Triptycene Branched Poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) Electrolytes for Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers.

Alkaline polymer electrolytes (APEs) are essential materials for alkaline energy conversion devices such as anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Here, we report a series of branched poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) with different branching agents (triptycene: highly-rigid, three-dimensional structure; triphenylbenzene: planar, two-dimensional structure) for high-performance APEs. Among them, triptycene branched APEs showed excellent hydroxide conductivity (193.5 mS cm-1 @80 °C), alkaline stability, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability due to the formation of branched network structures, and increased free volume. AEMFCs based on triptycene-branched APEs reached promising peak power densities of 2.503 and 1.705 W cm-2 at 75/100 % and 30/30 % (anode/cathode) relative humidity, respectively. In addition, the fuel cells can run stably at a current density of 0.6 A cm-2 for 500 h with a low voltage decay rate of 46 µV h-1 . Importantly, the related AEMWE achieved unprecedented current densities of 16 A cm-2 and 14.17 A cm-2 (@2 V, 80 °C, 1 M NaOH) using precious and non-precious metal catalysts, respectively. Moreover, the AEMWE can be stably operated under 1.5 A cm-2 at 60 °C for 2000 h. The excellent results suggest that the triptycene-branched APEs are promising candidates for future AEMFC and AEMWE applications.

Evaluation of fully automated commercial software for Agatston calcium scoring on non-ECG-gated low-dose chest CT with different slice thickness.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate commercial deep learning-based software for fully automated coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring on non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated low-dose CT (LDCT) with different slice thicknesses compared with manual ECG-gated calcium-scoring CT (CSCT). METHODS: This retrospective study included 567 patients who underwent both LDCT and CSCT. All LDCT images were reconstructed with a 2.5-mm slice thickness (LDCT2.5-mm), and 453 LDCT scans were reconstructed with a 1.0-mm slice thickness (LDCT1.0-mm). Automated CAC scoring was performed on CSCT (CSCTauto), LDCT1.0-mm, and LDCT2.5-mm images. The reliability of CSCTauto, LDCT1.0-mm, and LDCT2.5-mm was compared with manual CSCT scoring (CSCTmanual) using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis. Agreement, in CAC severity category, was analyzed using weighted kappa statistics. Diagnostic performance at various Agatston score cutoffs was also calculated. RESULTS: CSCTauto, LDCT1.0-mm, and LDCT2.5-mm demonstrated excellent agreement with CSCTmanual (ICC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 1.000 [1.000, 1.000], 0.937 [0.917, 0.952], and 0.955 [0.946, 0.963], respectively). The mean difference with 95% limits of agreement was lower with LDCT1.0-mm than with LDCT2.5-mm (19.94 [95% CI, -244.0, 283.9] vs. 45.26 [-248.2, 338.7]). Regarding CAC severity, LDCT1.0-mm achieved almost perfect agreement, and LDCT2.5-mm achieved substantial agreement (kappa [95% CI]: 0.809 [0.776, 0.838], 0.776 [0.740, 0.809], respectively). Diagnostic performance for detecting Agatston score ≥ 400 was also higher with LDCT1.0-mm than with LDCT2.5-mm (F1 score, 0.929 vs. 0.855). CONCLUSIONS: Fully automated CAC-scoring software with both CSCT and LDCT yielded excellent reliability and agreement with CSCTmanual. LDCT1.0-mm yielded more accurate Agatston scoring than LDCT2.5-mm using fully automated commercial software. KEY POINTS: • Total Agatston scores and all vessels of CSCTauto, LDCT1.0-mm, and LDCT2.5-mm demonstrated excellent agreement with CSCTmanual (all ICC > 0.85). • The diagnostic performance for detecting all Agatston score cutoffs was better with LDCT1.0-mm than with LDCT2.5-mm. • This automated software yielded a lower degree of underestimation compared with methods described in previous studies, and the degree of underestimation was lower with LDCT1.0-mm than with LDCT2.5-mm.

Biodegradation Studies of Polyhydroxybutyrate and Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-Polyhydroxyvalerate Films in Soil.

