Unveiling attenuation structures in the northern Taiwan volcanic zone.

This cutting-edge study delves into regional magmatism in northern Taiwan through advanced 3-D P- and S-wave frequency-dependent attenuation tomography. Positioned at the dynamic convergence boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, Taiwan experiences moderate earthquakes and intriguing volcanic activity, with a focus on the Tatun volcano group. Employing the Formosa seismic array for high-resolution results, our research identifies high-attenuation anomalies (low Q) beneath the northern Taiwan volcanic zone (NTVZ) and offshore submarine volcanoes, indicative of potential hydrothermal activities and magma reservoirs at varying depths. Additionally, we explore low-attenuation anomalies (high Q) in the forearc region of the Ryukyu subduction zone, suggestive of partial saturation linked to serpentinization processes resulting from seawater infiltration or forearc mantle hydration. These findings shed light on the complex geological features and provide essential insights into the crustal properties of northern Taiwan, contributing to a deeper understanding of its magmatic evolution and tectonic processes.

Multicolor Emission from Ultraviolet GaN-Based Photonic Quasicrystal Nanopyramid Structure with Semipolar InxGa1-xN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells.

In this study, we demonstrated large-area high-quality multi-color emission from the 12-fold symmetric GaN photonic quasicrystal nanorod device which was fabricated using the nanoimprint lithography technology and multiple quantum wells regrowth procedure. High-efficiency blue and green color emission wavelengths of 460 and 520 nm from the regrown InxGa1-xN/GaN multiple quantum wells were observed under optical pumping conditions. To confirm the strong coupling between the quantum well emissions and the photonic crystal band-edge resonant modes, the finite-element method was applied to perform a simulation of the 12-fold symmetry photonic quasicrystal lattices.

Unveiling Tatun volcanic plumbing structure induced by post-collisional extension of Taiwan mountain belt.

The Tatun Volcanic Group (TVG) is proximal to the metropolis of Taipei City (population of ca. 7 million) and has long been a major concern due to the potential risks from volcanic activity to the population and critical infrastructure. While the TVG has been previously considered a dormant or extinct volcano, recent evidence suggests a much younger age of the last eruption event (~ 6000 years) and possible existence of a magma reservoir beneath the TVG. However, the location, dimension, and detailed geometry of the magma reservoir and plumbing system remains largely unknown. To examine the TVG volcanic plumbing structure in detail, the local P-wave travel time data and the teleseismic waveform data from a new island-wide Formosa Array Project are combined for a 3D tomographic joint inversion. The new model reveals a magma reservoir with a notable P-wave velocity reduction of 19% (ca. ~ 19% melt fraction) at 8-20 km beneath eastern TVG and with possible northward extension to a shallower depth near where active submarine volcanoes that have been detected. Enhanced tomographic images also reveal sporadic magmatic intrusion/underplating in the lower crust of Husehshan Range and northern Taiwan. These findings suggest an active volcanic plumbing system induced by post-collisional extension associated with the collapse of the orogen.

Active Volcanism Revealed from a Seismicity Conduit in the Long-resting Tatun Volcano Group of Northern Taiwan.

Abundant earthquakes clustered within a particular zone often reflect an active geological feature, such as clustering seismicity along a fault zone and a huge number of volcanic-earthquakes around the erupting conduit. Herein we perform a double-difference tomographic inversion and relocate the seismicity at the long-resting Tatun volcano group (TVG) in northern Taiwan. A dramatic improvement of the earthquake location model surprisingly show that, from 2014 to 2017, two clustered seismic zones are identified in the TVG. One major group of events (>1000) persistently clustered within a ~500 m diameter vertical conduit with a ~2 km height. The clustering seismicity conduit is just located nearby Dayoukeng, one of the strongest fumaroles in the TVG, and is connected to a fracture zone characterized by low Vp/Vs in the shallow crust. The other group of events is clustered within a sphere-like zone beneath Mt. Chihsin around the depths between 0.5 km and 2 km. Both seismic zones are probably triggered by the significantly volcanic gases and fluids ascending from the deep magma reservoir. Combined with a variety of results from literature, the seismicity conduit near the strong fumarole is the evidence for an active volcano and also identifies a likely pathway for ascending magma if the TVG erupts again in the future. But possibility of developing different magma pathways at other clustered seismic zones such as beneath Mt. Chihsin may not be totally excluded.

