydroglucitol (≥ 10.0 μg/ml) under moderate glucose control (HbA(1c) < 8%, 64 mmol/mol) and there were no significant differences in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy between the subgroup with HbA(1c) < 8% (64 mmol/mol) and low 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the subgroup with HbA(1c) ≥ 8% (64 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

1,5-Anhydroglucitol levels show close associations with diabetic retinopathy, especially among patients under moderate glucose control, but not with albuminuria. These results suggest that 1,5-anhydroglucitol might be a complementary marker for targeting higher risk group.

Is tumor size the limiting factor in a laparoscopic management for large ovarian cysts?

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility and short-term surgical outcome of laparoscopic surgery among women with large ovarian cysts.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive 81 patients who received laparoscopic management for ovarian cysts with diameter ≥ 10 cm and without radiologic features suggestive of malignancy, from March 2008 to September 2011.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic surgery was successful in 77 (95.1 %) of the total patients. The mean (range) operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL) and hospital stay were 107.6 (55-250 min), 226.9 (10-1300 mL) and 6.1 (4-15 days), respectively. The surgical procedures performed included salpingooophorectomy (SO) (n = 44), ovarian cystectomy (OC) (n = 22), adhesiolysis (n = 1), salpingectomy (n = 2) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with SO (n = 8). Conversion to laparotomy occurred with four patients. One patient had postoperative bleeding and one had minor complications associated with wound oozing at the umbilical port site. Histopathological examination revealed benign tumors in 76 patients (93.8 %), borderline ovarian tumor in three patients (3.7 %) and invasive epithelial ovarian cancer in two patients (2.5 %). Clinicopathological variables according to tumor size were not statistically different. Complications did not appear in any patients during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

With proper patient selection, laparoscopy is a feasible and safe treatment for women with large ovarian cysts and tumor size did not have effect on laparoscopic management. However, surgeons should carefully consider the potential risk of malignancy in such patients.

Effect of temperature on optical and electronic properties of InGaP/InGaAIP multiple quantum wells

The optical and electronic properties in an InGaP/InGaAIP multiple quantum well (MQW) grown by using molecular-beam epitaxy utilizing the digital alloy technique were investigated through temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements and numerical calculations. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed that the sample clearly displayed the InGaP wells and the InGaAIP barriers and separate confinement heterostructure layers. The PL measurements at various temperatures were performed to investigate the interband transitions of the InGaP/InGaAIP MQW. The electronic subband energies and the wavefunctions in the InGaP/InGaAIP MQW at several temperatures were determined by using a finite element method employing the standard 8-band k x p Lagrangian. The numerical results for optical interband transition energies from the ground state electron subband to the ground state heavy-hole subband of the InGaP/InGaAIP MQW at various temperatures were in reasonable agreement with the excitonic transition energies observed in the PL measurements.

Efficacy of systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancers: a retrospective, multicenter study in Korea

AIM

Non-endometrioid endometrial cancer is a clinically and pathologically distinct subtype of endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy improves overall survival compared to no lymphadenectomy in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records and pathological findings of 112 patients who underwent surgical staging for non-endometrioid endometrial cancer from 2000 to 2006 in Korea.

RESULTS

Systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 71 patients. Pelvic lymph node metastases were identified in 31% and 14.6% patients who underwent systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy and no lymphadenectomy, respectively. After adjusting for risk factors, there was no significant difference in overall survival (odds ratio = 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-1.67) between patients who did or did not undergo systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. On multivariate analysis, patients with lymph node metastasis had higher risk of death (odds ratio = 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-10.00) than the patients with no lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Although systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy did not affect overall survival in patients with the non-endometrioid subtype, it has the potential benefit of providing prognostic information and acting as a guide for further adjuvant treatment.

