Eruption dynamics of CO₂-driven cold-water geysers: Crystal, Tenmile geysers in Utah and Chimayo geyser in New Mexico

Watson, Z.T.,Han, W.S.,Keating, E.H.,Jung, N.H.,Lu, M. North-Holland Pub. Co ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2014 Earth and planetary science letters Vol.408 No.-

The CO<SUB>2</SUB> bubble volume fraction, eruption velocity, flash depth and mass emission of CO<SUB>2</SUB> were determined from multiple wellbore CO<SUB>2</SUB>-driven cold-water geysers (Crystal and Tenmile geysers, in Utah and Chimayo geyser in New Mexico). At shallow depths the bubble volume fraction ranges from 0 to 0.8, eruption velocities range from 2 to 20 m/s and flash depths are predominately shallow ranging from 5 to 40 m below the surface. Annual emission of CO<SUB>2</SUB> is estimated to be (4.77+/-1.92)x10<SUP>3</SUP>, (6.17+/-1.73)x10<SUP>1</SUP>, (6.54+/-0.57)x10<SUP>1</SUP>t/yr for Crystal, Tenmile and Chimayo geysers, respectively. These estimates are coherent with Burnside et al. (2013) showing that the rate of CO<SUB>2</SUB> leakage from wellbores is greater than fault-parallel or diffuse CO<SUB>2</SUB> leakage. The geyser plumbing geometry consists of a vertical wellbore which allows for the upward migration of CO<SUB>2</SUB>-rich fluids due to artesian conditions. The positive feedback system of a CO<SUB>2</SUB>-driven eruption occurs within the well. Active inflow of CO<SUB>2</SUB> into the regional aquifers through faulted bedrock allows geysering to persist for decades. Crystal geyser erupts for over 24 h at a time, highlighting the potential for a wellbore in a natural environment to reach relatively steady-state high velocity discharge. Mitigating high velocity CO<SUB>2</SUB>-driven discharge from wellbores will, however, be easier than mitigating diffuse leakage from faults or into groundwater systems.

Synergistic anticancer activity of HS-173, a novel PI3K inhibitor in combination with Sorafenib against pancreatic cancer cells

Yun, S.M.,Jung, K.H.,Lee, H.,Son, M.K.,Seo, J.H.,Yan, H.H.,Park, B.H.,Hong, S.,Hong, S.S. Elsevier ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2013 Cancer letters Vol.331 No.2

Abstract: The RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways are highly implicated in the development of pancreatic cancer. The principal objective of this study was to assess the synergic effect between Sorafenib (a RAF inhibitor) and HS-173 (a novel PI3K inhibitor) to gain insight into novel therapeutic strategies for treating pancreatic cancer. We first investigated the cytotoxic effect of co-treatment with Sorafenib and HS-173 using the Calcusyn program. Combined treatment of the two drugs synergistically inhibited the viability of Panc-1 cells (combination index<1). Concomitantly, the co-treatment induced G2/M arrest and increased apoptosis with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Apoptosis resulting from the co-treatment was accompanied by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP as well as greater numbers of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells compared to treatment with either drug alone. Furthermore, combined treatment with these drugs decreased the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF which play an important role in angiogenesis. This anti-angiogenic effect was confirmed by the suppressed tube formation of VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells and inhibition of blood vessel formation in a Matrigel plug assay in mice. Taken together, our study demonstrates that combined treatment with Sorafenib and HS-173 has a synergistic anti-cancer effect on pancreatic cancer cells, indicating that simultaneously targeting the RAF/MEK and PI3K/AKT pathways can induce a synergistic inhibitory effect on pancreatic cancers in which both pathways are activated. Based on the observations from our study, we suggest that the combined administration of these two drugs may be considered to be a new therapeutic regimen for treating pancreatic cancer.

Effects of elevated CO₂ concentrations on the production and biodegradability of organic matter: An in-situ mesocosm experiment

Lee, Y.,Kumar, K.S.,Lee, K.,Shin, K.,Park, K.T.,Yang, E.J.,Shin, K.H. Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2016 Marine chemistry Vol.183 No.-

<P>The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration is responsible for progressive ocean acidification and has potential widespread effects on organic matter production and degradation. In order to understand the effect of elevated CO2 concentrations on organic matter dynamics, we conducted an in-situ mesocosm study in the mid-latitude coastal seas. Changes in the concentration and characteristics of organic matter, including particulate and dissolved fractions, as well as extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides, were determined at six pCO(2) levels ranging from 260 to 1040 ppmv over 19 days. The phytoplankton bloom and accumulation of dissolved organic carbon were observed in all pCO(2) treatments. In the present study, although the elevated pCO(2) positively influenced the quantity of organic matter, it did not affect its fluorescence characteristics and biodegradability. The highest hydrolysis potentials for polysaccharide degradation were recorded under highly acidified conditions (890 and 1040 ppmv). Our findings suggest that elevated CO2 concentrations could stimulate organic matter production and degradation, which in turn could lead to increased rates of organic carbon cycling. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

