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Background: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by the hyperproliferative epidermal keratinocytes and significant immune cells infiltration, leading to cytokines production such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17. Recent study highlights the critical role of IL-1β in the induction and activation of pathogenic Th17 and IL-17-producing γδ T cells, contributing to psoriasis. However, the mechanism underlying IL-1β dysregulation in psoriasis pathogenesis is unclear. Autophagy regulates IL-1β production and has a pleiotropic effect on inflammatory disorders. Previous studies showed controversial role of autophagy in psoriasis pathogenesis, either pro-inflammatory in autophagy-deficient keratinocyte or anti-inflammatory in pharmacologically autophagy-promoting macrophages. Thus, the direct role of autophagy and its therapeutic potential in psoriasis remains unclear. Methods: We used myeloid cell-specific autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7)-deficient mice and determined the effect of autophagy deficiency in myeloid cells on neutrophilia and disease pathogenesis in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. We then assessed the pathogenic mechanism focusing on immune cells producing IL-1β and IL-17 along with gene expression profiles associated with psoriasis in mouse model and public database on patients. Moreover, therapeutic potential of IL-1β blocking in such context was assessed. Results: We found that autophagy deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated neutrophilic inflammation and disease pathogenesis in mice with psoriasis. This autophagy-dependent effect was associated with a significant increase in IL-1β production from myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, Cxcl2 expression, and IL-17 A producing T cells including γδ T cells. Supporting this, treatment with systemic IL-1 receptor blocking antibody or topical saccharin, a disaccharide suppressing pro-IL-1β expression, led to the alleviation of neutrophilia and psoriatic skin inflammation linked to autophagy deficiency. The pathophysiological relevance of this finding was supported by dysregulation of autophagy-related genes and their correlation with Th17 cytokines in psoriatic skin lesion from patients with psoriasis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that autophagy dysfunction in myeloid cells, especially macrophages, along with IL-1β dysregulation has a causal role in neutrophilic inflammation and psoriasis pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates when and how awareness of knowledge gaps (AKG) manifests by observing the problem-solving phase of the educational approach known as problem-solving followed by instruction (PS-I). By comprehensively exploring cognitive and metacognitive process of learners during this phase and categorizing students' judgements of knowledge structure in relation to AKG, it strengthens the underlying mechanisms of PS-I. With sixteen university students as participants, this study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes conversations that take place during problem-solving activities. In the analysis, the authors suggest a total of ten cognitive and metacognitive events that occur and six judgements of knowledge structure in relation to AKG. The findings indicate that students spend most of their time solving the problem and seldom evaluate their thoughts; few express awareness of a knowledge gap. The authors discuss the relationships between the judgements of knowledge structure and consider when—and to what extent—students perceive their knowledge gaps. Lastly, the authors bring four learning behaviors (i.e., representing and reflecting on knowledge; recognizing and specifying knowledge gaps) with possible instructional strategies to promote each learning behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between urban accessibility of museums in the urban spaces of Tokyo and Seoul within limited travel distances. Similarities and differences were identified in the museum accessibility between the two cities. The urban accessibility of museums was set as the dependent variable, calculated via space syntax. For the spatial accessibility of museums, five walking ranges (1000–2000 m) were set as independent variables, with a distance of 250 m as the basic unit. Data normality and independence of the derived data were checked, and polynomial curve fitting was performed to interpret the accessibility of museums in each city. A comparative analysis was conducted on museum accessibility. The results show areas with a high concentration of museums in Tokyo and Seoul partially deviated from the center of the urban hierarchy. The urban and spatial accessibilities of museums in both cities quantitatively correlated with limited travel distances. Museum visitors in Tokyo were more likely to have relatively free-flowing routes in the city. The museums in Seoul had a lower overall accessibility than those in Tokyo, and travel patterns and routes to these museums were likely to be restricted when located in urban areas and consequently resembled a forced movement pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remote color converter with a phosphor in silicone (PiS) structure was fabricated using CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystal embedded glass (PNEG) as a green phosphor. When the PNEG was pasted on a glass substrate and mounted on a blue LED, it showed enhanced thermal and photo stability compared with the bulk PNEG. The remote color converter was used to prepare a white LED, which had a wide color gamut of up to 130% of the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) defined area with the addition of K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSF:Mn4+) as a red phosphor. The feasibility of a flexible remote white color converter using ultra-thin glass (UTG) as a substrate was examined and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to investigate office workers' competencies that employees perceived to be important in their workplaces and the degree of helpfulness of universities as well as to scrutinize the gap between competence demand in the workplace and provision in higher education. Using the responses of bachelor's-degree holders working as office workers from the Korean Youth Panel data, a latent profile analysis was conducted with five competence categories each for their importance and university helpfulness. The analysis revealed four latent profiles. Further, paired t-tests were also conducted to examine the gap between competence importance and university helpfulness. Gaps were confirmed and partially confirmed in two profiles each. The results imply that it is necessary to consider the actual demands in the workplace when designing and planning competence or job programs in universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify latent classes of work values that influence the career choices of Korean workers through a person-centred approach. Because work values may be diverse in individuals, investigating the various combinations of those values will help understand individual's decisions to take, maintain and leave a job. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used a total of 15,103 datasets collected at the national level in South Korea. Data were analyzed by using latent class analysis (LCA); a three-step approach was employed to address classification. Findings: As the results of this study, Class 3, "seeking balanced work values rather than income," presented the highest level of job satisfaction, whereas Class 1, "seeking job security and income," exhibited the lowest. Originality/value: Employing an assessment tool to identify the distinct combinations of work values that individuals possess and then providing them with appropriate training and development programs and customized Human Resource (HR) policies aligned with the classes will be essential tasks for HRD (Human Resource Development)/HRM (Human Resource Management) practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eosinophilic inflammation is a hallmark of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and considered a major therapeutic target. Autophagy deficiency in myeloid cells plays a causal role in eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) via macrophage IL‐1β overproduction, thereby suggesting autophagy regulation as a potential therapeutic modality. Trehalose is a disaccharide sugar with known pro‐autophagy activity and effective in alleviating diverse inflammatory diseases. We sought to investigate the therapeutic potential of autophagy‐enhancing agent, trehalose, or related sugar compounds, and the underlying mechanism focusing on macrophage IL‐1β production in ECRS pathogenesis. Methods: We investigated the therapeutic effects of trehalose and saccharin on macrophage IL‐1β production and eosinophilia in the mouse model of ECRS with myeloid cell‐specific autophagy‐related gene 7 (Atg7) deletion. The mechanisms underlying their anti‐inflammatory effects were assessed using specific inhibitor, genetic knockdown or knockout, and overexpression of cognate receptors. Results: Unexpectedly, trehalose significantly attenuated eosinophilia and disease pathogenesis in ECRS mice caused by autophagy deficiency in myeloid cells. This autophagy‐independent effect was associated with reduced macrophage IL‐1β expression. Various sugars recapitulated the anti‐inflammatory effect of trehalose, and saccharin was particularly effective amongst other sugars. The mechanistic study revealed an involvement of sweet taste receptor (STR), especially T1R3, in alleviating macrophage IL‐1β production and eosinophilia in CRS, which was supported by genetic depletion of T1R3 or overexpression of T1R2/T1R3 in macrophages and treatment with the T1R3 antagonist gurmarin. Conclusion: Our results revealed a previously unappreciated anti‐inflammatory effect of STR agonists, particularly trehalose and saccharin, and may provide an alternative strategy to autophagy modulation in the ECRS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable and valid measurement of employee learning agility for use in human resources development. Design/methodology/approach: This paper analyzed a total of 365 cases collected from Korean organizations. This paper conducted exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis to validate the measurement. This paper conducted a measurement invariance (MI) test to confirm the generalizability of the measurement and used Harman's single factor test to assess the common method variance (CMV). Findings: This paper derived a learning agility measurement with six subfactors (Cronbach's α = 0.893). This paper verified that it could be applied equally to supervisors and subordinates using an MI test. Factor analysis confirmed the feasibility of CMV. Based on I-ADAPT theory, the learning agility measurement can be applied to assess not only leader competency but also general employee competency. Research limitations/implications: Practitioners may use this model of learning agility for developing competency-based training programs and evaluations. This study is meaningful because it extends the concept of learning agility. In particular, the MI test indicated that there are no differences between supervisors and employees regarding the utility of the concept. Originality/value: This study is meaningful because it extends the concept of learning agility. In particular, the MI test indicated that there are no differences between supervisors and employees regarding the utility of the concept. The concept in this paper is distinguished from other studies by applying the Rasch model from an item response theory perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on various studies, we provide a holistic view incorporating different nested cultural contexts, organizational shame, and health outcomes. We introduce the concept of organizational shame and explain its two key domains: conformity and status/competition. Then, we comprehensively review prior studies on cultural approaches to shame and propose our cultural variance model of organizational shame. Our model illustrates an equilibrium, exhibiting dominant and stable patterns of shame domains formed by reinforcing relationships among three key nested contextual layers: individuals (workers), organizations (firms), and the labor market. We apply our model to discuss general and occupational implications and outline future research directions. Thus, we hope to conceptualize organizational shame within the dynamic contexts of organizations and cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate three organizational-level factors (geographical proximity, technological similarity and organizational identity integration) that influence the likelihood of post-mergers and acquisition (M&A) joint knowledge creation between inventors from the target and acquiring firms. Design/methodology/approach: Analyzing post-M&A joint patent filing activities from 136 M&A deals in high-tech industries, the authors conduct a zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis to estimate the likelihood of joint knowledge creation. Findings: The results indicate that close geographical proximity and technological similarity are positively associated, whereas the integration of organizational identity is negatively associated with post-M&A joint knowledge creation. Practical implications: Managers searching for an ideal acquisition target firm for joint production of new technologies or products should consider factors such as location, prior knowledge base and post-acquisition integration strategies. Originality/value: The proposed model is a comprehensive framework that considers physical, cognitive and identity dimensions as antecedents of post-M&A joint knowledge creation. This study analyzes joint patenting activities to measure post-M&A joint knowledge creation between target and acquiring firm inventors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel betacoronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Due to the continuing surge in incidence and mortality globally, determining whether protective, long-term immunity develops after initial infection or vaccination has become critical. Methods/Results: In this narrative review, we evaluate the latest understanding of antibody-mediated immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and to other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and the four endemic human coronaviruses) in order to predict the consequences of antibody waning on long-term immunity against SARS-CoV-2. We summarise their antibody dynamics, including the potential effects of cross-reactivity and antibody waning on vaccination and other public health strategies. At present, based on our comparison with other coronaviruses we estimate that natural antibody-mediated protection for SARS-CoV-2 is likely to last for 1–2 years and therefore, if vaccine-induced antibodies follow a similar course, booster doses may be required. However, other factors such as memory B- and T-cells and new viral strains will also affect the duration of both natural and vaccine-mediated immunity. Conclusion: Overall, antibody titres required for protection are yet to be established and inaccuracies of serological methods may be affecting this. We expect that with standardisation of serological testing and studies with longer follow-up, the implications of antibody waning will become clearer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembled amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides have been considered pathological assemblies involved in human brain diseases, and the electron transfer or electron transport characteristics of Aβ are important for the formation of structured assemblies. Here, we report the electrical characteristics of surface-assembled Aβ peptides similar to those observed in Alzheimer's patients. These characteristics correlate to their electron transfer characteristics. Electrical current–voltage plots of Aβ vertical junction devices show the Aβ sequence dependence of the current densities at both Aβ monomers (mono-Aβs) and Aβ oligomers (oli-Aβs), while Aβ sequence dependence is not clearly observed in the electrical characteristics of Aβ planar field effect transistors (FETs). In particular, surface oligomerization of Aβ peptides drastically decreases the activity of electron transfer, which presents a change in the electron transport pathway in the Aβ vertical junctions. Electron transport at oli-Aβ junctions is symmetric (tunneling/tunneling) due to the weak and voltage-independent coupling of the less redox-reactive oli-Aβ to the contacts, while that at mono-Aβ junctions is asymmetric (hopping/tunneling) due to redox levels of mono-Aβ voltage-dependently coupled with contact electrodes. Consequently, through vertical junctions, the sequence- and conformation-dependent electrical characteristics of Aβs can reveal their electron transfer activities. Bioelectronics: Switched-on technique spots signatures of Alzheimer's disease Improvements to biomolecule/vertical device interfaces have given researchers a new tool to characterize the neurotoxins associated with brain disease. Assembly of amyloid beta peptides into fibrils has been identified as contributing to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Sohyeon Seo and Hyoyoung Lee from Sungkyunkwan University in Suwon, South Korea, and colleagues report that conductivity measurements can help predict the chemical activity of amyloid beta peptide structures. The team's device integrates the peptides into a vertical junction layout by immobilizing them onto monolayer-coated gold electrodes. Correlating the device's conductivity with microscopically determined chemical structures revealed that current flow depended on the peptide's amino acid sequences. Drastic drops in conductivity were observed when the electrode-bound monomer peptides assembled into fibrils, indicating the presence of a different mechanism of current flow. Experimental descriptions of Aβ oligomers (oli-Aβs) assembled on surfaces as compared with Aβ monomers (mono-Aβs) are crucial to understanding changes in chemical reactivity. Here, we fabricated Aβ molecular junctions between linker molecular layered electrodes using different Aβ segments and report that electron transport pathways changed from asymmetric hopping across monomeric Aβ junctions to symmetric tunneling across oligomeric Aβ junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembled amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides have been considered pathological assemblies involved in human brain diseases, and the electron transfer or electron transport characteristics of Aβ are important for the formation of structured assemblies. Here, we report the electrical characteristics of surface-assembled Aβ peptides similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s patients. These characteristics correlate to their electron transfer characteristics. Electrical current–voltage plots of Aβ vertical junction devices show the Aβ sequence dependence of the current densities at both Aβ monomers (mono-Aβs) and Aβ oligomers (oli-Aβs), while Aβ sequence dependence is not clearly observed in the electrical characteristics of Aβ planar field effect transistors (FETs). In particular, surface oligomerization of Aβ peptides drastically decreases the activity of electron transfer, which presents a change in the electron transport pathway in the Aβ vertical junctions. Electron transport at oli-Aβ junctions is symmetric (tunneling/tunneling) due to the weak and voltage-independent coupling of the less redox-reactive oli-Aβ to the contacts, while that at mono-Aβ junctions is asymmetric (hopping/tunneling) due to redox levels of mono-Aβ voltage-dependently coupled with contact electrodes. Consequently, through vertical junctions, the sequence- and conformation-dependent electrical characteristics of Aβs can reveal their electron transfer activities.Bioelectronics: Switched-on technique spots signatures of Alzheimer’s disease Improvements to biomolecule/vertical device interfaces have given researchers a new tool to characterize the neurotoxins associated with brain disease. Assembly of amyloid beta peptides into fibrils has been identified as contributing to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Sohyeon Seo and Hyoyoung Lee from Sungkyunkwan University in Suwon, South Korea, and colleagues report that conductivity measurements can help predict the chemical activity of amyloid beta peptide structures. The team’s device integrates the peptides into a vertical junction layout by immobilizing them onto monolayer-coated gold electrodes. Correlating the device’s conductivity