Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are rare soft tissue malignant neoplasms composed of plasma cells. They are sometimes found in soft tissues. The majority of primary EMPs occur in the head and neck region, especially in the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. We present a case of a 52-year-old female with an EMP. The patient’s initial chief complaint was swelling of the soft palate. An excisional biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. Final pathologic diagnosis was EMP of the soft palate with partial involvement of the resection margin. In order to exclude the possibility of multiple myeloma, a bone marrow exam with chromosomal study was completed. The patient was also referred to the Department of Radiation Oncology for postoperative radiation therapy (PORT); however, the patient refused to undergo PORT. The patient is currently under close observation for signs and symptoms of recurrence or metastases through regular follow-up visits and imaging studies.

Recent enactments of the Nagoya Protocol and UPOV convention precipitated international competition to secure biological resources. To address these challenges in the case of mushroom industry, collecting and preserving the genetic resources are urgently needed. Mushroom Research Division, National Institute of Horticltural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, has operated mushroom resource management facilities which consist of eight separate rooms with automatic temperature and humidity controllers for the safe preservation of mycelial cultures or voucher herbarium specimens. During the past three years the liquid-nitrogen (LN) cryogenic system for the permanent/semi-permanent preservation of the strains commercially or scientifically important are successfully installed, and the computerized resource management system using QR code are adopted. Up to now, 1,586 strains of 261 species in 79 genus of edible and medicinal mushrooms were preserved.

To obtain information on the sanitary of indoor environment in greenhouses used for shiitake cultivation, bacteria associated with larvae and imagoes of Sciaridae flies, pest to shiitake mushroom, were isolated and identified. A total of 1,048 bacterial colonies were isolated from the flies’ larvae and 984 bacterial colonies were isolated from the flies’ imagoes. Based on molecular analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis of β-proteobacteria, Enterobacter asburiae and Raoultella ornithinolytica of γ -proteobacteria, Curtobacterium sp. and Microbacterium thalassium of Actinobacteria, and Penibacillus taichungensis of Firmicutes were identified from the colonies of the flies’ larvae. While, Bacillus megaterium, B. thuringiensis, Lysinbacillus sphaericus and L. fusifomis of Firmicutes, Microbacterium thalassium and Citricoccus parietis of Actinobacteria, and Enterobacter asburiae of γ-proteobacteria were identified from the flies’ imagoes. Some of the isolated bacterial species were known be human pathogens. Overall, the results of this study suggested that mushroom fly carrying human pathogenic bacteria is one of sources impact on the sanitary of indoor environment of greenhouses used for shiitake cultivation.

Since the first Korean button mushroom ‘Sae-Ah’ developed in 2010, most farmers had wanted to cultivate a new variety. A new variety, ‘SaeJeong’, was developed in 2011, but this variety was difficult to cultivate in mushroom farm. To solve the variety problem, a new variety ‘Sae-do’ was developed in 2012. The variety, ‘Sad-do’, was made by crossing hetrokaryon A175 and homokaryon ASI1346-15 selected by genetic analysis. The heterokaryon A175 is crossed line between ASI1038-211 and ASI1346-20. The mycelium of ‘Saedo’ on CDA (compost dextrose agar) grew well at 25°C. The optimum pin-heading temperature of it was 13-15°C and optimum growing temperature was 13-20°C. Earliness (days required from casing to first harvesting) was 2 days shorter than control ‘Saejeong’. Even though the diameter of mature cap and the length of stipe were shorter than a control, the individual weight of fruiting body was heavier because of thick pileus and stipe. Therefore, the yield was increased by 1.89 times than control and the hardness of pileus was stronger. The field experiment of ‘Saedo’ variety has been started since 2013. Most farmers evaluated that the variety has good compost colonization and cap shape, and high yield in harvesting. For that reason, ‘Saedo’ has occupied half of the of distribution rate of Korean varieties. Also distribution rate of Korean varieties was increased from 26.1% in 2014 to 37% in 2015.