False-positive Aspergillus galactomannan immunoassays associated with intravenous human immunoglobulin administration.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence of false-positive galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GM-EIA) results associated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration is scarce. Here, we aimed to determine the false-positive rate of GM-EIA after IVIG administration and to identify the related factors. METHODS: Standard GM-EIA was performed using diluted and pure human IVIG samples with and without heat treatment. We also included adult patients who had at least one GM-EIA result within 1 week of IVIG administration for analysis. Those who had prior invasive aspergillosis within 1 year before IVIG therapy were excluded. The clinical characteristics and galactomannan index (GMI) kinetics between patients with false-positive and true-positive GMI were compared. RESULTS: All diluted and pure IVIG samples tested positive for GM. Heat treatment resulted in the considerable elevation of GMI. Of 48 patients with positive GM-EIA results within 1 week of IVIG administration, 22 (45.8%) were considered to have false-positive antigenaemia (false-positive group, FPG). After the completion of IVIG administration, a decline in GMI was observed in all FPG patients but in only 18 out of 26 patients (69.2%) with true-positive results (true-positive group, TPG). By 7, 14, and 18 days of IVIG administration, GMI reverted to negative values in 7/15 (46.7%), 18/20 (90%) and 22/22 (100%) FPG patients, respectively, and 6/24 (25%), 14/24 (58.3%), and 16/26 (61.5%) of TPG patients, respectively. The TPG was more likely to have two or more consecutively positive GMIs after IVIG administration than the FPG (adjusted odds ratio, 9.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-40.9). CONCLUSIONS: IVIG treatment may produce false-positive GM-EIA results. A positive GMI among patients receiving human IVIG should be interpreted with caution.

Two-dimensional electronic transport and surface electron accumulation in MoS2.

Because the surface-to-volume ratio of quasi-two-dimensional materials is extremely high, understanding their surface characteristics is crucial for practically controlling their intrinsic properties and fabricating p-type and n-type layered semiconductors. Van der Waals crystals are expected to have an inert surface because of the absence of dangling bonds. However, here we show that the surface of high-quality synthesized molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a major n-doping source. The surface electron concentration of MoS2 is nearly four orders of magnitude higher than that of its inner bulk. Substantial thickness-dependent conductivity in MoS2 nanoflakes was observed. The transfer length method suggested the current transport in MoS2 following a two-dimensional behavior rather than the conventional three-dimensional mode. Scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements confirmed the presence of surface electron accumulation in this layered material. Notably, the in situ-cleaved surface exhibited a nearly intrinsic state without electron accumulation.

Functional links between Disabled-2 Ser723 phosphorylation and thrombin signaling in human platelets.

Essentials Disabled-2 (Dab2) phosphorylation status in thrombin signaling of human platelet was investigated. Ser723 was the major Dab2 phosphorylation site in human platelets stimulated by thrombin. Dab2 S723 phosphorylation (pS723) caused the dissociation of Dab2-CIN85 protein complex. Dab2-pS723 regulated ADP release and integrin αIIbß3 activation in thrombin-treated platelets. SUMMARY: Background Disabled-2 (Dab2) is a platelet protein that is functionally involved in thrombin signaling in mice. It is unknown whether or not Dab2 undergoes phosphorylation during human platelet activation. Objectives To investigate the phosphorylation status of Dab2 and its functional consequences in thrombin-stimulated human platelets. Methods Dab2 was immunoprecipitated from resting and thrombin-stimulated platelet lysates for differential isotopic labeling. After enrichment of the phosphopeptides, the phosphorylation sites were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The corresponding phospho-specific antibody was generated. The protein kinases responsible for and the functional significance of Dab2 phosphorylation were defined by the use of signaling pathway inhibitors/activators, protein kinase assays, and various molecular approaches. Results Dab2 was phosphorylated at Ser227, Ser394, Ser401 and Ser723 in thrombin-stimulated platelets, with Ser723 phosphorylation being the most significantly increased by thrombin. Dab2 was phosphorylated by protein kinase C at Ser723 in a Gαq -dependent manner. ADP released from the stimulated platelets further activated the Gßγ -dependent pathway to sustain Ser723 phosphorylation. The Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa (CIN85) bound to Dab2 at a motif adjacent to Ser723 in resting platelets. The consequence of Ser723 phosphorylation was the dissociation of CIN85 from the Dab2-CIN85 complex. These molecular events led to increases in fibrinogen binding and platelet aggregation in thrombin-stimulated platelets by regulating αIIb ß3 activation and ADP release. Conclusions Dab2 Ser723 phosphorylation is a key molecular event in thrombin-stimulated inside-out signaling and platelet activation, contributing to a new function of Dab2 in thrombin signaling.

