Zinc finger-containing glycine-rich RNA-binding protein in Oryza sativa has an RNA chaperone activity under cold stress conditions.

The rice (Oryza sativa) genome harbours three genes encoding CysCysHisCys (CCHC)-type zinc finger-containing glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins, designated OsRZ proteins, but their importance and physiological functions remain largely unknown. Here, the stress-responsive expression patterns of OsRZs were assessed, and the biological and cellular functions of OsRZs were evaluated under low temperature conditions. The expression levels of the three OsRZs were up-regulated by cold stress, whereas drought or high salt stress did not significantly alter its transcript level.

The C-terminal zinc finger domain of Arabidopsis cold shock domain proteins is important for RNA chaperone activity during cold adaptation.

Among the four cold shock domain proteins (CSDPs) identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, it has recently been shown that CSDP1 harboring seven CCHC-type zinc fingers, but not CSDP2 harboring two CCHC-type zinc fingers, function as a RNA chaperone during cold adaptation. However, the structural features relevant to this differing RNA chaperone activity between CSDP1 and CSDP2 remain largely unknown. To determine which structural features are necessary for the RNA chaperone activity of the CSDPs, the importance of the N-terminal cold shock domain (CSD) and the C-terminal zinc finger glycine-rich domains of CSDP1 and CSDP2 were assessed.

Performance analysis and improvement of WPAN MAC for home networks.

The wireless personal area network (WPAN) is an emerging wireless technology for future short range indoor and outdoor communication applications. The IEEE 802.15.

A study of MAC protocols for WBANs.

The seamless integration of low-power, miniaturised, invasive/non-invasive lightweight sensor nodes have contributed to the development of a proactive and unobtrusive Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). A WBAN provides long-term health monitoring of a patient without any constraint on his/her normal dailylife activities. This monitoring requires the low-power operation of invasive/non-invasive sensor nodes.

Studies of scattering, reflectivity, and transmitivity in WBAN channel: feasibility of using UWB.

The Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is one of the fledging paradigms that the next generation of wireless systems is sprouting towards. Among them, a more specific category is the Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) used for health monitoring. On the other hand, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) comes with a number of desirable features at the physical layer for wireless communications.

MAC-bridging for multi-PHYs communication in BAN.

Body Area Network (BAN) is a collection of low-power, miniaturised, and intelligent sensor nodes that are used for unobtrusive and ambulatory health monitoring of a patient without any additional constraints. These nodes operate on different frequency bands or Multiple Physical Layers (Multi-PHYs). Additionally, some BAN applications demand a logical connection between different nodes working on different Multi-PHYs.

Characterization of a photodiode coupled with a Si nanowire-FET on a plastic substrate.

In this study, a laterally coupled device composed of a photodiode and a Si nanowires-field-effect transistor (NWs-FET) is constructed on a plastic substrate and the coupled device is characterized. The photodiode is made of p-type Si NWs and an n-type ZnO film. The Si NWs-FET is connected electrically to the photodiode in order to enhance the latter's photocurrent efficiency by adjusting the gate voltage of the FET.

The utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization for detection of bladder urothelial carcinoma in routine clinical practice.

To evaluate the ability of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in detecting bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC), FISH and cytology were compared for the evaluation of 308 consecutive urine samples from patients suspected of having BUC. All patients underwent cystoscopy for identification of bladder lesions. The FISH results were compared with the cytology assessment.

Radial nerve injury due to automatic blood pressure monitoring: A case report.

We experienced an unusual complication of acute radial nerve palsy presenting as wrist drop after application of automated cycled blood pressure monitoring for 3 hours. A 19-year-old ASA physical status 1 female was scheduled to undergo nail removal, had been operated internal transport over the nail lengthening for fibular hemimelia. Blood pressure cuff was affixed to her right upper arm and worked automatically every 5 minute during surgery.

Development of quantum-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy networks.

In this study, we are concerned with a method for constructing quantum-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy networks (QANFNs) with a Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy type based on the fuzzy granulation from a given input-output data set. For this purpose, we developed a systematic approach in producing automatic fuzzy rules based on fuzzy subtractive quantum clustering. This clustering technique is not only an extension of ideas inherent to scale-space and support-vector clustering but also represents an effective prototype that exhibits certain characteristics of the target system to be modeled from the fuzzy subtractive method.

Impact of capsular incision on biochemical recurrence after radical perineal prostatectomy.

The prognostic implications of capsular incision (CI) remain to be defined. We evaluated the impact of CI on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and the potential risk factors of CI. Between June 1995 and July 2007, 266 patients with follow-up for at least 6 months, who had neither the seminal vesicle nor lymph node involvement on prostatectomy specimen, were included.

Association between metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in the Korean population.

Aim: We performed a retrospective study to examine the association between the metabolic syndrome (MS)and risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: This cohort study included 60 921 healthy adults recruited from two health promotion centres.Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid profile and serum creatinine were evaluated.

Forensic genetic analysis of nine miniSTR loci in the Korean population.

Nine miniSTR loci were analyzed in 191 unrelated individuals from Korea using three multiplex PCR systems (multiplex I: D1S1677, D2S441 and D4S2364; multiplex II: D10S1248, D14S1434 and D22S1045; multiplex III: D12S391, D16S3253 and D20S161). Due to the short PCR amplicons (< 145 bp), miniSTR systems can effectively be used in forensic analysis with highly degraded DNAs. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated to evaluate their usefulness in forensic casework.