Oyster mushroom is one of mushrooms that are cultivated and consumed a lot in Korea. P. ostreatus 'ASI 2504(Suhan)' is a preferable cultivar to mushroom farmers because it has a dark pileus and a thick stipe. But it is very sensitive to environmental conditions, so farmers demand an alternative cultivar of ‘Suhan’ continuously. To develop a new cultivar, parental strains ‘ASI 2504(Suhan)’ and ‘ASI 0665(Heuktari)’ were selected from P. ostreatus’s various collected strains according to morphological characteristics. P. ostreatus ‘Soltari’ was developed by the method of Di-Mono crossing between dikaryotic strain ‘Suhan’ and monokaryotic strain derived from ‘Heuktari’. Analysis of the mitochondrial genetic characteristics was performed for primary selection in 100 crossed strains. The mitochondrial DNA profile of ‘Soltari’ was same as that of ‘Heuktari’, when mitochondrial DNA primer MtPo1 was used. And a nuclear DNA profile of ‘Soltari’ was similar as those of the parental strains, ‘Suhan’ and ‘Heuktari’, when RAPD(Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primer URP 1, 3 were used. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was 30°C for ‘Soltari’. ‘Soltari’ was appropriate for middle high temperature to grow, especially 13~18°C. Fruiting body production per bottle (1,100mL) was about 158.6g. When compared to the control strain ‘Suhan’, the stipe’s length and thickness of ‘Soltari’ were similar to those of ’Suhan’. But the pileus diameter of ‘Soltari’ was a little shorter than that of ‘Suhan’, the former was 42.72mm, while the latter was 51.33mm. And the pileus thickness of ‘Soltari’ and ‘Suhan’ were 18.18mm and 25.46mm, respectively. ‘Soltari’ was more resistant at high CO2 concentration than ‘Suhan’ and the color of pileus of ‘Soltari’ was kept dark gray at high temperature. Therefore, it is suggested that this new cultivar ‘Soltari’ be an alternative of ‘Suhan’ and contribute to energy saving effect in oyster mushroom farms.

This study was conducted to evaluate a visual surveillance system. The advancement of recording technology and network service make it easy to record and transfer the videos. Moreover, progressed recognition technology help to make a distinction each other. Cows show distinguishing behaviors during their estrus period. The mounting is one of the behaviors. The result was different depending on the breed of the cows and the size of the farm. In the case of Korean native cattle, the estrus detection rate was 71.15%, however, dairy cows, the estrus detection rate was 39.38%. At the farms having below 6 modules, the estrus detection rate was 87.41%. On the other hand, at the farms having over 6 modules, the estrus detection rate was 77.78%. With the proper progress, the visual surveillance system can be used to detect heat detection.

Although piglets have been delivered by embryo transfer (ET) with in vitro produced (IVP) embryos and blastocysts, a success rate has still remained lower level. Unlike mouse, human, and bovine, it is difficult to a production of piglets by in vitro fertilization (IVF) because of an inappropriate in vitro culture (IVC) system in pig. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate whether minimized exposure time in IVC can improve the pregnancy and delivery rates of piglets. Immediately after IVM, the oocytes were denuded and co-incubated with freshly ejaculated boar semen for 3.5 to 4 hours at 38.5 ˚C under 5% CO2 in air. To avoid long-term exposure to in vitro state, we emitted IVC step after IVF. After that the presumptive zygotes were transferred into both oviducts of the surrogate on the same day or 1 day after the onset of estrus. Pregnancy was diagnosed on day 28 after ET and then was checked regularly every month by ultrasound examination. The 3 out of 4 surrogates were determined as pregnant (75%) and a total of 5 piglets (2 females and 3 males) were delivered at 118.3 ± 2.5 days of pregnancy period. In conclusion, a short-term exposure time may be an important factor in the production of IVP-derived piglets. It can be apply to the in vitro production system of transgenic pig by IVF, cloning, and pronuclear microinjection methods.

[Fe II] emission lines are prominent in the infrared (IR) and important as diagnostic tools for radiative atomic shocks. We investigate the emission characteristics of [Fe II] lines using a shock code developed by Raymond (1979) with updated atomic parameters. We rst review general characteristics of the IR [Fe II] emission lines from shocked gas, and derive their uxes as a function of shock speed and ambient density. We have compiled available IR [Fe II] line observations of interstellar shocks and compare them to the ratios predicted from our model. The sample includes both young and old supernova remnants in the Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Cloud and several Herbig-Haro objects. We nd that the observed ratios of the IR [Fe II] lines generally fall on our grid of shock models, but the ratios of some mid- IR lines, e.g., [Fe II] 35.35 m=[Fe II] 25.99 m, [Fe II] 5.340 m=[Fe II] 25.99 m, and [Fe II] 5.340 m=[Fe II] 17.94 m, are signicantly oset from our model grid. We discuss possible explanations and conclude that while uncertainties in the shock modeling and the observations certainly exist, the uncertainty in atomic rates appears to be the major source of discrepancy.