Inverse Association Between Serum Osteoprotegerin and Bone Mineral Density in Renal Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) has pleiotropic effects on bone metabolism as well as endocrine function. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and serum OPG concentration in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 69 renal transplant recipients. BMD was measured in lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Eight patients (11.6%) had BMD values indicative of osteoporosis, 28 patients (40.6%) had BMD values indicative of osteopenia, and 33 patients had normal BMD values. Increased serum OPG levels (P < .001), decreased body mass index (BMI) (P = .033), and decreased body weight (P = .010) were significantly correlated with low lumbar T-score cut-off points between groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). RESULTS: Women had significantly lower lumbar BMD values than men (P = .013). Menopause (P = .005), use of tacrolimus (P = .020), and use of cyclosporine (P = .046) were associated with lower lumbar BMD in renal transplant recipients. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that lumbar BMD was positively correlated with height (P = .016), body weight (P = .001), and BMI (P = .015) and negatively correlated with age (P = .039) and log-OPG (P = .001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that log-OPG (ß: -0.275, R(2) change = 0.154, P = .014), body weight (ß: 0.334, R(2) change = 0.073, P = .004), and age (ß: -0.285, R(2) change = 0.079, P = .008) were independent predictors of lumbar BMD values in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum OPG concentration correlated negatively with lumbar BMD values in renal transplant recipients.

Hyperleptinemia Is a Risk Factor for the Development of Central Arterial Stiffness in Kidney Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness could cause adverse outcomes in kidney transplant (KT) patients. Leptin has a role in influencing vascular smooth muscle that may contribute to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum leptin concentration and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in KT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 55 KT patients and 65 subjects from the outpatient department were enrolled as the control group. The cfPWV values of >10 m/s were used to define as the high arterial stiffness group and <10 m/s as the low arterial stiffness group. The predictive ability of leptin for arterial stiffness of KT was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Kidney transplant patients had lower hemoglobin, but higher blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, intact parathyroid hormone levels, and leptin levels than controls. Although cfPWV levels were higher in KT patients, there is no difference of cfPWV levels between KT patients and control (P = .595). Fifteen KT patients (27.3%) were defined in the high arterial stiffness group, and serum leptin level was higher in the high arterial stiffness group compared with the low arterial stiffness group in KT patients (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that leptin (odds ratio: 1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.016-1.072, P = .002) was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in KT patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve predicting arterial stiffness in KT patients were 73.33%, 87.5%, 68.7%, 89.7%, and 0.828 (95% CI: 0.703-0.917, P < .001), and the leptin cut-off value was 74.14 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Serum fasting leptin level could predict the development of central arterial stiffness of KT patients.

High prevalence of type 41 and high sequence diversity of partial hexon gene of human adenoviruses in municipal raw sewage and activated sludge.

AIM: This study was aimed to assess seasonal/geographical distribution and sequence diversity of partial hexon gene for human adenoviruses (HAdVs) within raw sewages (RS) and activated sludges (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Assessments were based on high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified 128-bp partial hexon gene fragments and followed by principal coordinate analyses (PCoA) for revealed sequences. Sequencing results showed that the majority of sequences (>90%) for the RS or AS samples were identical to HAdV type 41 of species F, while rest of few sequences belonged to HAdV species-D and -C were only occurred rarely without significant seasonal/geographical variation. The partial hexon genes were highly diverse as many sequence types and operational taxonomic unit groups were noticed among the matched sequences. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that HAdV-41 was constantly appeared in the RS and AS samples from Taiwan throughout the year without significant seasonal or geographical variations; but, had high sequence diverse noticed for the 128-bp partial hexon gene fragments. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: High-throughput-sequencing results provided better insights of HAdV distribution and genetic diversity for raw sewage and AS samples allowing some probable biases for cloning-sequencing approach to be defeated and further providing public health awareness regarding viral-contaminated sewages or sludges.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is inversely related to bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly lower in heart failure patients. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between BMD and fasting serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 69 renal transplant recipients. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4). Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Among the renal transplant recipients, 8 patients (11.6%) had osteoporosis and 28 (40.6%) had osteopenia; 33 had a normal BMD. Increased serum NT-proBNP (P < .001) and decreased body mass index (P = .033) and body weight (P = .010) were significantly correlated with low lumbar T-score cutoff points between groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). Women had lower lumbar BMD than did men (P = .013). Menopause in women (P = .005), use of tacrolimus (P = .020), and use of cyclosporine (P = .046) among renal transplant recipients were associated with lower lumbar BMD. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables revealed that log-transformed NT-proBNP (ß, -0.545; R(2) = 0.331; P < .001), and body weight (ß, 0.273, R(2) = 0.104; P = .005) were independent predictors of lumbar BMD values among the renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum NT-proBNP concentrations correlate negatively with lumbar BMD values among renal transplant recipients and may be an alternative to energy x-ray absorptiometry for identifying at risk of osteoporosis in renal transplant recipients.

