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Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may decrease respiratory and physical functions. To evaluate whether robot-assisted stair climbing training (RASCT) would improve pulmonary and physical functions in a patient post-severe COVID-19 infection. A 48-year-old woman who had experienced severe COVID-19 underwent a 6-week inpatient rehabilitation. She persistently exhibited impaired pulmonary and physical functions, including walking and balance impairment. We provided a 30-min outpatient RASCT biweekly for 6 weeks. After training, maximal inspiratory and maximal expiratory pressures improved from 81 and 74 cmH2O to 104 and 81 cmH2O, respectively. The walking speed improved from 1.15 to 1.21 m/s. In balance ability, physical performance battery score and timed up-and-go test improved from 8 to 11 s and 10.89 to 9.95 s, respectively. Regarding exercise capacity, the 6-min walk test distance improved from 453 to 482 m, and the number of 1-min sit-to-stand test improved from 20 to 23, with improved pulse rate and saturation level. The physical and psychological domain scores of the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-BREF improved from 44 to 63 and 69 to 81, respectively; Falls Efficacy Scale-International scores improved from 38 to 21. RASCT, as part of a rehabilitation plan, was feasible and effective for this patient after severe COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonic anhydrase 12 is considered an oncogenic and acidic microenvironmental factor in cancer cells. To verify the role of histamine signalling as an anti-cancer signal, we determined the roles of CA12 and its associated bicarbonate transporters. In this study, histamine stimulation mediated mislocalization of CA12 in lung cancer cells. Histamine receptor activation-mediated CA12 endocytosis and pH were restored by CaMKII inhibition. CA12-associated AE2 expression was enhanced, whereas NBCn1 expression and its activity were reduced by histamine stimulation. Histamine receptor activation-mediated acidification was induced by internalised CA12 and NBCn1 and, at the same time by increased bicarbonate efflux through enhanced AE2 expression. Inhibition of protein trafficking by bafilomycin restored CA12 and AE2 localisation and diminished cellular acidosis. Thus, we verified that histamine stimulation induced an acidic scenario, which revealed trafficking of CA12 and its associated bicarbonate transporters in lung cancer cells and its dysregulated pH modulation may be involved in the histamine signalling-mediated anti-cancer process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of solid rubber fenders on the structural damage due to collisions between a ship-shaped offshore installation and an offshore supply vessel was investigated. An LS-DYNA computational modelling technique was developed to simulate the kinetic energy absorption behaviour of solid rubber fenders. Physical crushing testing was performed on rubber fender models to validate the computational model under different collision speeds. Traditional LS-DYNA computational models to simulate the structural crashworthiness of ship-shaped offshore hull structures colliding with an offshore supply vessel were combined with the developed rubber fender model. The computational models were applied to a hypothetical very-large-crude-oil-carrier (VLCC) class floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) hull that collides with an offshore supply vessel equipped with rubber fenders in the forecastle deck area, and the effects of rubber fenders on the collision energy absorption characteristics were examined in association with the structural damage of both striking OSV and struck FPSO hull structures. The findings and insights derived from the study were summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical testing data can be used to predict the ultimate compressive strength of steel stiffened panels. Moreover, useful empirical formulae have been developed by fitting curves to data from relevant testing databases. A representative example is the Paik–Thayamballi formula, which is based on physical testing data available until 1997 and is a closed-form function of plate and column slenderness ratios. Since 1997, high-precision data-acquisition equipment and large-scale physical models have been used to generate databases contained advanced testing data of modern materials such as AH32 high-tensile steel made by the thermo-mechanical control process (TMCP) technology together with modern fabrication technologies, e.g., flux-cored arc welding technique, under a strict control of welding parameters, e.g., current, voltage, speed and heat input, to achieve a required weld leg length. It is therefore important to determine if these advanced testing data are compatible with the established empirical formulae. This paper describes benchmark studies which were conducted to determine such compatibility, with a focus on the Paik–Thayamballi formula, and summarises key findings and insights obtained from the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of pneumatic fenders on the prevention of structural damage from collisions between a ship-shaped offshore installation