The genetic algorithm (GA), one of the artificial intelligence (AI), is developed based on Darwin's theory of evolution, i.e., the mating of randomly selected objects. If more optimal solution is generated, then it is better to repeat the process of setting the optimum value. In this paper, the method of background music using the genetic algorithm is exploited when the computer game is executed each time. As a result, it has created several music that can be used in the actual game, and it could be confirmed that the other music that is created is different music when performed each time.

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted by IMO (International Maritime Organization) on 13 February 2004. Fifty-seven ballast water management systems were granted basic approval of active substance by IMO, among which thirty-seven systems were granted final approval. This paper studies the maximum allowable dosage of active substances produced by ballast water management system using electrolysis which is an approved management system by IMO. The allowable dosage of active substances by electrolysis system is proposed by TRO (Total Residual Oxidant). Maximum allowable dosage of TRO is a very important factor in the ballast water management system when using the electrolysis methods, because ballast water management system is controlled with the TRO value, and the IMO approvals are given on the basis of the maximum allowable dosage of TRO for the treatment and discharge of ballast water. However, between various management systems approved TRO concentration of maximum allowable dosage showed large differences, ranging from 1 to 15 ppm, depending on the management systems. The discrepancies of maximum allowable dosage among the management systems may depend on whether a filter is used or not, the difference in the specifications of the electrolysis module, the kind of the tested organisms, the number of individual organisms, and the difference in the water quality, etc. Ship owners are responsible for satisfying the performance standard of the IMO convention in the ports of each country therefore need to carefully review whether the ballast water management system can satisfy the performance standard of the IMO convention or not.

Microalgae are of significant importance for future biotechnological applications. Many microalgae banks or laboratories attempt to maintain various microalgae for further research purposes. Cryopreservation has been preferred to reduce a labor-intensive and costly routine sub-culturing. Cryopreservation can also diminish the genetic drift risk. However, cryopreservation as a long term storage of microalgae method are still in developing progress because it cannot be generalized for all microalgae. Microalgae types, cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) types, freezing and thawing methods are the most important factors that should be considered for cryopreservation. In this short review the basic principles and the current advanced of microalgae cryopreservation methods are discussed with a suggested starting parameters for microalgae cryopreservation.

Skin-derived precursors (SKPs) have potential to differentiate to various cell types including osteoblasts, adipocytes and neurons. SKPs are a candidate for cell-based therapy since they are easily accessible and have multipotency. Most mammalian cells are exposed to a low oxygen environment with 1 to 5% O2 concentration in vivo, while 21% O2 concentration is common in in vitro culture. The difference between in vitro and in vivo O2 concentration may affect to the behavior of cultured cells. In this report, we investigated the effect of hypoxic condition on stemness and proliferation of SKPs. The results indicated that SKPs exposed to hypoxic condition for 5 days showed no change in proliferation. In terms of mRNA expression, hypoxia maintained expression of stemness markers; whereas, oncogenes, such as Klf4 and c-Myc, were downregulated, and the expression of Nestin, related to cancer migration, was also downregulated. Thus, SKPs cultured in hypoxia may reduce the risk of cancer in SKP cell-based therapy.

The contributions of teachers in building foundation of social processes, promoting learners’ agency and engagements have been constantly highlighted. This study explores language socialization of English Language Learners (ELLs) in an elementary school in U.S., focusing on the role of an ESL teacher. It examines how the ESL teacher provides linguistic and cultural scaffolding, and creates a learning environment conducive to ELLs’ socialization into American school academic discourse (Gee, 1999). A prevalent approach for linguistic scaffolding was through using questions. Questions were used for assessment, identifying prior knowledge, current understanding level, and potential level for future development, and to train ELLs to think critically and analytically. Cultural scaffolding was made through classroom scripts, such as whole group and small group activities, individual work with teacher assistance, and working locations in the classrooms. The classroom script projected American values of power functioning, respect for individuals, and freedom of choice. The findings imply that ESL learners need more than linguistic scaffolding and having the knowledge of cultural learning dynamics could be crucial in multicultural students’ socialization into the mainstream American school discourse.