Serum leptin levels positively correlate with peripheral arterial stiffness in kidney transplantation patients.

BACKGROUND: Leptin is a protein predominantly produced by adipocytes that plays a pathophysiologic role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum leptin levels and peripheral arterial stiffness among kidney transplant (KT) patients. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 74 KT patients. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured in the right or left brachial artery to the ankle segments using an automatic pulse wave analyzer (VaSera VS-1000). Plasma leptin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. In this study, left or right baPWV values of less than 14.0 m/s were used to define the high arterial stiffness group. RESULTS: Forty KT patients (54.1%) were defined in high arterial stiffness group. Hypertension (P < .010), diabetes (P < .010), age (P = .010), KT duration (P = .013), triglyceride levels (P = .016), systolic blood pressure (P < .001), waist circumference (P = .031), and leptin level (P < .001) were higher, whereas serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P = .030) was lower in the high arterial stiffness group compared with the low arterial stiffness group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that leptin (odds ratio, 1.033; 95% CI, 1.004-1.062; P = .023), KT duration (odds ratio, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.004-1.044; P = .020), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (odds ratio, 0.925; 95% CI, 0.872-0.982; P = .010) were the independent predictors of peripheral arterial stiffness in KT patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fasting leptin level was positively associated with peripheral arterial stiffness among KT patients.

Performance assessment of the single photon emission microscope: high spatial resolution SPECT imaging of small animal organs.

The single photon emission microscope (SPEM) is an instrument developed to obtain high spatial resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of small structures inside the mouse brain. SPEM consists of two independent imaging devices, which combine a multipinhole collimator, a high-resolution, thallium-doped cesium iodide [CsI(Tl)] columnar scintillator, a demagnifying/intensifier tube, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupling device (CCD). Collimators have 300- and 450-µm diameter pinholes on tungsten slabs, in hexagonal arrays of 19 and 7 holes. Projection data are acquired in a photon-counting strategy, where CCD frames are stored at 50 frames per second, with a radius of rotation of 35 mm and magnification factor of one. The image reconstruction software tool is based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. Our aim was to evaluate the spatial resolution and sensitivity attainable with the seven-pinhole imaging device, together with the linearity for quantification on the tomographic images, and to test the instrument in obtaining tomographic images of different mouse organs. A spatial resolution better than 500 µm and a sensitivity of 21.6 counts·s-1·MBq-1 were reached, as well as a correlation coefficient between activity and intensity better than 0.99, when imaging 99mTc sources. Images of the thyroid, heart, lungs, and bones of mice were registered using 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals in times appropriate for routine preclinical experimentation of <1 h per projection data set. Detailed experimental protocols and images of the aforementioned organs are shown. We plan to extend the instrument's field of view to fix larger animals and to combine data from both detectors to reduce the acquisition time or applied activity.

Performance assessment of the single photon emission microscope: high spatial resolution SPECT imaging of small animal organs

The single photon emission microscope (SPEM) is an instrument developed to obtain high spatial resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of small structures inside the mouse brain. SPEM consists of two independent imaging devices, which combine a multipinhole collimator, a high-resolution, thallium-doped cesium iodide [CsI(Tl)] columnar scintillator, a demagnifying/intensifier tube, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupling device (CCD). Collimators have 300- and 450-µm diameter pinholes on tungsten slabs, in hexagonal arrays of 19 and 7 holes. Projection data are acquired in a photon-counting strategy, where CCD frames are stored at 50 frames per second, with a radius of rotation of 35 mm and magnification factor of one. The image reconstruction software tool is based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. Our aim was to evaluate the spatial resolution and sensitivity attainable with the seven-pinhole imaging device, together with the linearity for quantification on the tomographic images, and to test the instrument in obtaining tomographic images of different mouse organs. A spatial resolution better than 500 µm and a sensitivity of 21.6 counts·s-1·MBq-1 were reached, as well as a correlation coefficient between activity and intensity better than 0.99, when imaging 99mTc sources. Images of the thyroid, heart, lungs, and bones of mice were registered using 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals in times appropriate for routine preclinical experimentation of <1 h per projection data set. Detailed experimental protocols and images of the aforementioned organs are shown. We plan to extend the instrument's field of view to fix larger animals and to combine data from both detectors to reduce the acquisition time or applied activity.

