I/Q Regeneration Algorithm for Direct Conversion Receiver Using 5-Port Junction

Abstract-We introduce a reliable I/Q regeneration algorithm for digital video broadcasting system (DVB-S) using a 5-port junction direct conversion receiver. The DVB-S uses two modulation schemes; QPSK and 8PSK. We propose two cost functions for each modulation scheme. The proposed algorithm utilizes the charateristic of the modulated symbol, so it simplifies the phase-offset compensation problem with low complexity. Simulation results show that bit error rate (BER) of the proposed scheme agrees very well with the theoretical BER for QPSK and 8PSK

Prevalence and Genetic Structures of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 6D, South Korea

To determine prevalence and genetic structures of new serotype 6D strains of pneumococci, we examined isolates from diverse clinical specimens in South Korea during 1991–2008. Fourteen serotype 6D strains accounted for 10.4% of serogroup 6 pneumococci from blood, sputum, nasopharynx, and throat samples. Serotype 6D strains consisted of 3 sequence types

Characterization of cationic dextrin prepared by ultra high pressure (UHP)-assisted cationization reaction

AbstractCationic dextrins were prepared through substitution reaction of dextrin with low and high addition levels of 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (ETMAC), respectively. Conventional cationization reactions were carried out for 5h under continued stirring. UHP-assisted cationization reactions were conducted at three pressurization levels of 100, 300 and 500MPa for a pressure holding time of 30min. Degree of substitution (DS) of UHP-assisted cationic dextrins ranged from 0.58 to 1.51, and in general, their DS values were enhanced with increasing pressure levels. FT-IR and 13C NMR spectra indicated the presence of CN bond, which provided clear evidence about incorporation of cationic moieties onto dextrin molecules. In flocculation test, UHP-assisted cationic dextrin revealed higher flocculating activity. Overall results suggested that UHP-assisted cationization reaction could modulate reactivity and flocculating activity of dextrin by controlling pressure levels and reaction mixture compositions, and cationic dextrins likely possessed a higher potential to replace synthetic polymer-based flocculants

Genomic characterization of Nocardia seriolae strains isolated from diseased fish

Members of the genus Nocardia are widespread in diverse environments; a wide range of Nocardia species are known to cause nocardiosis in several animals, including cat, dog, fish, and humans. Of the pathogenic Nocardia species, N. seriolae is known to cause disease in cultured fish, resulting in major economic loss. We isolated two N. seriolae strains, CK‐14008 and EM15050, from diseased fish and sequenced their genomes using the PacBio sequencing platform. To identify their genomic features, we compared their genomes with those of other Nocardia species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. seriolae shares a common ancestor with a putative human pathogenic Nocardia species. Moreover, N. seriolae strains were phylogenetically divided into four clusters according to host fish families. Through genome comparison, we observed that the putative pathogenic Nocardia strains had additional genes for iron acquisition. Dozens of antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the genomes of N. seriolae strains; most of the antibiotics were involved in the inhibition of the biosynthesis of proteins or cell walls. Our results demonstrated the virulence features and antibiotic resistance of fish pathogenic N. seriolae strains at the genomic level. These results may be useful to develop strategies for the prevention of fish nocardiosis.

Polymorphism in the Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Gene and its Effect on Fatness and Weight Performance of Philippine Native Pigs: A Preliminary Study

The single nucleotide substitution (Asp298Asn) in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene has been reported to be associated with several production traits in different swine breeds

A Case Report of the Second de Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient with the First AML

Secondary leukemia occurring after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rare. Secondary AML usually follows autologous and not allogeneic transplants. When a new leukemia develops in a patient successfully treated with an allogeneic HSCT, the possibility of a de novo or secondary leukemia from either the donor or recipient should be considered. We present a case initially diagnosed as de novo AML without a cytogenetic abnormality. The patient was successfully treated with an HLA-matched sibling allogeneic HSCT. However, more than six years later, AML developed again and was associated with new complex cytogenetic abnormalities. After a second HSCT, the patient has been followed without serious complications. Considering the allogeneic setting, the newly developed cytogenetic abnormalities, a relatively long latent period, and the good clinical course after the second allogeneic HSCT, this case might represent a second de novo AML following successful treatment of the first AML