Report of the CCQM-K97: measurement of arsenobetaine standard solution and arsenobetaine content in fish tissue (tunafish)

Ma, L D,Wang, J,WEI, C,Kuroiwa, T,Narukawa, T,Ito, N,HIOKI, A,CHIBA, K,Yim, Y H,Lee, K S,Lim, Y R,Turk, G C,Davis, C W,Mester, Z,Yang, L,McCooeye, M,Maxwell, P,Cankur, O,Tokman, N,Coskun, F G BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DES POIDS ET MESURES 2017 METROLOGIA -BERLIN- Vol.54 No.-

<P></P> <P>The CCQM-K97 key comparison was organized by the inorganic analysis working group (IAWG) of CCQM as a follow-up to completed pilot study CCQM-P96 and P96.1 to test the abilities of the national metrology institutes to accurately quantitate the mass fraction of arsenobetaine (AsB) in standard solution and in fish tissue. A pilot study CCQM-P133 was parallelized with this key comparison. National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China and National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) acted as the coordinating laboratories.</P> <P>Six NMIs participated in CCQM-K97 and two institutes participated in CCQM-P133, and all of them submitted the results. Some NMIs submitted more than one results by different methods. The results were in excellent agreement with each other, and obviously better than those of previous P96 and P96.1. Therefore the calibrant which each NMI used was comparable. It shows that the capabilities of some of the participants have been improved after the previous pilot studies.</P> <H2>Main text</H2> <P> To reach the main text of this paper, click on <A HREF='http://www.bipm.org/utils/common/pdf/final_reports/QM/K97/CCQM-K97.pdf'>Final Report</A>. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database <A HREF='http://kcdb.bipm.org/'>kcdb.bipm.org/</A>.</P> <P>The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).</P>

Comparison of 90‐day case‐fatality after ischemic stroke between two different stroke outcome registries using propensity score matching analysis

Yu, K‐,H.,Hong, K‐,S.,Lee, B‐,C.,Oh, M‐,S.,Cho, Y‐,J.,Koo, J‐,S.,Park, J‐,M.,Bae, H‐,J.,Han, M‐,K.,Ju, Y‐,S.,Kang, D‐,W.,Appelros, P. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Acta neurologica Scandinavica Vol.123 No.5

<P>Yu K‐H, Hong K‐S, Lee B‐C, Oh M‐S, Cho Y‐J, Koo J‐S, Park J‐M, Bae H‐J, Han M‐K, Ju Y‐S, Kang D‐W, Appelros P, Norrving B, Terent A. Comparison of 90‐day case‐fatality after ischemic stroke between two different stroke outcome registries using propensity score matching analysis. 
Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 123: 325–331. 
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.</P><P><B>Background – </B> It has not been clarified whether the disparity in ischemic stroke outcome between populations is caused by ethnic and geographic differences or by variations in case mix. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis can overcome some analytical problems but is rarely used in stroke outcome research. This study was to compare the ischemic stroke case‐fatality between two PSM cohorts of Sweden and Korea.</P><P><B>Methods – </B> Prognostic variables related to baseline characteristics and stroke care were included in our PSM model. Then, we selected 7675 Swedish and 1220 Korean patients with ischemic stroke from each stroke registers and performed one‐to‐one matching based on propensity scores of each patient.</P><P><B>Results – </B> After PSM, all measured variables were well balanced in 1163 matched subjects, and the 90‐day case‐fatality was identical 6.2% (HR 0.997, 95%CI 0.905–1.099) in Sweden and Korea.</P><P><B>Conclusions – </B> No difference is found in the 90‐day case‐fatality in propensity score‐matched Swedish and Korean patients with ischemic stroke.</P>

Toward high efficiency organic photovoltaic devices with enhanced thermal stability utilizing P3HT-b-P3PHT block copolymer additives

Zhu, M.,Kim, H.,Jang, Y.,Park, S.,Ryu, D.,Kim, K.,Tang, P.,Qiu, F.,Kim, D.,Peng, J. Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Journal of Materials Chemistry A Vol.4 No.47

<P>Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have drawn an extensive amount of attention due to their low cost, processibility and flexibility. However, a cell based on a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C-61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) has a limited power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to the short exciton diffusion length of similar to 10 nm. We address this issue by designing a series of all-conjugated diblock copolymers, poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(3-(6-diethylphosphonatohexyl) thiophene) (P3HT-b-P3PHT), intended for use as additives to improve the performance of P3HT:PC61BM-based photovoltaic devices. The PCE of the devices improved from 3.30% to 4.03% with the addition of P3HT-b-P3PHT (3 : 1). The thermal stability of devices with P3HT-b-P3PHT additives improved significantly relative to that of the P3HT:PC61BM reference device, where the devices including a copolymer with a higher P3PHT content exhibited a better thermal stability. It was found that the fill factor (FF) could be regulated by simply varying the block ratio of P3HT-b-P3PHT and played a crucial role in improving both the PCE and the thermal stability. The P3HT-b-P3PHT diffused at the P3HT:PC61BM interface, improved the miscibility between P3HT and PC61BM, optimized the nanoscale morphology of the photoactive layer, and reduced the active layer roughness, all of which improved the FF and thus contributed to an improvement in device performance.</P>