Fat-forming variant of solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura: CT findings

The fat-forming variant of solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) was previously called lipomatous haemangiopericytoma and is a rare variant of solitary fibrous tumour. It predominantly occurs in the deep soft tissues of the retroperitoneum and thigh. Only a handful of cases involving the perineum, spine, thoracic wall and pelvic cavity have been reported in the radiological literature and the fat-forming variant of SFT involving the pleura has not been previously reported. Herein, we report the CT findings of a case of the fat-forming variant of SFT involving the pleura that was treated by excision. Chest CT showed a large lobulated heterogeneous fatty mass with a multifocal enhancing soft-tissue component in the left lower hemithorax. Although rare, the fat-forming variant of SFT of the pleura should be added to the differential diagnosis of fat-containing pleural soft-tissue tumours.

PDCD6 additively cooperates with anti-cancer drugs through activation of NF-κB pathways

The expression of programmed cell death 6 (PDCD6) is known to be down-regulated in cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer tissues compared to normal cells and tissues. In the current study, we characterized the specific function of PDCD6 as a novel pro-apoptotic protein. To define the roles of PDCD6 and cisplatin in tumorigenesis, we either over-expressed PDCD6 or treated it with cisplatin in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Both PDCD6 and cisplatin respectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The combined treatment of PDCD6 and cisplatin was more effective at suppressing cell growth than with either drug treatment alone, but had no effect with the treatment of caspase-3 and caspase-9 inhibitors. Cleavages of caspase-3, -8, -9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in PDCD6-overexpressing cells were significantly increased after cisplatin treatment. Cell cycle analysis highly correlated with down-regulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4, and the induction of p16 and p27 as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Additionally, PDCD6 also suppressed the phosphorylation of signaling regulators downstream of PI3K, including PDK1 and Akt. PDCD6 promotes TNFα-dependent apoptosis through the activation of NF-κB signaling pathways, increasing Bax, p53, and p21 expression, while also down-regulating Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. The p21 and p53 promoter luciferase activities were enhanced by PDCD6, while there was no affect in p53(-/-) and p21(-/-). At the same time, p53 activity was confirmed by UV irradiation and siPDCD6. Taken together, these results provide evidence that PDCD6 can mediate the pro-apoptotic activity of cisplatin or TNFα through the down-regulation of NF-κB expression.

CYR61 controls p53 and NF-κB expression through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways in carboplatin-induced ovarian cancer cells

CYR61 over-expression promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting carboplatin-induced apoptosis, decreasing Bax expression, and increasing Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and Bcl-2. At the same time, down-regulating p53 expression, while up-regulated NF-κB expression. Additionally, p21 and p53 promoter activities were reduced, while NF-κB and Bcl-2 activities increased. In parallel, CYR61-expressing cells, during carboplatin-induced apoptosis, resulted in an increase of Akt phosphorylation, while rapamycin-treated cells were not affected. Carboplatin effectively inhibited the activation of mTOR signaling cascade, which includes mTOR, 4E-BP1, p70S6K, HIF-1α, and VEGF. These results provide evidence that CYR61 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis.

Microbleeds and free active MMP-9 are independent risk factors for neurological deterioration in acute lacunar stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

in this prospective study, we evaluated mutual relationships amongst microbleeds, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and neurological deterioration in patients with their first acute lacunar stroke.

METHODS

based on diffusion-weighted image findings, we recruited 206 patients with their first acute lacunar stroke. Those without a MRI scan were excluded. Small (a maximum lesion diameter of 15 mm) areas of subcortical gray and white matter with increased signals were considered as lacunar infarctions. GRE images were obtained within 24 h of the onset of stroke symptoms. Venous blood was sampled at base line (within 24 h). Clinical, biochemical, rheological and inflammatory parameters, neurological scales and free, active MMP-9 levels were compared between patients with and without microbleeds. Neurological deterioration was defined as an increase in more than two points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score baseline 14 days after the onset of lacunar stroke.

RESULTS

of the patients, 79 (38.3%) had microbleeds and 48 (23.3%) showed neurological deterioration. Free, active MMP-9 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly increased amongst patients with microbleeds (P < 0.001 and P = 0.047, respectively). Existence of microbleeds (RR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.25-3.83) and increased free, active MMP-9 (RR = 1.10 per 10 ng/ml, 95% CI = 1.03-1.19) were identified as independent risk factors for neurological deterioration after adjusting for potential confounders.

