• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.1153-1164
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• 2024

In recent years, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have been used to search for lost or stolen radioactive sources to avoid radiation exposure for operators. To achieve autonomous localization of radioactive sources, the UGVs must have the ability to automatically determine the next radiation measurement location instead of following a predefined path. Also, the radiation field of radioactive sources has to be reconstructed or inverted utilizing discrete measurements to obtain the radiation intensity distribution in the area of interest. In this study, we propose an effective source localization framework and method, in which UGVs are able to autonomously explore in the radiation area to determine the location of radioactive sources through an iterative process: path planning, radiation field reconstruction and estimation of source location. In the search process, the next radiation measurement point of the UGVs is fully predicted by the design path planning algorithm. After obtaining the measurement points and their radiation measurements, the radiation field of radioactive sources is reconstructed by the Gaussian process regression (GPR) model based on machine learning method. Based on the reconstructed radiation field, the locations of radioactive sources can be determined by the peak analysis method. The proposed method is verified through extensive simulation experiments, and the real source localization experiment on a Cs-137 point source shows that the proposed method can accurately locate the radioactive source with an error of approximately 0.30 m. The experimental results reveal the important practicality of our proposed method for source autonomous localization tasks.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.162-169
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• 2024

This study investigates the temperature sensitivities of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) across a broad temperature spectrum ranging from -196 ℃ to 900 ℃. We developed the FBG temperature measurement system using a high-temperature tubular furnace and liquid nitrogen to supply consistent high and low temperatures, respectively. Our research showed that the FBG temperature sensitivity changed from 1.55 to 10.61 pm/℃ in the range from -196 ℃ to 25 ℃ when the FBG was packaged with a quartz capillary. In the 25-900 ℃ range, the sensitivity varied from 11.26 to 16.62 pm/℃. Contrary to traditional knowledge, the FBG temperature sensitivity was not constant. This inconsistency primarily stems from the nonlinear shifts in the thermo-optic coefficient and thermal expansion coefficient across this temperature spectrum. The theoretically predicted and experimentally determined temperature sensitivities of FBGs encased in quartz capillary were remarkably consistent. The greatest discrepancy, observed at 25 ℃, was approximately 1.3 pm/℃. Furthermore, it was observed that at 900 ℃, the FBG was rapidly thermally erased, exhibiting variable reflected intensity over time. This study focuses on the advancement of precise temperature measurement techniques in environments that experience wide temperature fluctuations, and has considerable potential application value.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2024

The traditional double story isolated structure is a derivative of the base isolated and inter-story isolated structures, while the new double story isolated structure represents a novel variation derived from the traditional double story isolated structure. In order to investigate the seismic response of the new double story isolated structure, a comprehensive structural model was developed. Concurrently, models for the basic fixed, base isolated, inter-story isolated, and traditional double story isolated structures were also established for comparative analysis. The nonlinear dynamic time-history response of the new double story isolated structure under rare earthquake excitations was analyzed. The findings of the study reveal that, in comparison to the basic fixed structure, the new double story isolated structure exhibits superior performance across all evaluated aspects. Furthermore, when compared to the base isolated and inter-story isolated structures, the new double story isolated structure demonstrates significant reductions in inter-story shear force, top acceleration, and inter-frame displacement. The horizontal displacement of the new double story isolated structure is primarily localized within the two isolation layers, effectively dissipating the majority of input seismic energy. In contrast to the traditional double story isolated structure, the new design minimizes displacements within the inter-isolation layer situated in the central part of the frame, as well as mitigates the overturning forces acting on the lower frame column. Consequently, this design ensures the structural integrity of the core tube, thereby preventing potential collapse and structural damage.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.8
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• pp.375-380
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• 2024

