Background The increasing number of elderly individuals in South Korea, now entering a super-aging era, underscores the growing importance of understanding their specific oral health needs. This study investigated changes in oral health conditions, salivary parameters, halitosis, systemic diseases, and medication usage with aging. Methods This study was retrospectively conducted using the medical records of patients who presented with complaints of xerostomia or halitosis between August 2020 and May 2023. A total of 274 patients (66 males, 208 females, mean age 59.39 ± 16.10 years) were included in this study. Results Aging was found to be significantly associated with the presence of sticky saliva, poor oral hygiene, tongue coating, and halitosis (all p < 0.05). Correlation analyses further revealed significant associations between aging and several conditions, including hypertension (r = 0.495, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (r = 0.255, p < 0.001), amlodipine usage (r = 0.249, p = 0.001), osteoporosis (r = 0.195, p = 0.001), cardiovascular disease (r = 0.150, p = 0.013), and the presence of tongue coating (r = 0.205, p = 0.001). Conversely, none of the salivary parameters demonstrated a significant relationship with aging. Furthermore, halitosis did not exhibit significant differences across age groups (all p > 0.05), with the exception of methyl mercaptan levels, which were notably higher among patients in their 20s (p = 0.049). Conclusions The findings of this study can help clinicians develop targeted strategies to address specific oral health challenges associated with aging in elderly patients.

Cell membrane-derived liposomes, termed Memposomes, serve as promising carriers for drug delivery due to their ability to closely mimic cells and efficiently target specific cells. Liposomes derived from cancer cell membranes, in particular, exhibit homologous targeting capabilities, making them potential candidates for cancer-specific drug delivery. However, the underlying mechanisms and specific proteins responsible for this homologous targeting phenomenon remain debated. This study focuses on the role of E-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule implicated in homophilic adhesion, in influencing the homologous targeting ability of Memposomes derived from cancer cell membranes. E-cadherin expression patterns were assessed in various cell lines, categorizing them into E-cadherin-positive and -negative groups. Memposomes were produced for each group, and their targeting tendencies were evaluated. The study confirmed that E-cadherin expression significantly influenced the homologous targeting ability of Memposomes. Cell lines with higher E-cadherin expression levels exhibited a more pronounced homologous targeting effect. This research demonstrates that cell adhesion molecules, particularly E-cadherin involved in homophilic adhesion, play a pivotal role in influencing the cell targeting ability of Memposomes. The study further validates the stability, safety, and purity of Memposomes, emphasizing their potential as effective drug delivery vehicles for the development of cell-specific therapies.

In this study, we aimed to explore the oral bacteria and fungi that can help discern oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigate the correlations between multiple key pathogens. Methods: Twelve participants (8 females and 4 males; mean age, 54.33 ± 20.65 years) were prospectively recruited into three groups: Group 1: healthy control, Group 2: patients with stomatitis, and Group 3: patients with OSCC, with 4 individuals in each group. Unstimulated whole saliva samples from these participants were analyzed using real-time PCR to assess the presence and abundance of 14 major oral bacterial species and Candida albicans. Results: The analysis revealed significant differences for certain microorganisms, namely Treponema denticola (T. denticola), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), and Candida albicans. T. denticola was most abundant in the OSCC group (5,358,692.95 ± 3,540,767.33), compared to the stomatitis (123,355.54 ± 197,490.86) and healthy control (9,999.21 ± 11,998.40) groups. L. casei was undetectable in the healthy control group, but was significantly more abundant in the stomatitis group (1,653.94 ± 2,981.98) and even higher in the OSCC group (21,336.95 ± 9,258.79) (p = 0.001). A similar trend was observed for C. albicans, with DNA copy numbers rising from the healthy control (464.29 ± 716.76) to the stomatitis (1,861.30 ± 1,206.15) to the OSCC group (9,347.98 ± 5,128.54) (p = 0.006). The amount of T. denticola was positively correlated with L. casei (r=0.890, p<0.001) and C. albicans (r=0.724, p=0.008). L. casei's DNA copy number was strongly correlated with C. albicans (r=0.931, p<0.001). These three oral microbes exhibited strong positive correlations with each other and had various direct or indirect relationships with other species. Conclusions: In the OSCC group, T. denticola, L. casei, and C. albicans exhibited strong positive correlations with one another, further emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the complex microbial interactions in the OSCC environment.

The current study investigated the neuroprotective effects of rutin hydrate (RH) in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like learning and memory impairments rat model. Since AD is an age-related degenerative brain disorder characterized by a progressive worsening in cognitive function and memory, RH may be a potential drug for the treatment of AD-like memory loss, and this work is aimed to evaluate whether RH has neuroprotective effects in memory deficits induced by scopolamine (SCO). In our study, RH demonstrated beneficial effects as a neuroprotector in the brain and improved learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity in a rat. Rats were administered RH (100 mg/kg) and SCO (1.5mg/kg), and performed behavioral tests such as Morris water navigation test, Y-maze test, and passive avoidance test to evaluate the ability of learning and memory. In accordance with these findings, RH behaviorally attenuated SCO-induced shortening of step-through latency in the PA test, increased the percent of alternation in the Y-maze, and increased the time spent in the target zone in the MWN. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of RH on learning and memory was investigated through the long-term potential on organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. RH increased the total activity of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) following theta burst stimulation and attenuated SCO-induced blockade of fEPSP. This approach could potentially be used as a therapeutic strategy for the restoration of learning and memory function and the prevention of the progression of AD. SCO treatment decreased the levels of BDNF/TrkB/ERK/CREB/Bcl2 and increased the Bax protein level in rat hippocampus. RH ameliorated the expression of these proteins by attenuating SCO-induced up or downregulation in the hippocampus. Based on these findings, the results highlight the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which RH is proposed to exert its neuroprotective effects in the prevention and treatment of learning and memory deficit disorders.

Herein, we present the design technique of a resonant rectifier for piezoelectric (PE) energy harvesting. We propose two diode equivalents to reduce the voltage drop in the rectifier operation, a minuscule-drop-diode equivalent (MDDE) and a low-drop-diode equivalent (LDDE). The diode equivalents are embedded in resonant rectifier integrated circuits (ICs), which use symmetric bias-flip to reduce the power wasted for charging and discharging the internal capacitance of a PE transducer. The self-startup function is supported by synchronously generating control pulses for the bias-flip from the PE transducer. Two resonant rectifier ICs, using both MDDE and LDDE, are fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and their performances are characterized under external and self-power conditions. Under the external-power condition, the rectifier using LDDE delivers an output power POUT of 564 μW and a rectifier output voltage VRECT of 3.36 V with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 90.1%. Under self-power conditions, the rectifier using MDDE delivers a POUT of 288 μW and a VRECT of 2.4 V with a corresponding PCE of 74.6%. The result shows that the power extraction capability of the proposed rectifier is 5.9 and 3.0 times higher than that of a conventional full-bridge rectifier.

Background: Rod fracture (RF) is the most common cause of revision in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery, and various treatment strategies for preventing RF are reported in literature. This retrospective study involving 139 ASD patients (aged ≥65 years and a minimum 2-year follow-up) who underwent long-segment fixation from T10 to sacrum with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), analyzed long-term results, including radiographical parameters and the incidence of recurrent RF (re-RF), to determine the most effective revision method for preventing RF. Methods: Patients were classified into three groups according to the revision method performed for RF; simple rod replacement (SR group, n=17), lateral lumbar interbody fusion around PSO site (LLIF group, n=8), and accessory rod integration (AR group, n=22). Baseline characteristics, radiographical and clinical parameters were analyzed. Results: RF occurred in 47 patients (34%) at an average of 28 months following primary deformity correction. Re-RF occurred in six patients (13%) at an average of 37 months. Re-RF occurred most commonly in SR group (p=.048). Every re-RF in SR group occurred at the PSO site, none occurred in LLIF group, and one in AR group occurred near L4–5. After both primary deformity correction and revision surgery, spinopelvic parameters had shown favorable results and clinical outcomes had improved in all three groups, without significant intergroup differences. Conclusions: Accessory rod integration or additional LLIF around the PSO site seems to provide greater strength and stability to the previously fused segments than simple rod replacement, which demonstrates the need for additional support in revision surgery for RF after PSO.

A composite beam is a structural member that behaves as a single unit by using shear connectors between a concrete slab and an H-shaped steel girder. The composite ratio is crucial and determined by the shear connectors' ability to withstand the horizontal shear forces between the concrete and steel girder. In this study, a U-shaped composite beam was designed, which differs from conventional composite beams as it allows the use of a steel girder as a formwork. Moreover, angle-type shear connectors, instead of stud-type connectors, were employed. Based on this design, large-scale U-shaped composite beams with angle-type shear connectors were fabricated, and load tests were conducted to analyze the behavior after composite action and the influence of shear connector spacing. Additionally, the strength of the angle-type shear connectors used in this paper was evaluated through finite element analysis. Finally, a strength evaluation method for composite beams of this configuration was proposed.

In order to understand the effect of Pb-CuI co-doping on the thermoelectric performance of Bi₂Te₃, n-type Bi₂Te₃ co-doped with x at% CuI and 1/2x at% Pb (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.10) were prepared via high temperature solid state reaction and consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Electron and thermal transport properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, Hall mobility, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, of CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te₃ were measured in the temperature range from 300 K to 523 K and compared to corresponding x% of CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ and undoped Bi₂Te₃. The addition of a small amount of Pb significantly decreased the carrier concentration, which could be attributed to the holes from Pb atoms, thus the CuI-Pb co-doped samples show a lower electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient compared to CuI-doped samples with similar x values. The incorporation of Pb into CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ rarely changed the power factor because of the trade-off relationship between the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. The total thermal conductivity(κ_tot) of co-doped samples (κ_tot ~1.4 W/m∙K at 300 K) is slightly lower than that of 1% CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ (κ_tot~1.5 W/m∙K at 300 K) and undoped Bi₂Te₃ (κ_tot ~1.6 W/m∙K at 300 K) due to the alloy scattering. The 1% CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te₃ sample shows the highest ZT value of 0.96 at 370 K. All data on electrical and thermal transport properties suggest that the thermoelectric properties of Bi₂Te₃ and its operating temperature can be controlled by co-doping.

Rising obesity and associated multi-systemic complications amplify the health burden. Euphorbia kansui (EK) extract is clinically recognized for managing obesity. In human study, 240 obese individuals were categorized into two cohorts: those receiving solely herbal medicine (HM group), and those administered EK concomitantly with herbal medicine (EK group). An in vivo examination using C57BL/6-Lepob/Lepob mice elucidated mechanisms involving macrophages and gut microbiota, with associated metabolic advantages. The clinical study revealed a significant 7.22% body weight reduction during 91.55 average treatment days, and examined 16.71% weight loss at 300 days after treatment. In the whole subjects, 60.4%, 21.3% and 6.3% achieved weight reductions exceeding 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. Impressively, the EK group exhibited superior weight loss compared to the HM group (EK: -7.73% vs. HM: -6.27%, p=0.012). The anti-obesity effect was positively associated with EK therapy frequency and herbal medicine duration. In vivo, EK significantly improved insulin sensitivity and mitigated infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) by modulating the CD11c+ and CD206+ subtypes. EK also correlated with increased Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes populations and reduced Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Consequently, EK is an effective adjunctive anti-obesity therapy offering metabolic benefits by modulating ATMs and gut microbiota profiles.

Increasingly, firms are expected to implement ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) mandates to appeal to the global market. However, this requires overcoming practical challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the ESG practices of leading Korean global firms. The study selects five firms for case studies representing industries such as electronics, automotive, steelmaking, and chemicals. It examines ESG reports, performance indicators, and corporate disclosures of these firms. The analysis reveals the adoption of industry-specific ESG strategies, highlighting how these firms tailor their approaches to address unique industry challenges while aligning with global sustainability trends. Key findings include a strong emphasis on innovative solutions to ESG challenges, the integration of ESG into core business operations, and a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental responsibilities. This study contributes to a broader understanding of how ESG practices are implemented in various industrial contexts, particularly in the dynamic and evolving landscape of Korean global businesses. It offers valuable insights and benchmarks for global companies, underlining the importance of contextualized and industry-specific ESG strategies in achieving sustainable and ethical business practices

This study is a retrospective analysis aimed to understand the incidence and risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following long instrumented spinal fusion from L1 to the sacrum in patients with mild to moderate sagittal imbalance. It recruited consecutive patient undergone instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum for degenerative lumbar disease between June 2006 and November 2019 in a single institution. The patients’ preoperative clinical data, muscle status at T12-L1 on magnetic resonance images, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to compare clinical and radiographic data between PJK and non-PJK patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for PJK. A total of 56 patients were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 67.3 years and mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. Seven were male and 34 were female. PJK developed in 23 (41.1%) out of 56; of these patients, 20 (87.0%) developed PJK within postoperative 1 year. On univariate analysis between PJK and non-PJK patients, PJK group showed more frequent osteoporosis, lower body mass index, smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) and more fat infiltration (FI) in erector spinae muscle at T12-L1, larger preoperative TLK and PT with statistical significance (p&lt;0.05). On logistic regression analysis, severe (&gt;50%) FI in erector spinae muscle (OR=43.60, CI 4.10-463.06, R2N =0.730, p=0.002) and osteoporosis (OR=20.49, CI 1.58-264.99, R2N =0.730, p=0.021) were statistically significant. Preexisting severe (&gt;50%) fat infiltration in erector spinae muscle and osteoporosis were significant independent risk factors associated with PJK following instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum, but age was not a risk factor.

Background/Objectives: Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) under local anesthesia is a promising minimally invasive surgical option for intractable lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, our understanding of access pain prediction during foraminal pathological procedures is limited. To our knowledge, no predictive rules for access pain during TELD have been established for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH. This study, with its potential to predict access pain during TELD and to discuss strategies for pain prevention and management, could significantly impact the field of endoscopic spine surgery. Methods: This observational study included 73 consecutive patients who underwent TELD for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH between January 2017 and December 2022. Preoperative clinical and radiographic factors affecting significant access pain and the impact of access pain on clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: The rate of significant access pain was 13.70% (10 of 73 patients). Extraforaminal LDH tended to cause more severe pain than foraminal LDH during TELD under local anesthesia (p &lt; 0.05). Although the degree of access pain was not related to global outcomes, increased pain was strongly associated with a prolonged operative time and length of hospital stay (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: TELD can be an effective surgical option for foraminal or extraforaminal LDH under local anesthesia. More access pain may develop during TELD for extraforaminal LDH. The extraforaminal component of LDH can narrow the safety working zone. Significant access pain may prolong the duration of surgery and hospitalization. Thus, a specialized technique is required for the clinical success of TELD.

