Production of Transgenic Cloned Miniature Pigs with Membrane-bound Human Fas Ligand (FasL) by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Cell-mediated xenograft rejection, including NK cells and CD8+ CTL, is a major obstacle in successful pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Human CD8+ CTL and NK cells display high cytotoxicity for pig cells, mediated at least in part by the Fas/FasL pathway. To prevent cell-mediated xenocytotoxicity, a membrane-bound form of human FasL (mFasL) was generated as an inhibitor for CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity that could not be cleaved by metalloproteinase to produce putative soluble FasL. We produced two healthy transgenic pigs harboring the mFasL gene via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In a cytotoxicity assay using transgenic clonal cell lines and transgenic pig ear cells, the rate of CD8+ CTL-mediated cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in transgenic pig's ear cells compared with that in normal minipig fetal fibroblasts. Our data indicate that grafts of transgenic pigs expressing membrane-bound human FasL control the cellular immune response to xenografts, creating a window of opportunity to facilitate xenograft survival

Impact analysis of low velocity to composite box containting water

A series of experimental studies were conducted for low velocity impact on a composite box containing water in order to study the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI). Finally, a computational study was conducted to supplement the experimental study. The water level inside the composite box was varied incrementally from 0% (i.e. no water) to 100% (full water). The impact velocity was also changed. In the experimental study, strain gages and the load cell were used to measure the strain responses at the front, side, and back surfaces as well as the impact force. The results showed that the FSI effect was significant to the structural responses depending on the water level. The effect of the baffle was different among the front, side and back surfaces. Both experimental and numerical results agreed well.Naval Postgraduate SchoolApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

A new grape cultivar 'Cheongsan' developed by a cross between genetic resources of Korean native Vitis amurensis Rupr.

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Eastern Staining: A Simple Recombinant Protein Detection Technology Using a Small Peptide Tag and Its Counter Partner Which is a Fluorescent Compound

Small peptide tags such as c-myc, HA, or FLAG tag have facilitated efficient Westernblotting of proteins of interest especially when specific antibodies for the proteins are not available. However, the conventional Western-blotting requires the multi-steps process taking at least several hours up to two days. With examples of various applications, here we show a convenient and time-saving method for protein detection which employs a fluorescent chemical BDED and its binding peptide RC-tag. And we propose “Estern staining”, as a standard term for protein detection method using fluorescent chemicals and their binding small peptide tags. Eastern staining may substitutes for the time-consuming “immuno-staining” in many versatile applications.22Yothe

Correction to: The optimal balance between sexual and asexual reproduction in variable environments: a systematic review

Abstract After publication of the original article [1], it was brought to our attention that the phrase Most of the clonal plants mainly rely on clonal propagation and exhibit lower rate of sexual reproduction (Eckert 2002) in Background section should be delete

Assessing the Operator’s Performance in Organizational Information Systems: Context of Call Center IS Management

Delivering quality customer service has emerged as a strategic imperative, one that is increasingly tied to an organizational information system resources, work environment, and capabilities. Drawing upon theories on the IS, organizational behavioral and human psychology at organizational environment, this paper develops a model to investigate the extent to which orgainational environment and operator’s positive psychological traits impacts on their performance in IS delivering customer service. Based on the developed model, this paper hypothesizes how systems satisfaction, and organizational environment mediating through the operator’s psychological perspective influence on their performance. The model is first pilot tested using a total of 51 survey data collected from call center IS of Korea Telecom. This test reveals that constructs are robust and could be used to test the conceptual model and associated hypotheses. Finally, the model would be empirically validated using survey data about call center IS from the same source. Results may shed new light on the assessing operator’s performance associated with organizational IS. The implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed

Comparison of volume-controlled and pressure-controlled ventilation using a laryngeal mask airway during gynecological laparoscopy