with microscopically determined chemical structures revealed that current flow depended on the peptide’s amino acid sequences. Drastic drops in conductivity were observed when the electrode-bound monomer peptides assembled into fibrils, indicating the presence of a different mechanism of current flow.Experimental descriptions of Aβ oligomers (oli-Aβs) assembled on surfaces as compared with Aβ monomers (mono-Aβs) are crucial to understanding changes in chemical reactivity. Here, we fabricated Aβ molecular junctions between linker molecular layered electrodes using different Aβ segments and report that electron transport pathways changed from asymmetric hopping across monomeric Aβ junctions to symmetric tunneling across oligomeric Aβ junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seawater is the most plentiful natural resource we have on earth and new research is looking at seawater as an alternative to freshwater for hydrogen production by electrolysis. However, the selective electrochemical anodic oxygen evolution reaction from seawater is challenging because of the competitive chloride oxidation reaction as well as anodic corrosion. Here we report an FeOOH deposited β-Ni–Co hydroxide as a new active material with an outer graphene oxide layer, which works effectively for selective overall alkaline natural seawater splitting, which requires very low cell voltages of 1.57 and 2.02 V to reach current densities of 20 mA cm−2 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, at 27 °C. Importantly, this electrolyzer shows exceptional stability for more than 378 h at a current density of 1 A cm−2. This discovery can be generalized with other reported unstable OER/HER seawater splitting electrocatalysts, which can significantly progress the expansion of seawater electrolysis for extensive hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural psychology has great potential to expand its research frameworks to more applied research fields in business such as marketing and organizational studies while going beyond basic psychological processes to more complex social practices. In fact, the number of cross-cultural business studies has grown constantly over the past 20 years. Nonetheless, the theoretical and methodological closeness between cultural psychology and these business-oriented studies has not been fully recognized by scholars in cultural psychology. In this paper, we briefly introduce six representative cultural constructs commonly applied in business research, which include (1) individualism vs. collectivism, (2) independence vs. interdependence, (3) analytic vs. holistic cognition, (4) vertical vs. horizontal orientation, (5) tightness vs. looseness , and (6) strong vs. weak uncertainty avoidance. We plot the constructs on a chart to conceptually represent a common ground between cultural psychology and business research. We then review some representative empirical studies from the research fields of marketing and organizational studies which utilize at least one of these six constructs in their research frameworks. At the end of the paper, we recommend some future directions for further advancing collaboration with scholars in the field of marketing and organizational studies, while referring to theoretical and methodological issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that provide early protection against cancer development via their selectivity to kill abnormal cells undergoing cellular transformation without the need for prior stimulation. Given the correlation between NK cell dysfunction and cancer prognosis, restoration of endogenous NK cells in the tumor microenvironment or adoptive transfer of NK cells with improved function holds great promise in cancer treatment. Furthermore, MHC-unrestricted tumor lysis by NK cells complements the MHC-restricted killing of tumor cells by cytotoxic T cells, thus positioning NK cells as an alternative or complementary therapeutic target for cancers that are refractory to T cell-based therapy. Although previous therapeutic strategies have focused on the manipulation of NK cell inhibitory receptors, recent advances in our understanding of NK cell activation have provided additional promising strategies to enhance NK cell reactivity against cancer. These approaches include targeting immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, such as immune checkpoint receptors, and further enhancing NK cell activation via modulation of intracellular checkpoint molecules or incorporation of tumor-directed chimeric antigen receptors. Thus, an in-depth understanding of NK cell activation will facilitate the optimal design of therapeutic strategies against refractory cancers, possibly in rational and synergistic combination with other therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing a thin non-stoichiometric CeO2-x switching layer between the high oxygen affinity metal TaN top electrode and the TiO2 layer in a TaN/CeO2-x/TiO2/Pt bilayer (BL) device, it is possible to enhance the endurance characteristics and overcome the reliability issue. Compared with a single layer device, a BL device significantly enhances the number of direct current overswitching cycles to >1.2 × 104, non-destructive