The aim of this study was to determine the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with kidney cancer and the impact of age and gender on such association. Using Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 9,932,670 subjects who had check-up in 2009 were followed up until the diagnosis of kidney cancer or death or until 2019. Kidney cancer was significantly associated with MetS (HR 1.56). This association was higher in the younger age group (HR: 1.82, 1.5, and 1.37 in 20-39 years, 40-64 years, and ≥65 years, respectively). In terms of the association of kidney cancer with obesity and central obesity, young-aged males showed higher HR for kidney cancer than old-aged ones (HR of obesity: 1.96, 1.52, and 1.25; HR of central obesity: 1.94, 1.53, and 1.3 in 20-39 years, 40-64 years, ≥65 years, respectively), while young-aged females showed lower HR. Kidney cancer was associated with obesity and MetS. The association was higher in younger aged population than in older ones. Regarding gender, MetS, obesity, and central obesity showed higher associations with kidney cancer in younger aged male population, while there was no significant difference in such association according to age in females.

Many advanced technologies have been employed in the high performance active matrix displays including liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting diode displays, and micro light emitting diode displays. On the other side, there have existed the strong demand on the cost reduction and it is one of low cost schemes to integrate the driver circuit in a panel based on thin film transistor technologies. This paper reviews overall concept, operation principles, and various circuit approaches in shift registers for the scanning pulse generation. In addition, it deals with the implementation of additional functionalities in gate drivers to support pixel compensation, multi-line driving, in-cell capacitive touch screen, pixel sensing, and adaptive scanning region control.

Background and Objectives: There is a need to effectively manage the healthy aging of the rapidly increasing number of elderly people in an ultra-elderly society. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating effects of social networks and wisdom on the relationship between lifestyle habits and healthy aging in older adults with chronic diseases. Materials and Methods: Participants were 120 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and older with at least one chronic disease. Data were collected from elderly people who met the criteria by visiting nursing care worker training centers, senior centers, social gatherings, and home welfare centers in D, G, and S cities from May 24 to June 23, 2023, with a questionnaire consisting of lifestyle habits, social networks, wisdom and healthy aging, and general characteristics. Results: The degree of healthy aging of the subjects was 3.56 out of 5, and there were differences in the degree of healthy aging according to age (F=3.76, p=0.026), spousal relationship (t=3.11, p=0.002), education (F=9.08, p&lt;0.001), number of diseases (F=8.65, p&lt;0.001), and economic level (t=-2.45, p=0.016). The most common diseases among the subjects were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, joint diseases and diabetes mellitus. Healthy aging was highly correlated with lifestyle habits (r=0.63, p&lt;0.001), social networks (r=0.65, p&lt;0.001), and wisdom (r=0.73, p&lt;0.001). Social networks (β=0.46, p&lt;0.001) and wisdom (β=0.55, p&lt;0.001) had partial mediating effects (z=4.15, p&lt;0.001; z=5.11, p&lt;0.001) on the relationship between subjects' lifestyle habits and healthy aging. Conclusions: In order to increase the degree of healthy aging of the subjects, it is necessary to establish a mediating intervention program that manages to have a good lifestyle habits in daily life, increase social networks, and become wise.

Levels of synthetic musk fragrances (SMFs) and various personal care products (PCPs) were measured in the Han River and its tributaries in Seoul, Korea. The most abundant SMF in all river and PCP samples was 4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-1,3,4,7-tetrahydrocyclopenta[g]isochromene (HHCB), followed by 1-(3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-6,7-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone (AHTN), musk ketone (MK), and 1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-2,5,6,7-tetrahydroinden-4-one (DPMI). There was a significant correlation between the SMF concentration in the PCPs and the Han River samples. Moving from upstream to downstream in the Han River, the median SMF concentration was 6.756, 2.945, 0.304, and 0.141 μg/L in the sewage treatment plant (STP) influent, effluent, tributaries, and mainstream, respectively, implying that effective SMF removal was achieved during the sewage treatment process, followed by dilution in the receiving water. Four STPs using advanced biological treatment processes had removal efficiencies of 55.8%, 50.6%, 43.3% for HHCB, AHTN, and MK, respectively. The highest SMF concentrations in the tributaries were observed at locations close to the STPs. Our study confirmed that the main source of SMFs in the receiving water were sewage effluent containing untreated SMFs, which are largely originated from household PCPs, especially hair care products (e.g., shampoo) and perfumes.

In the context of high-temperature water vapor treatment, Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets exhibit the emergence of a black surface. This study aims to explore the factors and mechanisms contributing to surface blackening by inducing black surfaces on Zn-Mg-Al alloy-coated steel sheets, which were fabricated through molten coating subjected to water vapor treatment at 150 degrees Celsius. The surfaced composition was predominantly identified as ZnO, a zinc oxide film, validated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Morphological analysis of the surface and cross-section post-water vapor treatment revealed a disrupted lamellar structure with diffused features, resulting in the formation of an oxide film. Optical properties analysis demonstrated an increased absorbance and a decreased bandgap energy after water vapor treatment, indicative of an augmented blackening effect. Consequently, the high-temperature water vapor treatment led to the formation of oxides on the surface, with the highly reactive Mg and Al extracting oxygen from the predominantly present ZnO surface. This process resulted in the creation of an oxygen-deficient oxide, ultimately causing surface blackening.

Recent advancements in semantic communication (SC) have shown the potential to surpass the limitations of the Shannon theorem, by leveraging an understanding of the meaning of data instead of the data itself. In networks, data-aided sensing (DAS) presents a powerful tool that can significantly reduce communication overhead, aligning perfectly with the goals of SC by providing more powerful semantic messages. This survey explores the synergy between DAS and SC and investigates how their convergence can lead to more efficient and effective communication.

(1) Background: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the inhibitory neurotransmitters with beneficial effects including sedative property. However, despite various clinical trials, scientific evidence regarding the impact of orally ingested GABA, whether natural or synthesized through biological pathways, on sleep is not clear.; (2) Methods: The present study work evaluated GABA-A biding affinity of GABALAGEN(GBL), a low-molecular-weight collagen infused with GABA, through receptor binding assays. The sedative effects of GBL were investigated through electroencephalography (EEG) analysis in the electro foot shock (EFS) stress-induced sleep animal model and then we examined the expression orexin, GABAA receptor in the brain region using immunohistochemistry.; (3) Results: We found that on the binding assay, GBL displayed high affinity to GABAA receptor (IC50 value, 31.5µg/mL)). Also, after treatment of GBL, percent of total time of REM and NREM were significantly and dose-dependently increased compared to the Con group. Consistent with behavioral results, the GBL-treated groups showed that the expression of GABAA receptor immune-positive cells in the VLPO were markedly and dose-dependently increased compared to the Con group. Also, the GBL-treated groups showed that the expression of orexin immune-reactive cells in the LH were significantly decreased compared to the Con group.; (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, GBL showed efficacy and potential to be used as an anti-stress therapy to treat sleep deprivation through antagonism of GABA receptors and consequent inhibition of orexin activity.

Agriculture (crop production, land use, and livestock) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting sector after the energy sector. Agriculture is also recognized as the source and sink of GHGs. Evidence demonstrates that the application of high amounts of nitrogen-rich fertilizers enhances methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which are potent GHGs with a high global warming potential (GWP). Considering its global contribution to the climate crisis, reducing GHG emissions in agriculture would considerably lower its share of the global GHG emission records, which may lead to enormous benefits for the environment and food production systems. Several diverging and controversial views questioning the actual role of plants in the current global GHG budget continue to nourish the debate globally. We must acknowledge that considering the beneficial roles of major GHGs to plants at a certain level of accumulation, implementing GHG mitigation measures from agriculture is indeed a complex task. This review seeks to provide key approaches for GHG mitigation in the literature (environmentally friendly crop cultivation and residue management practices, improvement of plants nutrients/fertilizer use efficiency, exploring the genetic diversity for low GHG emission, soil methane-producing bacteria, integrated soil fertility management, improved livestock feeding efficiency, and production, etc.). This work gathers key approaches from 275 peer-reviewed publications, including experimental research papers, review articles, and books, discussing greenhouse gas emissions mechanisms and mitigation to unravel effective strategies for GHG mitigation, proven to be effective or carry the potential to mitigate GHG generation from agriculture. This review also discusses in depth the significance and the dynamics of strategies regarded as game changers with a high potential to enhance, in a sustainable manner, the resilience of agricultural systems. Agricultural GHG mitigation approaches discussed in this work can serve as game changers in global efforts to reducing GHG emissions and alleviating the impact of climate change through sustainable agriculture and informed-decision making.

Safety and the apprehension of crime persist as significant concerns in both urban and rural locales. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines, an architectural approach to crime deterrence, mitigate the likelihood of criminal activity by implementing strategic defensive design plans, particularly through effective lighting schemes within urban settings, thereby alleviating fear of crime. This comprehensive set of principles serves to enhance overall quality of life. Additionally, within the realm of environmental crime prevention, enhanced street lighting has been identified as a crucial factor in diminishing both actual crime rates and the perceived risk of criminal activity in built environments. While current recommendations advocate for the installation of lighting in poorly lit areas for safety reasons, evaluating visibility solely based on the presence of existing streetlights proves insufficient for analyzing road surface luminance comprehensively. Thus, this study proposes establishing standardized illumination levels specifically tailored for facial recognition of potential criminal offenders. Furthermore, we advocate for defining specific thresholds for color temperature and colorimetric criteria to aid in distinguishing characteristics of individuals' attire. To analyze photometric safety and crime frequency in Seoul, Korea, new primary evaluation indicators were developed, including the Brightness index, Informatization index, and Safety index. By incorporating quantitative data into lighting design strategies, particularly within the framework of CPTED, there exists the potential to mitigate fear of crime during nighttime hours. These strategies facilitate the creation of well-lit environments conducive to the swift recognition and identification of potential perpetrators, thereby presenting a proactive approach to crime prevention. Consequently, this study introduces quantitative lighting standards to augment the efficacy of CPTED guidelines, ultimately contributing to the reduction of crime incidence.

The present study investigated the effect of different ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH) but equal temperature-humidity index (THI) on laying performance, egg quality, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) concentration in blood, yolk and albumen, and plasma biochemical parameters in laying hens. One hundred and twenty commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown) aged 60 weeks were allocated into 2 environmental chambers. Laying hens were subjected to either one of two thermal treatments, i.e., 26ºC and 70% RH (LH75) and 30ºC and 30% RH (HL75) for 28 days. Both thermal treatments had equal THI being 75. Neither LH75 nor HL75 affected (P > 0.05) laying performance including egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Plasma biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus was not altered (P > 0.05) by thermal treatments. As to the stress indicators, both environment regimes failed (P > 0.05) to affect blood H/L ratio and CORT levels in plasma, yolk and albumen although albumen CORT levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in LH75 vs. HL75 at days 3, 7, and 28. In conclusion, our study suggests that laying hens performed and responded equally when they were exposed to equal THI environment conditioned from either 26ºC and 70% RH or 30ºC and 30% RH. The results of this study will be served as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling under thermally challenging conditions.

Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen-thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments. Our study aimed to identify the effect of melatonin and silymarin on the motility and viability of sperm, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) production in frozen-thawed boar semen. Melatonin and silymarin were treated alone and co-treated in the fresh boar semen. Boar semen was collected using the gloved-hand method from ten crossbred pigs, and the age of the experimental ten male pigs was 28.7 ± 3.2 months. We evaluated sperm viability using SYBR-14 and PI kit, and ROS and NO production were detected by DCF-DA and DAF-2, respectively. The sperm motility was not significantly different between non-treatment and treatment. ROS and NO production in frozen-thawed sperm were decreased by melatonin and silymarin (P < 0.05). Moreover, silymarin significantly reduced NO production more than melatonin (P < 0.05). Melatonin (46.37 ± 1.10) and silymarin (46.13 ± 0.80) enhanced the viability of sperm (P < 0.05). We suggest that melatonin and silymarin are essential antioxidants in semen cryopreservation for protecting sperm damage and maintaining sperm viability. Melatonin and silymarin may be useful antioxidants in freezing boar sperm.

The inter-subspecific crossing between indica and japonica subspecies in rice have been utilized to improve the yield potential of temperate rice. In this study, a comparative study of the genomic regions in the eight high-yielding varieties (HYVs) was conducted with those of the four non-HYVs. The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) mapping on the Nipponbare reference genome identified a total of 14 common genomic regions of japonica-originated alleles. Interestingly, the HYVs shared japonica-originated genomic regions on nine chromosomes, although they were developed through different breeding programs. A panel of 94 varieties was classified into four varietal groups with 38 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from 38 genes residing in the japonica-originated genomic regions and 16 additional trait-specific SNPs. As expected, the japonica-originated genomic regions were only present in the japonica (JAP) and HYV groups, except for Chr4-1 and Chr4-2. The Wx gene, located within Chr6-1, was present in the HYV and JAP variety groups, while the yield-related genes were conserved as indica alleles in HYVs. The japonica-originated genomic regions and alleles shared by HYVs can be employed in molecular breeding programs to further develop the HYVs in temperate rice.

Although many policosanols from different sources, such as sugar cane, rice bran, and insects, have been marketed worldwide, there has been no comparative study of the in vivo efficacy using a hyperlipidemic animal model. This study compared the efficacy of treating dyslipidemia with four different policosanols, including one sugar cane wax alcohol from Cuba (Raydel®) and three policosanols from China (Xi’an Natural sugar cane, Xi’an Realin sugar cane, and Shaanxi rice bran) in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. After 12 weeks of consumption of each policosanol (final 0.1% in diet, wt/wt) and high cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt) in a tetrabit, the Raydel policosanol group and Xi’an Natural policosanol group showed the highest survivability of approximately 81%, whereas the Xi’an Realin policosanol group and Shaanxi policosanol group showed 57% and 67% survivability, respectively. Among five HCD groups, the Raydel policosanol group showed the lowest serum total cholesterol (TC, p<0.001 versus HCD control) and triglyceride (TG, p<0.001 versus HCD control) with the highest percentage of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)-C in TC. The Raydel policosanol group also showed the lowest serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels with the least infiltration of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 production in hepatocytes. In the ovary, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the highest contents of mature vitellogenic oocytes with the lowest production of reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis in ovarian cells. In the testis, the Raydel policosanol group also showed the healthiest morphology for spermatogenesis with the least interstitial area and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in testicular cells. In conclusion, 12 weeks of Raydel policosanol consumption resulted in remarkable improvement of the blood lipid profile, amelioration of inflammation in the liver, and enhancement of the cell morphology in the ovary and testis with the highest survivability under the HCD.