and a shuttle tanker during side-by-side offloading operations. A nonlinear finite element modelling technique was developed to simulate the kinetic energy absorption behaviour of pneumatic fenders during collisions. Full-scale pneumatic fenders were physically tested to validate the computational model at various collision speeds. The developed pneumatic fender model was integrated with a conventional finite element model of a hull structure to simulate the crashworthiness of the hull structure in collisions with a shuttle tanker during side-by-side offloading. This integrated computational model was then applied to examine case studies involving a VLCC class ship-shaped offshore installation hull with and without pneumatic rubber fenders colliding with a Suezmax class shuttle tanker. The key findings and insights of these investigations, particularly the collision energy absorption characteristics are summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study extends the authors' previous numerical and experimental studies simulating the progressive collapse of steel stiffened-plate structures in fire events (Paik JK, Ryu MG, He KH, Lee DH, Lee SY, Park DK, Thomas G. 2021a. Full-scale fire testing to collapse of steel stiffened plate structures under lateral patch loading (part 1) – without passive fire protection. Ships Offsh Struct. 16(3):227–242; Paik JK, Ryu MG, He KH, Lee DH, Lee SY, Park DK, Thomas G. 2021b. Full-scale fire testing to collapse of steel stiffened plate structures under lateral patch loading (part 2) – with passive fire protection. Ships Offsh Struct. 16(3):243–254; Ryu MG, He KH, Lee DH, Park SI, Thomas G, Paik JK. 2021. Finite element modeling for the progressive collapse analysis of steel stiffened-plate structures in fires. Thin-Walled Struct. 159:107262). Specifically, this study demonstrates that the computational models developed in the earlier studies can be applied to the analysis of the heat transfer and fire-induced progressive collapse behaviour of the topside structures of a ship-shaped offshore installation. To this end, a hypothetical VLCC-class floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit hull structure is considered, and transient thermal elastic-plastic large-deformation finite element models are used. The novelty of this study and its contribution to industry are the development of a practical procedure to ensure the fire safety of large-scale steel-plated structures with complex geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have focused on preoperative nutritional status of esophageal cancer patients eligible for upfront surgery. We aimed to investigate the association of preoperative nutritional status with prognosis of patients who undergo upfront surgery for esophageal cancer. A total of 274 patients who underwent upfront surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between January 2012 and December 2016 were eligible. Preoperative nutritional status was evaluated using prognostic nutritional index (PNI) scoring system, nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002), and controlling nutritional status. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range, 58–70) and 94.7% of patients were male. The pathological stages were Stage I—74.5% (204/274), Stage II—20.4% (56/274), and Stage III—5.1% (14/274). Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced stage, a low PNI, and a high NRS 2002 were independent predictors of overall survival. During median follow-up period of 55 mo, overall survival rates were lower in the high NRS 2002 group (P < 0.001). A high NRS 2002 score was associated with frequent postoperative complications, especially pneumonia and anastomosis site leakage (P = 0.003). The poor preoperative nutritional status with a high NRS 2002 is associated with postoperative complications as well as poor overall survival in patients with upfront surgery for esophageal cancer. Supplemental data for this article is available online at [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional studies show that CEOs' overconfidence can mitigate underinvestment problem that occurs due to risk-aversion. To extend this argument, we investigate whether investment by overconfident CEOs always increases firm value. Theoretically and empirically, we show that investment by overconfident CEOs and firm value is positively related for firms in more competitive industries. For firms in less competitive industries, the relation is insignificant. Our findings suggest that CEOs' overconfidence can be a desirable managerial trait for shareholders under certain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of CaF2 addition on plasma resistance and thermal properties of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CAS) glasses was investigated. The amount of SiO2 and Al2O3 was fixed to 42.9 and 9.1 (in mol%), respectively, while total amount of CaO and CaF2 was 48 mol% and the ratios of CaO:CaF2 were changed from 10:0 to 8:2. As the amount of CaF2 of CAS glass increased, CF4/O2/Ar plasma etch rate of glass decreased proportionally. In case of sample with CaO:CaF2 = 8:2, its etch rate had 5.04 ± 0.14 ㎚/min, which was about 20 times lower than that of quartz glass and was improved by more