The association between community-level economic hardship and childhood obesity prevalence in Los Angeles.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: Neighbourhood social, economic and environmental factors are associated with childhood obesity. Childhood obesity disproportionately impacts those living in low-income neighbourhoods. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: Childhood obesity prevalence is strongly associated with community-level social and economic conditions as measured using a composite Economic Hardship Index. Childhood obesity prevalence among communities in the highest hardship quartile was more than double the prevalence among communities in the lowest hardship quartile (26.9 vs. 12.5%). The relationship between economic hardship and obesity differs by race/ethnicity. OBJECTIVE: The association between community-level economic hardship and childhood obesity prevalence was examined in Los Angeles County, one of the largest and most racially and ethnically diverse regions in the United States. METHODS: Data from the 2008-2009 California Department of Education's Physical Fitness Testing Program were analyzed to assess obesity prevalence among 5th, 7th and 9th grade students attending public schools (n = 298,485). Community-level socioeconomic conditions were compared using a census-tract-based Economic Hardship (EH) index. Mixed-effects modelling was used to examine the association between obesity prevalence and gender, grade, race/ethnicity and EH. RESULTS: Higher community-level EH was associated with higher childhood obesity prevalence (P < 0.001). The obesity prevalence among communities in the highest EH quartile (26.9%) was more than double the obesity prevalence among communities in the lowest EH quartile (12.5%). The slope of the association between EH and childhood obesity differed by racial/ethnic group. The slope was higher for non-Hispanic White students, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Asians, and lower for non-Hispanic Black students. Racial/ethnic disparities were observed across the socioeconomic spectrum. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that efforts to improve community socioeconomic conditions could reduce childhood obesity prevalence. Prevention efforts should target communities with high economic hardship and also focus on providing culturally relevant interventions that address disparities in obesity prevalence across communities.

Quantum efficiency enhancement in selectively transparent silicon thin film solar cells by distributed Bragg reflectors.

This work demonstrated a-Si:H thin-film solar cells with backside TiO(2)/ SiO(2) distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for applications involving building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). Selectively transparent solar cells are formed by adjusting the positions of the DBR stop bands to allow the transmission of certain parts of light through the solar cells. Measurement and simulation results indicate that the transmission of blue light (430 ~500 nm) with the combination of three DBR mirrors has the highest increase in conversion efficiency.

An omni-directional mid-infrared tunable plasmonic polarization filter.

In this paper, we show that a localized surface plasmon polariton in a plasmonic sandwich structure made of a (metal elliptical disc)/(dielectric spacer)/(metal film) can be used as an efficient angle-independent polarizer in the mid-infrared wavelength regime. The elliptical disc structure is characterized by using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and simulated via the rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) method. For the optimum design, we can obtain a degree of polarization of 99% both experimentally and theoretically. A high extinction ratio between 20 and 40 dB can be obtained by changing the axis ratio of the elliptical disc between 0.65 and 0.85. The wavelength of polarized light can be tuned in a wide range by changing the structural parameters. The plasmon-polariton band structures of the elliptical disc structure for both TM and TE polarizations are also studied theoretically via RCWA.

Comparison of the commercial color LCD and the medical monochrome LCD using randomized object test patterns.