The zinc ionophore clioquinol reverses autophagy arrest in chloroquine-treated ARPE-19 cells and in APP/mutant presenilin-1-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells

Seo, B.R.,Lee, S.J.,Cho, K.S.,Yoon, Y.H.,Koh, J.Y. Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2015 NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING Vol.36 No.12

Arrested autophagy may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Because we found that chloroquine (CQ) causes arrested autophagy but clioquinol (ClioQ), a zinc ionophore, activates autophagic flux, in the present study, we examined whether ClioQ can overcome arrested autophagy induced by CQ or mutant presenilin-1 (mPS1). CQ induced vacuole formation and cell death in adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells, but co-treatment with ClioQ attenuated CQ-associated toxicity in a zinc-dependent manner. Increases in lysosome dilation and blockage of autophagic flux by CQ were also markedly attenuated by ClioQ treatment. Interestingly, CQ increased lysosomal pH in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/mPS1-expressing Chinese hamster ovary 7WΔE9 (CHO-7WΔE9) cell line, and ClioQ partially re-acidified lysosomes. Furthermore, accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers in CHO-7WΔE9 cells was markedly attenuated by ClioQ. Moreover, intracellular accumulation of exogenously applied fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Aβ<SUB>1-42</SUB> was also increased by CQ but was returned to control levels by ClioQ. These results suggest that modulation of lysosomal functions by manipulating lysosomal zinc levels may be a useful strategy for clearing intracellular Aβ oligomers.

Human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance cancer cell proliferation through increased TGF-α cleavage by ADAM17

Gao, M.Q.,Kim, B.G.,Kang, S.,Choi, Y.P.,Yoon, J.H.,Cho, N.H. Elsevier ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2013 Cancer letters Vol.336 No.1

We demonstrate here increased expression of ADAM17 protein in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) extracted from human breast carcinomas compared with donor-matched normal fibroblasts, and TGF-α secretion positively correlates with ADAM17 expression in these cells. In SK-BR-3 cells co-cultured with CAFs, CAF-secreted TGF-α promotes cell proliferation by activation of EGFR, Akt, and ERK, but it does not promote cell migration. Furthermore, anti-TGF-α neutralizing antibodies antagonize the CAF-dependent increase in proliferation and activation of EGFR, Akt and ERK. Thus, pharmacologic inhibition of ADAM17 and TGF-α may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast cancer when fibroblast-directed therapy is considered.

Hybrid control algorithm for fuel consumption of a compound hybrid excavator

Kim, H.,Yoo, S.,Cho, S.,Yi, K. Elsevier ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2016 AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION - Vol.68 No.-

The current paper describes a hybrid control algorithm for fuel consumption minimization of a compound hybrid excavator. The power train of the excavator integrates an engine assist motor, a super capacitor, and a dc/dc converter for hybridization of the original power train. This power train also incorporates an electrically propelled swing motor, which replaces the conventional hydraulic swing motor, to remove hydraulic loss and recuperate the kinetic energy of the swing motion. Since the super capacitor provides the required energy for the electric swing motor, sustaining the charge presents an important consideration in the power management algorithm design. First, the optimal control problem has been applied to the fuel consumption minimization problem, and an algorithm based on the equivalent fuel minimization strategy (ECMS) has been applied by analyzing the behavior of the co-state of the optimal control problem. The ECMS algorithm is integrated with an engine set speed regulator to increase the overall efficiency of the diesel engine. The engine set speed regulator was designed to change the engine set speed, depending on the engine load. Simulations show that the ECMS is near optimum compared to the dynamic programming results, maintaining an approximately 3% fuel improvement compared to a thermostat controller, which determines power distribution based on the state of charge. Excellent charge-sustaining performance was also achieved. The performance of the control algorithm was verified through real-world vehicle tests, resulting in an approximately 30% improvement in fuel economy, compared to the conventional excavator.

The efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in Asian patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis: A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Zhang, J.,Tsai, T.F.,Lee, M.G.,Zheng, M.,Wang, G.,Jin, H.,Gu, J.,Li, R.,Liu, Q.,Chen, J.,Tu, C.,Qi, C.,Zhu, H.,Ports, W.C.,Crook, T. Elsevier ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2017 JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL SCIENCE Vol.88 No.1

Background: Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. Objective: This study assessed tofacitinib efficacy and safety vs placebo in Asian patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods: Patients from China mainland, Taiwan, and Korea were randomized 2:2:1:1 to tofacitinib 5mg (N=88), tofacitinib 10mg (N=90), placebo→5mg (N=44), or placebo→10mg (N=44), twice daily (BID) for 52 weeks. Placebo-treated patients advanced to tofacitinib at Week 16. Co-primary efficacy endpoints: proportions of patients achieving Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) response ('clear' or 'almost clear') and proportion achieving ≥75% reduction from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI75) at Week 16. Results: At Week 16, more patients achieved PGA and PASI75 responses with tofacitinib 5mg (52.3%; 54.6%) and 10mg (75.6%; 81.1%) BID vs placebo (19.3%; 12.5%; all p<0.0001). Of patients with a Week 16 response, 73.6% and 75.0% maintained PGA response, and 76.8% and 84.9% maintained PASI75 to Week 52 with tofacitinib 5mg and 10mg BID, respectively. Over 52 weeks, 2.2-4.5% of patients across treatment groups experienced serious adverse events, and 1.1-6.8% discontinued due to adverse events. Conclusion: Tofacitinib demonstrated efficacy vs placebo at Week 16 in Asian patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; efficacy was maintained through Week 52. No unexpected safety findings were observed. [NCT01815424]

Influence of herbal combinations on the extraction efficiencies of chemical compounds from Cinnamomum cassia, Paeonia lactiflora, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the herbal components of Gyeji-tang, evaluated by HPLC method

Kim, J.H.,Ha, W.R.,Park, J.H.,Lee, G.,Choi, G.,Lee, S.H.,Kim, Y.S. Pergamon Press ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2016 Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis Vol.129 No.-

During decoction process, the ingredients of herbal formula interact with each other, such that therapeutic properties and chemical extraction characteristics are altered. The crude drugs, Cinnamomum cassia (CC), Paeonia lactiflora (PL), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU), are the main herbal constituents of Gyeji-tang, a traditional herbal formula. To evaluate the chemical interaction between CC, PL, and GU during the course of decoction, quantification of 16 marker compounds in the herbal decoction, performed using a Box-Behnken experimental design, was carried out by HPLC-diode array detection using validated method. Correlations between the amounts of marker compounds from CC, PL, and GU were assessed by multiple regression analysis. The results obtained showed that amounts of single herb marker compounds significantly changed (usually decreased) by decoction in the presence of other herbs and that these changes depended on the chemical natures of the markers and the herbal medicines present. Results also demonstrated that the extraction efficiencies of marker compounds increased when the proportion of the herb containing them was increased and decreased in proportion to amounts of herbs added. In conclusion, chemical interactions between compositional herbal medicines may occur when herbs are co-decocted. This study provides insight of understanding the herbal interactions in herbal formulae.

Sorption characteristics of oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, and sulfathiazole in two different soil types

Kim, Y.,Lim, S.,Han, M.,Cho, J. Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co ; Elsevier Science Pub 2012 Geoderma Vol.185 No.-

We performed this study to investigate the influences of soil pH and soil organic matter content on the sorption behaviors of veterinary pharmaceuticals (VPs; oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, and sulfathiazole) in two different soil types (silt loam and sandy loam). We evaluated both the Langmuir and Freundlich sorption isotherms and found that the Freundlich sorption isotherm fit the data better than did the Langmuir sorption isotherm because the coefficient of Freundlich sorption isotherm (> 0.8) was considerably greater than those of the Langmuir sorption isotherm (< 0.4). The sorption capacities of the VPs increased with decreasing soil pH and increasing soil organic matter content. The sorption capacities of the VPs in silt loam soil were greater than those in sandy loam soil. Furthermore, our results indicated that amoxicillin and sulfathiazole were highly mobile in soils and could therefore be rapidly transported to field drains and ultimately entered surface waters. However, oxytetracycline was highly sorbed in clay minerals under acidic and high soil organic matter conditions. Together, our results indicated that the sorption of VPs by soil was influenced by environmental factors such as soil pH, soil organic matter content, and soil texture.

BIM-assisted labor productivity measurement method for structural formwork

Lee, J.,Park, Y.J.,Choi, C.H.,Han, C.H. Elsevier ; Elsevier Science Pub. Co 2017 AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION - Vol.84 No.-

Knowledge of labor productivity is essential for cost estimation and progress control. Due to the limited availability of automatic generation technology for integrated information including both physical component attributes (such as spatial information) and managerial attributes (such as allocated resources), research efforts focusing on cost-time integrated progress control theory have been sparse. However, current advances in 3D building information modeling (BIM) applications have allowed for the practical development of BIM-based visual progress control systems. The goal of this research is to explore the importance of labor productivity data for measuring compound progress. Therefore, this paper develops a field labor productivity data acquisition method by integrating a 3D model with associated information. To evaluate the proposed method, a case project and field data were used to assess productivity. The results of this research are discussed in terms of significant findings and potential further developments.