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The aim of this study was to compare the correlation between electromyography (EMG) activity and vehicle motion during double lane change driving. This study measured five vehicle motions: the steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, roll angle, and yaw velocity. The EMG activity for 19 muscles and vehicle motions was applied for envelope detection. There was a significantly high positive correlation between muscles (mean correlation coefficient) for sternocleidomastoid (0.62) and biceps brachii (0.71) and vehicle motions for steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, and yaw velocity, but a negative correlation between the muscles for middle deltoid (−0.75) and triceps brachii long head (−0.78) and these vehicle motions. The ANOVA test was used to analyze statistically significant differences in the main and interaction effects of muscle and vehicle speed. The mean absolute correlation coefficient exhibited an increasing trend with the increasing vehicle speed for the muscles (increasing rate%): upper trapezius (30.5%), pectoralis major sternal (38.7%), serratus anterior (13.3%), and biceps brachii (11.0%). The mean absolute correlation coefficient showed a decreasing trend with increasing vehicle speed for the masseter (−9.6%), sternocleidomastoid (−12.9%), middle deltoid (−5.5%), posterior deltoid (−20.0%), pectoralis major clavicular (−13.4%), and triceps brachii long head (−6.3%). The sternocleidomastoid muscle may decrease with increasing vehicle speed as the neck rotation decreases. As shoulder stabilizers, the upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, and serratus anterior muscles are considered to play a primary role in maintaining body balance. This study suggests that the primary muscles reflecting vehicle motions include the sternocleidomastoid, deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, serratus anterior, biceps, and triceps muscles under real driving conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triage is the first step in providing prompt and appropriate emergency nursing and addressing diagnostic issues. Rapid clinical reasoning skills of emergency nurses are essential for prompt decision-making and emergency care. Nurses experience limitations in emergency nursing that begin with triage. This cross-sectional study explored the mediating effect of perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills on the association between Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) proficiency and emergency nursing competency. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted with 157 emergency nurses working in 20 hospitals in South Korea between mid-May and mid-July 2022. Data were collected utilizing self-administered questionnaires to measure KTAS proficiency (48 tasks), perceived triage competency (30 items), clinical reasoning skills (26 items), and emergency nursing competency (78 items). Data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro (Model 6). Results: Perceived triage competency indirectly mediate the relationship between KTAS proficiency and emergency nursing competency. Perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills were significant predictors of emergency nursing competency with a multiple linear mediating effect. The model was found have a good fit (F = 8.990, P <.001) with, a statistical power of 15.0% (R² = 0.150). Conclusions: This study indicates that improving emergency nursing competency requires enhancing triage proficiency as well as perceived triage competency, which should be followed by developing clinical reasoning skills, starting with triage of emergency nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a new analytical peak separation analysis for superposed γ -ray peaks on 67 Cu and 67 Ga to measure the 68 Zn(p,2p) 67 Cu and 68 Zn(p,2n) 67 Ga reactions, unlike in most previous works that were employing a radiochemical separation to measure them. Based on the nuclear data such as the γ -ray intensity and the half-life for each nuclide, we may develop a new analytical method that enables us to estimate the respective counts arising from each nuclide, thereby obtaining the nuclear reactions. The newly developed analytical method can universally be applied to separate the superposed γ -ray spectra of any two nuclides, especially superior in separating the nuclides with different half-lives. In comparison with the data in the literature, the two reactions in the present work are in good agreement with those of some previous works. In addition, we compared the present 68 Zn(p,2n) 67 Ga reaction without the peak separation to the data in the literature without the chemical separation, and find that a good agreement is evident, enhancing the reliability of the 68 Zn(p,x) 65 Zn and 68 Zn(p,3n) 66 Ga reactions, which are further measured in the present work [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) are a severe complication of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and predicting DNS is difficult. This study aimed to investigate whether cardiac markers can be used as biomarkers to predict DNS occurrence following acute CO poisoning. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study that included patients with acute CO poisoning who visited two emergency medical centers in Korea from January 2008 to December 2020. The primary outcome was whether the occurrence of DNS was associated with laboratory results. Results: Of the 1327 patients with CO poisoning, 967 patients were included. Troponin I and BNP were significantly higher in the DNS group. As a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that troponin I, mentality, creatine kinase, brain natriuretic peptide, and lactate levels independently influenced DNS occurrence in CO poisoning patients. The adjusted odds ratios for DNS occurrence were 2.12 (95% CI 1.31–3.47, p = 0.002) for troponin I and 2.80 (95% CI 1.81–3.47, p < 0.001) for BNP. Conclusion: Troponin I and BNP might be useful biomarkers for predicting the occurrence of DNS in patients with acute CO poisoning. This finding can help to identify high-risk patients who require close monitoring and early intervention to prevent DNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the synthesis of organic-inorganic (O-I) hybrid adhesion promoters, which were synthesized by an in situ sol-gel process, using alkoxysilane functionalized polymer precursor (AFAP) and other alkoxysilanes such as (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS). These adhesion promoters were then applied between polyurethane (PU) and metal substrate for improving adhesive strength between them. In particular, by modifying the input parameters including molecular structure of AFAP, weight ratios between AFAP and alkoxysilane, and r value (molar ratio of H2O/Si), the adhesive strength can be significantly improved by more than twice as high as compared to that of pristine samples without application of O-I hybrid adhesion promoters. It was reported that the combination of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and AFAP synthesized from glycerol propoxylate (Mw = 266 g/mol) and polyethylene glycol (Mw = 300 g/mol) with high r value showed the highest adhesive strength compared to other O-I hybrid adhesion promoters. Additionally, the properties of various hybrid materials such as particle size distribution, touch drying speed, degree of condensation, molecular weight, and adhesive strength were characterized by dynamic light scattering test, 29Si-NMR, MALDI-TOF, and shear strength test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water temperature is a crucial factor for adaptive immune responses in fish vaccinology, wherein the immune effects of vaccines are time × temperature (degree-days) dependent i.e. the higher the water temperature, the faster the fish develop protective immunity in response to the vaccine. In contrast, at low water temperature there happened to be reduced or no protective efficacy of vaccines as reported by several studies. Previously, we developed a squalene and aluminium hydroxide (Sq + Al) – based inactivated viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) vaccine, which showed good promises as a potential immunoprotective agent against VHSV infection in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) with >50% relative percent survival (RPS) at 3 to 40 weeks post-vaccination. In continuation, the present study investigated the role of the ambient water temperatures (at 10, 13, 15, and 20 °C) and immunization periods (10, 20, 