The maritime sector in Malaysia is best known globally due to the Straits of Malacca and being a nation surrounded by sea. Malaysia also has a substantial maritime industry consisting of numerous shipyards, ports and terminal faculties, ship services and a plethora of other companies and institutions with maritime oriented activities and become essential components of the Malaysia’s maritime clusters. Issues such as underutilised intermodal terminals, uneven proportions in the freight transport infrastructure and road and seaport congestions prevent Malaysian seaports from achieving their full potential in serving their respective hinterlands. The key factors to improve Malaysian dry port or intermodal terminals are transport network; container planning; competition; location and, externalities. The paper does not only present the critical challenges faced by Malaysian intermodal terminals especially dry ports and the implications for seaport competency but it also provides strategies to utilise the Malaysian freight multimodal system to amplify seaports’ performance in serving their hinterlands. As such, this may warrant policy makers to devise a comprehensive national master plan for the maritime sector in order for Malaysia to further develop her maritime industry and economies.

Kisspeptin (Kiss) and its cognate receptor, kisspeptin receptor (KissR; G protein coupled receptor 54, GPR54), have recently been recognized as potent regulators of reproduction in teleosts. Additionally, leptin plays an important role in energy homeostasis and reproductive function in teleosts. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the concentration of the hormones of the Kiss/KissR system and leptin and the expression of their underlying genes, all of which are involved in the sexual maturation of female goldfish, Carassius auratus, following treatment with Kiss. The expression levels of KissR increased after the Kiss injection. Furthermore, the peptide hormone leptin also increased after the injection (in vivo and in vitro). Additionally, the expression of GnRH and GTHs (GTHα, FSHβ, and LHβ) increased in the brain and pituitary (in vitro and in vitro). These results support the hypothesis that Kiss plays important roles in the direct regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and leptin in goldfish. Therefore, we suggest that Kiss system gene expression is correlated with energy balance and reproduction.

In 2010, Gwanmaedo was selected by the National Park Service as the brand village to develop tourism. The purpose of this research was to identify the factors influencing the island’s residents’ understanding of, and attitudes toward, emerging socioeconomic and environmental changes in relation to creating the brand village and to define the most influential and significant factor. This study used the SPSS 21.0 program to perform frequency, reliability, factor, and principal component regression analysis. An adequate 18 of the total 23 variables were used to conduct the factor analysis. As a result, a total of five factors were extracted, and these factors can determine 73.35 % of the total variances. To predict the most influential factor affected the residents’ attitudes toward tourism development, a multiple regression analysis was carried out; the analysis of four elements that relate to the social factor, such as increased crime rate, gambling, moral disorder, and loss of local traditions, indicate that the development of tourism and designation of Gwanmaedo as the brand village have not had negative effects in the area. Compared with previous studies, the results of this research show that the residents’ attitudes have positively changed toward the brand village. The findings also emphasize that enabling, supporting, and motivating the locals’ involvement in the planning and implementation processes of a project can be important for its successful development.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers have high specific strength, elastic modulus, thermal resistance, and thermal conductivity. Due to these properties, they have been increasingly widely used in various spheres including leisure, aviation, aerospace, military, and energy applications. However, if exposed to air at high temperatures, they are oxidized, thus weakening the properties of carbon fibers and carbon composite materials. As such, it is important to understand the oxidation reactions of carbon fibers, which are often used as a reinforcement for composite materials. PAN-based carbon fibers T300 and T700 were isothermally oxidized in air, and microstructural changes caused by oxidation reactions were examined. The results showed a decrease in the rate of oxidation with increasing burn-off for both T300 and T700 fibers. The rate of oxidation of T300 fibers was two times faster than that of T700 fibers. The diameter of T700 fibers decreased linearly with increasing burn-off. The diameter of T300 also decreased with increasing burn-off but at slower rates over time. Cross-sectional observations after oxidation reactions revealed hollow cores in the longitudinal direction for both T300 and T700 fibers. The formation of hollow cores after oxidation can be traced to differences in the fabrication process such as the starting material and final heat treatment temperature.