Transcriptional Regulator TonEBP Mediates Oxidative Damages in Ischemic Kidney Injury

TonEBP (tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein) is a transcriptional regulator whose expression is elevated in response to various forms of stress including hyperglycemia, inflammation, and hypoxia. Here we investigated the role of TonEBP in acute kidney injury (AKI) using a line of TonEBP haplo-deficient mice subjected to bilateral renal ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R). In the TonEBP haplo-deficient animals, induction of TonEBP, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and functional injury in the kidney in response to I/R were all reduced. Analyses of renal transcriptome revealed that genes in several cellular pathways including peroxisome and mitochondrial inner membrane were suppressed in response to I/R, and the suppression was relieved in the TonEBP deficiency. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cellular injury was reproduced in a renal epithelial cell line in response to hypoxia, ATP depletion, or hydrogen peroxide. The knockdown of TonEBP reduced ROS production and cellular injury in correlation with increased expression of the suppressed genes. The cellular injury was also blocked by inhibitors of necrosis. These results demonstrate that ischemic insult suppresses many genes involved in cellular metabolism leading to local oxidative stress by way of TonEBP induction. Thus, TonEBP is a promising target to prevent AKI

Suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels

Gene expression is regulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Therefore, in order to achieve a high level of silencing, which includes minimizing any residual expression of a target gene, suppression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels is required. In this study, we describe a new method for highly efficient gene silencing that combines zinc finger protein-mediated transcriptional repression and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of post-transcriptional events. To measure the amount of gene expression under various conditions, we used a luciferase reporter gene that was driven by a variety of promoters, including that of the human vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene. We also measured expression of the endogenous VEGF-A gene. Inhibition of gene expression by each of the two individual technologies was effective, but in-depth analyses revealed residual expression of the target gene. The combination of specific zinc finger transcription factors and siRNAs greatly enhanced the silencing of the human VEGF-A gene, not only when cells were grown in the presence of normal amounts of oxygen but also under conditions of hypoxic stimulation. These results suggest that a bi-level approach to the silencing of VEGF-A expression may be clinically beneficial as part of a cancer treatment protocol

Classroom Readiness for Successful Inclusion: Teacher Factors and Preschool Children’s Experience with and Attitudes toward Peers with Disabilities

The current study examined (1) associations among teachers’ experiences regarding children with disabilities (i.e., education, specialized training, years of work experience), their attitudes toward disabilities, and their classroom practices in relation to inclusion and (2) associations among children’s attitudes toward peers with disabilities and child and teacher factors. Ninety-one 4- and 5-year-old children participated in an interview, and their teachers completed a survey. Teachers’ specialized training and bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (ECE) were positively associated with their inclusive practices in the classroom; teachers’ bachelor’s degree in ECE and experiences working with children with disabilities were positively associated with their attitudes toward disabilities and inclusion; and children’s perceived contact with people who have disabilities was positively associated their attitudes toward peers with disabilities. However, none of the teacher factors predicted children’s attitudes toward peers with disabilities. Early childhood teachers need more training opportunities to learn about disabilities to develop positive attitudes toward disabilities and inclusion. Providing frequent contact with people with disabilities may enhance children’s acceptance of peers with disabilities

Construction knowledge evaluation using expert index

While the current global economy can be characterized by the intensification of business competitiveness, leaner organizations, the convergence of products and services, and by vast technological developments, the risks and un‐certainties inherent in such a dynamic environment make the management of organizational knowledge even more crucial. Indeed, previous theoretical and empirical‐based studies have proven that knowledge leads to organizational success. Knowledge Management (KM) has particularly gained credence, and continues to generate interest, in academic and business circles. KM is of especial interest to project‐based industries such as construction, as the effective management of knowledge is critical to the survival and continued advancement of a company. In fact, in the construction industry, the implementation of a knowledge management system (KMS) is currently being considered, and an increasing number of companies have already proposed knowledge management initiatives. However, quality of information must take precedence over quantity, especially in the developmental phases of this KMS. Therefore, how to filter and accurately evaluate quantitative and qualitative data becomes a significant challenge. Yet, thus far, only a few studies examining the improvement of knowledge evaluation have been conducted and that researches only focus on the evaluation methods. This research addresses these issues by focusing on knowledge management and evaluation and by specifically addressing how evaluate knowledge effectively. Based on the Active Knowledge Management, this study proposes a process model for effectual construction knowledge evaluation using Expert Index (EI). EI is the level of specialty workers achieve in a certain field after engaging in a knowledge activity. The proposed model will not only enable precise evaluation, but will also provide stimulating knowledge activities; thus, if practically applied, this model could enhance actual organizational success. Santrauka Šiuolaikinei globaliajai ekonomikai būdingas konkurencijos didejimas, organizaciju lankstumas, gaminiu ir paslaugu suartejimas bei didžiuliai technologiniai laimejimai. Ši dinamine verslo aplinka kartu susijusi su rizika ir neapibrežtumais, didinančiais organizacijos žiniu vadybos (ŽV) svarba. Ankstesni teoriniai ir empiriniai tyrimai rodo, kad šios žinios ‐ organizacijos sekmes šaltinis. Žiniu vadyba tampa vis svarbesne akademinei ir verslo aplinkai. ŽV labai domimasi pramones šakose, kuriose didele reikšme turi projektai. Statyba yra viena iš tokiu šaku, joje veiksmingas žiniu valdymas, padedantis užtikrinti imoniu išlikima ir nuolatini vystymasi, yra labai svarbus. Šiuo metu statybos pramoneje diegiamos žiniu vadybos sistemos (ŽVS) ir vis daugiau imoniu pateikia ŽV siūlymu. Būtina siekti, kad žiniu kokybe būtu labiau vertinama nei žiniu kiekis, ypač ŽVS kūrimo tarpsniu. Todel kiekybinis ir kokybinis žiniu atsijojimas tampa rimta užduotimi. Deja, iki šiol atlikta mažai tyrimu, kaip gerinti žiniu vertinima. Atliekant šiuos tyrimus demesys telkiamas tik i žiniu vertinimo metodus. Straipsnyje efektyvus žiniu vertinimas nagrinejamas ŽV metodais. Pasitelkus aktyviaja ŽV kuriamas statybos žiniu vertinimo modelis ir taikomas ekspertu rodiklis (ER). ER išreiškia specialistu, isisavinančiu specifine informacija, žiniu lygi. Siūlomas modelis leis ne tik tiksliai vertinti, bet ir skatinti žiniu gavima. Taigi, taikant ši modeli praktikoje, bus galima gerinti imones veikla. Reikšminiai žodžiai: žiniu vadyba, žiniu vertinimas, ekspertu rodikli