30, and 40 days post-vaccination) on the development of protective efficacy of the developed (Sq + Al) – based vaccine in olive flounder using three in vivo experimental trials. The results showed fish immunized at 20 °C obtained significantly high protection starting at 10 dpv (200 degree-days) with a RPS of 86.67% (trial I), 66.67% (trial II), and 90.89% (trial III). Challenge tests at 20, 30, and 40 dpv also conferred a high level of protection when the fish were immunized at 20 °C. Moreover, immunization at 15 and 13 °C showed the best results, the RPS at 20, 30, and 40 dpv were 88.07–90.96% at 15 °C and 87.89–72.84% at 13 °C for trial I and II, respectively. Interestingly, olive flounder immunized at 10 °C also exhibited 20.00–80.02% RPS at 10–40 dpv, however in relative terms the protection was lower and slower as compared to immunization at 13, 15, and 20 °C. In addition, the study also displayed significant upregulation of various immune genes and higher specific antibody titers in the fish immunized both at 10 °C as well as 20 °C (trial III). Further, the vaccine groups showed comparatively high protection when 300 degree-days were reached in the respective groups irrespective of the temperature at which immunization was carried out. Thus, the present study indicates useful guidelines for sufficient time requirement of the (Sq + Al) – based inactivated VHSV vaccine to show its full protective efficacy against the virus in olive flounder. • Adjuvanted VHSV vaccine conferred protection at 300 degree days over 10–20 °C. • It provided significantly high protection from 10 dpv at 20 °C (200 degree days). • Vaccine efficacy increased with antibody titer at suboptimal water temperature (10 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a set of computational experiments based on ab initio calculations to elucidate whether a cuprate-like antiferromagnetic insulating state can be present in the phase diagram of the low-valence layered nickelate family (R n + 1 Ni n O 2 n + 2 , R= rare-earth, n = 1 - ∞ ) in proximity to half-filling. It is well established that at d 9 filling the infinite-layer ( n = ∞ ) nickelate is metallic, in contrast to cuprates wherein an antiferromagnetic insulator is expected. We show that for the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) reduced phases of the series (finite n) an antiferromagnetic insulating ground state can naturally be obtained instead at d 9 filling, due to the spacer RO 2 fluorite slabs present in their structure that block the c-axis dispersion. In the n = ∞ nickelate, the same type of solution can be derived if the off-plane R-Ni coupling is suppressed. We show how this can be achieved if a structural element that cuts off the c-axis dispersion is introduced (i.e. vacuum in a monolayer of RNiO 2 , or a blocking layer in multilayers formed by (RNiO 2 ) 1 /(RNaO 2 ) 1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed chelator-free copper-64-incorporated iron oxide (IO) nanoparticle (NPs) which have both magnetic and radioactive properties being applied to positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have found that the IO nanoparticles composed of radioactive isotope 64Cu may act as a contrast agent being a diagnostic tool for PET as well as a good T2 MRI nanoprobe due to their good r2/r1 ratio. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the 64Cu incorporation at the core of core-shell-structured IO NPs exhibits a good in vivo stability, giving us an insightful strategy for the design of a contrast agent for the PET-MRI system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production losses of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) have increased owing to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) infection. In this study, we determined safe concentrations of orally administered saponin and chitosan by analysing serum enzyme (AST/ALT) levels as biochemical markers of hepatic injury. Furthermore, we demonstrated the efficacy, duration of protection, and safety of saponin and chitosan-based vaccines with inactivated VHSV (IV). Oral administration of saponin, chitosan, and their combination did not induce fish mortality at all tested concentrations (0.29, 1.45, and 2.9 mg/g of fish body weight/day) 10 days after administration. However, AST level was high at a dose >0.29 mg/g of fish body weight/day. Both saponin and chitosan were found to be safe and acceptable for vaccination studies at a dose of 0.29 mg/g of fish body weight/day. Administration of IV alone did not induce protection at 2 and 4 weeks post vaccination (wpv). Olive flounders administered saponin + IV and chitosan + IV vaccines had higher immunity against VHSV with relative percentage survival (RPS) of 12.5–7.5% and 0–20.1%, respectively; however, additional immunisation with combination of saponin + chitosan + IV clearly enhanced the protection with RPS values of 10–15%, 26.7%, 42.9%, and 37.5% at 4, 8, 12, and 20 wpv, respectively. Although the RPS value of oral immunisation was not comparable to that of injectable vaccines, the manufacturing process is simple and oral administration causes less stress to juvenile fish. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, olive flounder were re-challenged with VHSV (107.8 TCID 50 /fish) at 70 days postinfection; 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, whereas 80–100% of the previously immunised fish survived. Our results showed the possibility of developing preventive measures against VHSV using saponin and chitosan-based oral vaccines with inactivated virus. • Saponin and chitosan administration was not induced fish mortality. • Saponin (0.29 mg/g/day) and chitosan (0.29 mg/g/day) is effective as vaccine adjuvants. • Administration with saponin (0.29 mg/g/day) + chitosan (0.29 mg/g/day) + inactivated VHSV (5 μl/g/day) oral vaccine provided significant protection for 20 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Zn precursor, DEZDMEA (Et 2 Zn:NEtMe 2) exhibited durable characteristics. • The ALD-ZnO thin films with no-detectable impurities was successfully synthesized using DEZDMEA and H 2 O. • ALD-ZnO thin films using DEZDMEA precursor showed high growth rate, and controllable electrical and optical properties. • The resistivity map for ALD-ZnO thin films was obtained from 0.02 to 18.75 Ω·cm ZnO thin films were deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), using Zn precursor, DEZDMEA (Et 2 Zn:NEtMe 2) and H 2 O as a reactant. The design of DEZDMEA aimed to achieve enhanced stability and reduced decomposition compared to traditional DEZ (Et 2 Zn) precursor, as verified through NMR analysis, leading to the ZnO thin films with no-detectable impurities. The growth characteristics of ZnO thin films with the DEZDMEA were systematically evaluated, and high growth rate and the self-limiting reaction were observed. The comparable ZnO growth rate using DEZDMEA with those using DEZ was shown due to the selective removal of one Et and NEtMe 2 ligands during the surface adsorption of DEZDMEA as established by DFT calculations. Additionally, increasing the precursor pulse and reducing the H 2 O pulse time resulted in decreased resistivity of the ZnO thin films, due to the modulation of n-type defects. This approach provided a consistent contour map for achieving stable, reproducible, and tailored resistivity depending on the DEZDMEA pulse time, and H 2 O pulse time with its vapor pressure. Moreover, the optical band gap could be modulated as well. The utilization of DEZDMEA is anticipated to be a robust and effective method in ALD for Zn-related deposition, promising substantial advantages for commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the nuclear reaction routes 70Zn(p,x)64,67Cu, 66,67Ga, and 65,69mZn, induced by a high-energy proton beam up to 100 MeV have been investigated. Demand for 67Cu is increasing worldwide because it is known to be one of the best radionuclides having theranostic properties. Thus, efforts to improve its global production are underway. In previous studies, experimental data about nuclear cross-section measurements on 70Zn-enriched targets induced by proton beams were limited to an energy range of up to 70 MeV. Our goal was to extend nuclear data on 70Zn over a wider and unexplored so far region from 42 MeV to 98 MeV. As a result, our data turned out to be in good agreement with the literature ones in the overlapping energy range. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, new nuclear data exceeding 70 MeV were provided, demonstrating an excellent analytical method for producing 67Cu in the extended energy range. • 67Cu is emerging as a critical beta-emitting isotope for Radioimmunotherapy. • The Supply of 67Cu is quite challenging, and efforts are underway to increase production globally. • We are extending nuclear data on 70Zn(p,x) reactions up to 98 MeV, crucial for 67Cu production. • Novel data above 70 MeV offers insight for enhanced 67Cu production, which is vital for theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Da-Chai-Hu-Tang (DCHT) is a herbal extract that has been shown to reduce serum triglyceride (TG) levels in animal experiments as well as small clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCHT in high-risk, statin-treated patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia (hyperTG). This was a 12-week, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, single-center trial. Of these patients, 42 had high cardiovascular risks whose LDL cholesterol levels were controlled by statin treatment; however, with TG levels of 200 to 500 mg/dL they were randomly assigned 1:1 to the OMEGA3 or DCHT group. The primary endpoint was defined as the percentage change in TG at 12 weeks, and changes in other lipid profiles and endothelial cell function were included as secondary endpoints. Safety analyses were also conducted. In the OMEGA3 group, the average TG level decreased from 294.5 ± 72.0 to 210.0 ± 107.8 mg/dL (p = 0.004), and in the DCHT group, from 288.7 ± 59.1 to 227.5 ± 98.1 mg/dL (p = 0.001). The percentage change in TG was −27.6 ± 33.6 and −22.4 ± 24.1 (p = 0.58), respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. There were no severe adverse events in either group. In high-risk, statin-treated patients with residual hyperTG, the administration of OMEGA3 or DCHT for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in TG, and the effect of DCHT was not inferior to that of OMEGA3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mortality in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) for last two decades. In view of this constant threat of RBIV to the rock bream industry, we conducted the present study with the aim to develop a safe and efficient remedial measure against the virus. In this study, we evaluated the safety and potentiality of squalene, aluminium hydroxide and saponin adjuvants, singly or in combinations, which can be used for developing an efficient inactivated (IV) vaccine to protect rock bream from RBIV infection. The evaluation results demonstrated that saponin (Sa) has the required potential in enacting the antiviral immune response in the host and in providing protection against virus mediated lethality, without causing any adverted side-effects. The study further, showed that a single primary dose of Sa-adjuvanted IV vaccine can confer moderate protections in short (60.04% relative percent mortality (RPS) at 4 wpv) and medium (53.38% RPS at 8 wpv) term post RBIV challenge; whereas, the same vaccine when administered in a prime-boost strategy, it resulted enhanced 93.34% RPS post virus challenge at 4 and 8 wpv. The moderate to high survivability demonstrated by the Sa-adjuvanted IV vaccine, was substantiated by the significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of IL-1β, Mx and PKR gene transcript. All surviving fish from the Sa-adjuvanted IV vaccine groups were strongly protected from re-infection with RBIV (1.1 × 107) at 70 days post infection (dpi). In conclusion, it can be inferred that, Sa-adjuvanted IV RBIV vaccine can be an efficient control measure to protect the rock bream aquaculture industry against the lethal RBIV virus. • Administration of saponin adjuvant-based inactivated RBIV vaccine offered significantly high protection. • Boost immunization with vaccine provided significantly higher protection than one time immunization. • Saponin adjuvant-based inactivated RBIV vaccine upregulated Il-1β, Mx and PKR gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the relationships between popular culture (success factors of K-pop) and international tourist behavioural intention, and the role of national image in that relationship. We analysed an existing data base on popular culture success attributes of producers, casting, training, producing/promotion, social media, and content, and Korean national image. Valid responses were collected from 1 247 survey respondents from the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, the UK, France, USA, Canada, and South Africa (female = 50.4%). Regression analysis and Structural Equation Modelling results indicated that K-pop factors of producers, casting, producing/promotion, social media, and content predicted tourist behavioural intentions. National image perceptions augmented the influence of K-pop factors on tourist behavioural intentions. We conclude that popular culture (success factors of K-pop) improves national image, which is an important precondition for tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. on allergic asthma and their underlying mechanisms remain unclarified. Thus, we investigated the effects of D. dasycarpus Turcz. water extract (DDW) on mucus hypersecretion in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and human bronchial epithelial cells. BALB/c mice were used to establish an OVA-induced allergic asthma model. Mice were grouped into the OVA sensitization/challenge, 100 and 300 mg/kg DDW treatment, and dexamethasone groups. In mice, cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and BALF analyses, and histopathological lung tissue analyses were performed. Furthermore, we confirmed the basic mechanism in interleukin (IL)−4/IL-13-treated human bronchial epithelial cells through western blotting. In OVA-induced asthma mice, DDW treatment reduced inflammatory cell number and airway hyperresponsiveness and ameliorated histological changes (immune cell infiltration, mucus secretion, and collagen deposition) in lung tissues and serum total immunoglobulin E levels. DDW treatment lowered BALF IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels; reduced levels of inflammatory mediators, such as thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine, and interferon gamma-induced protein; decreased mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) production; decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 and STAT3 expression; and restored forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) expression. In IL-4/IL-13-treated human bronchial epithelial cells, DDW treatment inhibited MUC5AC production, suppressed STAT6 and STAT3 expression (related to mucus hypersecretion), and increased FOXA2 expression. DDW treatment modulates MUC5AC expression and mucus hypersecretion by downregulating STAT6 and STAT3 expression and upregulating FOXA2 expression. These findings provide a novel approach to manage mucus hypersecretion in asthma using DDW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to identify the perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of patient education and factors influencing the performance of patient education among hemodialysis unit nurses.Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational design in which a total of 262 nurses from 27 hemodialysis facilities in six provinces in the Republic of Korea participated. Self-administered questionnaires were used to identify the perceptions, barriers, facilitators, and performance of patient education. Data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and stepwise multiple regression.Results: Factors influencing patient education performance were nurses' total clinical experience, perceptions, working experience in a hemodialysis unit, facilitators, number of nurses in the hemodialysis unit, and barriers. These variables accounted for 37.2 % of the variance in the final model.Conclusion: Nurses' performance in patient education was significantly influenced by perceptions, facilitators, and barriers. Nurses' total clinical experience, working experience in a hemodialysis unit, and number of nurses in the unit also influenced patient education performance.Practice Implications: A nurse training program should be developed to reinforce nurses' patient education competency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joining process for glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes is external and internal. Currently, internal and external connections are performed manually, and there are frequent delays in the process, excessive labor costs, and safety problems. An automated process using robots has advantages such as rapid processing, reduction of manpower, and safety. In this study, we developed a pipe root