The polypeptide composition of epidermal keratin varies in disease . To better understand the biological meaning of these variations, we have analyzed keratins from a number of human epidermal diseases by the immunoblot technique using AE1 and AE3 monoclonal antikeratin antibodies . The results reveal a continuous spectrum of keratin expression ranging from one closely resembling the normal in vivo pattern to one almost identical to cultured epidermal keratinocytes . Specifically, a 50-kilodalton (kd) (AEl-positive) and a 58-kd (AE3-positive) keratin are present in all diseases, supporting the concept that they represent "permanent" markers for keratinocytes . A 56.5-kd (AE1) and a 65-67-kd (AE3) keratin, previously shown to be markers for keratinization, are expressed only by lesions retaining a keratinized morphology . A 48-kd (AE1) and a 56-kd (AE3) keratin are present in all hyperproliferative (para-or nonkeratinized) disorders, but not in normal abdominal epidermis or in ichthyosis vulgaris which is a non hyperproliferative disease . These two keratins have previously been found in various nonepidermal keratinocytes undergoing hyperproliferation, suggesting that these keratins are not epidermis-specific and may represent markers for hyperproliferative keratinocytes in general . In various epidermal diseases, there is a reciprocal expression of the (keratin) markers for hyperproliferation and keratinization, supporting the mutual exclusiveness of the two cellular events . Moreover, our results indicate that, as far as keratin expression is concerned, cultured human epidermal cells resemble and thus may be regarded as a model for epidermal hyperplasia. Finally, the apparent lack of any major, diseasespecific keratin changes in the epidermal disorders studied so far implies that keratin abnormalities probably represent the consequence, rather than the cause, of these diseases.The keratins are a group of water-insoluble proteins (40-70 Kdaltons [kd])' that form 10-nm desmosome-associated tonofilaments in all epithelia (15,17,18,61,63,64). Four major keratins (50, 56.5, 58, and 65-67 kd) have been identified in normal human epidermis (7, 21, 40, 72; cf. 4, 49, 62); significant alterations in epidermal keratin composition can occur, however, as a result of disease (1,3,5,25,26,28,33,34,36,37,40,50,52,54,66,71) as well as changes in cellular growth environment (10,20,29,55,61,62 -67-kd keratins (1, 5, 8, 37, 50, 54, 66). In addition, Thaler et al. (65,66) reported that two water-insoluble proteins of -54 and 57 kd are unique to psoriatic scale, although Baden et al. (5) found no "psoriasis-specific" keratin changes . Hunter and Skerrow (26) reported that certain abnormal keratin polypeptides ranging from 55-63 kd (probably corresponding to 50-58 kd in our gel system) are present in the scales of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, as well as in the stratum comeum oftape-stripped epidermis . Interestingly, Kubilus et al. (28) found that keratins of another disease, basal cell 13...

No abstract

Selecting a right way to display the conceptual design results is an important issue for designers. This study evaluated three common computerized visual presentation methods for demonstrating the conceptual ideas of product designs. They are pictures, animations, and image-based VR. After evaluations, this study found that the image-based VR reached the best results of getting the ideas of the conceptual design. It is therefore suggested to use the image-based VR approach if designers wish to receive the most possible advices and feedback, especially in restricted presenting time. The image-based VR approach will help users understand many aspects and considerations of the designer’s conceptual ideas more easily and quickly.

Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been applied for education, training and entertainment purposes in the areas of military, safety training and flying simulators. In particular, Web-based VR training systems (WBVRTS) have been claimed to have great potential for many applications in training. However, WBVRTS are more complex compared with the traditional training methods which rely on manuals, instructions, and videos. Since VR not only reinforces the visual presentation of the training materials but also provides ways to interact with the training system, it becomes more flexible and possibly more powerful in designing the training system. In this study, we propose a WBVRTS framework based on SRK framework. A combat vehicle maintenance training system was developed into WBVRTS following the framework and structure. The proposed SRK framework for VR training system proved useful in guiding the design and development of the training materials. The study suggests that the design of VR as training tools should be based on user interaction and cognitive theories that support effective learning.

Postural stability assessments are typically used for training and tracking. The training results of stroke patients are investigated in terms of task execution and experimental methods. However, the selection of evaluation and training tools has not been discussed in depth. To explore the postural stability evaluation index, we used a range of widely applied assessment tools in occupational therapy. Methods: We studied the rehabilitation of 15 patients who had suffered chronic strokes for at least two years. The tools include the Timed Up and Go Test, which is used by rehabilitation professionals in postural stability evaluations, the biodex balance evaluation instrument, and a Kinect game developed for virtual reality therapy. Results: We propose an active and a passive assessment model. For training, we recommend combining active and passive assessments for confirmations. For assessments, the evaluation tool should be selected according to the postural stability task (active or passive). In the predictive models, if the different tools are considered simultaneously, static postural stability should be used as the main investigation. We suggest that by first studying the tools used to investigate postural stability assessments, balance assessments in stroke patients can also be improved.