retention (>104 s), and switching uniformity. A TaON interface layer is formed which served as a reservoir of oxygen ions (O2−) in the SET-process and acts as an O2− supplier to refill the oxygen vacancies in the RESET-process and so plays a key role in the formation and rupture of conductive filaments. This study demonstrates that simply introducing a thin non-stoichiometric CeO2-x switching layer into TiO2-based devices can facilitate the enhancement of the endurance property for future nonvolatile memory applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, we report the coexistence of unipolar and bipolar switching in a solution-based nanocrystalline spinel ferrite ZnFe2O4 thin film prepared by the sol-gel method. It is seen that the Au/ZnFe2O4/Pt device could be activated between unipolar and bipolar switching modes just by choosing RESET-voltage polarity. Conversions between unipolar to bipolar switching modes are reversible and controllable. The results show that the SET-voltage of unipolar switching is smaller than that of bipolar switching, while memory windows (ON/OFF ratio) are identical. Furthermore, filaments are induced by the migration of oxygen vacancies (VOs), which are responsible for reducing variations in SET voltages of unipolar switching. By analyzing the current transport conduction mechanism, the electrode-limited Schottky emission mechanism is dominated in the high field region. Temperature dependence of low and high resistance states indicates that conductive filaments are composed of VOs and metallic Zn atoms, involving Joule heating and electrochemical redox reaction effects. Investigation on coexisting both unipolar and bipolar switching modes in a single Au/ZnFe2O4/Pt memory cell would open a pathway for spinel ferrite based low-cost nonvolatile memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on strategic momentum and alliance studies, we theoretically explain and test the non-monotonicity of the alliance momentum of same- or cross-functional-type alliances. We theorize about critical drivers that generate bounded momentum and further argue whether function-specific momentum occurs sequentially or simultaneously. We examine cross-border alliances of 32 international airlines from 1945 to 1994 and find that the inverted U-shaped pattern of alliance momentum holds for same-type but not for cross-type alliances at both the firm and industry levels. These findings imply that alliance momentum with a specific functional focus evolves sequentially rather than simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theranostic systems are receiving ever-increasing attention due to their potential therapeutic utility, imaging enhancement capability, and promise for advancing the field of personalized medicine, particularly as it relates to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer. In this Tutorial Review, we provide an introduction to the concepts of theranostic drug delivery effected via use of conjugates that are able to target cancer cells selectively, provide cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, and produce readily monitored imaging signals in vitro and in vivo. The underlying design concepts, requiring the synthesis of conjugates composed of imaging reporters, masked chemotherapeutic drugs, cleavable linkers, and cancer targeting ligands, are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on highlighting the potential benefits of fluorogenic reaction-based targeted systems that are activated for both imaging and therapy by cellular entities, e.g., thiols, reactive oxygen species and enzymes, which are present at relatively elevated levels in tumour environments, physiological characteristics of cancer, e.g., hypoxia and acidic pH. Also discussed are systems activated by an external stimulus, such as light. The work summarized in this Tutorial Review will help define the role fluorogenic reaction-based, cancer-targeting theranostics may have in advancing drug discovery efforts, as well as improving our understanding of cellular uptake and drug release mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korean fashion firms face difficulties in sustaining their growth momentum because of market stagnation and the aggressive entry of global luxury and SPA brands. To find a breakthrough, local fashion firms are adopting diverse strategies, including direct entry, licensing, and acquisitions, to successfully tap into the global market. Kolon FnC, which is among the five affiliates of Kolon Industries, focuses its business in the production and sales of fashion goods and clothing lines. Focusing on its strength as a leading brand power in the sports and outdoor segment, Kolon FnC is making strategic moves, such as diversifying its fashion portfolio, creating new value by collaborating with artists, and enhancing its R&D capability for new garment materials, which is led by one of its sister affiliates, Kolon Fashion Material. Under the leadership of the newly appointed CEO Dong-Mun Park, Kolon FnC is aggressively seeking talented young designers in Korea to differentiate itself from its global competitors. CEO Park strongly believes that talented young Korean designers can be a viable source