Development of the new KSTAR helium distribution box

Lee, Y.J.,Kwag, S.W.,Song, N.H.,Park, D.S.,Chang, Y.B.,Moon, K.M.,Kim, N.W.,Joo, J.J.,Lee, C.H.,Kim, K.P.,Song, J.I.,Park, S.H.,Kim, H.T.,Ahn, H.J.,Kim, Y.S. Elsevier 2017 Fusion engineering and design Vol.123 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>KSTAR project has required the new helium distribution box named upgraded distribution box (DBU) for the operation of the cryogenic components such as in-vessel cryo-pump (CPI), super-sonic molecular beam injector (SMBI), and deuterium pellet injection system (PIS). Two CPIs are inserted into the tokamak vacuum vessel and these components shall be operated at 90K for the liquid nitrogen thermal shields and 4.5K for the hydrogen cryo-panel. One hydrogen PIS was newly mounted on the tokamak for the 2016 KSTAR campaign. Liquid nitrogen shall be supplied to the one SMBI. For the operation of above mentioned 3 kinds of cryogenic components, a helium refrigerator, which had been used for the R&D in the KSTAR facility construction phase (2002–2013), was moved and inserted into the KSTAR 9kW helium facility room. The cooling capacity of the refrigerator at 4.5K is 1kW and it was manufactured from the Linde Kryotechnik before 2002. After some maintenances in warm compressor, electrical power supply, oil-filter, and so on, commissioning of the refrigerator up to 4.5K was accomplished successfully. From the beginning of 2015, design and fabrication of the DBU was started. It shall control the liquid nitrogen for the SMBI and CPI thermal shields whereas liquid helium for the CPI cryo-panel and PIS. To minimize the temperature of the liquid nitrogen to be supplied to SMBI and CPI, a thermal damper tank was inserted into the distribution box. Nitrogen return gases are to be warmed up to room temperature at the heater in the distribution box. A 1000l of liquid helium vessel is located nearby the PIS to supply cold gas helium (∼5K). Because the CPI cryo-panel requires regeneration up to 90K, complex regeneration and re-cool down scenario was developed and applied to the DBU. Including operational results, details of the DBU progresses will be reported in this paper.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> There has been progresses in the construction and 1st operation of DBU in 2016 KSTAR plasma experiments. </LI> <LI> Two in-vessel cryopumps (CPIs) cool-down to 4.5K and observed pumping speed was 3.0E4l/s. </LI> <LI> Manual CPI regeneration tests were accomplished regarding future automatic control. </LI> <LI> Production of the D<SUB>2</SUB> pellets were successful and there has been lots of injection tests. </LI> </UL> </P>

<i>In vitro</i> inhibitory effects of Wen‐pi‐tang‐Hab‐Wu‐ling‐san on human cytochrome P450 isoforms

Lee, H. W.,Kim, D. W.,Phapale, P. B.,Lim, M. ‐,S.,Park, J.,Seo, J. J.,Park, K. M.,Park, Y. ‐,K.,Yoon, Y. ‐,R. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics Vol.36 No.4

<P><B>Summary</B></P><P><B>What is known and Objective: </B> Although Wen‐pi‐tang‐Hab‐Wu‐ling‐san (WHW), an oriental herbal medicine, has been prescribed for the treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF) in Korean clinics, no studies regarding WHW–drug interactions had been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility that WHW inhibits the catalytic activities of major cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms.</P><P><B>Methods: </B> The abilities of various WHW extracts to inhibit phenacetin O‐de‐ethylation (CYP1A2), tolbutamide 4‐methylhydroxylation (CYP2C9), omeprazole 4′‐hydroxylation (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan O‐demethylation (CYP2D6), chlorzoxazone 6‐hydroxylation (CYP2E1) and midazolam 1‐hydroxylation (CYP3A4) were assessed using human liver microsomes.</P><P><B>Results and Discussion: </B> WHW extract at concentrations up to 100 μ<SMALL>m</SMALL> showed negligible inhibition of the six CYP isoforms tested (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4), with apparent IC<SUB>50</SUB> values (concentration of the inhibitor causing 50% inhibition of the original enzyme activity) of 817.5, 601.6, 521.7, 310.2, 342.8 and 487.0 μg/mL, respectively.</P><P><B>What is new and Conclusion: </B> Our <I>in vitro</I> findings suggest that WHW extract at concentrations corresponding to a clinically recommended dosage range has no notable inhibitory effects on CYP isoforms. Therefore, we believe that WHW extract may be free of drug–herb interactions when co‐administered with other medicines. However, <I>in vivo</I> human studies are needed to confirm these results.</P>

