Development of real-time investigation technique for nonpoint pollution source distribution using programming interface

Currently both central and local governments that are aware of the importance of conserving rivers, are making continuous efforts to solve the problem of non-point pollution sources (NPS) flowing into rivers. This study established a reactive web service app with a mobile application, to accommodate the need for systematic and scientific investigation and management of NPS. The developed investigation and management techniques incorporate all the PC-based administrative features, thereby improving development efficiency. A prototype of mobile GIS platform for a survey, inspection, and input was proposed, in which data related to pollution source locations and attributes can be effectively collected, stored, updated, and adjusted. To demonstrate, we conducted a quantitative analysis of river pollution source using GPS and GIS to show further details of the framework, which provides geographic information required to develop management technique of NPS flowing into rivers and related parameters in the form of a map. Furthermore, based on the interpolated maps and various environmental factors, the prediction of NPS as well as other parameters can be done. The research will not only improve the efficiency of investigation and management of NPS but also contribute to establishing a management policy, which covers quick decision-making and reaction to inflow accidents

Correction: Effect of an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program for Recovery of Deconditioning in Hematologic Cancer Patients After Chemotherapy

Objective To investigate the effect of a rehabilitation program in terms of De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) score, in hematologic cancer patients after chemotherapy. Methods Hematologic cancer patients admitted for chemotherapy were reviewed. They received a rehabilitation program during their hospital stay. DEMMI score measurement was performed, before and after rehabilitation. Demographics, diagnosis, chemotherapy information, rehabilitation program duration, mortality, body mass index (BMI), and laboratory test results were collected. For analysis, patients were classified according to diagnosis (multiple myeloma, leukemia, and others), mortality, and additional chemotherapy. Results There was statistically significant improvement in DEMMI score of 10.1 points (95% confidence interval, 5.9–14.3) after rehabilitation. It was more evident in the multiple myeloma group, and they revealed less mortality. When patients were divided according to mortality, survivors received the program earlier, and in a shorter period than in mortality cases. Although survivors revealed higher initial DEMMI score, improvement after rehabilitation did not differ significantly. Conclusion In hematologic cancer patients, rehabilitation program was effective for recovery from deconditioning, revealing significant increase in DEMMI score. Multiple myeloma patients may be good candidates for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation could be sustained during chemotherapy and for high-risk patients

Observation of First-Order Metal-Insulator Transition without Structural Phase Transition in VO_2

An abrupt first-order metal-insulator transition (MIT) without structural phase transition is first observed by current-voltage measurements and micro-Raman scattering experiments, when a DC electric field is applied to a Mott insulator VO_2 based two-terminal device. An abrupt current jump is measured at a critical electric field. The Raman-shift frequency and the bandwidth of the most predominant Raman-active A_g mode, excited by the electric field, do not change through the abrupt MIT, while, they, excited by temperature, pronouncedly soften and damp (structural MIT), respectively. This structural MIT is found to occur secondarily.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

The Diagnostic Value of Endoprobe for Small Esophageal Leiomyomas Derived from the Muscularis Mucosae

Esophageal leiomyoma derived from the muscularis mucosae (MM) is a rare condition, and the optimal modality for diagnosis and treatment is controversial. Endoscopic ultrasonography can provide an accurate image of esophageal layer structure, providing information on lesion suitability for potential endoscopic therapy. We attempted to investigate the diagnostic value of a transendoscopic balloon-tipped miniature ultrasonic endoprobe for small esophageal leiomyomas derived from MM. We resected 7 small esophageal leiomyomas derived from MM by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), all of which were diagnosed by a balloon-tipped endoprobe. The endosonographic and pathologic features of 7 cases of small esophageal leiomyomas derived from MM were compared. The balloon-tipped endoprobe clearly showed all 7 small esophageal leiomyomas derived from MM, even those under 5 mm in size (smallest lesion, 3.0 mm). The endosonographic characteristics of small esophageal leiomyomas derived from MM were a hypoechoic mass with smooth, regular, and a well-defined outer margin and homogenous inner echogram arising from the second hypoechoic layer. Complete resections were possible in all 7 cases by EMR without any complications. Tumor size was 3.0 - 13.5 mm (mean 7.8 mm) in maximum diameter. In all cases, endosonographic findings by endoprobe were exactly concordant with pathologic finding in determining the tumors depth in the esophageal wall, tissue origin and characteristics, growth pattern, and size. We detail the balloon-tipped endoprobe is a simple, convenient, and very useful in making accurate diagnosis of small esophageal leiomyomas derived from the MM and the appropriate applications of EMR

Remarks on the Upper Bounds on the Higgs Boson Mass from Triviality

We study the effects of the one-loop matching conditions on Higgs boson and top quark masses on the triviality bounds on the Higgs boson mass using $\beta_{\lambda}$ with corrected two-loop coefficients. We obtain quite higher results than previous ones and observe that the triviality bounds are not nearly influenced by varying top quark mass over the range measured at CDF and D0. The effects of typo errors in $\beta_{\lambda}^{(2)}$ and the one-loop matching condition on the top quark mass are negligible. We estimate the size of effects on the triviality bounds from the one-loop matching condition on the Higgs boson mass.Comment: 9 pages, tar'ed gzip'ed uuencoded files, LaTex, 5 PostScript figures. To appear in Physical Review

Effects of Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex) and Three Other Herbs on GnRH and GH Levels in GT1–7 and GH3 Cells

The present study was to evaluate the effects of Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Mai Ya, and Xia Ku Cao on hormone using the GT1–7 and GH3 cells. The GT1–7 and GH3 cell lines were incubated with DW; DMSO; and 30, 100, or 300 μg/mL of one of the four extract solutions in serum-free media for 24 hours. The MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the four herbs. The GT1–7 and GH3 cells were incubated in DW, estradiol (GT1–7 only), or noncytotoxic herb solutions in serum-free medium for 24 hours. A quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were performed to measure the GnRH expression in GT1–7 cells and GH expression in GH3 cells. Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Xia Ku Cao, and Mai Ya inhibited the GnRH mRNA expression in GT1–7 cells, whereas Huang Bai enhanced GH mRNA expression in GH3 cells. Additionally, Xia Ku Cao inhibited GnRH protein expression in GT1–7 cells and Huang Bai promoted GH protein expression in GH3 cells. The findings suggest that Huang Bai can delay puberty by inhibiting GnRH synthesis in the hypothalamus while also accelerating growth by promoting GH synthesis and secretion in the pituitary

Constraints on the R-parity- and Lepton-Flavor-Violating Couplings from B0 Decats to Two Charged Leptons

We derive the upper bounds on certain products of R-parity- and lepton-flavor-violating couplings from the decays of the neutral $B$ meson into two charged leptons. These modes of $B^0$ decays can constrain the product combinations of the couplings with one or more heavy generation indices. We find that most of these bounds are stronger than the previous ones.Comment: Table is changed; version to appear in Phys. Rev.