of competitive advantage against global competitors. Since 2010, Kolon FnC has acquired several small-sized designer shops and fashion accessory shops to diversify its fashion portfolio and to create a young and vibrant brand image. This approach marks a departure from the strategic paths of its major local competitors, as Korean fashion firms typically focus on licensing or acquiring foreign brands. This case aims to identify the practical implications of global expansion strategies by analyzing how the Korean fashion industry has evolved and how Kolon FnC and its competitors have deployed different global expansion strategies in developing their resources and/or capabilities for future growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrazide-linked naphthalimides undergo copper ion-selective hydrolysis with concomitant ratiometric fluorescence change. In addition, probe 1 is biocompatible and mainly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in live HeLa cells. It thus can be used for imaging copper accumulation in the ER of live cells, as implied in copper-overloaded situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high potency of bilirubin as an endogenous anti-inflammatory compound, its clinical translation has been hampered because of its insolubility in water. Bilirubin-based nanoparticles that may overcome this critical issue are presented. A polyethylene glycol compound (PEG) was covalently attached to bilirubin, yielding PEGylated bilirubin (PEG-BR). The PEG-BR self-assembled into nanoscale particles with a size of approximately 110 nm, termed bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs). BRNPs are highly efficient hydrogen peroxide scavengers, thereby protecting cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. In a murine model of ulcerative colitis, intravenous injection of BRNPs showed preferential accumulation of nanoparticles at the sites of inflammation and significantly inhibited the progression of acute inflammation in the colon. Taken together, BRNPs show potential for use as a therapeutic nanomedicine in various inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high potency of bilirubin as an endogenous anti-inflammatory compound, its clinical translation has been hampered because of its insolubility in water. Bilirubin-based nanoparticles that may overcome this critical issue are presented. A polyethylene glycol compound (PEG) was covalently attached to bilirubin, yielding PEGylated bilirubin (PEG-BR). The PEG-BR self-assembled into nanoscale particles with a size of approximately 110 nm, termed bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs). BRNPs are highly efficient hydrogen peroxide scavengers, thereby protecting cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. In a murine model of ulcerative colitis, intravenous injection of BRNPs showed preferential accumulation of nanoparticles at the sites of inflammation and significantly inhibited the progression of acute inflammation in the colon. Taken together, BRNPs show potential for use as a therapeutic nanomedicine in various inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to the significant development of creativity studies, individual creativity research has not reached a meaningful consensus regarding the most valid and reliable method for assessing individual creativity. This study revisited 2 of the most popular methods for assessing individual creativity: subjective and objective methods. This study analyzed 1,500 individuals to investigate whether the methods for assessing individual creativity affect the measurement outcomes of individual creativity. Findings indicated that subjective assessments have a smaller variance a higher mean and a moderate but significant correlation with objective assessment methods. Such differences can be motivated by social desirability, consistency motif, illusory superiority, and leniency biases. Based on these findings, this study highlighted the need to acknowledge how subjective and objective assessment methods may affect individual creativity assessment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper endeavors to enrich the existing knowledge acquisition literatures by specifically highlighting downsides of external ties of individuals. We introduce the concept of reverse knowledge diffusion (RKD) through external ties of individuals, and develop theoretical propositions to explain how the risks of RKD vary based on competitive dynamics and status of firms as innovation market leaders or market followers. We develop the construct of RKD to help explain why rivals may pursue contrasting knowledge seeking strategies with regards to leverage external ties of individuals, the timing of establishing these ties, and ex ante control mechanisms designed to regulate these relationships. We also discuss how our propositions advance the theory of knowledge seeking behaviors and generate future research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aptides, developed by our laboratory, are a novel class of high-affinity peptides. Here, we describe the conjugation of an aptide targeting extra-domain B (EDB) of tumor-associated fibronectin to drug-containing liposomes and explore