Due to increased environmental pressures, significant research has focused on finding suitable biodegradable plastics to replace ubiquitous petrochemical-derived polymers. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of polymers that can be synthesized by microorganisms and are biodegradable, making them suitable candidates. The present study looks at the degradation properties of two PHA polymers: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV; 8 wt.% valerate), in two different soil conditions: soil fully saturated with water (100% relative humidity, RH) and soil with 40% RH. The degradation was evaluated by observing the changes in appearance, chemical signatures, mechanical properties, and molecular weight of samples. Both PHB and PHBV were degraded completely after two weeks in 100% RH soil conditions and showed significant reductions in mechanical properties after just three days. The samples in 40% RH soil, however, showed minimal changes in mechanical properties, melting temperatures/crystallinity, and molecular weight over six weeks. By observing the degradation behavior for different soil conditions, these results can pave the way for identifying situations where the current use of plastics can be replaced with biodegradable alternatives.

Multi-Modal Compositional Analysis of Layered Paint Chips of Automobiles by the Combined Application of ATR-FTIR Imaging, Raman Microspectrometry, and SEM/EDX.

For the forensic analysis of multi-layered paint chips of hit-and-run cars, detailed compositional analysis, including minor/trace chemical components in the multi-layered paint chips, is crucial for the potential credentials of the run-away car as the number of layers, painting process, and used paints are quite specific to the types of cars, color of cars, and their surface protection depending on the car manufacturer and the year of manufacture, and yet overall characteristics of some paints used by car manufacturers might be quite similar. In the present study, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) imaging, Raman microspectrometry (RMS), and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometric (SEM/EDX) techniques were performed in combination for the detailed characterization of three car paint chip samples, which provided complementary and comprehensive information on the multi-layered paint chips. That is, optical microscopy, SEM, and ATR-FTIR imaging techniques provided information on the number of layers, physical heterogeneity of the layers, and layer thicknesses; EDX on the elemental chemical profiles and compositions; ATR-FTIR imaging on the molecular species of polymer resins, such as alkyd, alkyd-melamine, acrylic, epoxy, and butadiene resins, and some inorganics; and RMS on the molecular species of inorganic pigments (TiO2, ZnO, Fe3O4), mineral fillers (kaolinite, talc, pyrophyllite), and inorganic fillers (BaSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Zn3(PO4)2, CaCO3). This study demonstrates that the new multi-modal approach has powerful potential to elucidate chemical and physical characteristics of multi-layered car paint chips, which could be useful for determining the potential credentials of run-away cars.

Influence of Tinnitus on Auditory Spectral and Temporal Resolution and Speech Perception in Tinnitus Patients.

Although cochlear damage is believed to trigger the perception of tinnitus in the central auditory system, its pathophysiological mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the pathophysiology of tinnitus using psychoacoustic assessments of auditory spectral and temporal resolution and speech perception in noise. Human subjects with tinnitus and symmetric hearing thresholds were divided into three groups: nine unilateral tinnitus subjects with normal hearing thresholds (Group 1), 12 unilateral tinnitus subjects with hearing loss (HL; Group 2), and nine bilateral tinnitus subjects with HL. Fifteen normal-hearing subjects without tinnitus were also tested as a control group. Four different tests were administered: (1) the spectral-ripple discrimination (SRD) test, (2) the temporal modulation detection (TMD) test, (3) the Schroeder-phase discrimination (SPD) test, and (4) the speech recognition threshold (SRT) in noise test. There were no significant differences in SRD, TMD, and SPD between the tinnitus-affected ears (TEs) and non-tinnitus ears (NTEs) in Groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.05). In contrast, the TEs showed poorer SRTs than the NTEs in these two subject groups (p = 0.022 and 0.049). No inferiority of spectral/temporal resolution in TEs compared with NTEs suggests that there may be no more outer hair cell (OHC) damage on the tinnitus side given that damaged OHCs are associated with broadening the auditory filters. The decoupling of the SRT results from the spectral/temporal resolution data could imply that the occurrence of tinnitus does not depend upon the degree of damage to the OHCs, but rather upon different plastic changes in the central auditory system after cochlear damage. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We can easily find unilateral tinnitus patients who have symmetric hearing thresholds. Our research question was what kind of difference would be responsible for the tinnitus in the tinnitus-affected ears but not in the non-tinnitus ears of subjects with symmetric hearing thresholds. The answer to this fundamental question could help us to understand the pathophysiology of tinnitus. We evaluated the potential influence of tinnitus upon the subjects' auditory spectral and temporal resolution and speech perception in noise by comparing these psychoacoustic performances between tinnitus-affected ears and non-tinnitus ears in the same subjects.