Background: Albumin has a pivotal role in the homeostasis of osmotic pressure and is associated with cardiovascular, nephrotic, hepatic, and nutritional diseases. The detection of hypoalbuminemia is a cornerstone for diagnosis of hidden diseases and patient deterioration. We developed and validated a deep-learning-based model (DLM) for detection of hypoalbuminemia using electrocardiography (ECG). Methods: This historical cohort study included data from consecutive patients from two hospitals. The patient data in one hospital were divided into development (82,499 ECGs from 54,248 patients) and internal validation (20,664 ECGs from 20,664 patients) datasets, whereas the patient data in the other hospital were included in only an external validation (37,421 ECGs from 37,421 patients) dataset. An DLM was developed using a 12-lead ECG signal, age, and sex from the development dataset. The endpoint was hypoalbuminemia, defined by serum albumin concentration below 3.5 g/dL. Results: During the internal and external validations, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the DLM for the detection of hypoalbuminemia were 0.887 (0.877–0.897) and 0.888 (0.880–0.896), respectively. Among the 27,400 individuals without hypoalbuminemia at the initial laboratory exam, those identified by the DLM as higher-risk patients had a significantly larger change in developing hypoalbuminemia than those in the low-risk group (7.09% vs. 1.01%, p < 0.001) during 24 months. The sensitivity map showed that the DLM focused on the T wave and QRS complex for the detection of hypoalbuminemia. Conclusions: The DLM exhibited a high accuracy for hypoalbuminemia detection and prediction using 12-, 6-, and single-lead ECGs.

Nonhost disease resistance is the most common type of plant defense mechanism against potential pathogens. In this study, the metabolic enzyme formate dehydrogenase (FDH1) was identified to be involved in nonhost disease resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, AtFDH1 was highly upregulated in response to both host and nonhost bacterial pathogens. Arabidopsis Atfdh1 mutants were compromised in nonhost resistance, basal resistance, and gene-for-gene resistance. The expression patterns of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) marker genes after pathogen infections in Atfdh1 mutant indicated that SA is most likely involved in the FDH1-mediated plant defense response to both host and nonhost bacterial pathogens. Previous studies reported that FDH1 localizes to only mitochondria, or both mitochondria and chloroplasts. Our results showed that the AtFDH1 localized to mitochondria and the amount of FDH1 localized to mitochondria increased upon infection with host or nonhost pathogens. Interestingly, the subcellular localization of FDH1 was observed in both mitochondria and chloroplasts after infection with a nonhost pathogen in Arabidopsis. We speculate that FDH1 plays a role in cellular signaling networks between mitochondria and chloroplasts to produce coordinated defense responses such as SA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and hypersensitive response (HR)-induced cell death against nonhost bacterial pathogens.

Land transportation is contributing to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly. Switching from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is the most practical way to decarbonize land transportation. Some regions of the world have seen significant advancements in the adoption of electric vehicles, largely due to government policies through subsidies and other rules and laws that globally made the cost of acquisition and ownership more advantageous for EV owners compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The success of EV adoption in Norway, China, the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), and India has been linked to the favorable government policies. At present, China is the largest EV market in the world, enjoying a better advantage than any other market. It also has the highest manufacturing capacity and the largest number of EVs in operation. Norway has the highest EV penetration rate, with over 90% of newly registered cars, and one of the lowest costs of ownership globally. In this review, we present the current state of EV technology and performance, together with consumer perspectives and barriers, EV regulations in the regions with the highest penetration rates, and the decarbonization of land transportation. China is competing with the USA for leadership in manufacturing and technology, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and batteries. In order to achieve the goal of decarbonizing road transportation, we proposed that a number of factors, including government energy policies and regulatory standard development, necessary infrastructure investments and developments, AI incorporation in EVs, innovation in EV and battery technologies, and consumer perspectives, play a crucial role.

In this study, deep neural network (DNN) and transfer learning (TL) techniques were employed to predict the viscous resistance and wake distribution based on the positions of flow control fins (FCFs) applied to containerships of various sizes. Both methods utilized data collected through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The position of the flow control fin (FCF) and hull-form information were utilized as input data, and the output data included viscous resistance coefficients and components of propeller axial velocity. The base DNN model was trained and validated using a source dataset from a 1000 TEU containership. Grid search cross-validation technique was employed to optimize the hyperparameters of the base DNN model. Then, transfer learning was applied to predict the viscous resistance and wake distribution for containerships of varying sizes. To enhance the accuracy of feature prediction with a limited amount of dataset, learning rate optimization was conducted. Transfer learning involves retraining and reconfiguring the base DNN model, and the accuracy was verified based on the fine-tuning method of the learning model. The results of this study can provide hull designers for containerships with performance evaluation information by predicting wake distribution, without relying on CFD analysis.

Rice production is a significant contributor to methane emissions, accounting for ap-proximately 11% of global anthropogenic emissions. However, methane emissions in rice fields could effectively be reduced by implementing proper management practices and careful cultivar selection. The impact of nitrogen fertilizers on methane emissions is mul-tifaceted, as these fertilizers enhance crop growth and influence the activity of me-thane-producing (methanogens) and methane-consuming microbes (methanotrophs), leading to complex outcomes in methane emissions. In this study, we used qPCR to quan-tify methanogens and methanotrophs using mcrA (methanogenesis-related gene) and pmoA (methane oxidation-related gene) primer sets under different nitrogen levels (0, 50, and 100%) and rice varieties. The results revealed that higher nitrogen input led to higher methanogen inhabitation in the rhizosphere. Additionally, the abundances of methano-gens and methanotrophs varied among the different rice varieties. Furthermore, it was observed that there may be an additive effect between the rice variety and nitrogen level used. These findings suggest that future breeding efforts should involve screening for me-thane-related microbes in rice cultivars adapted to low-nitrogen conditions. By identifying and selecting rice varieties that promote lower methanogen levels and higher metha-notroph inhabitation, significant steps can be taken to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.

Abstract: Rice production is a significant contributor to methane emissions, accounting for approximately 11% of global anthropogenic emissions. However, there is potential for effectively reducing methane emissions from rice fields through the implementation of proper management practices and careful cultivar selection. The impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on methane (CH4) emissions is multifaceted, as these fertilizers not only en-hance crop growth but also influence the activity of methane-producing microbes (Meth-anogens) and methane-consuming microbes (Methanotrophs), leading to complex out-comes in CH4 emissions. In this study, we utilized qPCR to quantify methanogens and methanotrophs using mcrA (methanogenesis-related gene) and pmoA (methane oxida-tion-related gene) primer sets under different nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100%) and rice varie-ties. The results revealed that higher nitrogen inputs led to higher methanogen inhabita-tion in the rhizosphere. Additionally, the abundances of methanogens and metha-notrophs varied among different rice varieties. Furthermore, through the analysis of two-way ANOVA, it was observed that there may be an additive effect between rice variety and nitrogen level. Furthermore, enhancing agronomic traits related to yield can reduce methanogen inhabitation. These findings suggest that future breeding efforts should in-volve the screening of methane-related microbes in rice cultivars adapted to low nitrogen conditions. By identifying and selecting rice varieties that promote lower methanogen lev-els and higher methanotroph inhabitation, we can take significant steps towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.

Background/Aims: Conflicting results have been reported regarding the interaction between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and clopidogrel. We investigated whether concomitant PPI use influenced the risk of recurrence in patients with stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: This study used two databases for different designs, the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database for a self-controlled case series design, and the national sample cohort of the NHIS database converted to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership-Common Data Model version for a cohort study. Results: In the PPI co-prescription group, recurrent hospitalization with stroke occurred in 17.6% of the 8,201 patients with history of stroke, and recurrent MI occurred in 17.1% of the 1,216 patients with history of MI during 1 year. According to the self-controlled case series, the overall relative risk (RR) of recurrent stroke was 2.09 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.83-2.38], and the RR showed an increasing trend with PPI duration. In the cohort study, there was a higher incidence of recurrent stroke in the PPI co-prescription group [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01-1.76, P=0.04]. The overall RR of recurrent MI was 1.47 (95% CI; 1.02-2.11) in the self-controlled case series; however, there was no statistically significant difference in recurrent MI in the cohort study (HR:1.42, 95% CI:0.79-2.49, P=0.23). The impact of individual PPIs on stroke and MI showed different patterns. Conclusions: PPI co-prescription with clopidogrel was associated with recurrent stroke; however, its association with recurrent MI remains inconclusive. The influence of individual PPIs should be clarified in the future.

The wind observations for multiple levels (40–200 m) have been conducted for a long time (2016–2020) on Jeju Island of South Korea. This study aims at understanding the vertical and temporal characteristics of lower atmosphere. Jeju Island is a region located at mid-latitude and is affected by seasonal monsoon wind. The maximum wind speed appears in the lower layer during day time and is delayed in the upper layer during latter time in diurnal cycle. In summer season, the surface layer increases up to 160 m during day time via dominant solar radiation effect, which is higher than those for other seasons. However, the maximum wind speed in winter season appears irregularly among altitudes, and the surface layer is ~100 m, which is lower than that in summer season. It can be attributed to the increase in the mean wind speed in diurnal cycle caused by the strong northwestern wind for winter season. These results imply that the relationship between near-surface and higher altitudes is primarily affected by solar radiation and seasonal monsoon winds. These results are expected to contribute to site selection criteria for wind farms and to the assessment concerning planetary boundary layer modeling.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of beeswax alcohol (BWA) are well reported in animal and human clinical studies, with a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood, reduction of liver steatosis, and decrease in insulin. On the other hand, there is insufficient information to explain the in vitro antioxidant activity of BWA because it is extremely insoluble in aqueous buffer system. The BWA mixture was incorporated into reconstituted HDL (rHDL) with apoA-I, and the physiological functions of BWA in a water system were evaluated. After synthesis of rHDL with palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC), cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and the BWA at molar ratios of 95:5:1:0 (rHDL-0), 95:5:1:0.5 (rHDL-0.5), and 95:5:1:1 (rHDL-1) for POPC:FC:apoA-I:BWA, the particle size of rHDL-1 was increased 15% compared to rHDL-0. rHDL-1 exhibited the strongest anti-glycation activity, up to 18% less glycation than rHDL-0 treated HDL3, with the highest protection of apoA-I from proteolytic degradation: a 28% larger band intensity than that of rHDL-0 treated HDL3 in the presence of fructose (final 250 mM). The antioxidant ability to inhibit cupric ion-mediated LDL oxidation increased as the BWA content in rHDL increased. The rHDL-1-treated LDL exhibited the smallest oxidation extent in electromobility with the least quantification of oxidized species (MDA). The antioxidant activities of HDL, ferric ion reduction ability (FRA), and paraoxonase (PON) were enhanced by the BWA in rHDL treatment with a concomitant increase in the molar ratio. rHDL-1-treated HDL showed 20–22% higher FRA and PON activities than rHDL-0-treated HDL. A microinjection of each rHDL into zebrafish embryos was performed in the presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML). The rHDL-1 injected embryo exhibited the highest survivability (~63%), whereas the CML alone group showed 28% survivability. A higher BWA content in rHDL helped neutralize the CML toxicity, resulting in higher survivability and normal developmental morphology. In contrast, the CML alone injected embryo showed severe retardation of the developmental speed and morphological defect. The CML-alone group showed the highest extent of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular apoptosis in embryos, but a co-injection of rHDL-1 resulted in a remarkable decrease in ROS and apoptosis. The dermal application of rHDL containing BWA resulted in higher potent wound-healing activity in a dose-dependent manner with decreased reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis in the cutaneous wound area in the presence of CML. Conclusively, incorporating BWA in rHDL significantly enhanced the anti-glycation and antioxidant activities in rHDL via more stabilization of apoA-I with a larger particle size. The rHDL containing BWA facilitated enforced inherent antioxidant ability of HDL and anti-inflammatory activity to suppress the CML toxicities in zebrafish embryos and to ameliorate CML-aggravated chronic wounds in adult zebrafish.

Despite accumulating evidence for the pro-apoptotic role for X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor 1 (XAF1), its involvement in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response remains undefined. Here, we report that XAF1 enhances cell sensitivity to ER stress and acts as a switch in unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediated cell-fate decisions favoring apoptosis over adaptive autophagy. XAF1 interacts with and destabilizes ER stress sensor GRP78 through the assembly of zinc finger protein 313-mediated destruction complex. Moreover, XAF1 gene transcription is activated by ER stress through PERK-Nrf2 signaling to direct an adaptive to apoptotic switch of stress response by blocking C-terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination and subsequent phosphorylation of inositol-required enzyme-1α (IRE1α). In tumor xenograft assays, XAF1-/- tumors display substantially lower regression compared to XAF1+/+ tumors in response to cytotoxic dose of ER stress inducer. XAF1 and GRP78 expression show an inverse correlation in human cancer cell lines and primary breast carcinomas. Collectively this study uncovers an important role for XAF1 as a linchpin to govern the sensitivity to ER stress and the outcomes of UPR signaling, illuminating the mechanistic consequence of XAF1 inactivation in tumorigenesis.