than 25% compared to the glass without CaF2. All glass samples maintained the initial surface and roughness even after plasma etching. In addition, the glass transition (Tg), crystallization (Tc), and the first melting temperature (Tf1) temperatures decreased with the amount of increased CaF2. F− ion in CAS glasses not only enhances the plasma resistance but also facilitates glass melting and forming operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The colon originates from the midgut and hindgut, with subsequent differentiation into the right and left colon. The embryology, clinical symptoms, incidence, molecular pathways, and oncologic outcomes differ between right and left colorectal cancers. However, the differences have not been fully accepted. Aim of the Study: This study compared short- and long-term outcomes between right and left colon cancers. Materials and Methods: This study included 966 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection with radical lymph node dissection for stage I, II, and III colon cancers between 2009 and 2014 at a tertiary teaching hospital. We excluded cases with fewer than 12 retrieved lymph nodes, emergency operations, synchronous or multiple cancers, and those located in the transverse colon and rectum. Results: The right colon group included 343 (35.5%) patients and the left colon group 623. Female patients had a high incidence of right colon cancer (p < 0.001). Right colon cancer had longer operative times (p = 0.012), and more bleeding during the operation (p = 0.001). The size of the tumor was larger (p < 0.001) and more lymph nodes were harvested (p < 0.001) on the right side. Vascular (p = 0.006) and lymphatic (p = 0.004) invasion was greater in the right colon, but left colon cancer showed greater neural invasion (p = 0.008). Cancers on the right side also had a tendency to be poorly differentiated (p < 0.001). The groups did not differ in disease-free, overall, and cancer-specific survival rates for stage. Conclusion: Although the oncologic outcomes show no significant differences, colon cancer has characteristic, perioperative, and histopathologic differences according to its embryologic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of androgen suppression therapy (AST), comprising a 5-α reductase inhibitor (5-ARi) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), on the risk of bladder cancer incidence, recurrence, and mortality.Materials and Methods: We used the PRISMA statement to report the methods and results of this meta-analysis. Bladder cancer incidence, recurrence, and mortality after 5-ARi treatment and ADT were assessed using risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol of this study is registered in the PROSPERO database (No. CRD42018118627).Results: We analyzed nine studies (n = 377,427) assessing the secondary effect of AST, with a mean follow-up period of 6 years (range, 2-13 years). Our result showed that the incidence of bladder cancer was significantly reduced when 5-ARi treatment (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.81; I2 =0%) and ADT (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.94; I2 =33%) were initiated before diagnosing bladder cancer. When treatment was initiated after diagnosing bladder cancer, 5-ARi treatment reduced cancer-specific mortality (RR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20-0.42; I2 =4.1%), whereas ADT reduced bladder cancer recurrence (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19-0.49; I2 =0%).Conclusions: This study corroborates that the use of 5-ARi and ADT could be helpful in managing bladder cancer and should not be limited to prostatic abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the efficient utilisation of electric arc furnace oxidising slag, a by-product of the steel industry, is necessary as it is similar to natural aggregates in terms of chemical composition. The slag is also being produced in increasing amounts every year. This study performed flexural experiments on simply support beams with aggregate type and examined their concrete compressive strength, tension reinforcement ratio and compressive reinforcement ratio as variables to assess the effects of compressive stress distribution of concrete with electric arc furnace oxidising slag aggregates on the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams. Compared to specimens with natural aggregates, electric arc furnace oxidising slag aggregates showed a smaller deflection before the yielding of tension reinforcement and ductile behaviour after yielding due to differences in compressive stress distribution. In addition, the proposed equations for the equivalent rectangular stress block parameter were found to provide more accurate predictions than the criterion used by other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identify the circumstances under which consumers' beliefs about the persuasive intent of alternative pricing formats influence their preferences for offers using those formats. First, we assessed the existence of actual persuasion knowledge for partitioned and inclusive pricing formats. In a second study, we tested hypotheses relating to persuasion knowledge and offer choice. Results indicate that consumers choose