Effect of double blocking layers at TiO2/Sb2S3 and Sb2S3/spiro-MeOTAD interfaces on photovoltaic performance.

The effect of double blocking layers on the Sb(2)S(3)-sensitized all solid state solar cell are investigated. Thin layers of ZrO(2) (blocking layer 1, BL1) and ZnS (blocking layer 2, BL2) are introduced at the TiO(2)/Sb(2)S(3) and Sb(2)S(3)/hole transporting material (HTM) interfaces. The presence of BL1 is found to improve the open-circuit voltage (V(oc)) from 457 mV to 618 mV, whereas BL2 improves mainly short-circuit current density (J(sc)) from 11.1 mA cm(-2) to 14.0 mA cm(-2). Transient photovoltage confirms that the BL1 efficiently blocks charge recombination, responsible for the V(oc) enhancement, whereas the BL2 has little effect on suppression of charge recombination. Surface modification of Sb(2)S(3) by BL2, on the other hand, leads to recovery of Sb(2)S(3) from the surface oxidized Sb(2)O(5), which affects the J(sc) increment. The present results suggest that the TiO(2)/Sb(2)S(3) interface is the main pathway for charge recombination rather than the Sb(2)S(3)/HTM interface. Double blocking layers enhanced the power conversion efficiency by 30%.

Combined use of quantitative ED-EPMA, Raman microspectrometry, and ATR-FTIR imaging techniques for the analysis of individual particles.

In this work, quantitative energy-dispersive electron probe X-ray microanalysis (ED-EPMA) (called low-Z particle EPMA), Raman microspectrometry (RMS), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR) imaging were applied in combination for the analysis of the same individual airborne particles for the first time. After examining individual particles of micrometer size by low-Z particle EPMA, consecutive examinations by RMS and ATR-FTIR imaging of the same individual particles were then performed. The relocation of the same particles on Al or Ag foils was successfully carried out among the three standalone instruments for several standard samples and an indoor airborne particle sample, resulting in the successful acquisition of quality spectral data from the three single-particle analytical techniques. The combined application of the three techniques to several different standard particles confirmed that those techniques provided consistent and complementary chemical composition information on the same individual particles. Further, it was clearly demonstrated that the three different types of spectral and imaging data from the same individual particles in an indoor aerosol sample provided richer information on physicochemical characteristics of the particle ensemble than that obtainable by the combined use of two single-particle analytical techniques.

Stabilizing the Catalyst Layer for Durable and High Performance Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers.

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) suffer from insufficient performance and durability compared with commercialized energy conversion systems. Great efforts have been devoted to designing high-quality AEMs and catalysts. However, the significance of the stability of the catalyst layer has been largely disregarded. Here, an in situ cross-linking strategy was developed to promote the interactions within the catalyst layer and the interactions between catalyst layer and AEM. The adhesion strength of the catalyst layer after cross-linking was improved 7 times compared with the uncross-linked catalyst layer due to the formation of covalent bonds between the catalyst layer and AEM. The AEMFC can be operated under 0.6 A cm-2 for 1000 h with a voltage decay rate of 20 µV h-1. The related AEMWE achieved an unprecedented current density of 15.17 A cm-2 at 2.0 V and was operated at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 A cm-2 for 1000 h.

High Free Volume Polyelectrolytes for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers with a Current Density of 13.39 A cm-2 and a Durability of 1000 h.

The rational design of the current anion exchange polyelectrolytes (AEPs) is challenging to meet the requirements of both high performance and durability in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Herein, highly-rigid-twisted spirobisindane monomer is incorporated in poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) backbone to construct continuous ionic channels and to maintain dimensional stability as promising materials for AEPs. The morphologies, physical, and electrochemical properties of the AEPs are investigated based on experimental data and molecular dynamics simulations. The present AEPs possess high free volumes, excellent dimensional stability, hydroxide conductivity (208.1 mS cm-1 at 80 °C), and mechanical properties. The AEMWE of the present AEPs achieves a new current density record of 13.39 and 10.7 A cm-2 at 80 °C by applying IrO2 and nonprecious anode catalyst, respectively, along with outstanding in situ durability under 1 A cm-2 for 1000 h with a low voltage decay rate of 53 µV h-1 . Moreover, the AEPs can be applied in fuel cells and reach a power density of 2.02 W cm-2 at 80 °C under fully humidified conditions, and 1.65 W cm-2 at 100 °C, 30% relative humidity. This study provides insights into the design of high-performance AEPs for energy conversion devices.