with an automated tape layered machine (ATL) to improve the bonding process inside the GRP pipe. A safety assessment was performed when the load generated during the development of the pipe root and the operation of the robot was applied to the GRP pipe. From the results of the configuration and performance tests of the developed robot, it was shown that the developed robot was sufficiently safe to operate inside the GRP pipe and that the required automation process capability was satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is blended with natural rubber (NR) to improve a brittleness of PLA. Surface‐modified inorganic particles of calcium carbonate are incorporated to this polymer blend not only to mitigate the strength loss but also to induce toughening of the PLA. Specifically, in order to toughen the PLA, the influence of NR as a second phase on the particle dispersion characteristics is examined while varying the concentration of the particles or the second phase and undertaking rheological measurements and morphological observations. With the surface‐modified particles, the secondary phase was found to induce the aggregation of particles along the interface as opposed to creating a homogeneous dispersion of particles. In addition, it enhanced the particle percolation throughout the blend and improved the brittleness of the PLA. With regard to elongation at break of the PLA/particle, it was increased from 12 to 86% by the addition of NR (19 vol%). On the other hand, for a composite with uncoated particles, the second phase of NR did not induce particle aggregation. Elongation at break of this composite decreased as the particle concentration increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:4023–4032, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A developed efficient analytical separation method of two radioisotopes, 67Cu and 67Ga. • The first data for natZn(p , x)67Cu reaction obtained by using the analytical separation method. • The present data being compared with those of the literature and the TENDL-2017 library. We present the cross sections for the nat Zn (p , x) 67 Cu and nat Zn (p , x) 67 Ga reactions within a proton energy range of 47.5–99.2 MeV. We efficiently separated the overlapping gamma-ray spectra of the two isotopes 67 Cu and 67 Ga , using an analytical method without radiochemical separation. The present data were compared with previous data from the literature, typically obtained by radiochemical separation before measuring the gamma-ray spectra of the two isotopes. Our results for the two isotopes generally showed greater or smaller values than those reported in the literature, except for some data concerning partial energy ranges, which were in agreement with the literature data. The present data were also compared with the TENDL-2017 library based on the TALYS code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two robust methods, a Generalized Target Configuration Under Dead Loads (GTCUD) method and a simplified analytical method are developed for 3D analysis of suspension bridges. These methods provide an optimized initial state for 3D suspension bridges under dead loads. The current study makes application to 3D self-anchored suspension bridges with spatially curved main cables and initial cambers of the main girder. Furthermore, the unstrained length method (ULM) based on the unstrained lengths is applied to the bridge structure using two procedures. Finally, it is demonstrated through a bridge example having vertical cambers that the proposed analysis methods can indeed provide an optimized initial solution by showing that both schemes lead to practically identical initial configuration with localized small bending moment distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the identification of sample inhomogeneity via magnetic quantum oscillations analysis in semimetal NbSb 2. By doping Bi and Cr, we obtained a homogenous Bi-doped sample and an inhomogeneous Cr-doped sample, whose homogeneity was confirmed by comparing the magnetic quantum oscillation before and after grinding the samples. The magnetic quantum oscillations in the inhomogeneous sample exhibited a distinct phase shift and unusual field-dependent amplitude, believed to result from a non-uniform Fermi energy. The analysis of the magnetic quantum oscillations demonstrated that the homogeneous Bi-doped sample can be interpreted by the symmetric and Lorentzian effective Fermi energy distribution, while the inhomogeneous Cr-doped sample exhibited an asymmetric distribution, illustrating an unconventional violation of the Lifshitz-Kosevich formula. This research provides a novel method for identifying material inhomogeneity and mitigating potential misinterpretations of magnetic quantum oscillations' unusual phase, commonly seen as a nontrivial Berry phase indicator in topological materials studies. • Pristine, Bi-, and Cr-doped NbSb 2 single crystals were synthesized by chemical vapor transport • The de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effects of homogeneous Bi-doped sample and inhomogeneous Cr-doped sample were studied • Unusual phase shift and unconventional field-dependency were observed in the dHvA oscillations of inhomogeneous Cr-doped sample • From the analysis of dHvA oscillations, we found the non-uniform Fermi energy distribution of the inhomogeneous sample produces the unusual phase shift and unconventional field-dependency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The production cross sections of 90g,92m,95gNb, 86,88,89g,95Zr, 86g,87m,87g,88Y, 85gSr, and 83Rb in a proton induced nuclear reaction of natural zirconium were measured within the proton energy range of 35.7–66.6 MeV at the Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex (KOMAC), Gyeongju, Korea. The excitation functions of radionuclides produced from the natZr(p,x) reactions were determined through a stacked-foil activation method and an off-line γ-ray spectroscopy. A high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to measure the induced activities of the radionuclides. The incident beam energy in each foil was calculated from the SRIM code. The proton flux was determined by using the natCu(p,x)62Zn monitor reaction. The measured data were compared with the experimental data in the literature and the data from the TENDL-2017 library based on the TALYS code. The present results are in general agreement with the literature data and in some cases with the calculated data from the TENDL-2017 library. However, in some of the cases, the calculated data from the TENDL-2017 library overestimate or underestimate the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted that Bi2Te3 prepared from stoichiometric melts has p-type charge carriers generated from BiTe-type antisite defects, while Bi2Te3 grown under Te-rich condition becomes n-type due to another type of TeBi antisite defects. We report the magnetic and transport properties of GdxBi2-xTe3 prepared from stoichiometric melts, where p-type charge carriers are dominant. The physical properties of all the samples have no significant changes with varying the nominal Gd composition up to x = 0.2. Compared with n-type GdxBi2-xTe3 samples grown under Te-rich condition, we find low solubility for all the samples and no clear signature of antiferromagnetic order. These results suggest that the Gd doping rate in GdxBi2-xTe3 is governed by the type of antisite defects and charge carriers, so that the antiferromagnetic ordering is not eventually introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pd(II) complexes strongly chelated by two β -iminoenolate ligands were easily synthesized in only two steps, and purified based on their sublimable and highly stable property. The Pd(II) complexes anchored on a silica surface showed good catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura reactions (up to 99% yield with 0.05 mol% catalyst). They tolerated a wide range of temperature (rt∼110 °C) and various solvents, and could be reused multiple times after simple recovering process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetically doped topological insulators have been significantly researched for unlocking the nontrivial topological phases and the resultant potential applications for spintronics. We report the effect of antiferromagnetic order induced by Gd substitution on the electronic properties of GdxBi2−xSe3 single crystals by analyzing the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. Antiferromagnetic order of Gd ions affects the 2D surface state in Bi2Se3 and changes the effective mass and lifetime