offers with the price format they perceive as having less persuasive intent. More important, this effect was stronger when participants were unfamiliar with the target product category, but disappeared when consumers perceived the price as unfair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite strong evidence for the involvement of PDGF signaling in breast cancer, little is known about the PDGF ligand responsible for PDGFR activation during breast cancer progression. Here, we found PDGF-C to be highly expressed in breast carcinoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis of invasive breast cancer revealed an association between increased PDGF-C expression and lymph node metastases, Ki-67 proliferation index, and poor disease-free survival. We also identified a PDGF-C splice variant encoding truncated PDGF-C (t-PDGF-C) isoform lacking the signal peptide and the N-terminal CUB domain. While t-PDGF C homodimer is retained intracellularly, it can be secreted as a heterodimer with full-length PDGF-C (FL-PDGF-C). PDGF-C downregulation reduced anchorage-independent growth and matrigel invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Conversely, ectopic expression of t-PDGF-C enhanced phenotypic transformation and invasion in BT-549 cells expressing endogenous FL-PDGF-C. The present study provides new insights into the functional significance of PDGF-C and its splice variant in human breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a questionnaire for the differential diagnosis of detrusor underactivity (DUA) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) without performing invasive pressure flow studies.Study Design and Methods: Symptoms of men with DUA were analyzed and compared with those of men with BOO using eight questions from the developing questionnaire. Patients with DUA have a bladder contractility index (PdetQmax+5xQmax) less than 100, whereas those with BOO have a BOO index (PdetQmax-2xQmax) greater than 40 in urodynamic studies (UDS). Men with detrusor overactivity in UDS and neurogenic issues were excluded from the analysis. One urologist reviewed patients' medical records, and responded to eight questions without using information from UDS. Scores in the developing questionnaire were then compared to make a differential diagnosis between DUA and BOO.Results: Overall, 318 men who underwent UDS were included. Symptoms were compared in patients diagnosed with DUA without BOO (n = 165) and BOO without DUA (n = 153). Questions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were significantly different between groups. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were 95.8% and 95.4%, respectively, for predicting DUA in patients with scores greater than 45 points (cutoff value).Conclusions: Men with DUA and BOO may be distinguished using a developing questionnaire without invasive evaluation. Men with scores greater than 45 points would be expected to have DUA but not BOO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This year marks the 25th anniversary since action learning (AL) was first introduced in 1993 in South Korea. Although AL has greatly contributed to meeting organizational needs so that it would result in its strong presence as an organizational learning tool, there is no single review study on the development of AL practice in Korea. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the development of AL practice in Korea to understand its current state and envision the future. To that end, two research questions guided our inquiry: What are the distinctive features of the development of AL practice in Korea? What is unique about the development of AL practice in Korea? To answer the two research questions, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 AL practitioners who have experienced AL practice for many years, analyzed 13 annual AL conference proceedings published since 2005, and reviewed Korean publications on AL published since 2000. Based on the triangulated data analysis, we discuss the uniqueness of the development of AL practice in Korea and implications for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosinase is known for an enzyme that plays a key role in producing the initial precursor of melanin biosynthesis. Inhibition of the catalytic reaction of this enzyme led to some advantage such as skin-whitening and anti-insect agents. To find a natural compound with inhibitory activity towards tyrosinase, the five flavonoids of kushenol A (1), 8-prenylkaempferol (2), kushenol C (3), formononetin (4) and 8-prenylnaringenin (5) were isolated by column chromatography from a 95% methanol extract of Sophora flavescens. The ability of these flavonoids to block the conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA by tyrosinase was tested in vitro. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent inhibitory activity, with IC50 values less than 10 µM. Furthermore, enzyme kinetics and molecular docking analysis revealed the formation of a binary encounter complex between compounds 1-4 and the enzyme. Also, all of the isolated compounds (1-5) were confirmed to possess antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To predict the degree of chlorophyll-a(chl-a) concentration as a water quality indicator, we propose a novel method that uses data collected by satellite remote sensors and a non-linear random sample consensus (NL-RANSAC) algorithm. In this study, multispectral images obtained from the Landsat OLI sensor andin situsampling data obtained from the Nakdong River in South Korea are used for estimating a regression model. Because the RANSAC algorithm based on linear models is not appropriate for modelling non-linear data distribution, such as chl-aconcentration and influential outlier data, in this article an NL-RANSAC model represented by an explicit polynomial curve is proposed instead of the RANSAC. The results of experiments in which NL-RANSAC-based regressions and normal regression models were compared using a calibration and a validation set clearly show that the proposed second-order NL-RANSAC is a good choice for estimating chl-aconcentration, because it shows an average 0.3987 higherassessment than normal regression models in validation set. In addition, we prove that the second-order NL-RANSAC model is the most appropriate regression model for estimating chl-aconcentration by using Landsat 8 OLI sensor imagery in the midstream of the Nakdong River. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Three chemotoxins including dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and thioacetamide (TAA) are commonly used in hepatofibrotic models. We aimed to draw characteristics of histopathology and pro-fibrogenic cytokines including TGF-β, PDGF and CTGF among three models. Rats were divided into six groups and intra-peritoneally injected with DMN (10 mg/kg, for three weeks, three consecutive days weekly), CCl4(1.6 g/kg, for 10 weeks, twice weekly), TAA (200 mg/kg, for 12 weeks, twice weekly) or their corresponded treatment for each control group. The liver weights were decreased in DMN model, but not other models. Ascites were occurred as 3-, 2-, and 7-rats in DMN, CCl4, and TAA model, respectively. The lipid peroxidation was highest in CCl4model, serum levels of liver enzymes were increased as similar severity. The hepatofibrotic alterations were remarkable in DMN and TAA model, but not CCl4as evidenced by theMasson trichromestaining and hydroxyproline. The immunohistochemistry for α-SAM showed that the DMN model was most severely enhanced than other models. On the other hand, hepatic tissue levels of pro-fibrogenic cytokines including TGF-β, PDGF, and CTGF were generally increased in three models, but totally different among models or measurement resources. Especially, serum levels of three cytokines were remarkably increased by CCl4injection and CTGF levels in both hepatic tissue and serum were highest in CCl4group. Our results firstly demonstrated comparative study for features of morphological finding and pro-fibrogenic cytokines in serum and hepatic protein levels among three models. Above results would be a helpful reference for hepatofibrotic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: No study has examined the effects of the combination of respiratory muscle training (RMT) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on respiratory muscle activity and function in stroke patients during early pulmonary rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of RMT combined with ADIM on decreased respiratory muscle activity and function in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods: Thirty-seven subjects with post-stroke hemiplegia were randomly allocated to three groups; integrated training group (ITG), respiratory muscle training group (RMTG), and control group (CG). All of the subjects received routine therapy for stroke rehabilitation for 1 hour, five times a week for 6 weeks. Especially, the ITG received RMT using an incentive respiratory spirometer and ADIM using a Stabilizer, and the RMTG only received RMT using incentive respiratory spirometer for 15 minutes a day, five times a week for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry for measuring the forced vital capacity (FVC) and force expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Additional surface electromyography (sEMG) analysis was included by measuring the respiratory muscle activity. Results: Our results showed that changes between the pre- and post-test values of FVC (F=12.50, P=0.02) and FEV1 (F=12.81, P=0.01) (P<0.05) in the ITG were significantly (P<0.05) greater. Changes in EMG activation of the diaphragm (F=13.75, P=0.003) and external intercostal (F=14.33, P=0.002) (P<0.01) muscles of patients in the ITG during maximal static inspiratory efforts were significantly (P<0.05) greater than those in patients of the RMTG and the CG at post-test. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that RMT combined with ADIM could improve pulmonary function in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our study evaluated the lifetime prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea. Method: Participants were selected from the population of individuals aged 13-100 years living Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea. A total of 2,964 subjects provided information about lifetime suicidal behavior and sociodemographic and psychological characteristics, completing the Zung Depression Scale, the Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Multidimensional Anger Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, 24.8% and 6.2%, respectively, were higher than in previous studies. Multivariate regression revealed that family harmony had the highest odds ratio of all variables, including psychological factors. Along with depression and self-esteem, anger- which is the basic symptom of the Korean culture-related anger syndrome, Hwa-byung-was significantly associated with lifetime suicidal behavior. Conclusions: Lifetime suicidal behavior was highly prevalent in Jeollabuk-do Province. The most significant risk factors were found to be social support, family disharmony, anger, depression, and low self-esteem in Koreans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a broadband circularly polarised slot antenna fed by a single microstrip line is implemented. The proposed antenna is composed of an unequilateral hexagonal slot to implement circular polarisation and tapered microstrip feeding line to enhance the impedance bandwidth. A conducting reflector is also employed to enhance the antenna gain. The proposed antenna, 60 mm × 60 mm × 18.12 mm in size, was fabricated and tested. The measured −10 dB reflection bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth were 48.9% and 17%, respectively. The measured gain of the fabricated antenna ranged from 5.4 dBi to 6 dBi within an axial ratio bandwidth of 3 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the thermal discharge from a coastal nuclear power plant on the spatial and seasonal variability of nematode assemblages were investigated in the Gori coastal waters of the southern East Sea. Taxonomic and functional approaches were taken to describe the assemblage structure and relate it to the abiotic environment based on a sampling scheme involving three stations and four seasons. The analysis of the nematode communities suggested that heated effluent influenced the assemblage structure or the spatial distribution of the taxa studied. The abundance of the nematodes differed significantly among seasons and stations and the numbers of species also differed significantly between stations. The seasonal variation was greater in winter and summer than in spring and autumn. The numbers of species and their abundances were highest at station 3 (impact station), attributable to the increased bottom temperature. However, the functional diversity of the assemblages did not change notably between stations or seasons. Species such asSabatieriasp. (34%),Linhysterasp. (18%) andParodontophorasp.(11%) were usually dominant in all seasons and at all stations.Parodontophorasp.displayed a significantly negative correlation with the bottom temperature (P<0.05). These results indicate that the nematode species composition was significantly affected by the bottom temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nausea and vomiting are considered as the foremost unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy experienced by 20-90% of cancer patients. Objective: In the present study, the effects of Korean Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) (RG), ginseng saponin (GS) and non-saponin (GNS) on cisplatin (CP)-induced pica and gastric damage in rats were investigated. Material and methods: Rats were treated with RG (25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.wt.), GS (5 and 10 mg/kg 100 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) before or after a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg b.wt.). Kaolin together with normal food intake, normal food alone, body weight, histological examination of stomach and small intestine were used as indices of CP-induced pica in rats. Results: Pre-treatment with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake at 24 h. CP-induced kaolin intake decreased upon post-treatment of rats with RG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) at 48 h. The incidence of body weight reduction at 48 and 72 h diminished in rats post-treated with RG (50 mg/kg b.wt.). Pre-treatment with GS (5 and 10 mg/kg b.wt.) and GNS (50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt.) attenuated CP-induced kaolin intake while normal food intake was not improved in 24 and 48 h. Discussion and conclusion: The gastro-protective effects of RG, GS and GNS were further confirmed by histopathological (damage in glandular portion and villi with dilated appearance) findings. The study indicates that both the red GS and GNS improve feeding behavior against CP-induced pica in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN)Steinernema carpocapsaePocheon strain on the green peach aphidMyzus persicaeand its parasitic wasps (e.g.,Aphidius colemani,Aphidius gifuensisandDiaeretiella rapae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Infective juveniles (IJs) ofS. carpocapsaePocheon strain had low infectivity against nymph and adult stages ofM. persicae, showing 2% and 6.7% of mortality, respectively. Application of the EPNs had little effect on mummies caused by the three parasitoid species, allowing them to remain intact. No IJ invaded the host, regardless of EPN application rate. The parasitoid emergence from mummies ranged from 80% to 85% in the presence of EPN while 79–86% was recorded in the absence of EPN. However, the presence of the IJs reduced oviposition by the three parasitoid species, decreasing the rate up to 59% when the nematodes were applied before parasitoid release, while little difference in oviposition was observed when nematodes were applied after parasitoid release. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