The hematopoietic system plays a crucial role in immune defense response and normal development, and is regulated by various factors from other tissues. The dysregulation of hematopoiesis is associated with melanotic mass formation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. Here, we observed that the overexpression of miR-274 in the fat body resulted in the formation of melanotic masses. Moreover, abnormal activation of the JNK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was linked to these consequences. In addition to this defect, miR-274 overexpression in the larval fat body decreased the total tissue mass, leading to a reduction in body weight. miR-274-5p was found to directly suppress the expression of found-in-neurons (fne), which encodes an RNA-binding protein. Similar to the effects of miR-274 overexpression, fne depletion led to melanotic mass formation and growth reduction. Collectively, miR-274 plays a regulatory role in the fne-JNK signaling axis in melanotic mass formation and growth control.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether an automated molecular diagnostic method based on PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay can discriminate between human Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-positive and -negative FFPE tissues and to compare the relative mRNA expression levels of various host immune markers between MTB-infected and uninfected human tissues using quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR. A total of 52 human FFPE tissue samples from various regions of the body, including the lungs, lymph nodes, tendons, colon, and appendix, were collected and used for the molecular identification of Mycobacterium species and analysis of cytokine mRNA expression. As a result, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IP-10, CXCL9, CXCL11, and GM-CSF mRNA expression levels in MTB-infected tissues were significantly higher than those in uninfected samples. Additionally, the differences in the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, CXCL9, and GM-CSF between MTB-infected and uninfected tissues were statistically significant were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Correlation curve analysis indicated that the mRNA expression of IFN-γ was inversely proportional to that of IP-10 and that the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CXCL9, CXCL11, GM-CSF, and TNFR were proportional and well-correlated. Furthermore, to establish marker profiles for detecting MTB infection, the statistically significant expression levels of three markers were combined. We confirmed that the combined profile of IFN-γ, CXCL9, and GM-CSF expression levels was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Although the mRNA expression patterns of host immune markers may vary according to MTB infection status, these patterns may be highly correlated and can be simultaneously used as an additional indicator for diagnosing TB.

Kim(2015) introduced the degenerate Cauchy numbers of the second kind and gave some identities of them. In this paper, by using the modified polyexponential functions which are introduced by Kim-Kim(2019), we define the degenerate poly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind and investigate some properties of them. Furthermore, we consider the degenerate unipoly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind and discuss some properties of them.

Ral-interacting protein 76 (RLIP76) is a potential factor with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the corpus luteum and tumor angiogenesis. RLIP76, VEGF, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) are proteins that activate angiogenic functions in tumor and endothelial cells. RLIP76 is a main factor in tumor growth, and VEGF is a major endothelial cell protein for angiogenesis. Also, RLIP76 regulates a small GTPase (R-Ras, oncogene) in cell survival, spreading, and migration. HIF-1 is important in the corpus luteum, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor growth. VEGF and HIF-1 regulate the angiogenic function of RLIP76, and RLIP76 controls vascular growth in endothelial and tumor cells. RLIP76, R-Ras, VEGF, and HIF-1 may be useful in the research of corpus luteum and cancer therapy and the study of mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis. This review will help to elucidate the roles of RLIP76/R-Ras and VEGF via HIF-1 in corpus luteum and tumor angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and the specific regulation of RLIP76 in luteal, tumor, and endothelial cells. Thus, we reviewed the angiogenesis of the corpus luteum and tumor in the ovarian and tumor microenvironment.

TGF-ꞵ signaling is a vital regulator for maintaining articular cartilage homeostasis. Runx transcription factors, downstream targets of TGF-ꞵ signaling, have been studied in the context of osteoarthritis (OA). Although Runx partner core binding factor β (Cbfβ) is known to play a pivotal role in chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation, the role of Cbfβ in maintaining articular cartilage remains obscure. This study investigated Cbfβ as a novel anabolic modulator of TGF-ꞵsignaling and determined its role in articular cartilage homeostasis. Cbfβ significantly decreased in aged mouse articular cartilage and human OA cartilage. Articular chondrocyte-specific Cbfb-deficient mice (Cbfb△ac/△ac) exhibited early cartilage degeneration at 20 weeks old and developed OA at 12 months old. Cbfb△ac/△ac mice showed enhanced OA progression under the surgical-induced mice OA model. Mechanistically, forced expression of Cbfβ rescued Col2α1 and Runx1 expression in Cbfβ-deficient chondrocytes. TGF-ꞵ1-mediated Col2α1 expression failed despite the pSmad3 activation under TGF-ꞵ1 treatment in Cbfβ-deficient chondrocytes. Cbfβ protected Runx1 from proteasomal degradation through Cbfβ/Runx1 complex formation. These results indicate that Cbfβ is a novel anabolic regulator for cartilage homeostasis, suggesting that Cbfβ could protect OA development by maintaining the integrity of the TGF-ꞵ1 signaling pathway in articular cartilage.

Pancreatic cancer is a refractory cancer with limited treatment options. Various cancer types are resistant to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, no studies have reported that eugenol increases TRAIL sensitivity by upregulating death receptor (DR) expression. Here, we aimed to investigate eugenol as a potent TRAIL sensitizer. Increased apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in pancreatic cancer cells treated with eugenol and TRAIL compared with those treated with eugenol alone. Eugenol upregulated the expression of DR5, inhibited FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP), an anti-apoptotic protein, and increased p53, a tumor suppressor protein. In addition, eugenol induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) knockdown using siRNA decreased the expression of DR5 and reduced the combined effects of eugenol and TRAIL. These results demonstrate that eugenol enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis by upregulating DR5 through the ROS-mediated ER stress-CHOP pathway, enhancing ER stress by inducing p53 and downregulating FLIP expression. This suggests that eugenol has the potential to treat pancreatic cancer by increasing cell sensitivity to TRAIL.

The order Mucorales, the largest in number of species within the Mucoromycotina, comprises typically fast-growing saprotrophic fungi. During a study of the fungal diversity of undiscovered taxa in Korea, two novel mucoralean strains, CNUFC-GWD3-9 and CNUFC-EGF1-4, were isolated from specific habitats including freshwater and fecal samples, respectively, in Korea. On the basis of their morphological characteristics and sequence analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) of 28S ribosomal DNA regions, the CNUFC-GWD3-9 and CNUFC-EGF1-4 isolates were confirmed to be Gilbertella persicaria and Pilobolus crystallinus, respectively. It is ecologically, pathologically and mycologically significant to find such rare zygomycetous fungi in such specific habitats.

Safety management assessment systems for national level units’ in South Korea focus on responding capacity to cope with impending accident occurrence and danger occurrence. Since the four stage systems for prevention-preparation-response-recovery, which are core elements of national disaster management, assess the capacities by item such as those of individuals, disaster management departments, institutions, and management networks, there is no assessment function for the organic operation states of the entire systems. Therefore, for efficient disaster management, systematic evaluation indices that will enable active pre-checks in departments in organizations should be developed in place of the existing simply checking methods. In this study, an assessment model that will enable active disaster management centered on practice was developed using resilience engineering techniques. This model consists of disaster management items from the viewpoint of proactive responses instead of prevention. A total of 56 items that constitute four capacities; which are prediction (13 items), monitoring (14 items), proactive response (15 items), and safety learning (14 items) capacities were adopted in this model through Delphi analysis. Institutional capacities for infectious disease disaster management were evaluated based on this model and the resultant scores were prediction 4.41, monitoring 4.63, proactive response 4.69, safety learning 4.56 out of the full score of 5.0 points with an overall average of 4.51. This is an excellent capacity management score comparable to the score 4.57 of diagnosis of similar capacities by the WHO\_JEE (The Joint External Evaluation) in 2017. In fact, in 2015, when infectious disease capacity management was poor, in case of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) infectious disease spread in South Korea, 36 patients died and 6,729 patients were isolated. However, through capacity reinforcement, in the case of MERS occurrence in South Korea in September 2018, a management capacity that prevented spread was shown as one confirmed case was completely cured in 10 days and 21 contacts were isolated and tested negative. Therefore, this capacity management assessment model is judged to be usable in enhancing disaster response and management capacities.

In-situ production of PC components is the same process as in a factory, with the order of installing processed rebar, pouring concrete, curing, and storage. In-situ production not only reduces environmental impact by more than 14.58% compared to factory production, but also reduces costs by up to 39.4% compared to factory production when increasing the number of in-situ produced PC components. The stock yard area is more than 5 times larger than the production area, which accounts for a significantly higher proportion. Research on in-situ production of PC components is mainly focused on the production area. PC component yard layout planning for in-situ production can effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve construction efficiency. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an environmental impact minimization model for in-situ production of PC components. As a result of applying the developed model, the improved dung beetle optimization algorithm optimization improved the adjacent correlation by 22.79% and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 18.33% compared to the dung beetle optimization algorithm, which verifies its efficiency. The proposed environmental impact minimization model can support the construction, reconstruction, and functional upgrade of logistics centers, contributing to low carbon dioxide in the logistics industry.

Rebar quantity estimation is pivotal for determining the cost of construction projects and essential for bidding purposes. A bar bending schedule plays a crucial role by providing rebar information and bending instructions, facilitating efficient procurement. Traditional methods of bar bending schedules, which involve manual extraction from 2D (two-dimensional) drawings, are error-prone and hinder construction productivity. This study proposes a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based algorithm that automates the generation of a Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) directly from the 3D (three-dimensional) BIM models, ensuring accuracy and eliminating manual errors. The effectiveness of the algorithm was verified by comparing the rebar quantities generated by the model against those derived from optimization calculations. The results demonstrated a mean absolute error of 0.017 and a mean absolute percentage error of 1.13%, validating the algorithm’s precision. Additionally, it achieved a remarkable 33.33% reduction in the manpower required for preparing BBSs, highlighting its potential to revolutionize construction workflow efficiency and accuracy.

The introduction of electrical vehicle charging infrastructure including EV charger, renewable energy resource at secondary feeder in distribution system has been increased as one of countermeasure for global environmental issues. However, the Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) infrastructure may act as the peak load in distribution system, which can adversely impact on the voltage stability when the electric vehicle is quickly charged. Therefore, to keep within the limit capacity of secondary feeder and allowable limit for feeder voltage, this paper proposes a stabilization method by the Energy Storage System (ESS) control strategy at secondary feeder in order to be not violated over than lower and upper limit. Also, this paper presents the estimation method to keep the proper standard value of State of Charge (SOC). From the simulation results, the voltage stabilization operation by ESS should make the feeder voltages of the distribution system(secondary feeder) introduced EVC Infra keep better voltage conditions, also estimation method to keep the proper standard value is confirmed that the SOC of ESS when is the standby condition could be exactly kept within the proper reference range.

Recently, e-commerce companies have been adopting and continuously enhancing personalized product recommendation systems, and there is active research in this field within academia. However, personalized product recommendations in offline retail stores have not yielded significant outcomes thus far. Especially for small-format offline retail businesses like convenience stores, where customer information might be limited, providing personalized product recommendations poses even greater challenges. To address this issue, this study aimed to find a solution by shifting the perspective on recommendation methods and altering the target of recommendations in existing personalized recommendation models. In this study, recommending products that customers need in an offline store was defined as suggesting products that should be introduced and displayed within the store. In other words, the recommendation focus shifted from individuals to the stores themselves. This recommendation system proposes products that individual stores have not yet introduced but are anticipated to be purchased by customers among the products managed by the headquarters. Building upon this, we devised a store-based product recommendation system. The widely used user-based collaborative filtering model, a common technique in existing recommendation systems, was adapted into a store-based collaborative filtering model. Furthermore, various rules and logic pertinent to store operations and business considerations for convenience stores were integrated to implement this store product recommendation system. The accuracy and effectiveness of the system were demonstrated through its application in actual convenience stores. Results from the pilot implementation of the system showed that 88% of the newly recommended products in individual stores were sold based on one week of sales data, and the sales revenue was 1.75 times higher than the average sales revenue of those products across the entire company. Survey results on business owners' satisfaction yielded a score of 4.2 out of 5, indicating a high level of contentment. Additional observed effects included the expansion of product range and reduction in order lead times. However, 12% of the total recommended SKUs did not sell within one week, and 34% of the SKUs did not meet the overall average sales quantity. This research holds significance in extending the scope of personalized recommendation studies from primarily online platforms to offline retail businesses like convenience stores. It provides tangible methodologies and outcomes that can be implemented in real-world settings through the construction and validation of an actual system. The study also suggests avenues for future research to address some of the identified limitations.

In vitro circular RNA (circRNA) preparation methods have been gaining a lot of attention recently as several reports suggest that circRNAs are more stable with better performances in cells and in vivo than linear RNAs in various biomedical applications. Self-splicing ribozymes are considered a major in vitro circRNA generation method for biomedical applications due to their simplicity and efficiency in circularization of gene of interest. This review summarizes updates and discusses recently developed self-circularization methods based on the self-splicing ribozyme such as group I and II intron ribozymes and pros and cons of each method to prepare circRNA in vitro.

The utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent times, particularly in the field of biomedical research. The utilization of AuNPs in chemical synthesis procedures raises apprehensions regarding their potential toxicity in living organisms, which is inconsistent with their purported eco-friendly and cost-effective aspects. In this investigation, AuNPs were synthesized via the green synthesis approach utilizing Jeju Hallabong peel extract (HPE), a typical fruit variety indigenous to South Korea. The visible-range absorption spectrum of gold nanoparticles from green synthesis (HAuNPs) that are red wine in color occurs at a wavelength of λ = 517 nm. The morphology and particle size distribution were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ImageJ software. The TEM images reveal that the HAuNPs exhibit a high degree of dispersion and uniformity in their spherical shape, with an average size of approximately 7 nm. Moreover, elevating the initial pH level of the mixed solution has an impact on the decrease in particle dimensions, as evidenced by the blue shift observed in the UV-visible spectroscopy absorbance peak. Elevating the reaction temperature may accelerate the synthesis duration. However, it does not exert a substantial impact on the particle dimensions. The outcomes of an avidin-biocytin colorimetric assay provide preliminary analyses of possible sensor tunability using HAuNPs. The cytotoxicity of HAuNPs was evaluated through in vitro studies using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cell lines. The results indicated that the HAuNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to both chemically reduced gold nanoparticles (CAuNPs) and commercially available gold nanoparticles (SAAuNPs).

The etiological agent of various viral diseases has been identified, and clinical characteristics and complications of each disease are well known. In general, a viral disease appears as acute systemic inflammatory disease, but after acute infection, some patients remain asymptomatic carriers or suffer chronic viral diseases, suggesting that the phenomena are unavoidable processes for viruses’ coexistence with their hosts as virome in microbiota of human species. Although each viral disease has been described as having different pathophysiology, the host's control systems, including immune systems, against the insults from any viral infections, have the same components in previously healthy hosts. Therefore, considering the characteristics of the life cycle of viruses being dependent on the host cell and the same immune components of the host, it is reasonable assumption that there is a common immune mechanism to respond to the insults from all viral diseases. The authors discuss on the characteristics of virus infection and unresolved issues in viral diseases and propose a rationale of early immune modulators for acute insults from viral diseases based on our clinical experiences and the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measuring tool is a reliable and accurate technology to measure bone density and bone mineral composition. This research examined the composition and bone density (bone mineral composition and bone mineral density) of the whole body and representative body parts using DEXA. The participants were 240 healthy adult men and women who were divided into three groups based on age. The total bone mineral density (BMD) of women amounted to an average of 1.14 g/㎠ in Group A, 1.14 g/㎠ in Group B, and 0.98 g/㎠ in Group C. For men, the average BMD was 1.25 g/㎠ in Group A, 1.20 g/㎠ in Group B, and 1.17 g/㎠ in Group C. As a result, the reduction of age-specific BMD was shown to have a correlation with aging and body mass index(BMI), and it is determined that exercising on a regular basis can prevent reduction in BMD by maintaining appropriate muscle mass.