of charge carriers. These observations suggest a strong correlation of 2D surface electrons with the antiferromagnetic ordering, where the itinerant electrons are bound to the Gd ions to mediate the antiferromagnetic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A general methodology is reported to create organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite films with enlarged and preferred‐orientation grains. Simply pressing polyurethane stamps with hexagonal nanodot arrays on partially dried perovskite intermediate films can cause pressure‐induced perovskite crystallization. This pressure‐induced crystallization allows to prepare highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because the preferred‐orientation and enlarged grains with low‐angle grain boundaries in the perovskite films exhibit suppressed nonradiative recombination. Consequently, the photovoltaic response is dramatically improved by the uniaxial compression in both inverted‐planar PSCs and normal PSCs, leading to power conversion efficiencies of 19.16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream ( Oplegnathus fasciatus ) in Korea. In this study, we investigated the potential of viral membrane protein to induce antiviral status protecting rock bream against RBIV infection. We found that fish administered with ORF008L (myristoylated membrane protein, MMP) vaccine exhibited significantly higher levels of survival compared to ORF007L (major capsid protein, MCP). Moreover, ORF008L-based DNA vaccinated fish showed significant protection at 4 and 8 weeks post vaccination (wpv) than non-vaccinated fish after infected with RBIV (6.7 × 10 5 ) at 23 °C, with relative percent survival (RPS) of 73.36% and 46.72%, respectively. All of the survivors from the first RBIV infection were strongly protected (100% RPS) from re-infected with RBIV (1.1 × 10 7 ) at 100 dpi. In addition, the MMP (ORF008L)-based DNA vaccine significantly induced the gene expression of TLR3 (14.2-fold), MyD88 (11.6-fold), Mx (84.7-fold), ISG15 (8.7-fold), PKR (25.6-fold), MHC class I (13.3-fold), Fas (6.7-fold), Fas ligand (6.7-fold), caspase9 (17.0-fold) and caspase3 (15.3-fold) at 7 days post vaccination in the muscle (vaccine injection site). Our results showed the induction of immune responses and suggest the possibility of developing preventive measures against RBIV using myristoylated membrane protein-based DNA vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition efficacy of an extract from Ecklonia cava ( E. cava) was studied to determine whether the extract and compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against VHSV in the fathead minnow (FHM) cell line and following oral administration to the olive flounder. Based on its low toxicity and effective concentration, the E. cava extract (Ext) and compounds (eckol and phlorofucofuroeckol A) were selected for further analysis. In the plaque reduction assay, simultaneous co-exposure of VHSV to Ext, eckol and phlorofucofuroeckol A showed a higher level of inhibition than the pre- and post-exposure groups. The antiviral activity in the FHM cell line was time-dependent and increased with the exposure time with the virus and Ext or the compounds. In the in vivo experiments, different Ext concentrations were orally administered to the olive flounder. In trial I, the relative percent survival (RPS) following oral administration of 500 and 50 μg/g/day of Ext was 31.25% and 12.50%, respectively. In trial II, the RPS for 1000, 500 and 50 μg/g/day of Ext was 31.57%, 0% and 0%, respectively. In trial III, the RPS after 1 and 2 weeks (1000 μg/g/day) of exposure to Ext was 26.31% and 31.57%, respectively. Oral administration of Ext (1000 μg/g/day) significantly induced inflammatory cytokine responses (IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ) at 1 and 2 days post-oral administration (dpa). Additionally, IFN-α/β (7–12 dpa), ISG15 (2, 7 and 10 dpa) and Mx (7–12 dpa) were significantly activated in the olive flounder. In conclusion, we demonstrated an inhibitory ability of the E. cava extract and compounds against VHSV in the FHM cell line. Moreover, oral administration of the E. cava extract to the olive flounder enhanced antiviral immune responses and the efficacy of protection against VHSV, resulting in an anti-viral status in the olive flounder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (I:C) showed promise as an immunoprotective agents in rock bream against rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) infection. In this study, we evaluated the time-dependent virus replication pattern and antiviral immune responses in RBIV-infected rock bream with and without poly (I:C) administration. In the poly (I:C)+virus-injected group, virus copy numbers were more than 18.9-, 24.0- and 479.2-fold lower than in the virus only injected group at 4 (4.73 × 10 4 and 8.95 × 10 5 /μl, respectively), 7 (3.67 × 10 5 and 8.81 × 10 6 /μl, respectively) and 10 days post infection (dpi) (1.26 × 10 5 and 6.02 × 10 7 /μl, respectively). Moreover, significantly high expression levels of TLR3 (8.6- and 7.7-fold, at 4 and 7 dpi, respectively) and IL1β (3.6-fold at 2 dpi) were observed in the poly (I:C)+virus-injected group, but the expression levels were not significantly in the virus-injected group. However, IL8 and TNFα expression levels showed no statistical significance in both groups. Mx, ISG15 and PKR were significantly highly expressed from 4 to 10 dpi in the virus-injected group. Nevertheless, in the poly (I:C)+virus-injected group, Mx and ISG15 expression were significantly expressed from 2 dpi. In summary, poly (I:C) administration in rock bream induces TLR3, IL1β, Mx and ISG15-mediated immune responses, which could be a critical factor for inhibition of virus replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, Aims and Objectives The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of patient involvement in identifying both patients and the location(s) before X-ray examinations at orthopedic clinics. Methods We analyzed the errors of the X-ray order in 2014 in our orthopedic outpatient clinic and categorized them into 6 categories. We looked at the errors from April to September 2014 (group I, preintervention), introduced the patient involvement system in March 2015 (intervention), and compared the errors from April to September 2015 (group II, postintervention). Results The rate of X-ray prescription errors declined from 0.58% (group I, 79/13,617) to 0.08% (group II, 10/12,588). The most significant reduction in error rate was found in errors of left to right; there were 58 cases in group I and 5 cases in group II, a reduction rate of approximately 91%. The most common anatomical location of the error was the wrist and hand (27 of 89 cases, 30.3%). There was a significant difference between the ordered anatomical locations and the incidence of error in 2014 ( P < .001), and we also obtained the same results for the relationship between the ordered anatomical locations and error types in 2014 ( P < .001). Conclusion We found that patient involvement was effective in reducing errors in X-ray imaging in our orthopedic clinic, and we recommend its use in other medical fields with respect to left-to-right issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) is a member of the Megalocytivirus genus that causes severe mortality to rock bream. Water temperature is known to affect the immune system and susceptibility of fish to RBIV infection. In this study, we evaluated the time dependent virus replication pattern and time required to completely eliminate virus from the rock bream body against RBIV infection at different water temperature conditions. The rock bream was exposed to the virus and held at 7 (group A1), 4 (group A2) and 2 days (group A3) at 23 °C before the water temperature was reduced to 17 °C. A total of 28% mortality was observed 24–35 days post infection (dpi) in only the 7 day exposure group at 23 °C. In all 23 °C exposure groups, virus replication peaked at 20 to 22 dpi (10 6 –10 7 /μl). In recovery stages (30–100 dpi), the virus copy number was gradually reduced, from 10 6 to 10 1 with faster decreases in the shorter exposure period group at 23 °C. When the water temperature was increased in surviving fish from 17 to 26 °C at 70 dpi, they did not show any mortality or signs of disease and had low virus copy numbers (below 10 2 /μl). Thus, fish need at least 50 days from peaked RBIV levels (approximately 20–25 dpi) to inhibit the virus. This indicates that maintaining the fish at low water temperature (17 °C) for 70 days is sufficient to eradicate RBIV