A STUDY ON THE TWO-ROW EFFECT IN THE SLOSHING PHENOMENON

In this study, changes in fluid impact loads inside a tank were examined according to a two-row tank arrangement in an LNG-FPSO (Liquefied Natural Gas-Floating Production Storage Offloading) vessel. The motion RAO (Response Amplitude Operator) of the LNG-FPSO, coupled with the sloshing phenomenon inside the tank, was calculated by using HydroStar by Bureau Veritas. The motion simulation in the tank was conducted under filling ratios of 30%H, 60%H, and 80%H. The RAO in each condition was calculated according to the one-row and the two-row tank arrangement. The motion response spectrum using the calculated RAO and the JONSWAP (Joint North Sea Wave Analysis Project) spectrum were computed by implementing irregular motion according to each filling ratio and tank arrangement. The sloshing phenomenon inside the tank was implemented by using a 6-DOF (Degree Of Freedom) sloshing motion platform; impact pressure on the walls of the tank was measured with pressure sensors installed inside the tank. The sloshing experiment was conducted under the three filling ratios in the one-row and the two-row tank arrangement and impact loads were compared under each filling ratio according to the one-row and the two-row tank arrangement

Geomagnetic field influences probabilistic abstract decision-making in humans

To resolve disputes or determine the order of things, people commonly use binary choices such as tossing a coin, even though it is obscure whether the empirical probability equals to the theoretical probability. The geomagnetic field (GMF) is broadly applied as a sensory cue for various movements in many organisms including humans, although our understanding is limited. Here we reveal a GMF-modulated probabilistic abstract decision-making in humans and the underlying mechanism, exploiting the zero-sum binary stone choice of Go game as a proof-of-principle. The large-scale data analyses of professional Go matches and in situ stone choice games showed that the empirical probabilities of the stone selections were remarkably different from the theoretical probability. In laboratory experiments, experimental probability in the decision-making was significantly influenced by GMF conditions and specific magnetic resonance frequency. Time series and stepwise systematic analyses pinpointed the intentionally uncontrollable decision-making as a primary modulating target. Notably, the continuum of GMF lines and anisotropic magnetic interplay between players were crucial to influence the magnetic field resonance-mediated abstract decision-making. Our findings provide unique insights into the impact of sensing GMF in decision-makings at tipping points and the quantum mechanical mechanism for manifesting the gap between theoretical and empirical probability in 3-dimensional living space.Comment: 32 pages, 5 figures, 4 supplementary figures, 2 supplementary tables, and separate 15 ancillary file

Analysis of Skin Humidity Variation Between Sasang Types

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between variations in skin humidity (SH) induced by perspiration across Sasang types and to identify novel and effective Sasang classification factors. We also analyzed the responses of each Sasang type to sweating-related QSCC II items. The results revealed a significant difference in SH across gender and significant differences in SH before and after perspiration between Tae-Eum and So-Eum men. In addition, Tae-Eum women showed significant differences in SH compared with women classified as another Sasang type. Furthermore, evaluation of the items related to sweating in the QSCC II and their relationship to each constitution revealed a significant difference between Tae-Eum and other Sasang types. Overall, the results of this study indicate that there is a distinct SH difference following perspiration between Tae-Eum and other Sasang types. Such findings may aid in Sasang typology diagnostic testing with the support of further sophisticated clinical studies

Acute Interstitial Pneumonia in Siblings: A Case Report

Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rapidly progressive condition of unknown cause that occurs in a previously healthy individual and produces the histologic findings of diffuse alveolar damage. Since the term AIP was first introduced in 1986, there have been very few case reports of AIP in children. Here we present a case of AIP in a 3-yr-old girl whose other two siblings showed similar radiologic findings. The patient was confirmed to have AIP from autopsy showing histological findings of diffuse alveolar damage and proliferation of fibroblasts. Her 3-yr-old brother was also clinically and radiologically highly suspected as having AIP, and the other asymptomatic 8-yr-old sister was radiologically suspected as having AIP