According to Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, cultures differ in cultural values and norms; values and norms that may influence differences in trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Further, because men and women have been socialized within particular cultures, gender differences may exist in trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Trendsetters have characteristics that are interrelated with creative traits and behaviors, perhaps inclining them to endorse pro-environmental behaviors. However, the interrelationships among these variables remain unexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine these three variables among college students in South Korea and the United States, specifically looking at cultural and gender differences. Participants were 225 Korean college students and 221 U.S. college students. Questionnaires included demographic items and scales measuring trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha reliability, MANOVA, ANOVA and SNK posthoc test. Results show that U.S. (vs Korean) students indicated greater trendsetting and creative traits and behaviors but not greater pro-environmental behaviors. Fashion trendsetting groups in both Korea and the U.S. differed in creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors. Among Korean trendsetting groups, reluctant adopters scored lowest on creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors. Among U.S. trendsetting groups, trendsetters scored highest on creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors; reluctant adopters scored lowest on pro-environmental behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are provided for researchers and marketers.

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland formed in the ovary after ovulation, and it plays a critical role in reproductive processes. Tumors rely on the development of an adequate blood supply to ensure the delivery of nutrients and oxygen and the removal of waste products. While angiogenesis occurs in various physiological and pathological contexts, the corpus luteum and tumors share similarities in the signaling pathways that promote angiogenesis. In the corpus luteum and tumors, apoptosis plays a crucial role in controlling cell numbers and ensuring proper tissue development and function. Interestingly, there are similarities in the apoptotic-regulated signaling pathways involved in apoptosis between the corpus luteum and tumors. However, the regulation of apoptosis can differ due to their distinct physiological and pathological characteristics. Thus, we reviewed the biological events of the corpus luteum and tumors in similar microenvironments of angiogenesis and apoptosis for studying novel research methods.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a well-established treatment for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. HBOT is performed in a hyperbaric chamber, which increases the atmosphere absolute (ATA) and oxygen concentration in the chamber. To ensure patient safety during HBOT, a gas monitoring system is used to monitor the oxygen levels, ATA, and other parameters. This study aims to perform the safety evaluation of the monoplace hyperbaric chamber compared to a gas monitoring system in the treatment of CO poisoning. In addition, it examined the clinical characteristics of the patients diagnosed with CO poisoning who performed HBOT. In the safety evaluation of the monoplace chamber, it was compared the values of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), humidity, and temperature were measured in the hyperbaric chamber and gas monitoring system when operating at 2.0 ATA and 3.0 ATA. Moreover, in the clinical characteristics of patients with CO poisoning who performed HBOT, 1,006 patients were analyzed by using the data registry. Under the condition at 3.0 ATA, the average CO2 was higher in the hyperbaric chamber than in the gas monitoring system (p&lt;0.001). Also, the average humidity was higher in the hyperbaric chamber than in the gas monitoring system (p=0.004). Under the condition at 2.0 ATA, the average humidity was higher in the hyperbaric chamber than in the gas monitoring system (p&lt;0.001). Also, the average temperature was lower in the hyperbaric chamber than in the gas monitoring system (p&lt;0.001). The mean age of the 1,006 CO poisoning patients who received HBOT was 44.93±19.78 years. According to the source of CO, 680 patients (67.6%) visited ER most commonly due to charcoal. The median maximal CO exposure time and time from rescue to ER were 4.0 hours and 3.09 hours, respectively. The median GCS score at the scene or ER was 15. According to the underlying comorbidities, psychiatric diseases (19.5%) were the most common, followed by hypertension (18.1%) and diabetes mellitus (11.5%). In the emergency room, some patients had appeared symptoms such as loss of consciousness (59.8%), shock (6.7%), or seizure (8.3%). The results of this study could be expected that HBOT can be effectively performed by monitoring the gas concentration change inside the hyperbaric chamber.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major event in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis. Here, we investigated whether growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) plays a protective role in lung fibrosis via suppression of the EMT and fibroblast activation. rGas6 ad-ministration inhibited the EMT in isolated mouse ATII cells 14 days post-BLM treatment based on morphologic cellular alterations, changes in mRNA and protein expression profiles of EMT markers, and induction of EMT-activating transcription factors. BLM-induced increases in gene expression of fibroblast activation-related markers and the invasive capacity of primary lung fi-broblasts in primary lung fibroblasts were reversed by rGas6 administration. Furthermore, the hydroxyproline content and collagen accumulation in interstitial areas with damaged alveolar structures in lung tissue were reduced by rGas6 administration. Targeting Gas6/Axl signaling events with specific inhibitors of Axl (BGB324), COX-2 (NS-398), EP1/EP2 receptor (AH-6809), or PGD2 DP2 receptor (BAY-u3405) reversed the inhibitory effects of rGas6 on EMT and fibroblast activation. Finally, we confirmed the antifibrotic effects of Gas6 using Gas6−/− mice. Therefore, Gas6/Axl signaling events play a potential role in inhibition of EMT process and fibroblast acti-vation via COX-2-derived PGE2 and PGD2 production, ultimately preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Polypyrrole (PPy)-capped caped silver nanowire (Ag NW) nanomaterials (core–shell rod-shaped Ag NW@PPy) were synthesized suing a one–port suspension polymerization technique. The thickness of PPy layer on the 50-nm-thickness/15-μm-length Ag NW was effectively controlled to 10, 40, 50, and 60 nm. Thin films cast from one-dimensional conductive Ag NW@PPy formed a three-dimensional (3-D) conductive porous network structure and provided excellent electrochemical performance. The 3-D Ag NW@PPy network can significantly reduce the internal resistance of the electrode and maintain structural stability. As a result, a high specific capacitance of 625 F/g at a scan rate of 1 mV/s was obtained from the 3-D porous Ag NW@PPy composite film. The cycling performance over a long period exceeding 10,000 cycles was also evaluated. We expect that our core–shell-structured Ag NW@PPy composites and their 3-D porous structure network films can be applied as electrochemical materials for the design and manufacture of supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.

We aimed to determine whether A-mode ultrasound (US) can provide accurate and reliable measurements comparable to those obtained through B-mode US, under diverse conditions. Thirty healthy participants (15 female, 15 male) underwent measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), muscle thickness (MT), and muscle quality (MQ) in the trapezius and biceps brachii muscle with both US modes after and before exercises designed to stimulate the respec-tive muscles. In three key indices, the results demonstrated high validity of A-mode, with min-imal mean differences between the two devices less than 0.91mm and intraclass correlation coef-ficients exceeding 0.95 at all measures. Also, Correlation coefficients between error scores and average scores for the trapezius and biceps brachii muscles suggested no evidence of systematic error. The trapezius MT and MQ significantly increased, and biceps brachii MT significantly in-creased after exercise (p<0.05). Notably, both A-mode and B-mode exhibited the same tendency in these post-exercise changes in muscle. This study suggests that low-cost and low-resolution A-mode US provides measurements of SFT, MT, and MQ similar to more expensive, high-resolution B-mode imaging. A-mode US can serve as an affordable and portable alternative for muscle assessment.

Redox mediators comprising I–, Co3+, and Ti3C2Tx MXene were applied to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). In the as-prepared DSCs (I-DSCs), wherein hole conduction occurred via the redox reaction of I−/I3− ions, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was not altered by the addition of Ti3C2Tx MXene. The I-DSCs were exposed to light to produce Co2+/Co3+-based cells (Co-DSCs), wherein the holes were transferred via the redox reaction of Co2+/Co3+ ions. A PCE of 9.01% was achieved in a Co-DSC with Ti3C2Tx MXene (Ti3C2Tx-Co-DSC), which indicated an improvement from the PCE of a bare Co-DSC without Ti3C2Tx MXene (7.27%). It was also found that the presence of Ti3C2Tx MXene in the redox mediator increased the hole collection, dye regeneration, and electron injection efficiencies of the Ti3C2Tx-Co-DSC, leading to an improvement in both the short-circuit current and the PCE when compared with those of the bare Co-DSC without MXene.

The contribution of extra-tropical synoptic cyclones to the formation of summer-mean atmospheric circulation patterns in the Arctic is investigated by clustering the dominant Arctic circulation patterns by the self-organizing maps (SOMs) using the daily mean sea level pressure (MSLP) in the Arctic domain (≥ 60°N). Three SOM patterns are identified: one with prevalent low pressure anomalies in the Arctic Circle (SOM1) and two opposite dipoles with primary high pressure anomalies covering the Arctic Ocean (SOM2 and SOM3). The time series of summertime occurrence frequencies demonstrate the largest inter-annual variation in the SOM1, the slight decreasing trend in the SOM2, and the abrupt upswing after 2007 in the SOM3. The relevant analyses with produced cyclone track data confirm that the vital contribution. The Arctic cyclone activity is enhanced in the SOM1 because the meridional temperature gradient increases over the land–Arctic Ocean boundaries co-located with major extra-tropical cyclone pathways. The composite daily synoptic evolutions for each SOM reveal that the persistence of all the three SOMs is less than 5 days on average. These evolutionary short-term weather patterns have substantial variability at inter-annual and longer timescales. Therefore, the synoptic-scale activity is central to forming the seasonal-mean climate of the Arctic.

The present study was conducted to investigate the comparative effects of organic and inorganic forms of sulfur, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and sodium sulfate (SS), on laying performance, egg quality, ileal morphology, ileal volatile fatty acids, and antioxidant and stress markers in various biological samples in aged laying hens. A total of 144, 73-week-old Lohman Brown-Lite laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets: basal diet (CONT), CONT + 0.2% MSM (MSM), and CONT + 0.3% SS (SS). The trial lasted for 12 weeks. MSM and SS groups contained 0.07% of sulfur, either organic or inorganic. Dietary MSM did not affect egg production and feed conversion ratio at 12 weeks compared with the CONT group. Dietary sulfur did not affect egg quality except for Haugh unit at 4 weeks which was lowered (P &lt; 0.05) in the SS group. Compared with the CONT group, higher (P &lt; 0.05) villus height and crypt depth ratio was observed in the SS group. None of dietary sulfur affected the percentages of short-chain fatty acids in the ileum. Total antioxidant capacity of liver increased (P &lt; 0.05) in laying hens fed MSM- and SS-added diets compared with the CONT group. The MSM and SS groups lowered (P &lt; 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum samples compared with the CONT. Finally, dietary MSM had the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) MDA concentrations in yolk samples. Taken together, our study showed that dietary organic and inorganic sulfur have positive effects on ileal morphology and antioxidant capacity in laying hens. However, SS-mediated inhibition in laying performance needs to be clarified.

In South Korea, in line with the increasing need for a reliable water supply following the continuous increase in water demand, the Smart Water Grid Research Group (SWGRG) was officially launched in 2012. With the vision of providing water welfare at a national level, SWGRG incorporated information and communications technology in its water resource management, aiming at the development of core technologies for a Smart Water Grid consisting of intelligent microgrids and a demonstration and tests of the developed technologies through a field operation in a living lab. The living lab was built in Block 112 of YeongJong Island, Incheon, South Korea (area of 17.4 km2, population of 8,000), where Incheon International Airport, a hub of Northeast Asia, is located. In this location, water is supplied through a single submarine pipeline, making the place optimal for responses to water crises and the construction of a water supply system during emergencies. From 2017 to 2019, ultrasonic wave type smart water meters and IEEE 802.15.4g advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks were installed at 527 sites of 958 consumer areas in the living lab, and core element technologies (intelligent water source management and distribution system, smart water distribution network planning/control/operation strategy establishment, AMI network and device development, integrated management of bi-directional smart water information), and operation solutions (smart water statistics information, real-time demand-supply analysis, decision support system, real-time hydraulic pipeline network analysis, smart DB management, and water information mobile application) were developed through a field operation and testing.

A programmable DC power supply with Real-time Digital Simulator (RTDS)-based photovoltaic (PV) Power Hardware-In-the-Loop (PHIL) simulators have been used to improve the control algorithm and reliability of PV Inverter. This paper proposes a supervisory control algorithm for PV PHIL simulator with non-RTDS device that is an alternative solution of high cost PHIL simulator. However, when such a simulator with conventional algorithm which is used in RTDS is connected to a PV inverter, the output is in the transient state and it makes it impossible to evaluate the performance of the PV Inverter. Therefore proposed algorithm controls the voltage and current target values according to the constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) modes to overcome the limitation of the Computing Unit, DC power supply and also uses a multi-rate system to account for the characteristics of each component of simulator. A mathematical models of a PV system, programmable DC power supply, isolated DC measurement device and Computing Unit are integrated to form a real-time processing simulator. Performance tests using a PV PHIL simulator which is applied proposed algorithm connected a PV inverter are carried out and proved superiority and utility of this method against conventional methods.

The appropriate maintenance of highway roads is critical for the safe operation of road networks and conserves maintenance costs. Multiple methods have been developed to investigate the surface of roads for various types of cracks and potholes, among other damage. Like road surface damage, the condition of expansion joints in concrete pavement is important to avoid unexpected hazardous situations. Thus, in this study, a new system is proposed for autonomous expansion joint monitoring using a vision-based system. The system consists of the following three key parts: (1) a camera-mounted vehicle, (2) indication marks on the expansion joints, and (3) a deep learning-based automatic evaluation algorithm. With paired marks indicating the expansion joints in a concrete pavement, they can be automatically detected. An inspection vehicle is equipped with an action camera that acquires images of the expansion joints in the road. You Only Look Once (YOLO) automatically detects the expansion joints with indication marks, which has a performance accuracy of 95%. The width of the detected expansion joint is calculated using an image processing algorithm. Based on the calculated width, the expansion joint is classified into the following two types: normal and dangerous. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed system is very efficient in terms of speed and accuracy.