On the basis of a questionnaire survey of 67 Korean expatriate managers in India, this exploratory study investigates the factors that affect the Korean expatriates’ satisfaction with an international assignment in light of the opportunities and challenges associated with working and living in India. The study showed that the expatriates’ (1) elevated position/title abroad, (2) unrealistic expectations toward international relocation and (3) inability to manage work–life balance issues had a negative influence on their overall satisfaction with an international assignment to India. The results also revealed that the homogeneous Korean expatriates maintained their Confucian values in the diverse and challenging Indian environment – this has both a positive and negative impact on their overall satisfaction. The implications, both theoretical and practical, for international human resource management are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: The modification of radiation-induced lung injuries by melatonin was studied by measuring changes in oxidative stress, cytokine expression and histopathology in the lung tissue of mice following irradiation. Materials and methods: The thoraces of C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single X-ray radiation dose of 12 Gy with or without 200 mg/kg of melatonin pretreatment. The level and localization of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 protein were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was established to evaluate the relative mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased after irradiation and then significantly reduced (1.9-fold) under melatonin treatment. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) levels, after irradiation were significantly reduced by melatonin, including a notable 5.4-fold difference in catalase activity. We observed increased expression of TGF-β1 and TNF-α after irradiation and a significant reduction in the elevation of their expression by melatonin treatment. Furthermore, irradiation-induced histopathologic alterations were obviously abated in the melatonin-pretreated mice. Conclusions: The present results suggest that melatonin reduces radiation-induced lung injury via a significant reduction of oxidative stress and of the production of cytokines, such as TGF-β1 and TNF-α, the production of which increased following lung irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green phosphorescent organic light-emitting device with structure of N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis-[4-(phenyl-m-tolylamino)-phenyl]-biphenyl-4,4'-diamine[DNTPD]/1,1-bis-(di-4-polyaminophenyl)cyclohexane[TAPC]/1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimiazole-2-yl)benzene[TPBI] selectively doped with Ir(ppy)3/SFC-137 between anode and cathode is newly reported in comparison with the devices entirely doped with Ir(ppy)3 in TPBI with or without an additional exciton confining layer (ECL). The undoped region of TPBI in the proposed device functions itself as an effective ECL, and SFC-137 is an electron transporting material named by the proprietary company. Electroluminescent characteristics of the device selectively doped in TPBI with an additional undoped layer, which showed the maximum current efficiency of 51 cd/A at 6 V and the central wavelength of 512 nm, were comparable to those of the device entirely doped in TPBI with an ECL of 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline[BCP]. The device with an additional undoped layer of TPBI exhibited the better roll-off characteristics of current efficiency according to the increasing voltage than the device without a specific ECL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated whether hyperthermia can enhance TRAIL-induced apoptotic death. Methods: Human prostate adenocarcinoma DU-145, human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 and BxPC-3, human colon fibroblast CCD-33Co and rat prostate endothelial YPEN-1 cells were treated with various concentrations of TRAIL (0-200 ng ml-1) with hyperthermia (40-42°C). Results: It was observed in human cancer cells, but not in normal cells, that TRAIL induced apoptotic death and also that hyperthermia (40-42°C) promoted TRAIL-induced apoptotic death. Enhancement of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by hyperthermia was detected by an increase in PARP cleavage, the hallmark feature of apoptosis, as well as by activation of caspases. There were no significant changes in the intra-cellular levels of death receptors (DRs), decoy receptors (DcRs) and anti-apoptotic proteins. Interestingly, data from in vitro enzyme kinetics assay demonstrated that hyperthermia promoted caspase enzyme activity. Conclusions: These data suggest that cancer cells are more susceptible to TRAIL in the condition of hyperthermia (40-42°C). The promotion of caspase