from fish body. Thus, RBIV could be eliminated slowly from the fish body and the virus may be completely eliminated under the threshold of causing mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV), which is a member of the Megalocytivirus genus, causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream in Korea. To date, the innate immune defense mechanisms of rock bream against RBIV is unclear. In this study, we assessed the expression levels of genes related to TLR9 and MyD88-dependent pathways in RBIV-infected rock bream in high, low or no mortality conditions. In the high mortality group (100% mortality at 15 days post infection (dpi)), high levels of TLR9 and MyD88 expressions (6.4- and 2.4-fold, respectively) were observed at 8 d and then reduced (0.6- and 0.1-fold, respectively) with heavy viral loads at 10 dpi (2.21 × 10 7 /μl). Moreover, TRAF6, IRF5, IL1β, IL8, IL12 and TNFα expression levels showed no statistical significance until 10 dpi. Conversely, in the low mortality group (28% expected mortality at 35 dpi), TLR9, MyD88 and TRAF6 expression levels were significantly higher than those in the control group at several sampling points until 30 dpi. Higher levels of IRF5, IL1β, IL8, IL12 and TNFα expression were also observed, however, these were not significantly different from those of the control group. In the no mortality group (0% mortality at 40 dpi), significantly higher levels of MyD88 (2 d, 4 d and 40 dpi), TRAF6 (2 dpi), IL1β (4 dpi) and IL8 (2 d and 4 dpi) expression were observed. In summary, RBIV-infected rock bream induces innate immune response, which could be a major contributing factor to effective fish control over viral transcription. MyD88, TRAF6, IL1β and IL8-related immune responses were activated in fish survivor condition (low or no mortality group). This is a critical factor for RBIV disease recovery; however, these immune responses did not efficiently respond in fish dead condition (high mortality group). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream in Korea. CpG ODN 1668 showed promise as immunoprotective agents against RBIV infection in rock bream. In this study, we assessed innate/adaptive-related gene expression patterns in RBIV-infected rock bream with and without CpG ODN 1668 administration to determine important immune defense related factors that may affect fish survival. In the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group, virus copies were more than 7.4- to 790591-fold lower than in the virus-injected group at 4 d (8.79 × 10 4 and 6.58 × 10 5 /μl, respectively), 7 d (5.30 × 10 2 and 2.29 × 10 7 /μl, respectively) and 10 dpi (7.79 × 10 1 and 6.16 × 10 7 /μl, respectively). Furthermore, in the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group, significantly higher levels of MyD88 (6 h, 1 d, 4 d and 7 dpi), IL1β (1 d, 2 d and 7 dpi) and perforin/granzyme (1 dpi) expression were observed, whereas these genes were not significantly expressed in the virus-injected group at that time points. Mx, ISG15 and PKR were significantly highly expressed at 4 d and 7 dpi and reduced when low viral loads at 10 dpi in the CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group. Conversely, in the virus-injected group, Mx, ISG15 and PKR expression were significantly higher than the control group until 10 dpi. However, MHC class I, CD8, Fas, Fas ligand and caspases (3, 8 and 9) expression levels showed no statistically significant differences between virus- and CpG ODN 1668+virus-injected group. In summary, CpG ODN 1668 administration in fish induces innate immune response or cell death pathway, which could be a major contributing factor to effective fish control over viral transcription on 4 d to 10 dpi. Expression of MyD88, IL1β, perforin and granzyme-related immune gene response is critical factor for inhibition of RBIV replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the potential of poly (I:C) to induce antiviral status for protecting rock bream from RBIV infection. Rock bream injected with poly (I:C) at 2 days before infection (1.1 × 10 4 ) at 20 °C had significantly higher protection with RPS 13.4% and 33.4% at 100 and 200 μg/fish, respectively, through 100 days post infection (dpi). The addition of boost immunization with poly (I:C) at before/post infection at 20 °C clearly enhanced the level of protection showing 33.4% and 60.0% at 100 and 200 μg/fish, respectively. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, rock bream were re-infected with RBIV (1.1 × 10 7 ) at 200 dpi. While 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, 100% of the previously infected fish survived. Poly (I:C) induced TLR3 and Mx responses were observed at several sampling time points in the spleen, kidney and blood. Moreover, significantly high expression levels of IRF3 (2.9- and 3.1-fold at 1 d and 2 days post administration (dpa), respectively), ISG15 and PKR expression (5.4- and 10.2-fold at 2 dpa, respectively) were observed in the blood, but the expression levels were low in the spleen and kidney after poly (I:C) administration. Our results showed the induction of antiviral immune responses and indicate the possibility of developing long term preventive measures against RBIV using poly (I:C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) disease in rock bream ( Oplegnathus fasciatus ) remains an unsolved problem in Korea aquaculture farms. CpG ODNs are known as immunostimulant, can improve the innate immune system of fish providing resistance to diseases. In this study, we evaluated the potential of CpG ODNs to induce anti-viral status protecting rock bream from different RBIV infection conditions. We found that, when administered into rock bream, CpG ODN 1668 induces better antiviral immune responses compared to other 5 CpG ODNs (2216, 1826, 2133, 2395 and 1720). All CpG ODN 1668 administered fish (1/5 µg) at 2 days before infection (1.1 × 10 7 ) held at 26 °C died even though mortality was delayed from 8 days (1 µg) and 4 days (5 µg). Similarly, CpG ODN 1668 administered (5 µg) at 2 days before infection (1.2 × 10 6 ) held at 23/20 °C had 100% mortality; the mortality was delayed from 9 days (23 °C) and 11 days (20 °C). Moreover, when CpG ODN 1668 administered (1/5/10 µg) at 2/4/7 days before infection or virus concentration was decreased to 1.1 × 10 4 and held at 20 °C had mortality rates of 20/60/30% (2 days), 30/40/60% (4 days) and 60/60/20% (7 days), respectively, for the respective administration dose, through 100 dpi. To investigate the development of a protective immune response, survivors were re-infected with RBIV (1.1 × 10 7 ) at 100 and 400 dpi, respectively. While 100% of the previously unexposed fish died, 100% of the previously infected fish survived. The high survival rate of fish following re-challenge with RBIV indicates that protective immunity was established in the surviving rock bream. Our results showed the possibility of developing preventive measures against RBIV using CpG ODN 1668 by reducing RBIV replication speed (i.e. water temperature of 20 °C and infection dose of 1.1 × 10 4 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the elastic buckling behavior of self-anchored suspension bridges subjected to proportionally increasing dead loads, a new stability procedure is proposed based on the deflection theory. For this purpose, a finite element buckling analysis is performed using the initial state solution based on the unstrained length method (ULM) (Ref. 1). The finite element solutions are compared with those by the deflection theory. It is shown that both the main girder and tower of the self-anchored suspension bridge are under compression, but their fundamental buckling modes are tower-dominant. Importantly, it is observed that local buckling within the main girder supported by hangers occurs without any geometric change of the main cable, in the higher buckling modes of the self-anchored suspension bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a confined condensation technique for the fabrication of layered copper hydroxide frameworks from lamellar copper-organic assemblies with long alkyl chains through the selective introduction of hydroxo bridging ligands. The complete transformations of two different lamellar copper-organic assemblies, Cu(C12H25SO4)2·4H2O (Cu-DS) and Cu2(C11H23CO2)4·2H2O (Cu-lau), into the corresponding layered copper hydroxide frameworks, Cu2(OH)3(C12H25SO4) (Cu-OH-DS) and Cu2(OH)1.8(C11H23CO2)2.2 (Cu-OH-lau), were achieved via confined condensation. The magnetic properties of both lamellar copper-organic assemblies, Cu-DS and Cu-lau, and both layered copper