The number of fishers working on commercial fishing vessels worldwide is approximately 159,800 according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The International Labour Organization estimates that the mean annual number of deaths during fishing is approximately 24,000. Most guidelines for the prevention of marine accidents have been developed with a focus on vessels involved in international navigation. As these guidelines may have parts that are unsuitable for application in small-scale boats operating in coastal areas, appropriate modifications are required. This study analyzed quantitative data on 1,790 marine accidents that occurred in trap fishery, a globally common type of fishery, and data obtained through a survey of 101 fishers in South Korea. A guideline to reduce the rate of fatal accidents was developed using the Bayesian network, a method used for the analysis of accidents, as suggested in the formal safety assessment protocol. The results of data analysis and the developed guidelines are expected to be beneficial to all fishers involved in trap fishery across many countries worldwide.

A nanocomposite rod-shaped structure with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) embedded in polypyrrole (PPy) doped with nonafluorobutanesulfonic acid (C4F), SWCNT/C4F-PPy, was synthesized using emulsion polymerization. The hybrid ink was then directly coated on a polyimide film interdigitated with the Cu/Ni/Au electrodes via a screen-printing technique to create a flexible film sensor. The sensor film showed a response of 1.72% at 25 °C/atmospheric pressure when acetone gas of 5 ppm was injected, which corresponds to almost 95% compared to the Si wafer-based array interdigitated with the Au electrode. Additionally, C4F was used as a hydrophobic dopant of PPy to improve the stability of humidity and to produce a highly sensitive film-type gas sensor that provides stable detection even in humid conditions.

The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has been increasing considerably annually since being first reported in 2008. Gyeonggi Province has the largest number of healthcare facilities in South Korea, which contribute to its regional vulnerability to CRE infections. Thus, there is a need to obtain up to date information on the occurrence of CRE infections in the Gyeonggi Province to take corrective measures. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the overall trends of CRE occurrence in Gyeonggi Province over the past 4 years and the epidemiological characteristics of CRE-related mortality. Patients admitted to a healthcare facility in Gyeonggi Province from January 2018 to December 2021 with positive blood cultures to CRE were included in the study and investigated. Additionally, the risk factors for CRE-related death were determined using data from CRE-positive patients who died within 30 days of last blood sampling. Older adults aged 70 and over accounted for the highest percentage of both survivors and non-survivors with CRE bacteremia. The number of non-survivors was higher in tertiary hospitals and among patients in intensive care unit. There were no significant differences in the mortality risk according to the use of antibiotics. Moreover, non-survivors were predominant among patients with hypertension, malignant tumor, and those having two or more underlying diseases. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common CRE strain in both survivors and non-survivors. Among the survivors, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was detected in 151 cases (71.2%) and 49 cases (23.1%) in the KPC and NDM groups, respectively. Among the non-survivors, it was detected in 25 cases (86.2%) and 5 cases (17.2%) in the KPC and NDM groups, respectively. The endemicity of CRE in South Korea has been proposed for several years; our results have suggested endemicity of CRE in the Gyeonggi Province. Despite the strengthened infection control policies in healthcare facilities during the pandemic, there has been an increasing trend in the isolation of CRE strains in South Korean long-term care hospitals and hospitals within Gyeonggi Province. Factors such as history of hospitalization and underlying diseases have been identified as risk factors for CRE-related deaths. However, to address this issue strictly, it is important to establish infection control infrastructure tailored based on each type of healthcare facility, and elaborate specific government support measures, accordingly.

Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb1 and Rheb2), a small GTPase, regulates neuronal activity and has drawn attention for its implications in cancer development, especially breast cancer. This study explores the multifaceted role of Rheb1 in cancer, elucidating its involvement in crucial cel-lular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis resistance, migration, invasion, metastasis, and inflammatory responses. Despite these acknowledged connections, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between Rheb1 and cancer remains elusive. This review consolidates cur-rent knowledge on the impact of Rheb1 on cancer hallmarks and examines the potential of Rheb1 as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment. The review underscores the need for a more profound comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying Rheb1-mediated oncogenic processes. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the exploration of Rheb1 inhibitors as a promising avenue for cancer therapy. This study, by bringing to light the complex associations between Rheb1/Rheb2 and cancer, delivers valuable insights to the scientific community. These insights are instrumental in guiding the identification of novel targets and advancing the development of effective therapeu-tic strategies for treating cancer.

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) genes are essential negative regulators that modulate cytokine signaling and play key roles in numerous biological processes, including immune responses. In this study, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of two SOCS genes, designated as LvSOCS6 and LvSOCS7, from the white-leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. LvSOCS6 encoded a polypeptide of 463 amino acids (aa), spanning 1,392 base pairs (bp), while LvSOCS7 encodes a significantly larger polypeptide of 955 aa, encompassing 2,868 bp. Both LvSOCS proteins exhibited conserved domains associated with SOCS, including a centralized Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and a C-terminal SOCS box. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the deduced aa sequences of LvSOCS6 and LvSOCS7 cluster within the invertebrate type I SOCS family, indicating their evolutionary relatedness. Tissue distribution analysis demonstrated ubiquitous expression of both LvSOCS genes across all examined tissues, with LvSOCS6 showing heightened expression in the gills and LvSOCS7 exhibiting a remarkable preference for the gills and stomach. Notably, mRNA expression patterns of LvSOCS genes following LPS and poly (I:C) stimulations exhibit significant upregulations, while PGN stimulation yields incongruous results across the experimented tissues. Interestingly, concurrent with the diminished expression of LvSOCS6 and LvSOCS7, there is a significant elevation in mRNA expression levels of LvSTAT, a vital component of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. These findings shed light on the potential involvement of the newly discovered type I SOCS genes in regulating the JAK/STAT pathway and assuming pivotal roles in orchestrating the innate immune responses in L. vannamei defense mechanisms.

The cyclic lipopeptide produced from Bacillus pumilus strain HY1 was isolated from Korean soybean sauce. The chemical structures of the surfactin isomers were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The five potential surfactin isoforms were detected with protonated masses of m/z 994.7, 1,008.7, 1022.7, 1036.7, and 1,050.7 and different structures in combination with Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions. ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that the isolated surfactin possessed the precise amino acid sequence LLVDLL and hydroxyl fatty acids with 12 to 16 carbons. The surfactin content during cheonggukjang fermentation increased from 0.3 to 51.2 mg/kg over 60 h of fermentation. The surfactin extraction of cheonggukjang inhibited the growth of two cancer cell lines. The growth of both MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells was strongly inhibited with 100 μg/μL surfactin. These results suggest that surfactins produced from strain HY1 have anticancer properties.

Arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) is used for persistent shoulder stiffness after an index surgery. No cases of post-ACR humeral head osteonecrosis have been reported to date. A 56-year-old male patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a hook plate for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Despite hardware removal, the patient presented with unresolved shoulder pain and range-of-motion (ROM) limitation. He had a history of hypertension, chronic hepatitis B infection, and alcohol consumption. Preoperative ROM was forward flexion 90°and internal rotation sacral level. Preoperative functional status was visual analog scale (VAS) score 4, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score 51, and Constant–Murley (CMS) score 48, and normal radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Standard ACR was performed with 360° release of the joint capsule via electrocautery ablation. Six-months post-ACR, ROM (forward flexion: 135°, abduction: 135°, external rotation: 70°, internal rotation: T10 vertebra) and functional outcomes (VAS 2; ASES79; CMS 75) were significantly improved, without interval change in radiographic assessment. However, 21 months later, he had recurrent shoulder pain and decreased ROM. Radiography revealed humeral head osteonecrosis. Patients with intrinsic or extrinsic risk factors related to humeral head circulation disturbance should be monitored for humeral head osteonecrosis post-ACR.

This study investigated the effects of silibinin, derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced morphological changes in mouse macrophages. Silibinin was treated at various doses and time points to assess its effects on macrophage activation including morphological changes and phagocytosis. Silibinin effectively inhibited LPS-induced pseudopodia formation and size increase, while unstimulated cells remained round. Silibinin's impact on phagocytosis was dose- and time-dependent, showing a decrease. We explored its mechanism of action on kinases using a MAPK array. Among the three MAPK family members tested, silibinin had a limited effect on JNK and p38 but significantly inhibited ERK1/2 and related RSK1/2. Silibinin also inhibited MKK6, AKT3, MSK2, p70S6K, and GSK-3β. These findings highlight silibinin's potent inhibitory effects on phagocytosis and morphological changes in macrophages. We suggest its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its ability to target key inflammatory pathways involving ERK1/2 and related kinases. Overall, this study demonstrates the promising therapeutic properties of silibinin in modulating macrophage function and inflammation.

The objective of this work is to identify the mechanism of dropwise condensation on a smooth solid surface. We investigate the stable dropwise condensation that occurs at a droplet growth rate of 1 µm/s in diameter on a gold-coated glass surface. Additionally, we present our observations on unstable dropwise condensation, i.e., degradation of dropwise condensation of steam on a gold surface. The Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRi) approach used in this study has lateral resolutions of 4-10 µm, thickness resolutions of 0.1-1 nm, and temporal resolutions of 200-10,000 frames per second (FPS). SPRi is used to evaluate the existence and structure of thin films and occurrence of initial nuclei during condensation. Visualization of the onset of stable dropwise condensation suggests droplets form at heterogeneous nucleation sites and that no film greater than a monolayer exists on the surface before the formation of droplets. Observation of the unstable dropwise condensation of steam shows the existence of water films that are several nanometers thick between droplets. This work shows that neither the nucleation theory or film rupture theory can individually explain the physics of dropwise condensation. Therefore, there is a need for a more comprehensive theory that can explain the mechanism of dropwise condensation.

Recent technological improvements have made abundant changes in construction industry. In specific, some technical applications, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) opens up many possibilities. Some studies have articulated the use of BIM and its advantages in construction, but most of them are theoretical, not practical. This study is to provide an insight to such obstacles in BIM research. By investigating a real project that could utilize BIM in planning and construction phases, the authors try to investigate a possible outline of advantages in BIM implementation. The study area was set to a railway construction site in South Korea. The site covers a multiple railway tracks, stations, telecommunication facilities, infrastructure facilities, railway structures, and so numerous. In the site, the authors have identified 12 errors in 7 projects that could be prevented if BIM was utilized before the construction. The total upfront costs required to provide a BIM for 7 projects were $116,348. On the other hand, the total costs required to fix the errors in 7 projects were $166,486. This can be regarded as the benefits of using BIM because if BIM was implemented then the associated errors are easily replaced. Therefore, the benefit-cost ratio can be estimated as 1.32 for one-month delay and 1.36 for a three-month delay.

The objective of this study is to design and synthesize substituted η6-chromium tricarbonyl metal complexes carrying o-carborane units as potential boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agents. In this study, 1,2-Diphenyl-o-carborane units were used as starting materials to generate biologically active species. We investigated how the structural changes of 1,2-diphenyl-o-carborane substituted with chromium(0) tricarbonyl affect the biological properties; [(CO)3Cr]Ph2C2 (2) and [(CO)3Cr]2Ph2C2 (3) species were produced in moderate yields. The molecular structures of compounds 1–3 were identified and established by infrared (IR), 1H, 11B, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray crystallography analyses. Crystal structures of o-carboranyl chromium complexes 1 [a = 10.859(1) Å, b = 24.953(3) Å, c = 13.938(2) Å, β = 111.854(2)º], 2 [a = 10.621(3) Å, b = 17.056(5) Å, c = 12.174(4) Å, β = 106.622(5)º], and 3 [a = 17.540(2) Å, b = 18.060(2) Å, c = 19.484(4) Å, α = 105.746(2)º, β = 110.226(2)º, γ = 91.256(2)º] were obtained. In vitro study using B16 and CT26 cancer cells containing the triphenyl-o-carboranyl chromium (0) complexes Ph3C2BCr2 and Ph3C2BCr3, which we have previously reported, the compounds 2 and 3 accumulated at higher levels than compounds Ph3C2BCr2 and Ph3C2BCr3. However, the phenylated o-carboranyl chromium(0) complexes have been found to be more cytotoxic than p-boronophenylalanine (BPA).

Though melatonin is known to improve ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory conditions via blockade of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, interleukin (IL)-6, there is no report on anti-wrinkle effect of melatonin to date. Hence in the present study, anti-wrinkle mechanism of melatonin was elucidated in UVB treated HaCaT keratinocytes and hairless mice. Herein melatonin protected against a radical initiator tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, matrix metalloprotease 1 (MMP-1) and cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes. Also, melatonin suppressed the expression of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and GLI for hedgehog signaling, p-NF-kB, cyclooxygenase (COX-2), p-ERK for inflammatory responses in UVB treated HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, melatonin protected skin from wrinkle formation, transdermal water loss in hairless mice irradiated by UVB for 8 weeks. Notably, melatonin prevented against epidermal thickness and dermal collagen degradation in UVB irradiated hairless mice by Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Taken together, these findings suggest that melatonin reduces wrinkle formation via inhibition of ROS/SHH and inflammatory proteins such as NF-kB/COX-2/ERK/MMP1.

Aim: To improve risk stratification in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC), we performed mo-lecular classification, and L1CAM immunohistochemistry (IHC) for additional risk assessment. Method: We analyzed archival tumor tissue from 247 early-stage EC patients. POLE mutations were detected using a Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay and Sanger sequencing, while the mismatch repair (MMR) status was determined by MMR protein IHC and MSI test. Additionally, we conducted IHC of p53 and L1CAM. Results: The 247 ECs were categorized into four subgroups: POLE-mutated (13.0%), MMR-deficient (27.9%), p53-abnormal (8.5%), and non-specific molecular profile (NSMP, 50.6%). We further subcategorized NSMP subgroup into NSMP-L1CAMneg (44.9%) and NSMP-L1CAMpos (5.7%), which we refer to as the molecu-lar-L1CAM classification. The molecular-L1CAM classification was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (p <0.001, each). Similarly, the simplified L1CAM-p53 categorization, for practical use, remained an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS (p <0.001, p =0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Integrating the molecu-lar-L1CAM classification or the simplified L1CAM/p53 categorization can enhance risk stratifi-cation in early-stage EC, providing valuable prognostic information to guide treatment deci-sions and improve patient outcomes.