Early proatherogenic inflammation constitutes a significant risk factor for atherogenesis development. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanisms driving this pathological progression largely remain elusive. Our study unveils a pivotal role for the microRNA miR-328-5p in dampening endothelial inflammation by modulating the stability of JUNB (JunB proto-oncogene). Perturbation of miR-328-5p levels results in heightened monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and enhanced transendothelial migration, while its overexpression mitigates these inflammatory processes. Furthermore, miR-328-5p hinders macrophage polarization toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, and exerts a negative influence on atherosclerotic plaque formation in vivo. By pinpointing JUNB as a direct miR-328-5p target, our research underscores the potential of miR-328-5p as a therapeutic target for inflammatory atherosclerosis. Reintroduction of JUNB effectively counteracts the anti-atherosclerotic effects of miR-328-5p, highlighting the promise of pharmacological miR-328-5p targeting in managing inflammatory atherosclerosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2269-2272
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• 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade various components of the extracellular matrix and functional polymorphisms in encoding genes may contribute to genetic susceptibility to many cancers. Up to now, associations between MMP-7 (-181A>G) and digestive system cancer risk have remained inconclusive. To better understand the role of the MMP-7 (-181A>G) genotype in digestive cancer development, we conducted this comprehensive meta-analysis encompassing 3,518 cases and 4,596 controls. Overall, the MMP-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism was associated with higher digestive system cancer risk on homozygote comparison (GG vs. AA, OR=1.21, 95% CI = 1.12-1.60) and in a dominant model (GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.16, 95% CI =1.03-1.46). On subgroup analysis, this polymorphism was significantly linked to higher risks for gastric cancer (GG vs. AA, OR=1.22, 95% CI = 1.02-1.46; GA vs. AA, OR=1.82, 95% CI =1.16-2.87; GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.13, 95% CI =1.01-1.27; GG vs. GA/AA, OR= 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-2.39. We also observed increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer and esophageal SCC in both homozygote (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06-1.26) and heterozygote comparisons (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11-1.91). In the stratified analysis by controls, significant effects were only observed in population-based studies (GA vs. AA, OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.08-1.50; GA/AA vs. GG, OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.01-1.72). According to the source of ethnicity, a significantly increased risk was found among Asian populations in the homozygote model (GG vs. AA, OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.12-1.69), heterozygote model (GA vs. AA, OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.02-1.51), and dominant model (GG/GA vs. AA, OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.08-1.55). Our findings suggest that the MMP-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism may be a risk factor for digestive system cancer, especially among Asian populations.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3647-3652
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• 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT for detection of bone metastasis in comparison with the efficacies of $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT, CT, $^{18}F$-FDG PET and conventional planar bone scintigraphy in a series of cancer patients. Methods: Five hundred and thirty patients who underwent both $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT and bone scintigraphy within 1 month were retrospectively analyzed. The skeletal system was classified into 10 anatomic segments and interpreted blindly and separately. For each modality, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were calculated and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: Bone metastases were confirmed in 117 patients with 459 positive segments. On patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT were significantly higher than bone scintigraphy, CT and $^{18}F$-FDG PET (P<0.05). On segment-based analysis, the sensitivity of CT, bone scintigraphy, $^{18}F$-FDG PET and $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT were 70.4%, 89.5%, 89.1% and 97.8%, respectively (P<0.05, compared with $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT). The overall specificity and accuracy of the four modalities were 89.1%, 91.8%, 90.3%, 98.2% and 90.3%, 90.9%, 89.8%, 98.0%, respectively (P<0.05, compared with $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT). The PPV and NPV were 89.8%, 87.6%, 85.6%, 97.2% and 85.6%, 93.2%, 92.8%, 98.6%, respectively. Three hundred and twelve lesions or segments were presented as lytic or sclerotic changes on CT images at the corresponding sites of increased $^{18}F$-FDG uptake. In lytic or mixed lesions, the sensitivity of $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT and $^{18}F$-FDG PET were better than bone scintigraphy, while in osteoblastic lesions bone scintigraphy had a similar performance with $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT but better than $^{18}F$-FDG PET alone. Conclusion: Our data allow the conclusion that $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT is superior to planar bone scintigraphy, CT or $^{18}F$-FDG PET in detecting bone metastasis. $^{18}F$-FDG PET/CT may enhance our diagnosis of tumor bone metastasis and provide more information for cancer treatment.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.12
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• pp.840-845
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• 2009

Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK1) palys a crucial role in the regulation of transcription downstream of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. MSK1 can be phosphorylated and activated in cells by both ERK1/2 and p38$\alpha$. In this study, Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) was identified as a binding and regulatory partner for MSK1. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, MSK1 was found to interact with the CK2$\beta$ regulatory subunit of CK2. Interactions between MSK1 and the CK2$\alpha$ catalytic subunit and CK2$\beta$ subunit were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. We further found that CK2$\alpha$ can only interact with the C-terminal kinase domain of MSK1. Using site-directed mutagenesis assay and mass spectrometry, we identified five sites in the MSK1 C-terminus that could be phosphorylated by CK2 in vitro: Ser757, Ser758, Ser759, Ser760 and Thr793. Of these, Ser757, Ser759, Ser760 and Thr793 were previously unknown.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.576-584
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• 2017

Objective: To generate recombinant Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) engineered for expression of porcine ${\beta}-defensin-2$ (pBD-2) and cecropin P1 (CP1) fusion antimicrobial peptide and investigate their anti-bacterial activity in vitro and their growth-promoting and disease resisting activity in vivo. Methods: The pBD-2 and CP1 fused gene was synthesized using the main codons of B. subtilis and inserted into plasmid pMK4 vector to construct their expression vector. The fusion peptide-expressing B. subtilis was constructed by transformation with the vector. The expressed fusion peptide was detected with Western blot. The antimicrobial activity of the expressed fusion peptide and the recovered pBD-2 and CP1 by enterokinase digestion in vitro was analyzed by the bacterial growth-inhibitory activity assay. To analyze the engineered B. subtilis on growth promotion and disease resistance, the weaned piglets were fed with basic diet supplemented with the recombinant B. subtilis. Then the piglets were challenged by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). The weight gain and diarrhea incidence of piglets were measured after challenge. Results: The recombinant B. subtilis engineered for expression of pBD-2/CP1 fusion peptide was successfully constructed using the main codons of the B. subtilis. Both expressed pBD-2/CP1 fusion peptide and their individual peptides recovered from parental fusion peptide by enterokinase digestion possessed the antimicrobial activities to a variety of the bacteria, including gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Haemophilus parasuis) and grampositive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Supplementing the engineered B. subtilis to the pig feed could significantly promote the piglet growth and reduced diarrhea incidence of the piglets. Conclusion: The generated B. subtilis strain can efficiently express pBD-2/CP1 fusion antimicrobial peptide, the recovered pBD-2 and CP1 peptides possess potent antimicrobial activities to a variety of bacterial species in vitro. Supplementation of the engineered B. subtilis in pig feed obviously promote piglet growth and resistance to the colibacillosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1363-1367
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• 2014