enzyme activity by hyperthermia may be responsible for enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptotic death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies examined how the valence of a core brand category and the typicality of a new product combine to influence product evaluations. The results show that when the product is moderately typical of the core brand category, the accessibility, relevance, and distinctness of the manufacturer's core brand prompt participants to use the manufacturer's product line as a standard of comparison. Thus, they evaluate an extension product less favorably if it is moderately typical of a favorable core brand than if it is moderately typical of an unfavorable one. When the product description contains additional information about the extension, however, this difference is reversed among consumers who are knowledgeable about the general product category. These consumers use the general product category as a standard of comparison rather the core brand per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B)-doped p + polycrystalline-silicongermanium (poly-Si 0.73 Ge 0.27 ) gate/AlN x / Al 2 O 3 /AlN x /n-Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors were fabricated in order to improve the blocking properties of B diffusion into the surface of an Al 2 O 3 film and the Si substrate by using in-situ atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) AlN x . The AlN x /Al 2 O 3 /AlN x stack film exhibited slightly better B diffusion-blocking properties as a result of the AlN x layers in the top and bottom interface layers of the Al 2 O 3 film. The B-doped poly-Si 0.73 Ge 0.27 gate/AlN x /Al 2 O 3 /AlN x /n-Si MOS capacitors had a lower current density of 3.8 × 10 -7 A/cm 2 at 1 V and a better reliability with an equivalent oxide thickness (Eot) of 2.45 nm due to the lower level of B penetration as a result of the AlN x and nitrogen incorporated interfacial silicon oxide (SiO x N y ) layers and the enhanced thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pt or Arsenic (As)-doped polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) gate/HfO2 or HfO2-Al2O3/p-type Si metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors were fabricated using an atomic-layer-deposition technique, and their compatibility with poly-Si gate was investigated using a comparison with the Pt gate. The HfO2-Al2O3 stack film was found to have better As diffusion-blocking properties as a result of the rather thick amorphous interlace layer including Al2O2 than that of the HfO2 film. N+ duped poly-Si gate/HfO2-Al2O3 MOS capacitors had a lower current density of - 1.1 × 10-9 A/cm² at - 1 V resulting in a small hysteresis voltage due to the lower As penetration and thick amophous interface layer. These results suggest that N+ doped poly-Si gate/HfO2-Al2O3, MOS capacitors are compatible with the poly-Si gate, which is also comparable to the Pt gate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected commercial and technical grade pesticides were tested against the egg, preparasite and adult stages of Agamermis unka , a nematode parasite of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens . The commercial insecticide, diazinon (LC = 0.37 ppm), was most toxic to the 50 preparasites, followed by phenthoate (LC = 0.43 ppm), BPMC (LC = 0.44 ppm), IBP 50 50 (LC = 0.46 ppm), cartap hydrochloride (LC = 0.82 ppm) and buprofezin + isoprocarb 50 50 (LC = 1.11 ppm). The least toxic commercial pesticide tested was the fungicide, pencycuron 50 (LC = 2.19 ppm). Out of 12 technical grade insecticides tested, phenthoate, monocrotophos, 50 diazinon and carbofuran (LC = 0.37-0.46 ppm) were highly toxic to the preparasites, followed by 50 buprofezin, BPMC and fenitrothion (LC = 0.74-0.86 ppm). Fenthion, etofenprox, chlorpyrifos, 50 imidacloprid and MIPC (LC = 1.11-2.19 ppm) were the technical grade insecticides least toxic 50 to the preparasites. Most preparasites survived for up to 24 h at the low insecticide concentrations (0.63 and 0.31 ppm). Preparasites that were exposed to BPMC for 24 h at concentrations as high as 5.0 ppm and survived the treatments infected brown planthopper nymphs. Four selected insecticides-chlorpyrifos, BPMC, imidacloprid and carbofuran-had significant adverse effects on A. unka egg hatching. Eggs that were in the insecticide solution for 168 h fared poorly with imidacloprid having the best survival ( > 2% of the eggs hatching at 0.04 ppm). No eggs hatched from the other insecticide treatments. Three selected insecticides, BPMC, imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos, tested against adult A. unka showed that most adults survived the exposure to the insecticides between 0.31 and 2.5 ppm. At 5.0 ppm of BPMC or chlorpyrifos none of the adults survived, whereas with imidacloprid 70% of the adults survived. Egg deposition by the surviving adults was greatly reduced in those treated with the insecticides compared with those in the controls. Imidacloprid had some negative impact on the preparasites' ability to infect BPH nymphs, but it had the least detrimental effect of the insecticides tested on preparasite survival and on the eggs and adults of A. unka . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]