It is crucial to forecast the water demand accurately for supplying water efficiently and stably in a water supply system. In particular, accurately forecasting short-term water demand helps in saving energy and reducing operating costs. With the introduction of the Smart Water Grid (SWG) in a water supply system, the amount of water consumption is obtained in real time through an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) sensor, which can be used for forecasting the short-term water demand. The models widely used for water demand forecasting include the autoregressive integrated moving average, radial basis function-artificial neural network, quantitative multi-model predictor plus, and long short-term memory. However, there is a lack of research on assessing the performance of models and forecasting the short-term water demand by applying the data on the amount of water consumption by purpose and the pipe diameter of an end-use level of the SWG demonstration plant in each demand forecasting model. Therefore, in this study, the short-term water demand was forecasted for each model using the data collected from the AMI, and the performance of each model was assessed. The Smart Water Grid Research Group installed ultrasonic-wave-type AMI sensors in the block 112 located in YeongJong Island, Incheon, and the actual data used for operating the SWG demonstration plant were adopted. The performance of the model was assessed by using the residual, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) as indices. The water demand forecast was slightly underestimated in models that employed the assessment results based on the RMSE and NRMSE. Furthermore, the forecasting accuracy was low for the NSE due to a large number of negative values; the correlation between the observed and forecasted values of the PCC was not high, and it was difficult to forecast the peak amount of water consumption. Therefore, as the short-term water demand forecasting models using only time and the amount of water consumption have limitations in reflecting the characteristics of consumers, a water supply system can be managed more precisely if other factors (weather, customer behavior, etc.) influencing the water demand are applied.

Achievement of solid fusion of the lumbosacral junction (L5-S1 level) is an important factor in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of injectable rhBMP-2 (a combination of Eschericia coli-derived rhBMP-2 and hydrogel type β-TCP carrier; NOVOSIS Inject) as a bone substitute for the fusion of lumbosacral junction. 20 patients (average age 69.1 years) diagnosed with ASD with sagittal imbalance who underwent surgical treatment including anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in the L5-S1 level were evaluated. Injectable rhBMP-2 was applied in L5-S1 ALIF and followed-up for 1-year. Solid fusion rates and changes of clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Visual Analog Scale [VAS] of back and leg) were measured and analyzed at 6 and 12 months after surgery. All postoperative adverse events were evaluated about the association with injectable rhBMP-2. Fusion rates were 68.4% and 100% at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Compared to baseline, ODI were improved to 45.8% and 63.7%, VAS(back) were improved to 69.2% and 72.8%, and VAS(leg) were improved to 49.2% and 64.8% at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p&lt;0.001, respectively). There were no adverse events associated with injectable rhBMP-2. Thus, injectable rhBMP-2 may be a suitable choice of a bone graft substitute when achieving solid interbody fusion in the lumbosacral junction.

The levels of informatization, automation, and intelligence are continuously improving; however, the risks due to the increased design and operational complexity of ship systems are increasing. Large-scale ship accidents occur for various reasons. Existing accident analysis methods that examine marine accidents from the perspective of causal one-to-one correspondence have limitations in systematically analyzing complex marine risks when identifying their causes for the prevention of similar accidents. This study focuses on a systematic causality analysis of the factors related to human errors in marine accidents that may occur during the arrival and departure of mega container ships. In particular, a representative case of the Milano Bridge crane contact accident at Busan New Port is considered. To explore the complex organizational–technical, human–technical, and organizational–human relationships relevant to this case, human factors (seafarer, pilot, etc) that are closely related to the linked causes were analyzed using the functional resonance analysis method. This study aims to reduce human error and prevent marine accidents including pilotage.

As human activities of the countries in the East Asia have been remarkably expanding over recent decades, various problems in relation to ships, such as oil spill and many other coastal marine pollution, are continuously occurring in the coastal region. In order to conserve marine resources and prepare for possible ship accidents in advance, the need for efficient ship management is increasing over time. Multi-satellite, multi-sensor, multi-wavelength or multi-frequency observations make it possible to monitor a variety of vessels in the coastal region. This study presents the results of ship detection methodology applied to multi-spectral satellite images in the seas around Korean Peninsula based on optical, hyperspectral, and microwave remote sensing. To detect ships from hyperspectral images with a few hundreds of spectral channels, spectral matching algorithms are used to investigate similarity between the spectra and in-situ measurements. In the case of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images, the Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) algorithm is used to discriminate the vessels from backscattering coefficients of Sentinel-1 SAR and ALOS-2 PALSAR2 images. The present ship detection methods can be extensively utilized for optical, hyperspectral, and SAR images for comprehensive coastal management purposes toward perpetual sustainability in the future.

In reinforced concrete (RC) structures, splicing is required owing to the length limitations of rebars, insufficient lengths, and transportation issues. In particular, splices connect the rebar of RC structures such as walls, columns, beams, slabs, and joints. Lap splices are the most commonly used method worldwide because they do not require specific equipment or skilled workers. However, lap splices incur high construction costs because of the long splice lengths required for large-diameter rebars in megastructures, as well as issues pertaining to material supply, labor costs, constructability, and project duration. Additionally, approximately 15% more rebar is required because of the overlap. Energy saving for a sustainable built environment is possible if the disadvantage of lap splices, which generate high CO2 emissions due to the excessive use of rebar, are resolved. Hence, mechanical rebar couplers (MRCs) have been developed. However, despite their advantages, they have not been widely applied in construction sites owing to concerns regarding safety, quality, and constructability. Although various MRCs have been developed, most studies focus only on their structural performance. Therefore, a data-driven approach for selecting MRCs based on the reinforcing bar shape and structural characteristics is proposed in this study. Using a data-driven MRC selection algorithm, using the T-threaded coupler for one rebar over two floors resulted in 56% more efficient labor productivity, 15% shorter assembly time, 17% lower costs, and 26% lower CO2 emission. Using a developed algorithm, the appropriate MRC can easily and rapidly be selected for frequent design changes.

Recently many researches of EOS (Electric Arc Furnace Oxidizing Slag) on application to construction industry have been carried out with increasing its production and limited reclamation site. EOS can be used as a fine aggregate for construction material, however, its engineering properties vary with the manufacturing process and producing district, causing a quality differences in material performance. In the work, EOS is obtained from steel manufacturing plants in South Korea and the engineering properties are evaluated for EOS and the cement mortar with EOS, respectively. From the tests, EOS is mainly made up of CaO, SiO₂, and FeO with 18.2% of larnite which has a crystal structure of β-C₂S with similar cement mineral. EOS mortar shows an increasing compressive strength with more EOS content, which is affected by a considerable amount of larnite (β-C2S) in EOS. The EOS based mortar with ERS (Electric Arc Furnace Reduction Slag) shows unsatisfactory results over the criteria for rate of change, which implies that more consideration must be taken for the usage of the mixed ERS and EOS for cement mortar due to swelling effect of ERS on dimensional stability.

We report the development of an extrinsic self-healing coating system that shows no fluorescence from the intact coating, yellowish fluorescence in cracked regions, and greenish fluorescence in healed regions, thus allowing the separate monitoring of cracking and healing of coatings. This fluorescence monitoring self-healing system consisted of a top coating, an epoxy matrix resin containing mixed dye-loaded in single microcapsule. The dye-loaded microcapsules consisted of a poly(urea-formaldehyde) shell encapsulating a healing agent containing MAT-PDMS and styrene, a photo-initiator and a mixture of two dyes, one that fluoresces only in the solid state (DCM) and a second that fluoresces dramatically increased in the solid than solution state (4-TPAE). A mixture of the healing agent, photo-initiator and the two dyes was yellow due to fluorescence from DCM. On UV curing of this mixture, however, the color changed from yellow to green and the fluorescence intensity increased due to fluorescence from 4-TPAE in the solid state. When a self-healing coating embedded with microcapsules containing the DCM/4-TPAE dye mixture was scratched, the damaged region exhibited a yellowish color that changed to green after healing. Thus, the self-healing system reported here allows the separate monitoring of cracking and healing based on changes in fluorescence color.

The quiet-time solar wind electrons feature non-thermal characteristics when viewed from the perspective of their velocity distribution functions. They typically have an appearance of being composed of a denser thermal “core” population plus a tenuous energetic “halo” population. At first, such a feature was empirically fitted with the Kappa velocity space distribution function, but ever since the ground-breaking work by Tsallis, the space physics community has embraced the potential implication of the Kappa distribution as reflecting the non-extensive nature of the space plasma. From the viewpoint of microscopic plasma theory, the formation of non-thermal electron velocity distribution function can be interpreted in terms of the plasma being in a state of turbulent quasi equilibrium. Such a finding brings forth the possible existence of a profound inter-relationship between the non-extensive statistical state and the turbulent quasi-equilibrium state. The present paper further develops the idea of solar wind electrons being in the turbulent equilibrium, but unlike the previous model, which involves the electrostatic turbulence near the plasma oscillation frequency (i.e., Langmuir turbulence), the present paper considers the impact of transverse electromagnetic turbulence, particularly, the turbulence in the whistler-mode frequency range. It is found that the coupling of spontaneously-emitted thermal fluctuations and the background turbulence leads to the formation of non-thermal electron velocity distribution function of the type observed in the solar wind during quiet times. This demonstrates that the whistler-range turbulence represents an alternative mechanism for producing the Kappa-like non-thermal distribution, especially close to the Sun and in the near-Earth space environment.

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) combined with adjuvant therapies in preserving vocal function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 47 ALS patients who underwent PDT at the Rodem Hospital from 2021 to 2023. Post-operatively, these patients were provided with a comprehensive treatment plan that included regenerative injection therapy, low-frequency electrical stimulation, respiratory rehabilitation, and swallowing rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, a balloon reduction program was implemented for effective Tracheostomy tube (T-tube) management. The preservation of vocal functions was evaluated 4 weeks following the procedure. Results: While some patients maintained or slightly improved their ALSFRS-R speech scores, the overall trend indicated a de-crease in speech scores post-PDT. This suggests that PDT combined with adjuvant therapies may not universally improve vocal function, but can help maintain it in certain cases. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PDT combined with mesotherapy, low-frequency electrical stimulation, and swallowing rehabilitation therapy may play a role in maintaining vocal function in limb type ALS patients, though further research is needed to optimize patient management and validate these results.

This study investigated the relationship of acrosome reactions and fatty acid composition on fertility in boar sperm. The acrosome reaction of sperm was induced via methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD), and acrosome reaction, plasma membrane integrity, and fertility were analyzed. The fatty acid composition of the excess acrosome reacted sperm was determined via gas chromatography. The results showed that the acrosome reaction in sperm was induced over 85% of the time by 60 mM MBCD treatment, and the plasma membrane integrity was significantly decreased and was dependent on the MBCD level. The acrosome reacted sperm resulted in significantly higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lower unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than the non-acrosome reaction group. Moreover, the acrosome reacted sperm from 60 mM MBCD significantly decreased in vitro fertility and blastocyst formation relative to non-acrosome reacted sperm, and the acrosome reaction was positively correlated with SFAs and negatively correlated with PUFAs. Of these fatty acids, C22:5n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]) and C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) were directly negatively correlated with the acrosome reaction (r = -0.982 and -0.947, respectively). In conclusion, the excessive acrosome reactions may occur by reducing the PUFAs, which may then dramatically decrease sperm fertility in pigs.

Although the number of unwed mothers have mental health problems and intellectual disability, little research have focused on their mental and cognitive status. Since there has been public stigma of unwed mother in South Korea, they tend to conceal their status and less likely to seek psychiatric and psychological help. In this context, this study aims to assess current status of their mental health and intellectual characteristics. A total 48 unwed mothers from two shelter homes in South Korea were agreed to participate in the study. To compare mental health and intellectual abilities of unwed mothers with the general women population, reference data from national studies was used. Unwed mothers were more likely to have mood disorder, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), alcohol and nicotine use disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than the general women population. Among 48 participants, 20 (41.7%) were lower than 70 Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and the mean of IQ (78.31) was significantly lower than normalized IQ mean of general women population. In logistic regression analysis, psychiatric disorders were associated intellectual disability. This study confirmed that unwed mothers dwelling in Korean shelter homes have more experience of mental disorders and lower intellectual ability than general women population.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of jet-milling on lutein extraction contents of spinach powder (SP) and pulsed electric fields as a non-thermal pasteurization technology on spinach juice (SJ) to preserve lutein contents. SP particles were divided into SP-coarse (Dv50 = 315.2 μm), SP-fine (Dv50 = 125.20 μm), and SP-superfine (Dv50 = 5.59 μm) fractions and SP-superfine was added to SJ due to the highest contents of lutein extract. The PEF and thermal treatment were applied to evaluate the effects of preserving the lutein content of PEF during storage (25 days). The juice after being designated to untreated (no pasteurization), PEF1,2 (SJ treated with PEF 20 kV/cm 110 kJ/L, 150 kJ/L), Thermal1,2 (SJ treated with 90 ℃, 10 min and 121 ℃, 15 min). The sizes and surface shapes of superfine SP particles were more homogeneous and smoother than the other samples. SJ made with SP-superfine and treated by PEF had the highest lutein content and antioxidant activities among the group. Complex of jet-milling and PEF pasteurization could be great potential technologies to improve the lutein contents of lutein-enriched juice in the food industry.

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) testing is very important when microvascular decompression (MVD) is performed with hemifacial spasm (HFS). The reason for this is that the vestibulocochlear nerve is located right next to the facial nerve, so the vestibulocochlear nerve may be affected by manipulation by surgery. The BAEPs test method for detecting vestibulocochlear nerve damage during surgery has been developed a lot and is helping a lot during surgery. In most HFS patients with normal vestibulocochlear nerve, the degree of vestibulocochlear nerve damage caused by surgery is reflected very well in the BAEPs test waveforms. Therefore, a real time test is the best way to minimize the damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve. The purpose of this study was to review the most recently published BAEPs test used in MVD surgery and to find out in detail the relationship between the vestibulocochlear nerve damage and the BAEPs waveforms.

Aquaculture assumes a pivotal role in meeting the escalating global food demand, and shrimp farming, in particular, holds indispensable significance for the global economy and food security, providing a rich source of nutrients for human consumption. Nonetheless, the industry faces formidable challenges, primarily attributed to disease outbreaks, and the diminishing efficacy of conventional disease management approaches, such as antibiotic usage. Consequently, there is an urgent imperative to explore alternative strategies to ensure the sustainability of the industry. In this context, the burgeoning field of epigenetics emerges as a promising avenue for combating infectious diseases in shrimp aquaculture. Epigenetic modulations entail chemical alterations in DNA and proteins, orchestrating gene expression patterns without modifying the underlying DNA sequence by utilizing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA molecules. Exploiting epigenetic mechanisms presents an opportunity to enhance immune gene expression and bolster disease resistance in shrimp, thus revolutionizing disease management strategies and optimizing shrimp health and productivity. Additionally, the concept of epigenetic inheritability in marine animals holds immense potential for the future of the shrimp farming industry. To this end, this comprehensive review thoroughly explores the dynamics of epigenetic modulations in shrimp aquaculture, with a particular emphasis on its pivotal role in disease management. It accentuates the significance of harnessing advantageous epigenetic changes to ensure the long-term viability of shrimp farming while deliberating on the potential consequences of these interventions. Overall, this appraisal highlights the promising trajectory of epigenetic applications, propelling the field toward strengthening sustainability in shrimp aquaculture.