Workstations and electronic display devices in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) provide a convenient and efficient platform for medical diagnosis. The performance of display devices has to be verified to ensure that image quality is not degraded. In this study, we designed a set of randomized object test patterns (ROTPs) consisting of randomly located spheres with various image characteristics to evaluate the performance of a 2.5 mega-pixel (MP) commercial color LCD and a 3 MP diagnostic monochrome LCD in several aspects, including the contrast, resolution, point spread effect, and noise. The ROTPs were then merged into 120 abdominal CT images. Five radiologists were invited to review the CT images, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was carried out using a five-point rating scale. In the high background patterns of ROTPs, the sensitivity performance was comparable between both monitors in terms of contrast and resolution, whereas, in the low background patterns, the performance of the commercial color LCD was significantly poorer than that of the diagnostic monochrome LCD in all aspects. The average area under the ROC curve (AUC) for reviewing abdominal CT images was 0.717±0.0200 and 0.740±0.0195 for the color monitor and the diagnostic monitor, respectively. The observation time (OT) was 145±27.6 min and 127±19.3 min, respectively. No significant differences appeared in AUC (p = 0.265) and OT (p = 0.07). The overall results indicate that ROTPs can be implemented as a quality control tool to evaluate the intrinsic characteristics of display devices. Although there is still a gap in technology between different types of LCDs, commercial color LCDs could replace diagnostic monochrome LCDs as a platform for reviewing abdominal CT images after monitor calibration.

In vitro and in vivo therapeutics of ß-thujaplicin on LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages and septic shock in mice.

ß-thujaplicin, an active constituent from Chamaecyparis obtusa, has been shown to have acaricidal and antimicrobial effects. Very few studies have focused on the potential of the anti-inflammatory effect of ß-thujaplicin. Moreover, its capability of inhibiting inflammatory mediators e.g. TNF-a gene transcription, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, remains unknown. Besides those molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effect of ß-thujaplicin, solid proof of its effectiveness in vivo has not yet been studied. In our study, in vitro effects of ß thujaplicin were verified on RAW 264.7 macrophages which were stimulated by LPS. Indomethacin was used as a positive control. The inducible NO production after stimulation was measured by Griess reagent. PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA methods. Protein expressions of iNOS, COX2, and NF-κB were evaluated by Western blotting. Septic ICR mice were administered 20 mg/kg of LPS and then the mortality rate was monitored. Within the concentration range which was devoid of cytotoxicty, ß-thujaplicin exhibited a clear dose-dependent inhibition on LPS-induced NO production. Furthermore, ß-thujaplicin inhibited LPS-induced PGE2, IL-6, and TNF-α production as well as iNOS, COX2, and NF- κB protein expression more substantially potent than indomethacin. In agreement with the in vitro study, ß-thujaplicin was shown to be effective in vivo for inhibiting LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production and a significant decrease in mortality rate of mice suffering from septic shock was observed. This study demonstrates the potential of ß-thujaplicin in treatment of inflammation and sepsis. These effects occur through an efficient blockage of TNF-α and iNOS production. ß-thujaplicin efficacy is comparable to that of indomethacin thus it can be a substitution but bear less depletion of PGE2, making this compound very promising in clinical applications. ß-thujaplicin, an active constituent from Chamaecyparis obtusa, has been shown to have acaricidal and antimicrobial effects. Very few studies have focused on the potential of the anti-inflammatory effect of ß-thujaplicin. Moreover, its capability of inhibiting inflammatory mediators e.g. TNF-alpha gene transcription, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, remains unknown. Besides those molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effect of ß-thujaplicin, solid proof of its effectiveness in vivo has not yet been studied. In our study, in vitro effects of ß-thujaplicin were verified on RAW 264.7 macrophages which were stimulated by LPS. Indomethacin was used as a positive control. The inducible NO production after stimulation was measured by Griess reagent. PGE2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured by ELISA methods. Protein expressions of iNOS, COX2, and NF-kB were evaluated by Western blotting. Septic ICR mice were administered 20 mg/kg of LPS and then the mortality rate was monitored. Within the concentration range which was devoid of cytotoxicty, ß-thujaplicin exhibited a clear dose-dependent inhibition on LPS-induced NO production. Furthermore, ß-thujaplicin inhibited LPS-induced PGE2, IL-6, and TNF-alpha production as well as iNOS, COX2, and NF-kB protein expression more substantially potent than indomethacin. In agreement with the in vitro study, ß-thujaplicin was shown to be effective in vivo for inhibiting LPS-induced NO and TNF-alpha production and a significant decrease in mortality rate of mice suffering from septic shock was observed. This study demonstrates the potential of ß-thujaplicin in treatment of inflammation and sepsis. These effects occur through an efficient blockage of TNF-alpha and iNOS production. ß-thujaplicin efficacy is comparable to that of indomethacin thus it can be a substitution but bear less depletion of PGE2, making this compound very promising in clinical applications.