Reactive oxygen species in rats with chronic post-ischemia pain.

Background: An emerging theme in the study of the pathophysiology of persistent pain is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the exogenous supply of antioxidant drugs during peri-reperfusion would attenuate pain induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We investigated the analgesic effects of three antioxidants administered during peri-reperfusion using an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome-type I consisting of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) of the hind paw.

Contralateral allodynia and central change in the chronic post-ischemic pain model rats.

Background: Mirror-image allodynia is a mysterious phenomenon that occurs in association with many clinical pain syndromes including complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). Underlying mechanisms for the development of such pain are still a matter of investigation. Several studies suggest that activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is essential for central sensitization as a base for persistent pain.

Cold shock domain proteins affect seed germination and growth of Arabidopsis thaliana under abiotic stress conditions.

Unlike the well-known functions of cold shock proteins in prokaryotes during cold adaptation, the biological functions of cold shock domain proteins (CSDPs) in plants remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the functional roles of two structurally different CSDPs, CSDP1 harboring a long C-terminal glycine-rich region interspersed with seven CCHC-type zinc fingers and CSDP2 containing a far shorter glycine-rich region interspersed with two CCHC-type zinc fingers, in Arabidopsis thaliana under stress conditions. CSDP1 overexpression delayed the seed germination of Arabidopsis under dehydration or salt stress conditions, whereas CSDP2 overexpression accelerated the seed germination of Arabidopsis under salt stress conditions.

Reduction of allodynia by intrathecal transplantation of microencapsulated porcine chromaffin cells.

Bovine chromaffin cells (BCCs) are well known to have analgesic effect to reduce acute or chronic pain when transplanted in the subarachnoid space and have been considered as an alternative therapy for pain management. However, due to recent concerns over risks associated with prion transmission, porcine tissue is considered to be an alternate xenogeneic source for clinical use. In the present study, we investigated whether microencapsulated porcine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (PCCs) also have analgesic effect to reduce allodynia caused by neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury model of rat.

Reactive oxygen species and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated central sensitization in hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced neuropathic pain rats.

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to development of neuropathic pain. A neuropathic pain syndrome was produced in rats following prolonged hindpaw ischemia/reperfusion injury, creating an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome-Type I (CRPS-I). This study was designed to evaluate the validity of this model for ROS and pain research.

The impact of the CONSORT statement on reporting of randomized clinical trials in psychiatry.

To determine whether the CONSORT recommendations influenced the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the field of psychiatry, we evaluated the quality of clinical trial reports before and after the introduction of CONSORT statement. We selected seven high impact journals and retrieved the randomized, clinical trials in the field of psychiatry during the period of 1992-1996 (pre-CONSORT) and 2002-2007 (post-CONSORT). Among the total 5201 articles screened, 736 were identified and entered in our database.

Nanoscale adhesion, friction and wear studies of biomolecules on silane polymer-coated silica and alumina-based surfaces.

Proteins on biomicroelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) confer specific molecular functionalities. In planar FET sensors (field-effect transistors, a class of devices whose protein-sensing capabilities we demonstrated in physiological buffers), interfacial proteins are analyte receptors, determining sensor molecular recognition specificity. Receptors are bound to the FET through a polymeric interface, and gross disruption of interfaces that removes a large percentage of receptors or inactivates large fractions of them diminishes sensor sensitivity.

Solute-solvent complex switching dynamics of chloroform between acetone and dimethylsulfoxide-two-dimensional IR chemical exchange spectroscopy.

Hydrogen bonds formed between C-H and various hydrogen bond acceptors play important roles in the structure of proteins and organic crystals, and the mechanisms of C-H bond cleavage reactions. Chloroform, a C-H hydrogen bond donor, can form weak hydrogen-bonded complexes with acetone and with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). When chloroform is dissolved in a mixed solvent consisting of acetone and DMSO, both types of hydrogen-bonded complexes exist.

Analysis of Lead Ions in a Waste Solution Using Infrared Photo-Diode Electrode.

To detect lead ions using electrochemical voltammetric analysis, Infrared Photo-Diode Electrode (IPDE) was applied via cyclic and square wave stripping voltammetry. Lead ions were deposited at 0.5 V (versus Ag/AgCl) accumulation potential.

Expression of a high mobility group protein isolated from Cucumis sativus affects the germination of Arabidopsis thaliana under abiotic stress conditions.

Although high mobility group B (HMGB) proteins have been identified from a variety of plant species, their importance and functional roles in plant responses to changing environmental conditions are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional roles of a CsHMGB isolated from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in plant responses to environmental stimuli.

CHILD AND MOTHER PLAY IN SOUTH KOREA: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY ACROSS THE SECOND YEAR OF LIFE.

Play is a predominant individual and social activity of early childhood and has been related to young children's early cognitive growth, social development, and preparation for formal schooling. We examined individual differences and developmental changes in South Korean child and mother exploratory and symbolic play longitudinally when children were 13 and 20 months of age. Children engaged in less exploratory and more symbolic play when playing collaboratively with their mothers than when playing alone.

Altered verbal working memory process in patients with Alzheimer's disease: an fMRI investigation.

Impaired working memory processing is one of the broad range of cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to elucidate the differences in brain activities involved in the process of working memory between AD patients and healthy comparison subjects. Twelve patients with AD were recruited along with 12 healthy volunteers as a comparison group.