Influence of Intramuscular Injection Sites on Pharmacokinetics of Amoxicillin in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and Its Implication for Antibacterial Efficacy.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different injection sites, including dorsal, cheek, and pectoral fin muscles, on the pharmacological properties of amoxicillin (AMOX) in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) after a single intramuscular (IM) injection of 40 mg/kg. The AMOX concentration was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, followed by a non-compartmental model analysis. The peak serum concentrations (Cmax) achieved 3 h after dorsal, cheek, and pectoral fin IM injections were 202.79, 203.96, and 229.59 µg/mL, respectively. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was 1697.23, 2006.71, and 1846.61 µg/mL·h, respectively. The terminal half-life (t1/2λZ) was prolonged for cheek and pectoral fin IM injections (10.12 and 10.33 h, respectively) compared to dorsal IM injection (8.89 h). In the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis, a higher T > minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and AUC/MIC values were observed after AMOX was injected into the cheek and pectoral fin muscles compared to the dorsal muscle. Muscle residue depletion was below the maximum residue level from day 7 after IM injection at all three sites. These findings suggest that the cheek and pectoral fin sites provide advantages regarding systemic drug exposure and prolonged action compared with the dorsal site.

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and centerline temperatures of Sr ceramic waste form.

When disposing of spent fuel, nuclides such as Cs-137 and Sr-90, which generate short-term decay heat, must be removed from the spent nuclear fuel for efficient storage facility utilization. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been developing a nuclide management process that can enhance disposal efficiency by sorting and collecting primary nuclides and a technology for separating Sr nuclides from the spent nuclear fuels using precipitation and distillation. In this study, we prepared Sr ceramic waste form, SrTiO3, using the solid-state reaction method to immobilize the Sr nuclides, and its physicochemical properties were evaluated. Moreover, the radiological and thermal characteristics of the Sr waste form were evaluated by estimating the composition of Sr nuclides considering the spent nuclear fuel history such as burn-up and cooling period. The waste form was found to be stable with good mechanical strength and leaching properties in addition to a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which would be advantageous for intermediate storage. Based on the experimental and radiological results, the centerline temperature of the waste form caused by Sr-90 nuclide was estimated using the steady-state conduction equation. The centerline temperature increased with increasing diameter of the waste form. When generating the SrTiO3 waste form using the Sr nuclide recovered after a cooling period of 10 years, the centerline temperature was estimated to exceed the melting point of SrTiO3 at a diameter of 0.275 m, under all burn-up conditions. These results provide fundamental data for the management and intermediate storage of Sr waste.

The relationship between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and polysomnographic parameters in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the subjective Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and objective polysomnographic parameters that was compared in dichotomized groups of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with and without excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). A retrospective review of the 96 consecutive snoring patients suspected of OSA due to upper airway problems was performed. ESS score was assessed and EDS was considered present when the ESS score was >10. Polysomnography was performed for each patient. Comparisons of polysomnographic parameters between both groups of patients were performed using Mann-Whitney U-tests. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. EDS patients showed significantly greater body mass index (BMI), AHI and ODI, higher percentage of snoring time, a longer time length of SpO(2) < 90% and lower minimum SpO(2) compared to no EDS patients. There was no statistical difference in other sleep parameters. A positive correlation between the ESS score and BMI, percentage of snoring time, minimum SpO(2) and time length of SpO(2) < 90% was identified. Despite many controversies, our conclusion is that apnea/hypoxemia has considerable coherence to account for the EDS measured by ESS in OSA patients.

Cellulosic ethanol production on temperature-shift simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using the thermostable yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus CHY1612.

In cellulosic ethanol production, use of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) has been suggested as the favorable strategy to reduce process costs. Although SSF has many advantages, a significant discrepancy still exists between the appropriate temperature for saccharification (45-50 °C) and fermentation (30-35 °C). In the present study, the potential of temperature-shift as a tool for SSF optimization for bioethanol production from cellulosic biomass was examined. Cellulosic ethanol production of the temperature-shift SSF (TS-SSF) from 16 w/v% biomass increased from 22.2 g/L to 34.3 g/L following a temperature shift from 45 to 35 °C compared with the constant temperature of 45 °C. The glucose conversion yield and ethanol production yield in the TS-SSF were 89.3% and 90.6%, respectively. At higher biomass loading (18 w/v%), ethanol production increased to 40.2 g/L with temperature-shift time within 24 h. These results demonstrated that the temperature-shift process enhances the saccharification ratio and the ethanol production yield in SSF, and the temperature-shift time for TS-SSF process can be changed according to the fermentation condition within 24 h.