DISCUSSION

ncreased levels of active MMP-9 and the existence of microbleeds might be useful in predicting the deterioration following an initial acute lacunar stroke.

In-situ synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy study of the initial atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 film on Si(001) substrate

In-situ synchrotron radiation photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy have been used to investigate the initial stages of Al2O3 growth on a Si(001) substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The core level spectra of Si 2p, O 1s, and Al 2p as well as the valence band spectra were measured at every half reaction in the trimethylaluminum (TMA)-H2O ALD process. The line shape changes and binding energy shifts of the core level spectra reveal that Al2O3 is predominantly formed with a small amount of Si oxide in the initial stages without the formation of Al silicate. All core level spectra were alternately shifted toward higher and lower binding energies sides at every half ALD reaction. This can be explained by the band bending effect induced by different chemical species on the surface during the TMA-H2O ALD reaction. The valence band spectra showed that four cycles of ALD reactions were necessary to complete the electronic structure of the Al2O3 film with a valence band offset of 3.73 eV.

Ovarian malignant melanoma without evidence of teratoma

A 46-year-old woman with ovarian malignant melanoma had advanced intraperitoneal metastasis, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymph node metastases. Extensive debulking surgery was performed and chemotherapy was given. Microscopically, no evidence of other accompanying tumor, such as teratoma was noted. Detailed examination of the patient failed to identify any evidence of another primary melanoma site. It is assumed that spontaneous regression of the primary lesion occurred. Despite the surgery and chemotherapy, the patient died within 2 months of diagnosis. Considering this case, it is assumed that the combination of surgical debulking and chemotherapy are not always beneficial in ovarian malignant melanoma and the prognosis of ovarian malignant melanoma is very poor.

Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression Among Cervical Cancer Survivors in Korea

Purpose:

With increasing survival rates of women with cervical cancer, quality of life of the survivors becomes a more important issue. However, little is known about the mental health of cervical cancer survivors (CCSs). This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression in CCSs compared with healthy controls and identified factors associated with multidimensional model including sociodemographic, clinical, functioning and well-being, and symptom variables.

Methods:

The participants included 828 CCSs (mean time since treatment, 6.9 years) enrolled at 6 tertiary hospitals from 1983 to 2004 and 500 control subjects selected randomly from a representative sample of Korean women. Subjects completed the following questionnaires: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire-C30, its Cervical Cancer module, and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results:

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-defined anxiety in CCSs did not differ from that in healthy controls (39.5% and 32.2%, respectively; P = 0.218). Anxiety was significantly more prevalent in younger CCSs (≤50 years) than in controls (40% vs 26.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-defined depression was even lower in CCSs than in controls (34.6% vs 48.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-defined anxiety and depression in CCSs were commonly associated with financial difficulty, poor body image, sexual inactivity, and low existential well-being. Low support and insomnia were uniquely related to anxiety, with older age and decrement role function uniquely related to depression. However, disease-related clinical factors were not related to either anxiety or depression.

Conclusions:

Cervical cancer survivors showed relatively good mental health compared with healthy controls; however, women who have low functioning and well-being could be at high risk of anxiety or depression or both.

Evaluation of serum CA-125 levels for preoperative counseling in endometrioid endometrial cancer: a multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of serum CA-125 levels for preoperative counseling in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC).

METHODS

We reviewed 413 patients with EEC from 6 tertiary medical centers between July 1996 and June 2008. All patients were divided into (1) 4 categories of preoperative serum CA-125 levels: <18 U/mL (n=203); 18-35 U/mL (n=114); 36-70 U/mL (n=53); >70 U/mL (n=43) or (2) 3 categories: low-risk (n=240); intermediate-risk (n=99); high-risk diseases (n=74).