Foxp3 is a key downstream regulator of p53-mediated cellular senescence

Kim, J-E,Shin, J-S,Moon, J-H,Hong, S-W,Jung, D-J,Kim, J H,Hwang, I-Y,Shin, Y J,Gong, E-Y,Lee, D H,Kim, S-M,Lee, E Y,Kim, Y S,Kim, D,Hur, D,Kim, T W,Kim, K-p,Jin, D-H,Lee, W-J Macmillan Publishers Limited 2017 Oncogene Vol.36 No.2

<P>The downstream events and target genes of p53 in the process of senescence are not fully understood. Here, we report a novel function of the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3, which is a key player in mediating T-cell inhibitory functions, in p53-mediated cellular senescence. The overexpression of Foxp3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) accelerates senescence, whereas Foxp3 knockdown leads to escape from p53-mediated senescence in p53-expressing MEFs. Consistent with these results, Foxp3 expression resulted in the induction of senescence in epithelial cancer cells, including MCF7 and HCT116 cells. Foxp3 overexpression also increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine rescued cells from Foxp3-expression-induced senescence. Furthermore, the elevated ROS levels that accompanied Foxp3 overexpression were paralleled by an increase in p21 expression. Knockdown of p21 in Foxp3-expressing MEFs abrogated the Foxp3-dependent increase in ROS levels, indicating that Foxp3 acts through the induction of p21 and the subsequent ROS elevation to trigger senescence. Collectively, these results suggest that Foxp3 is a downstream target of p53 that is sufficient to induce p21 expression, ROS production and p53-mediated senescence.</P>

<i>Asparagus densiflorus</i> in a vertical subsurface flow phytoreactor for treatment of real textile effluent: A lab to land approach for <i>in situ</i> soil remediation

Watharkar, Anuprita D.,Kadam, Suhas K.,Khandare, Rahul V.,Kolekar, Parag D.,Jeon, Byong-Hun,Jadhav, Jyoti P.,Govindwar, Sanjay P. Elsevier 2018 Ecotoxicology and environmental safety Vol.161 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study explores the potential of <I>Asparagus densiflorus</I> to treat disperse Rubin GFL (RGFL) dye and a real textile effluent in constructed vertical subsurface flow (VSbF) phytoreactor; its field cultivation for soil remediation offers a real green and economic way of environmental management. <I>A. densiflorus</I> decolorized RGFL (40 gm L<SUP>−1</SUP>) up to 91% within 48 h. VSbF phytoreactor successfully reduced American dye manufacture institute (ADMI), BOD, COD, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) of real textile effluent by 65%, 61%, 66%, 48% and 66%, respectively within 6 d. Oxidoreductive enzymes such as laccase (138%), lignin peroxidase (129%), riboflavin reductase (111%) were significantly expressed during RGFL degradation in <I>A. densiflorus</I> roots, while effluent transformation caused noteworthy induction of enzymes like, tyrosinase (205%), laccase (178%), veratryl oxidase (52%). Based on enzyme activities, UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR and GC-MS results; RGFL was proposed to be transformed to 4-amino-3- methylphenyl (hydroxy) oxoammonium and N, N-diethyl aniline. Anatomical study of the advanced root tissue of <I>A. densiflorus</I> exhibited the progressive dye accumulation and removal during phytoremediation. HepG2 cell line and phytotoxicity study demonstrated reduced toxicity of biotransformed RGFL and treated effluent by <I>A. densiflorus,</I> respectively. On field remediation study revealed a noteworthy removal (67%) from polluted soil within 30 d.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>Asparagus densiflorus</I> showed potential to transform disperse dye Rubin GFL. </LI> <LI> Vertical subsurface flow phytoreactor efficiently decolorized real textile effluent. </LI> <LI> Toxicity study confirmed the reduced toxicity of biotransformed dye and effluent. </LI> <LI> <I>In situ</I> soil remediation studies revealed a noteworthy removal of soil ADMI. </LI> <LI> Lab to land transfer of phytoremediation technology was successfully achieved. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor myriocin induces growth inhibition of B16F10 melanoma cells through G₂/M phase arrest

Lee, Y.‐,S.,Choi, K.‐,M.,Choi, M.‐,H.,Ji, S.‐,Y.,Lee, S.,Sin, D.‐,M.,Oh, K.‐,W.,Lee, Y.‐,M.,Hong, J.‐,T.,Yun, Y.‐,P.,Yoo, H.‐,S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Cell proliferation Vol.44 No.4