Effect of glucose on xylose utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae harboring the xylose reductase gene.

We have constructed recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae JH1 harboring a xylose reductase gene (xyl1) isolated from Pichia stipitis. However, JH1 still utilizes glucose more easily than xylose. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the effect of a glucose supplement on xylose utilization, the expression level of xylose reductase as a recombinant gene in JH1, and the expression levels of two hexose transporters (Hxt4 and Hxt7) due to co-fermentation of different concentrations of glucose and xylose. Co-fermentation using 20 g/l of glucose increased xylose consumption up to 11.7 g/l, which was 7.9-fold that of xylose fermentation without a glucose supplement. In addition, we found xyl1 mRNA levels dramatically increased as cells grew under co-fermentation conditions with supplementary glucose; this result is consistent with a significant decrease in the xylose concentration 48 h after cultivation. In addition, the expression levels of Hxt4 and Hxt7 were strongly activated by the presence of glucose and xylose; in particular, Hxt7 showed a 2.9-fold increased expression relative to that of recombinant S. cerevisiae JHM with only a backbone vector, pYES2. The results of this study suggest that xylose utilization would be improved by activation of hexose transporters induced by glucose (rather than xylose) reductase expression.

Specific expression patterns of xyl1, xyl2 and xyl3 in response to different sugars in Pichia stipitis.

The effects of two different sugars (glucose and xylose) on the expression levels and patterns of xylose reductase (xyl1), xylitol dehydrogenase (xyl2) and xylulokinase (xyl3) genes were analyzed using Pichia stipitis. A significant increase in mRNA levels of xyl1 was observed after 6 hours growth in culture conditions using xylose as a sole carbon source, but expressions of the three genes were not influenced by normal culture media with glucose. In addition expression levels of xyl2 and xyl3 were not observed during the entire culture period during which xylose was added. It also was found that the expression level of xyl1 increased as a function of the xylose concentration (40, 60, 80 g/l) used in this study, indicating that xyl1 expression sensitively responded to xylose presence in the culture media. Although the induced level of xyl2 increased slightly after 48 hours in the xylose-supplemented culture conditions, the expression level of xyl2 was not observed in the xylitol-supplemented culture conditions. Finally, considering the expression of each gene in response to glucose or xylose, the absolute expression levels of the three genes indicate that xyl1 is induced primarily by exposure to xylose.

Isolation and characterization of ethanol-producing Schizosaccharomyces pombe CHFY0201.

Ethanol-producing yeast strain, CHFY0201 was isolated from soil in South Korea using an enrichment technique in a yeast peptone dextrose medium supplemented with 5% (w/v) ethanol at 30 degrees C. The phenotypic and physiological characteristics, as well as molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (26S) rDNA gene and the internally transcribed spacer (ITS) 1+2 regions suggested that the CHFY0201 was novel strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. During shaking flask cultivation, the highest ethanol productivity and theoretical yield of S. pombe CHFY0201 in YPD media containing 9.5% total sugars was 0.59 +/- 0.01 g/l/h and 88.4 +/- 0.91%, respectively. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation for ethanol production was carried out using liquefied cassava (Manihot esculenta) powder in a 5 l lab-scale jar fermenter at 32 degrees C for 66 h with an agitation speed of 120 rpm. Under these conditions, S. pombe CHFY0201 yielded a final ethanol concentration of 72.1 +/- 0.27 g/l and a theoretical yield of 82.7 +/- 1.52% at a maximum ethanol productivity of 1.16 +/- 0.07 g/l/h. These results suggest that S. pombe CHFY0201 is a potential producer for industrial bioethanol production.

Repeated-batch fermentation using flocculent hybrid, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHFY0321 for efficient production of bioethanol.