Research on climacteric syndrome among middle-aged men remains scant than the research among women. Research is also scant on climacteric syndrome among older adults living alone, particularly men, who are more vulnerable than such females. This cross-sectional study investigated whether the prevalence of climacteric syndrome is associated with the type of household middle-aged men live in and identified the determinants of climacteric syndrome based on the household type. Six hundred middle-aged men living in multi-person households and 600 living alone were surveyed about general characteristics, diet-related factors, and climacteric syndrome. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression. The risk of climacteric syndrome in single-person households was found to be 1.6 times higher than that among in multi-person households (p = 0.006). In multi-person households, income and breakfast frequency predicted climacteric syndrome (p < 0.05), while age, breakfast frequency, dinner frequency, and weekly eating out frequency predicted climacteric syndrome in single-person households (p < 0.05). Thus, dietary factors are more closely linked to the prevalence of climacteric syndrome in single-person households than in multi-person households. This highlights the need for climacteric syndrome interventions for middle-aged men whose health concerns may persist into older adulthood.

Background Telomere shortening is related to aging and unfavourable health outcomes. Obesity and metabolic diseases are important factors for accelerating aging. This study aimed to find out the association between obesity, metabolic disease, and telomere length in metabolically healthy adults. Methods 237 adults were enrolled with written consents at a health promotion centre of a tertiary hospital from February 2014 to March 2015. After excluding 99 subjects who met the exclusion criterion, a total of 130 metabolically healthy subjects were selected for final analysis. The subjects were divided into quartile groups according to the telomere lengths of their oral mucosal cells. Results The subjects consisted of 66 (50.8%) males with a mean age of 58.59 years. The body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) increased significantly along with the quartile groups (Q1, 23.00; Q2, 23.96; Q3, 23.70; Q4, 25.20; P-for trend=0.008). Waist circumference (WC, P-for trend=0.022), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR, P-for trend=0.005), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, P=0.001) also increased along with the quartile groups. Obesity prevalence (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), abdominal obesity (WC ≥90 cm for men, ≥85 cm for women), WHR 〉1.0 for men or 〉0.85 for women, and WHtR ≥0.5 increased significantly as the telomere length increased (P-for trend <0.05). After adjusting for covariates, the ORs for each obesity markers increased as the telomere length increased (P-for trend <0.05); and the ORs of WHtR were especially meaningful (Q1, 1.00; Q2, 2.53; Q3, 2.97; Q4, 7.81; P-for trend = 0.001). There were no significant trends for metabolic syndrome and its components along with the prevalence of fatty liver disease. Conclusion Obesity markers and telomere length had significant positive correlation despite the established theory. The obesity paradox may exist in metabolically healthy adults with regard to telomere length, However, further studies with larger sample sizes for the association between obesity and telomere length are needed.

Obesity and overweight are associated with many metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, which are closely related to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise. Aerobic exercise effectively increases the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and decreases the triglyceride (TG) levels. The consumption of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®) is also effective in enhancing the HDL-C quantity and HDL functionality to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension. On the other hand, no study has examined the effects of a combination of high-intensity exercise and policosanol consumption in obese subjects to improve metabolic disorders. In the current study, 17 obese subjects (average BMI 30.0±1.1 kg/m2, eight male and nine female) were recruited to participate in a program combining exercise and policosanol (20 mg) consumption for 12 weeks. After completion, their BMI, waist circumference, total fat mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased by approximately 15% (p=0.022), 12.7% (p=0.008), 33% (p=0.006), 11% (p<0.046), and 13% (p=0.007), respectively. In the serum lipid profile, at week 12, they showed a remarkable decrease in the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, up to 17% (p<0.019) and 54% (p<0.002) from the baseline, respectively. Although the serum HDL-C was increased by approximately +12% from the baseline, the percentage of HDL-C in TC, HDL-C/TC (%), was increased by up to +32% (p=0.007) at week 12. The serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) level was increased 1.2-fold in all participants at week 12 from the baseline. In particular, the male participants showed a 1.4-fold increase (p=0.027) from the baseline. The larger increase in serum CoQ10 was correlated with the larger increase in the serum HDL-C during 12 weeks. The hepatic function parameters were improved; the serum -glutamyl transferase decreased at week 12 by up to 55% (p<0.007), while the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels decreased within the normal range. In the lipoprotein level, the extent of oxidation and glycation were reduced significantly in VLDL and LDL, with a remarkable decrease in the TG content in particles. The antioxidant abilities of HDL2 and HDL3, such as paraoxonase (PON) and ferric ion reduction ability (FRA), were enhanced significantly by up to 1.8-fold (p<0.001) and 1.6-fold (p<0.001) at week 12. The particle size and number of HDL2 were increased up to +10% during the 12 weeks with a remarkable decrease in the TG content, glycation extent, oxidation up to 32% (p=0.032), 18% (p=0.043), and 11% (p=0.023), respectively. The particle number and diameter of HDL3 were increased by up to +9% with a remarkable increase in the PON activity, FRA activity, and TC content of +82% (p<0.001), +56% (p<0.001), and +32% (p=0.009), respectively. Expression of apolipoproteinA-I in HDL2 and HDL3 were significantly elevated more in both gender around 30~48% with more distinct band intensity and less glycation at week 12. These improvements in HDL quality and functionality were linked to the higher survivability of adult zebrafish and their embryos. Under the co-presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML), a microinjection of HDL2 to zebrafish embryo from week 0 resulted in approximately 47% survivability with developmental defects and attenuated speed. On the other hand, the HDL2 microinjection from week 12 resulted in remarkably higher survivability (~ 70%). In conclusion, 12 weeks of Cuban policosanol (Raydel®, 20 mg) consumption with high-intensity exercise showed significant improvement in blood pressure, body fat mass, blood lipid profile without liver damage, CoQ10 metabolism, and renal impairment. At week 12, all participants showed a remarkable decrease in oxidation and glycation extent in the VLDL and LDL with a decrease in the TC and TG content. Significant enhancement of the qualities and functionalities in HDL2 and HDL3 by the policosanol consumption were also detected: increase in apoA-I content, TC content, particle size, and particle numbers along with antioxidant abilities, such as PON and FRA.

Using morphological characteristics and SSR markers, we evaluated the morphological and genetic variation of 200 Perilla accessions collected from the five regions of South Korea and other region. In morphological characteristics analysis, particularly, leaf color, stem color, degree of pubescence, leaf size were found to be useful for distinguishing the characteristics of native Perilla accessions cultivated in South Korea. A total of 137 alleles were identified in the 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 13, and the average number of alleles per locus was 6.85. The average gene diversity (GD) was 0.649, with a range of 0.290-0.828. From analysis of SSR markers, accessions from the Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do regions showed comparatively high genetic diversity values compared with those from other regions in South Korea. In the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis, the 200 Perilla accessions were found to cluster into three major groups and an outgroup with a genetic similarity of 42%, and did not showed a clear geographic structure from the five regions of South Korea. Therefore, it is believed that landrace Perilla seeds are frequently exchanged by farmers through various routes between the five regions of South Korea. The results of this study are expected to provide useful information for conservation of these genetic resources and selection of useful resources for the development of varieties for seeds and leafy vegetables of cultivated var. frutescens of Perilla crop in South Korea.

This study aimed to conduct importance-performance analyses (IPAs) based on the perception of Korean middle-school students toward health management awareness during the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. Data were collected from 867 Korean middle-school students via online and offline surveys between May and June 2023. A frequency analysis, a reliability analysis, an IPA based on the entire target students, and an IPA depending on sex were carried out with the collected data, and they revealed the following. First, the IPA results regardless of sex indicated that four factors of the mental health were located in the third quadrant with one factor of the same variable in the fourth quadrant. The three factors of the disease management were located in the third quadrant. As for physical activity, two factors were located in the first quadrant, one in the second quadrant, and one in the third quadrant. As for sleep management, two factors were located in the second quadrant, one in the third quadrant, and one in the first quadrant. As for the eating management, two factors were located in the third quadrant, and one in the fourth quadrant. As for the social distancing variable, all four factors were located in the third quadrant. As for the hygiene management, two factors were located in the first quadrant, one in the third quadrant, and one in the fourth quadrant. Furthermore, the IPA results indicated gender differences in regular sports and vigorous movement activities associated with the physical activity. Additionally, a gender difference was observed in regular diet associated with the eating management. This study proposed possible measures for encouraging adolescents to recognize the importance of health and increase their health-related performance during the COVID-19 endemic phase.

Small submersible drainage pumps discharge leaking water and rainwater in buildings. In an emergency (e.g., heavy rain or accident), monitoring the flow rate in advance is necessary to enable optimal operation, considering the point where the pump operates abnormally when the water level increases rapidly. In another, pump performance optimization is crucial for energy saving policy. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the challenges of submersible pump systems, including sustainability and pump efficiency. The final goal of this study is to develop an energy-saving, high-efficiency submersible drainage pump capable of responding to emergencies. In particular, this paper targeted the hydraulic performance improvement of a submersible drainage pump model. Before the development of driving mode-related technology capable of emergency response, we first tried to find a way to improve the performance characteristics of the existing submersible drainage pump. Rather than designing a new pump, we disassembled the current pump and reverse engineering. Then, numerical simulation was performed to analyze the flow characteristics and efficiency of the pump. Then, the pump test was carried out to obtain the performance and validated with numerical results. Results revealed that changing the cross-sectional shape of the impeller reduced the flow separation and enhanced velocity and pressure distributions. Also, it reduced the power and increased efficiency. Results also showed that the pump's efficiency increased to 5.56% at a discharge rate of 0.17 m3/min, and overall average efficiency increased to 6.53%. In addition, the submersible pump design method could be suitable for the optimized pump's impeller and casing numerically. This paper can provide insight and information on the design optimization of pumps.

The bark of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) is used as a food additive and herbal medicine for various inflammatory disorders and cancer in Eastern Asia. RVS exerted anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, but whether this effect occurs in macrophages after oral administration has not been determined. We used a thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model to obtain macrophages from mice given RVS. We examined the systemic inflammatory response to intraperitoneal LPS. RVS-treated mice had an increased population of peritoneal exudate cells expressing CD11b and SRA. Increased uptake of Alexa Fluor 488-labeled acetylated lipoprotein was observed in monocyte-derived macrophages from RVS-treated mice. When these cells from the RVS group were stimulated with LPS, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and interleukin (IL)-6 in the supernatant decreased, but the level of IL-12 increased. The surface expression of CD86 was reduced, but surface expression of class II MHC molecules was increased. RVS suppressed the serum levels of LPS-induced TNF- and IL-6. RVS enhanced monocyte differentiation in thioglycollate-induced peritonitis by increasing scavenger receptor expression and activity. Macrophages isolated from mice given RVS responded differently to LPS. These findings demonstrate that RVS confers selective anti-inflammatory activity without causing the overall inhibitory effects on immune cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is caused by infectious insults, such as pneumonia from various pathogens or related to other noninfectious events. Clinical and histopathologic characteristics are similar across severely affected patients, suggesting that a common mode of immune reaction may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of ARDS. There may be etiologic substances that have an affinity for respiratory cells and induce lung cell injury in cases of ARDS. These substances originate not only from pathogens, but also from injured host cells. At the molecular level, these substances have various sizes and biochemical characteristics, classifying them as protein substances and non-protein substances. Immune cells and immune proteins may recognize and act on these substances, including pathogenic proteins and peptides, depending upon the size and biochemical properties of the substances (this theory is known as the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis). The severity or chronicity of ARDS depends on the amount of etiologic substances with corresponding immune reactions, the duration of the appearance of specific immune cells, or the repertoire of specific immune cells that control the substances. Therefore, treatment with early systemic immune modulators (corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin) as soon as possible may reduce aberrant immune responses in the potential stage of ARDS.

Novel genetic and epigenetic factors involved in the development and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been identified. We previously observed that EPB41L3 increased in the lung fibroblasts of IPF patients. Thus, we investigated the role of EPB41L3 in IPF by comparing EPB41L3 mRNA and protein expression of lung fibroblast between patients with IPF and controls. We also investigated the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in an epithelial cell line (A549), and the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in a fibroblast cell line (MRC5), by overexpressing and silencing EPB41L3. EPB41L3 mRNA and protein levels, as measured by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and western blot, were significantly higher in fibroblasts derived from 14 IPF patients than in those from 10 controls. The mRNA and protein expression of EPB41L3 was upregulated during transforming growth factor-β-induced EMT and FMT. Overexpression of EPB41L3 in A549 cells using lenti-EPB41L3 transfection suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of N-cadherin and COL1A1. Treatment with EPB41L3 siRNA upregulated mRNA and protein expression of N-cadherin. Overexpression of EPB41L3 in MRC5 cells using lenti-EPB41L3 transfection suppressed mRNA and protein expression of fibronectin and α-SMA. Finally, treatment with EPB41L3 siRNA upregulated mRNA and protein expression of FN1, COL1A1, and VIM. Overall, these data strongly support an inhibitory effect of EPB41L3 on the process of fibrosis and suggest therapeutic potential of EPB41L3 as an anti-fibrotic mediator.

Surface area and pore size distribution of Eucalyptus samples pretreated by different methods were determined by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. Three methods were applied to prepare cellulosic biomass samples for BET measurements: air, freeze, and critical point drying (CPD). Air and freeze drying caused severe collapse of biomass pore structures, but CPD effectively preserved biomass morphology. Surface area of CPD prepared Eucalyptus samples was determined to be 58–161 m2/g, whereas air and freeze dried samples were 0.5–1.3 and 1.0–2.4 m2/g, respectively. Average pore diameter of CPD prepared Eucalyptus samples were 61–70Å. CPD preserved Eucalyptus sample morphology by replacing water with a non-polar solvent, CO2 fluid, which prevented hydrogen bond reformation in the cellulose.