the potential of these aptide-conjugated liposomes as a robust and efficient targeted drug-delivery system for glioma therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method based on the hydrogen/deuterium isotope effect is proposed to separate and quantify the effects of interface trap creation and oxide charge trapping on hot-carrier-induced degradation in n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Hydrogenated and deuterated transistors were subjected to hot-carrier stress with a fixed drain voltage V[sub ds] and various gate voltages V[sub gs]. The threshold voltage V[sub t] and interface trap density N[sub it] were recorded as a function of stress time. It is found that at low V[sub gs] stress when equal numbers of interface traps are created, the shift of V[sub t] is larger in hydrogenated transistors than in deuterated transistors. Increasing V[sub gs] to 1/3V[sub ds] produces no noticeable difference of V[sub t] shift in these two kinds of transistors. However, further increasing V[sub gs] results in larger V[sub t] shift in deuterated transistors than in hydrogenated ones. From a quantitative analysis, the contribution of oxide charge trapping to V[sub t] shift is separated from the contribution of interface trap creation. The results suggest that interface trap creation is the dominant mechanism for hot-carrier-induced degradation in n-channel MOSFETs. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which proposed an alternative interpretation of hot electron interface degradation in n-metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field-effect transistors. Background information on NMOS degradation; Focus of other studies; Experimental results; Conclusion.

Memory devices with bilayer CeO2−x/ZnO and ZnO/CeO2−x heterostructures sandwiched between Ti top and Pt bottom electrodes were fabricated by RF-magnetron sputtering at room temperature. N-type semiconductor materials were used in both device heterostructures, but interestingly, change in heterostructure and electroforming polarity caused significant variations in resistive switching (RS) properties. Results have revealed that the electroforming polarity has great influence on both CeO2−x/ZnO and ZnO/CeO2−x heterostructure performance such as electroforming voltage, good switching cycle-to-cycle endurance (~ 102), and ON/OFF ratio. A device with CeO2−x/ZnO heterostructure reveals good RS performance due to the formation of Schottky barrier at top and bottom interfaces. Dominant conduction mechanism of high resistance state (HRS) was Schottky emission in high field region. Nature of the temperature dependence of low resistance state and HRS confirmed that RS is caused by the formation and rupture of conductive filaments composed of oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which investigated the effect of deuterium sintering for reliability lifetime improvement of complementary metal oxide semiconductors transistors with nitride sidewall spacers. Experimental framework of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

The threshold energy barrier for hydrogen desorption from the SiO[sub 2]-Si interface has been assumed to be the Si-H bond energy with the value of 3.6 eV. Based on the uniform Si-H bond energy and diffusion-limited degradation, the time-dependent hot-carrier degradation of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices has been described by the so-called power law. In this letter, by investigating the degradation of submicron n-channel MOS devices at various stress conditions and over a large time scale (0.01-10000 s), we present experimental evidence that contradicts the uniform bond energy theory and supports the bond energy variation theory proposed recently by Hess and co-workers [Appl. Phys. Lett. 75, 3147 (1999); Physica B 272, 527 (1999)]. We find that, instead of a constant power factor of n=0.5 predicted by the uniform bond/diffusion-limited energy theory, n varies from ∼0.8 at the initial stress stage to ∼0.2 at the final stress stage consistent with the bond energy variation theory. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deuterium isotope effect has been widely demonstrated to improve hot-carrier reliability in metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. Most of the interface traps, however, may have been passivated by hydrogen before the final deuterium anneal due to the ubiquitous presence of hydrogen in modern complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor processing technology. Therefore, effective deuteration requires both deuterium diffusion to the SiO[sub 2]-Si interface and displacement of the previously bonded hydrogen. We have introduced a "prestress" process in which hydrogen is depassivated before deuterium annealing. We found that the prestressed transistors are more robust to hot-carrier stress than control transistors without the prestress. We have also found that the replacement of hydrogen with deuterium is the rate-limiting step for deuterium incorporation at the SiO[sub 2]-Si interface. With the prestress, a lower deuterium annealing temperature can be applied without compromising the reliability improvement. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]