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The microstructure evolution and formability of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy related to the initial microstructures and processing variables were investigated during hot forming process. The experimental results show that the α-phase growth is controlled by solute diffusion during the heat treatment processes. Four different microstructures were established by combinations of several heat treatments, and Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy shows excellent formability both above and below the β transus temperature. The alloy possesses low deformation resistance and active restoration mechanism during the deformation. A constitutive equation describing the hot deformation behavior of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy was obtained. Higher flow stress was observed for the acicular morphology of α phase in microstructures with large aspect ratios as compared with that of small aspect ratios. Due to the dynamic recovery in soft β phase, and the dynamic recrystallization and breakage of acicular α-phase, flow softening occurred significantly during deformation. Dynamic recrystallization also occurred especially in the severely deformed regions of forged parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2006-2007 winter season in South Korea, several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) were confirmed among domestic poultry and in migratory bird habitats. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates were closely related and that all belong to the A/bar-headed goose/Qinghai/5/2005-like lineage rather than the A/chicken/Korea/ES/2003-like lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing treatment for cancer have reported a variety of work-related problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a cancer diagnosis on employment status, and to identify relevant associated factors. This prospective cohort study was conducted at the National Cancer Center in Korea. Male patients newly diagnosed with stomach, liver, or colorectal cancers were recruited. Patients were interviewed and asked to complete an employment questionnaire every 3 months for 24 months. Clinical, sociodemographic and work-related factors were assessed. There were 305 male patients who had a primary diagnosis of cancer and underwent appropriate treatment. Of the 305 male patients who were employed at the time of diagnosis, 53% lost their job, and of these 23% later reemployed. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, job loss was significantly associated with years of education, job characteristics and disease stage. Reemployment was significantly associated with disease stage and cancer site. Change of employment was common among cancer patients in Korea. With an understanding of the factors involved, it should be possible to reduce unnecessary work cessation, and increase the rate of employment of cancer survivors. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]