RESULTS

Receiver operative curves showed the best cut-off values of 16.2-40.8 U/mL for predicting prognostic factors with 53.4-84.2% of sensitivity, 43.9-81.7% of specificity, 48.8-82.1% of positive predictive value (PPV), 48.5-83.8% of negative predictive value (NPV) and 48.6-83.0% of accuracy. Especially, adnexal involvement was predicted with the highest accuracy (83.0%) at >or=40.8 U/mL. The best cut-off values for preoperative selection of intermediate- to high-risk, and high-risk diseases were 17.3 U/mL and 21.9 U/mL (62.4% and 68.9% of sensitivity; 54.6% and 64.3% of specificity; 57.9% and 64.2% of PPV; 59.2% and 67.4% of NPV, 58.5% and 65.8% of accuracy). Furthermore, >70 U/mL of preoperative serum CA-125 levels was a prognostic factor for poor progression-free and overall survivals.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CA-125 levels may not be useful for predicting most of prognostic factors, and may not contribute to preoperative selection of patients with intermediate- or high-risk disease who need adjuvant radiotherapy in EEC. However, serum CA-125 levels may be helpful in preoperative counseling for young patients who want ovarian preservation, and >70 U/mL could be considered as a risk factor for poor survival.

Biomechanical effects of environmental and engineered particles on human airway smooth muscle cells

The past decade has seen significant increases in combustion-generated ambient particles, which contain a nanosized fraction (less than 100 nm), and even greater increases have occurred in engineered nanoparticles (NPs) propelled by the booming nanotechnology industry. Although inhalation of these particulates has become a public health concern, human health effects and mechanisms of action for NPs are not well understood. Focusing on the human airway smooth muscle cell, here we show that the cellular mechanical function is altered by particulate exposure in a manner that is dependent upon particle material, size and dose. We used Alamar Blue assay to measure cell viability and optical magnetic twisting cytometry to measure cell stiffness and agonist-induced contractility. The eight particle species fell into four categories, based on their respective effect on cell viability and on mechanical function. Cell viability was impaired and cell contractility was decreased by (i) zinc oxide (40-100 nm and less than 44 microm) and copper(II) oxide (less than 50 nm); cell contractility was decreased by (ii) fluorescent polystyrene spheres (40 nm), increased by (iii) welding fumes and unchanged by (iv) diesel exhaust particles, titanium dioxide (25 nm) and copper(II) oxide (less than 5 microm), although in none of these cases was cell viability impaired. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide up to 500 microM did not alter viability or cell mechanics, suggesting that the particle effects are unlikely to be mediated by particle-generated reactive oxygen species. Our results highlight the susceptibility of cellular mechanical function to particulate exposures and suggest that direct exposure of the airway smooth muscle cells to particulates may initiate or aggravate respiratory diseases.

Relationship between body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal Korean women

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is a disease that increases the fracture rates and it is the major cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the elderly people. To determine which component of body composition is most important to bone health, we analysed the relationship between elements of the body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical study.

PATIENTS

Totally 1694 women (mean age 51 years) were selected from subjects who participated in a medical check-up program.

MEASUREMENTS

Body composition analysis was performed by segmental bioelectric impedance method and lean mass, fat mass and per cent body fat measured. Waist: hip ratio (WHR) was assessed as a marker for visceral fat. Lumbar spine (L-spine) BMD was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). As menopausal status could not be confirmed in all subjects, we divided the subjects into two groups according to the age > 50 years and < 50 years.

RESULTS

Among the entire population, 599 subjects (35.4%) were osteopaenic and 229 subjects (13.5%) were osteoporotic. The bivariate correlation among the variables showed that weight had the highest correlation with fat mass. Mean lean mass was decreased and the WHR increased as the subjects progressed from normal to osteoporotic status; fat mass was the highest among the osteopaenic subjects. L-spine BMD showed a positive correlation with lean mass, and a negative correlation with WHR by bivariate correlation analysis. However, fat mass had a negative correlation with L-spine BMD only after adjustment for age and weight. Multiple regression analysis with L-spine BMD as the dependent variable showed that age, height, fasting insulin, lean mass and WHR were significant determinants of the L-spine BMD (R(2) = 0.170, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this Korean female population, L-spine BMD showed a consistently positive correlation with lean mass and a negative correlation with WHR. Fat mass failed to show any consistent correlation with L-spine BMD in this study population.