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Objectives: </B> Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and it resists chemotherapy. Candidate drugs for effective anti‐cancer treatment have been sought from natural resources. Here, we have investigated anti‐proliferative activity of myriocin, serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor, in the <I>de novo</I> sphingolipid pathway, and its mechanism in B16F10 melanoma cells.</P><P><B>Material and methods: </B> We assessed cell population growth by measuring cell numbers, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. Ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate levels were analysed by HPLC.</P><P><B>Results: </B> Myriocin inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G<SUB>2</SUB>/M phase. Expressions of cdc25C, cyclin B1 and cdc2 were decreased in the cells after exposure to myriocin, while expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP> was increased. Levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in myriocin‐treated cells after 24 h were reduced by approximately 86%, 57%, 75% and 38%, respectively, compared to levels in control cells.</P><P><B>Conclusions: </B> Our results suggest that inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis by myriocin in melanoma cells may inhibit expression of cdc25C or activate expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP>, followed by inhibition of cyclin B1 and cdc2, resulting in G<SUB>2</SUB>/M arrest of the cell cycle and cell population growth inhibition. Thus, modulation of sphingolipid metabolism by myriocin may be a potential target of mechanism‐based therapy for this type of skin cancer.</P>

The extraction of φ–N total cross section from d(γ,p^K+^K−)n

Qian, X.,Chen, W.,Gao, H.,Hicks, K.,Kramer, K.,Laget, J.M.,Mibe, T.,Stepanyan, S.,Tedeschi, D.J.,Xu, W.,Adhikari, K.P.,Amaryan, M.,Anghinolfi, M.,Baghdasaryan, H.,Ball, J.,Battaglieri, M.,Batourine, V Elsevier 2009 Physics letters: B Vol.680 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>We report on the first measurement of the differential cross section of <I>φ</I>-meson photoproduction for the d(γ,p<SUP>K+</SUP><SUP>K−</SUP>)n exclusive reaction channel. The experiment was performed using a tagged-photon beam and the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. A combined analysis using data from the d(γ,p<SUP>K+</SUP><SUP>K−</SUP>)n channel and those from a previous publication on coherent <I>φ</I> production on the deuteron has been carried out to extract the φ−N total cross section, <SUB>σφN</SUB>. The extracted φ−N total cross section favors a value above 20 mb. This value is larger than the value extracted using vector-meson dominance models for <I>φ</I> photoproduction on the proton.</P>

Effect of Different Spray Dried Plasmas on Growth, Ileal Digestibility, Nutrient Deposition, Immunity and Health of Early-Weaned Pigs Challenged with E. coli K88

Bosi, P.,Han, In K.,Jung, H.J.,Heo, K.N.,Perini, S.,Castellazzi, A.M.,Casini, L.,Creston, D.,Gremokolini, C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.8

A total of 96 piglets were weaned at 19 and 13 days in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and allotted to one of four diets: three with different spray dried plasmas (SPs) and one with hydrolysed casein (HC). SPs were from pigs (SPP), mixed origin (SMP), and mixed origin with standardized level of immunoglobulins (SMPIG). All the diets contained 1.7% total lysine, 25% of the test protein source, 45% corn starch, 15% lactose, 2% sucrose, 7% soybean oil. At d 4 and d 2 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, piglets were perorally challenged with $10^{10}$ CFU E. coli K88. Growth performance, immunity, and health condition were measured for 15 days and 14 days in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. To investigate apparent ileal digestibility and nutrient deposition, all piglets were sacrificed at d 14 in Exp. 2. In 1. 3 piglets died in HC diet and 1 in SPP diet. HC diet showed higher mortality (p<0.01) than other diets. In Exp. 2, no clinical sign of infection was detected, no difference for the content of E. coli K88 was found in feces at 4 and 6 days after the infection, and no E. coli K88 was found in the jejunum at the end of experiment. In both experiments, feed intake was lower for HC diet and ADG was 96, 106, 122 and 155 for HC, SPP, SMP and SMPIG diet, respectively (HC vs others, p<0.05; SMPIG vs other SP, p<0.01). Heal apparent digestibility of nitrogen in sacrificed piglets was higher for HC diet (p<0.05). After the challenge, K88-specific titers in saliva (Exp. 1) and in plasma (Exp. 2) were reduced in SMP and SMPIG. The piglets positive to the adhesion of the used E. coli strain to the intestinal brush borders had a significantly reduced growth (p<0.01) and a higher K88-specific IgA titer in plasma, in comparison with negative ones. This effect was independent of the diet. The data show the relevance of spray dried plasma sources and particularly of SP with standardized level of immunoglobulins for the feeding of early-weaned at the risk of infection by enterotoxigenic bacteria.