In this study, the repeated-batch fermentation of liquefied cassava medium using the flocculent hybrid Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHFY0321 was investigated for semicontinuous, high-throughput production of bioethanol. Cassava medium was selected due to the industrial requirement for a cheap starchy substrate. Fermentations were performed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with a set of ten batches successfully completing a series within the repeated fermentation process. In addition, pH of the culture medium was not controlled to simplify ethanol production for future use in industry. Optimal recycling volume was found to be 5%. Volumetric productivity, final ethanol concentration, and ethanol yield were measured at 3.34 g l(-1) h(-1), 84.5 g l(-1), and 90.7%, respectively. Cell recycling (24.5 g DCW l(-1)) resulted in 1.8-fold decrease in fermentation time (24 h) and 1.8-fold increase in volumetric productivity compared with the ordinary batch fermentation. Therefore, repeated-batch SSF using flocculent CHFY0321 demonstrates the possibility of cost-effective bioethanol production by eliminating additional saccharification and inoculation steps.

Feasibility of Temporary Pancreatic Stenting after Early Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Acute Biliary Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the safety and effectiveness of temporary pancreatic stenting after early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis regardless of the severity or concomitant cholangitis. METHODS: Temporary pancreatic stenting was performed in 79 patients with visualized pancreatic duct during ERCP. The outcomes of 64 patients with adequate pancreatic stenting (PS) and 15 patients with inadequate pancreatic stenting (no PS) were compared in this prospective, observational trial. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were similar. Development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (7.8% for PS vs. 13.3% for no PS; p=0.50) and mortality (none for both groups; p=0.99) did not differ. However, fewer local complications occurred in PS than in no PS (4.7% for PS vs. 20.0% for no PS; p=0.04) and the difference was most outstanding in necrosis (1.6% for PS vs. 13.3% for no PS; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Temporary pancreatic stenting after early ERCP should be considered safe, as complications did not increase even in cases of inadequate stenting. However, if successful, there appears to be a reduction in local complications.

Time course of the suppression effect on transient evoked otoacoustic emissions by prolonged contralateral acoustic stimulation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the suppressive effect of the medial efferent acoustic reflex is well known, the time course of this effect over prolonged periods has yet to be fully evaluated. We assessed time-dependent change in the suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) by the medial efferent acoustic reflex over a relatively long period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We measured TEOAEs in the right ear before contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS), and then measured serial TEOAEs in the right ear at four intervals during a total of 16 minutes of continuous CAS, followed by three more recordings after termination of CAS. RESULTS: TEOAE amplitudes were reduced with CAS during a certain period (from the immediate period to 10 minutes depending on frequency) and subsequently recovered. TEOAE suppression values in the mean amplitudes for overall frequency were 0.76 dB at the initial recording, 0.35 dB at 5 minutes, 0.44 dB at 10 minutes, and 0.33 dB at 15 minutes during CAS. The initial suppression value was significantly larger than other suppression values of 5, 10, and 15 minutes (p<0.05). In recordings obtained after CAS, TEOAE amplitude exceeded pre-acoustic amplitudes at 1 kHz, 1.5 kHz, and 2 kHz. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show the existence of the medial efferent acoustic reflex and demonstrate the time course that TEOAE suppressions present initially after CAS, showing fatigue over time. Overshooting of TEOAE was observed in recordings at several frequencies after termination of CAS.

Continuous ethanol production from cassava through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation by self-flocculating yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHFY0321.

In this study, a fermentor consisting of four linked stirred towers that can be used for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) and for the accumulation of cell mass was applied to the continuous production of ethanol using cassava as the starchy material. For the continuous process with SSF, the pretreated cassava liquor and saccharification enzyme at total sugar concentrations of 175 g/L and 195 g/L were continuously fed to the fermentor with dilution rates of 0.014, 0.021, 0.031, 0.042, and 0.05 h(-1). Considering the maximum saccharification time, the highest volumetric productivity and ethanol yield were observed at a dilution rate of 0.042 h(-1). At dilution rates in the range of 0.014 h(-1) to 0.042 h(-1), high production rates were observed, and the yeast in the first to fourth fermentor showed long-term stability for 2 months with good performance. Under the optimal culture conditions with a feed sugar concentration of 195 g/L and dilution rate of 0.042 h(-1), the ethanol volumetric productivity and ethanol yield were 3.58 g/L x h and 86.2%, respectively. The cell concentrations in the first to fourth stirred tower fermentors were 74.3, 71.5, 71.2, and 70.1 g dry cell/L, respectively. The self-flocculating yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CHFY0321, developed by our group showed excellent fermentation results under continuous ethanol production.