Cross-cultural application of the Korean version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire cervical cancer module

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Quality of Life questionnaire cervical cancer module (QLQ-CX24), developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

METHODS

The EORTC QLQ-CX24 and the core questionnaire (the EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered to 860 Korean disease-free survivors of cervical cancer and 494 female control subjects from the general Korean population. The construct reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaire were assessed via factor analysis, multitrait scaling analyses and known group comparisons.

RESULTS

Factor structure of the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 questionnaire agreed with the originally hypothesized scale structure. Scale reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients for internal consistency, which ranged from 0.78 to 0.87. Convergent and discriminant validity was confirmed by multitrait scaling analysis, which revealed scaling errors of 0.9. The clinical validity of the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 was demonstrated by the ability to discriminate among controls and patient subgroups of different stages, treatments and overall health status.

CONCLUSIONS

The Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 was found to be a reliable and a valid measure of quality of life among survivors of cervical cancer when administered in a large survey setting.

The association of serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein with coronary artery disease in Korean adults

OBJECTIVES

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), also known as aP2 or FABP4, is abundantly expressed in adipocytes and plays a role in glucose homeostasis. We analyzed the relationship between the coronary artery disease and serum FABP4 levels in Korean adults.

METHODS

In a total of 234 Korean adults, in whom coronary angiograms were performed, anthropometric measurements were done and fasting glucose and lipid profiles were measured. Serum FABP4 levels were measured using ELISA. The presence of metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHBL) criteria with body mass index (BMI) substituted for waist circumference.

RESULTS

Among the subjects, 31.6% had diabetes, 46.9% had metabolic syndrome, and mean log (FABP4) levels showed significantly higher levels in subjects with diabetes. Among the subjects, 42.4% had normal coronary vessel, 34.6% had 1-vessel disease, 13.7% had 2-vessel disease, and 9.4% had 3-vessel disease. Among the parameters, mean age, fasting glucose, and log (FABP4) levels increased significantly as the numbers of stenotic vessel increased from normal to 3-vessel disease, and for FABP4, these significances showed a consistent trend for difference after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and fasting glucose (P=0.072). Mean log (FABP4) level showed lower values in subjects taking aspirin, and higher values in subjects taking statin and anti-hypertensive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum FABP4 levels increased as the numbers of stenotic coronary artery increased, although these differences were attenuated after adjustment for age and fasting glucose levels. Various anti-atherogenic medications showed different effects on the serum FABP4 levels, which need further investigation.

ProteinVista: a fast molecular visualization system using Microsoft Direct3D

Many tools have been developed to visualize protein and molecular structures. Most high quality protein visualization tools use the OpenGL graphics library as a 3D graphics system. Currently, the performance of recent 3D graphics hardware has rapidly improved. Recent high-performance 3D graphics hardware support Microsoft Direct3D graphics library more than OpenGL and have become very popular in personal computers (PCs). In this paper, a molecular visualization system termed ProteinVista is proposed. ProteinVista is well-designed visualization system using the Microsoft Direct3D graphics library. It provides various visualization styles such as the wireframe, stick, ball and stick, space fill, ribbon, and surface model styles, in addition to display options for 3D visualization. As ProteinVista is optimized for recent 3D graphics hardware platforms and because it uses a geometry instancing technique, its rendering speed is 2.7 times faster compared to other visualization tools.

Direct comparison of optical frequency combs using a comb-injection-lock technique

This paper demonstrates a direct comparison of optical frequency combs (OFCs) with different repetition rates without a stable intermediate laser using a single-mode comb-injection-lock technique. Two OFCs based on Ti:Sapphire mode-locked lasers were compared utilizing a single-mode diode laser for the selection and the amplification of one mode of an OFC by comb-injection, which makes the direct comb comparison possible. The frequencies of the two combs were found to agree within 0.019 Hz at 352 THz with the uncertainty of 0.25 Hz (7.1 x 10(-16) ). This is one of the best results among the comparisons of combs referenced to a microwave frequency. This technique simplifies the comb comparison utilities and can be applied even when repetition rates differ.