This research was conducted to compare differences in colon cancer lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) with D2-40 antibody labeling and regular HE staining, blood vessel invasion (BVI) with CD34 antibody labeling and HE staining and to assess the possibility of using D2-40-LVI/CD34-BVI in combination for predicting stage II colon cancer prognosis and guiding adjuvant chemotherapy.Anti-D2-40 and anti-CD34 antibodies were applied to tissue samples of 220 cases of stage II colon cancer to label lymphatic vessels and small blood vessels, respectively. LVI and BVI were assessed and multivariate COX regression analysis was performed for associations with colon cancer prognosis. Regular HE staining proved unable to differentiate lymphatic vessels from blood vessels, while D2-40 selectively labeled lymphatic endothelial cell cytosol and CD34 was widely expressed in large and small blood vessels of tumors as well as normal tissues. Compared to regular HE staining, D2-40-labeling for LVI and CD34-labeling for BVI significantly increased positive rate (22.3% vs 10.0% for LVI, and 19.1% vs 9.1% for BVI). Multivariate analysis indicated that TNM stage, pathology tissue type, post-surgery adjuvant chemotherapy, D2-40-LVI, and CD34-BVI were independent factors affecting whole group colon cancer prognosis, while HE staining-BVI, HE staining-LVI were not significantly related. When CD34-BVI/D2-40-LVI were used in combination for detection, the risk of death for patients with two or one positive results was 5.003 times that in the LVI(-)&BVI(-) group (95% CI 2.365 - 9.679). D2-40 antibody LVI labeling and CD34 antibody BVI labeling have higher specificity and accuracy than regular HE staining and can be used as molecular biological indicators for prognosis prediction and guidance of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.170-202
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• 1998

Lee Shi Zhen(李時珍) raised a question in argument on the writer of Bao Ming Shi(保命集), which had been believed to be written by Liu Wan Su(劉完素), arguing that Bao Ming Shi(保命集), also called Huo Fa Ji Yao(活法機要), was written by Zhang Yuan Su(張完素). There were three representative arguments on the writer of Bao Ming Shi(保命集). One suggested that it was written by Zhang Yuan Su(張完素) while the other argued that it was definitely written by Liu Wan Su(劉完素). And another suggested thai it was edited by posterity by combinding the works of the former two miters. After this study, it was found that Bao Ming Shi(保命集) has Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素)'s unique medical thoughts in many descriptions resulting in controversial dispute. Through these arguments, a new hypothesis has been made that the third person who had studied Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素)'s medical thoughts wrote Bao Ming Shi(保命集). Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素) were quite different in medial thoughts and their works and they found different school, respectively. Therefore, if Bao Ming Shi(保命集) was written by Liu Wan Su(劉完素) or Zhang Yuan Su(張完素), it is impossiple that Bao Ming Shj(保命集) has the two medical thoughts in many descriptions. So, it is regarded reasonable to argue that the person who had aquainted with the two medical thoughts wrote this book. Then enother question can be raised : why the persion wrote Bao Ming Shi(保命集) which integrated the two medical thoughts and. The answer is as follows. Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素) became the rounders of He Jian(河間) school and Yi Shui(易水) school, respectively, which have considerably affected later generations, suggesting advanced medical theory. The medical thoughts suggested by the two were sure advanced compared with the former generation, but subjective and biased enough be critisized. So, it is thought that the third person wrote Bao Ming Shj(保命集) to recover those demerits and to describe more advanced medical theory. Zhongyi Xueshushi(中醫學術史) suggests that posterity edited Bao Ming Shi(保命集) by combinding Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素)'s works, which is different flam my suggestment. In above description, it is said that the two medical thoughts were quite different, but Bao Ming Shi(保命集) has well-understood medical thoughts containing the two medical thoughts in chaptor to chaptor, and well coincides from cover to cover, which shows that it is written by one person not edited by posterity. My hypothesis can admit other arguments on the writer of Bao Ming Shi(保命集), recover the bias of those argument and solve the questions raised in other arguments. Therefore, I suggest that the person, who was well aquainted with Liu Wan Su(劉完素) and Zhang Yuan Su(張完素)'s medical thoughts, wrote Bao Ming Shi(保命集) to describe more advanced and complete medical theory by amending the bias and taking the merits of the two medical thoughts.