hydroxide frameworks, Cu-OH-DS and Cu-OH-lau, were investigated. It was found that drastic changes in the magnetic properties arise as a result of the confined condensation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to develop a detailed 3D maglev vehicle and guideway model and investigate the dynamic response characteristics of the coupled system. For this, the maglev vehicle is modeled as one cabin and four bogies having eight electromagnetics, four sensors, and four secondary suspensions based on the Urban Transit Maglev (UTM) system in Korea. The 3D dynamic equilibrium equations of the cabin and bogies are derived by considering the actively controlled electromagnetic forces. Also, the equations of motion for the guideway are derived using the modal superposition method for vertical, lateral, and torsional modes. The resulting coupled equations of motion are then solved using a predictor-corrector iterative algorithm. Finally, through the numerical simulation of the developed system, the responses using the 3D maglev vehicle model are compared with those obtained by the corresponding 2D model. The effects of surface irregularity on the dynamic interaction behaviors are then evaluated for increasing vehicle speeds. Particularly, the 3D resonance conditions of the guideway girder and the maglev vehicle are presented considering the resonance conditions due to equidistant moving loads. In addition, some resonance phenomena are rigorously explored, including the lateral resonance by a series of vehicles running on a girder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of health literacy (HL) on the relationship between healthcare providers' support and outcomes in patients on hemodialysis. A convenience sample of 149 hemodialysis patients participated in a cross-sectional survey. Mediation analysis with the percentile bootstrap method was used to identify the mediating effect of HL on the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. Healthcare providers' support and HL were significant predictors of patient outcomes. HL mediated the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. The HL of hemodialysis patients is essential in the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. Patient educators should implement a multifaceted HL-tailored intervention strategy to improve the HL of hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients' HL is a crucial mediating factor in the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. A multifaceted HL-tailored intervention strategy is needed to improve HL and, thus, health outcomes among hemodialysis patients • Health literacy (HL) and healthcare providers' support are important factors in outcomes of patients on hemodialysis. • The HL of hemodialysis patients mediates the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. • Further studies are needed to identify the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic respiratory inflammatory disease, is among the most common chronic diseases reported worldwide. Mucus hypersecretion is a critical feature of AR pathogenesis. Although the Gleditsia sinensis extract has several beneficial effects on human health, its effects on allergic inflammation have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of G. sinensis aqueous extract (GSAE) on nasal inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. GSAE was administered orally for 1 week and then the clinical nasal symptoms were evaluated. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and interleukin (IL)-13 were measured in the serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inflammatory cells were then counted in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and histopathology in the nasal epithelium was evaluated. STAT3/STAT6 phosphorylation was examined in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) using western blot analysis. Oral administration of GSAE to OVA-induced AR mice alleviated nasal clinical symptoms and reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-13, and histamine levels. The accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid, nasal mucosa, mast cells, goblet cells, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in the nasal epithelium was also inhibited by GSAE. Treatment with GSAE inhibited the production of MUC5AC in IL-4/IL-13-stimulated primary human nasal epithelial cells through the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/STAT6 signaling pathway. These results indicated that GSAE reduces nasal inflammation suggesting that it is a potential treatment option for AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Postoperative exercises may increase load on repaired tendons. Differences in the activity of the rotator cuff muscles were assessed during several different types of passive shoulder and active elbow exercises.Methods: In 15 healthy subjects, passive forward flexion of the shoulder was performed using a table, pulley and rope, and a cane, and external rotation was performed using a cane and a wall. The active elbow flexion-extension exercise was also performed while holding the upper arm with the contralateral hand. Activation amplitudes of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis muscles were evaluated using electromyography with fine wires.Results: During passive forward flexion, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles exhibited lower activity when using a table compared with a cane (both P < 0.01) and a pulley and rope (both P < 0.05). Flexion of <90° decreased supraspinatus activation compared with 170° (P = 0.047). During external rotation of the shoulder while using the cane and wall, there was no difference in the activity of any muscles. Electromyographic activity during the active elbow exercise was lower in the supraspinatus while holding the upper arm (P = 0.018).Conclusion: The table sliding exercise may reduce stress on the rotator cuff during passive forward flexion more than the other exercises do. Decreasing the range of motion to less than 90° in forward flexion activated the supraspinatus less. Moreover, movement of the elbow can be performed holding the upper arm to activate the rotator cuff to a lesser extent.Level Of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between internal chemical potential, and durability of anode-supported BCY (BaCe 0.85 Y 0.15 O 3-δ ) electrolyte cells, was investigated as a function of electrolyte thickness. Internal hydrogen and oxygen chemical potentials were measured on thin (∼ 10 μm) and thick (∼ 50 μm) BCY electrolyte using an embedded Pt probe. As the electrolyte thickness decreased, the internal chemical potential became dominated by the gases surrounding the cathode, indicating that the thin BCY cell may be vulnerable to water vapor produced at the cathode during operation. Constant-current tests were conducted on a thin (∼ 10 μm) BCY electrolyte cell with a BCY + LSCF ((La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O 3-δ ) cathode, and a thick (∼ 35 μm) BCY electrolyte cell with a BZY (BaZr 0.85 Y 0.15 O 3-δ ) + LSCF cathode, under positive and negative voltage conditions. Consistent with the results of the internal chemical-potential measurements, the former showed a significant rate of degradation due to changes in BCY composition in the electrolyte and cathode, while the latter showed much better durability, regardless of the sign of cell voltage. Thus, the present work shows the effect of BCY electrolyte thickness and selection of cathode material, on the durability of BCY based cells, in terms of their internal chemical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas usually present as painless, slow-growing abdominal masses. When masses grow large enough to compress surrounding structures, symptoms may occur. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma clinically manifesting as inguinal hernia is a very rare entity; only 11 cases have been reported. Herein, we present radiographic features of a 37-year-old male with a painless palpable mass in the right groin that was identified as dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma herniated through the right inguinal canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified analytical method providing accurate unstrained lengths of all structural elements is proposed to find the optimized initial state of self-anchored suspension bridges under dead loads. For this, equilibrium equations of the main girder and the main cable system are derived and solved by evaluating the self-weights of cable members using unstrained cable lengths and iteratively updating both the horizontal tension component and the vertical profile of the main cable. Furthermore, to demonstrate the validity of the simplified analytical method, the unstrained element length method (ULM) is applied to suspension bridge models based on the unstressed lengths of both cable and frame members calculated from the analytical method. Through numerical examples, it is demonstrated that the proposed analytical method can indeed provide an optimized initial solution by showing that both the simplified method and the nonlinear FE procedure lead to practically identical initial configurations with only localized small bending moment distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Er–Co thin films fabricated by sputtering under an Ar pressure ( P Ar ) varying from 2 to 10 mTorr in steps of 2 mTorr are investigated. The content of Co in the sputtered thin films decreases slightly as the P Ar increases from 2 to 10 mTorr, resulting in a film composition varying from ErCo 1.07 to ErCo 0.93 . Extensive changes in the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties are observed. As the P Ar increases, the compensation temperature increases substantially from 83 to 141 K, as well as the temperature at which the maximum change in the magnetic entropy occurs, particularly in the low P Ar range. Considering the small change observed in the composition of the thin films as a function of P Ar , the changes in the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties are extensive, indicating that the P Ar plays an important role in affecting the aforementioned properties in amorphous magnetic thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why Is Left Atrial Appendage Morphology Related to Strokes? Background A specific morphology of left atrial appendage (LAA) has been reported to be related to stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, the mechanism is not completely understood. This study evaluated whether a specific LAA morphology was related to stroke, and whether it was related to the change of flow velocity and size of LAA in AF patients. Methods The morphology, size, and flow velocity of LAA were evaluated in AF patients with ischemic strokes (stroke, n = 160) and age-matched AF patients without ischemic strokes (control, n = 200). Results Compared with control, the stroke group had a larger LA dimension (4.5 ± 0.7 vs. 4.2 ± 0.6 cm, P < 0.001), larger LAA orifice area (5.3 ± 2.1 vs. 4.1 ± 1.7 cm2, P < 0.001), and slower LAA flow velocity (37 ± 19 vs. 51 ± 20 cm/s, P < 0.001). The stroke group had the chicken wing type less frequently than the control (34% vs. 50%, P = 0.003). After an adjustment for multiple potential confounding factors, the chicken wing type LAA had a decreased stroke risk (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.84, P = 0.020). Patients with a chicken wing LAA had a smaller LAA orifice area (4.4 ± 1.6 vs. 4.9 ± 2.2 cm2, P = 0.013) and higher LAA velocity (55 ± 19 vs. 41 ± 20 cm/s, P < 0.001) than those with non-chicken wing LAA. Conclusion A chicken wing type of LAA was related to the less incidence of stroke. Our results suggest that the relationship between a specific LAA morphology and stroke might be partially explained by the change of the size and flow velocity of LAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation enteropathy is a common complication in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether radiation-induced intestinal injury could be alleviated by coniferyl aldehyde (CA), an HSF1-inducing agent that increases cellular HSP70 expression. We systemically administered CA to mice with radiation enteropathy following abdominal irradiation (IR) to demonstrate the protective effects of CA against radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury. CA clearly alleviated acute radiation-induced intestinal damage, as reflected by the histopathological data and it also attenuated sub-acute enteritis. CA prevented intestinal crypt cell death and protected the microvasculature in the lamina propria during the acute and sub-acute phases of damage. CA induced HSF1 and HSP70 expression in both intestinal epithelial cells and endothelial cells in vitro. Additionally, CA protected against not only the apoptotic cell death of both endothelial and epithelial cells but also the loss of endothelial cell function following IR, indicating that CA has beneficial effects on the intestine. Our results provide novel insight into the effects of CA and suggest its role as a therapeutic candidate for radiation-induced enteropathy due to its ability to promote rapid re-proliferation of the intestinal epithelium by the synergic effects of the inhibition of cell death and the promotion of endothelial cell function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the well-established risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in coronary heart disease. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different types of extracts (aqueous, 20%-, and 80% ethanol) ofNelumbo nuciferaleaf (NL) andCurcuma LongaL. (CL) on hypercholesterolemia inin vitroandin vivomodels. Our results inin vitroexperiments showed that treatment with various extracts of both NL and CL dose-dependently inhibited lipid accumulation and total cholesterol content. The 20% ethanol extract of NL (NL20E) and the aqueous extract of CL (CLW) showed the highest activity. Thein vivoexperimental group was fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD) with oral administration of NL20E, CLW, or a mixture of NL20E with CLW (NC; mixed equal ratio) for 8 weeks. The oral administration of NL20E, CLW, and NC (100 or 300 mg/kg/day) resulted in the suppression of the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, liver lipid level, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), atherogenic index (AI), cardiac risk factor (CRF), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), HMG-CoA reductase, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Similarly, the NL20E, CLW, and NC extracts elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity. Furthermore, NC showed a remarkable hypocholesterolemic effect by decreasing the levels of hepatic TC, AI, LDL cholesterol, HMG-CoA reductase, and CRE and by increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. Thus, the results of this study indicate that the NC has combined hypocholesterolemic effects that block lipid accumulation, thus preventing hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ANK-based DNA vaccine induced a protective immunity in RBIV-infected rock bream. • ANK gene expression displayed a correlation with fish mortality. • TLR3, TLR9, MyD88, Mx, ISG15, PKR, MHC class I, perforin, Fas, Fas ligand and caspases were highly expressed in ANK-based vaccinated group. • IL1β, IL8 and TNFα were not enhanced in ANK-based vaccinated group. Rock bream iridovirus (RBIV) causes severe mass mortalities in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) and remains an unsolved problem in Korea aquaculture industry. In this study, we assessed the potential of ankyrin repeat (ANK)-containing proteins to induce protective immunity in RBIV-infected rock bream. Rock bream administered with ankyrin repeat-containing protein-based DNA vaccine (200 ng/fish) exhibited significant protection against at 4 and 8 weeks post vaccination to infected with 6.7 × 105 RBIV at 23°C; relative percent survival (RPS) of 60.04% and 40.1%, respectively. Furthermore, survivors from the first infection were strongly protected from RBIV (1.1 × 107) re-infection at 70 days post infection, as 100% RPS was observed and without clinical signs of RBIV diseases. Moreover, TLR3 (9.5-fold), TLR9 (5.2-fold), MyD88 (15.9-fold), Mx (55.5-fold), ISG15 (19.0-fold), PKR (24.2-fold), MHC class I (5.1-fold), perforin (6.5-fold), Fas (6.4-fold), Fas ligand (7.1-fold), caspase8 (5.0-fold), caspase9 (12.5-fold), and caspase3 (6.3-fold) responses were significantly elevated in the muscle (vaccine injection site) of ANK-based DNA vaccinated fish at 7 days post vaccination. However, inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL8, and TNFα) were not enhanced in the vaccinated rock bream. Moreover, ANK gene may be a good candidate to detect RBIV infection or in revealing specific information to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying RBIV infection. In summary, ANK-based DNA vaccination in rock bream induced TLR- and IFN-mediated or apoptosis-related immune responses and suggest efficient preventive measures against RBIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]