Background: Several publications have reported the successful, safe use of Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)-Classic devices in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. However, there have been no studies that have examined the application of volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) or pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) using a LMA during gynecological laparoscopy. The aim of this study is to compare how the VCV and PCV modes and using a LMA affect the pulmonary mechanics, the gas exchange and the cardiovascular responses in patients who are undergoing gynecological laparoscopy. Methods: Sixty female patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups, (the VCV or PCV groups). In the VCV group, baseline ventilation of the lung was performed with volume-controlled ventilation and a tidal volume of 10 ml/kg ideal body weight (IBW). In the PCV group, baseline ventilation of the lung using pressure-controlled ventilation was initiated with a peak airway pressure that provided a tidal volume of 10 ml/kg IBW and an upper limit of 35 cmH2O. The end-tidal CO2, the peak airway pressures (Ppeak), the compliance, the airway resistance and the arterial oxygen saturation were recorded at T1: 5 minutes after insertion of the laryngeal airway, and at T2 and T3: 5 and 15 minutes, respectively, after CO2 insufflation. Results: The Ppeak at 5 minutes and 15 minutes after CO2 insufflation were significantly increased compared to the baseline values in both groups. Also, at 5 minutes and 15 minutes after CO2 insufflation, there were significant differences of the Ppeak between the two groups. The compliance decreased in both groups after creating the pneumopertoneim (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that PCV may be an effective method of ventilation during gynecological laparoscopy, and it ensures oxygenation while minimizing the increases of the peak airway pressure after CO2 insufflation. ��� the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists, 2011

In vitro embryo rescue for the production of hypotetraploids after cross between hypotetraploid and tetraploid grape cultivars

Consumer demand for seedless grape with high quality and large berry has been increasing. Breeding of hypotetraploid grape was suggested as one of promising methods to satisfy it, but low frequency of hypotetraploid occurrence and low seed germination by abortive embryo were indicated as the major problem to hamper the development of hypotetraploid grape. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the basic efficiency of in ovulo embryo culture after the cross between hypotetraploid (‘Hanareum’) and tetraploid (‘Honey Black’ and ‘Kyoho’) grape cultivars on the establishment of hypotetraploid grapes. Embryos and plantlets were hardly obtained in ovules cultured at six after the cross pollination (WAP), but ovules inoculated at 10 WAP produced more embryos as well as plantlets regardless of cross combination. Furthermore, we found that embryo formation was not affected by the basal media in ovules cultured at six WAP, but utilization of specific medium can be more beneficial for embryo formation when ovules were cultured at 10 WAP. A total of 17 plants were obtained from ovules cultured at 10 WAP, and above 50% of plants were identified as hypotetraploid grapes. These results indicate that in vitro embryo rescue after cross pollination between hypotetraploid and tetraploid grape can enhance the efficiency for the breeding of hypotetraploid grapes

Medial Meniscal Tears in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knees: Effects of Posterior Tibial Slope on Medial Meniscal Tear

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of meniscal tears in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees, and to determine the influence of posterior tibial slope (PTS) on medial meniscal tears in ACL-deficient knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 174 patients (174 knees) with a mean age of 30.7 years who underwent ACL reconstruction for chronic ACL tears. We divided the patients into two groups: low group (135 knees with a PTS or =13degrees). RESULTS: The incidence of medial meniscus tears was 44% (77/174), and that of lateral meniscus tears was 35% (61/174). The mean PTS in patients with medial meniscal tears was 11.4degrees+/-3.0degrees, whereas that in patients without medial meniscal tears was 9.8degrees+/-2.4degrees. The incidence of meniscal tears was 57.8% (78/135) in the low group and 89.7% (35/39) in the high group (p or =13degrees is a risk factor for secondary medial meniscal tears in ACL-deficient knees. So, we suggest that PTS is one of the considerations for determining early ACL reconstruction to prevent secondary meniscal tears.ope

Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering Imaging of Two-Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide with Optimized Tip Fabrication Process

We successfully achieve the tip-enhanced nano Raman scattering images of a tungsten disulfide monolayer with optimizing a fabrication method of gold nanotip by controlling the concentration of etchant in an electrochemical etching process. By applying a square-wave voltage supplied from an arbitrary waveform generator to a gold wire, which is immersed in a hydrochloric acid solution diluted with ethanol at various ratios, we find that both the conical angle and radius of curvature of the tip apex can be varied by changing the ratio of hydrochloric acid and ethanol. We also suggest a model to explain the origin of these variations in the tip shape. From the systematic study, we find an optimal condition for achieving the yield of similar to 60% with the radius of similar to 34 nm and the cone angle of similar to 35 degrees. Using representative tips fabricated under the optimal etching condition, we demonstrate the tip-enhanced Raman scattering experiment of tungsten disulfide monolayer grown by a chemical vapor deposition method with a spatial resolution of similar to 40 nm and a Raman enhancement factor of similar to 4,760. © The Author(s) 2017