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Objective: To investigate the association between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the predictors of the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: A total of 778 male police officers in their 50s with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score > 7) were included in the present study. We defined the predictors of the risk of clinical progression of BPH as the total prostate volume ≥31 cm3, prostate-specific antigen level ≥1.6 ng/mL, maximal flow rate <10.6 mL/s, and postvoid residual urine volume of ≥39 mL. The MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. We used the Mantel-Haenszel extension test and logistic regression analyses to statistically examine their relationship. Results: The percentage of participants with ≥1 predictor for the progression of BPH, the percentage of participants with a total prostate volume of ≥31 cm3, and the percentage of participants with a postvoid residual urine volume of ≥39 mL increased significantly with the increase in the number of components of the MetS (P = .003, P = .001, and P = .007, respectively). After adjusting for age and serum testosterone levels, the MetS was shown to be significantly associated with the presence ≥1 predictor for the progression of BPH (odds ratio 1.423, 95% confidence interval 1.020-1.986). Conclusion: Our data have shown that the MetS is associated with the predictors of the risk of clinical progression of BPH in men in their 50s with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mountain range of the Yumu Shan in NE Tibet is the topographic expression of actively growing fault-related folds developed in the hanging walls of a system of mostly northeast-vergent blind thrusts. Here we present a Tibetan example on the geomorphic response to lateral fold propagation using both qualitative analysis of the geomorphic characteristics of this region (e.g., wind and water gaps, drainage density, and along-strike topography of the range crest) and quantitative analysis based on cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating and optically stimulated luminescence dating on the rates of uplift and lateral propagation of the anticline. The elevations of the past positions of successively deflected paleo-rivers show a systematic decrease toward the eastern tip of the anticline, in tandem with an eastward decrease in drainage density. Combining the age data obtained by cosmogenic 10Be and OSL dating methods with the heights of abandoned terraces, we calculated average uplift and lateral propagation rates of ∼378mm/ka over the past ∼185ka and ∼40mm/yr over the past ∼150ka, respectively. Our single-site evaluation of the relation between tear faulting and channel deflection suggests that the tear faulting occurs along weakened bedrock already dissected by the former stream. This finding is inconsistent with the conventional hypothesis that the route of the deflecting stream is controlled by the orientation of the tear-faulting zone. Topographic vertical and lateral fold growth of the Yumu Shan were probably driven by the eastward propagation of a blind thrust since the late Neogene following the initial deposition of sediments in the Hexi Corridor, which were transported from the Qilian Shan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Olivine-type LiFePO4 cathode materials were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method and ball-milling. The ball-milling time, heating time and heating temperature are optimized. A heating temperature higher than 700°C resulted in the appearance of impurity phase Fe2P and growth of large particle, which was shown by high resolution X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The impurity phase Fe2P exhibited a considerable capacity loss at the 1st cycle and a gradual increase in discharge capacity upon cycling. Moreover, it exhibited an excellent high-rate capacity of 104mAhg−1 at 3C in spite of the large particle size. The optimum synthesis conditions for LiFePO4 were ball-milling for 24h and heat-treatment at 600°C for 3h. LiFePO4/Li cells showed an enhanced cycling performance and a high discharge capacity of 160mAhg−1 at 0.1C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Weathering can alter fault-rock cohesion, which is an important criterion in the classification of fault rocks, and can also alter fault-rock mechanical and hydraulic properties. To investigate the effects of weathering on fault rocks, we studied relatively fresh and weathered fault rocks collected from a drill core and outcrop, respectively, of a granitic fault zone (the Yeongdeok Fault, a northern branch of the Yangsan Fault) on the southeastern Korean Peninsula. At the studied outcrop, the Yeongdeok Fault has juxtaposed Triassic granite against Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. Granitic fault rocks in the outcrop are incohesive, whereas the drill core includes both cohesive and incohesive granitic fault rocks. A detailed correlation of the fault rocks from the drill core with those from the outcrop reveals that some incohesive fault rocks from the outcrop are weathered cataclasite. Cataclasites from the drill core are composed of feldspar, plagioclase, and quartz fragments embedded in a matrix of quartz, plagioclase, muscovite, and chlorite. Locally, foliation defined by the preferred orientation of muscovite is developed. The weathered cataclasite comprises quartz, plagioclase, and feldspar fragments, with a fine-grained matrix composed mostly of clay minerals. The measured Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values for cataclasite and weathered cataclasite are 47–49 and 60–67, respectively. Measurements of hydraulic properties show that weathered cataclasite has higher porosity and permeability compared with unweathered cataclasite. Physical and chemical weathering are interpreted to have increased the fracture density of the weathered cataclasite and enhanced the dissolution of vein minerals, respectively. These processes have not only contributed to the higher permeability and porosity of the weathered (cf. unweathered) cataclasite but have also resulted in a loss of cohesion. When cohesion is lost due to weathering, distinguishing between cataclasite and fault breccia becomes challenging. Our study demonstrates that the cohesion-based classification of fault rocks becomes limited for fault rocks with CIA value more than 60. • Weathering alters cohesion and hydraulic properties of fault rocks. • Increase in fracture density is the main cause for loss of cohesion. • Degree of weathering depends on the types of fault rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • NNE–SSW-striking Yangsan Fault is situated on the eastern margin of Asia. • The style of deformation in the fault core is controlled by ductility of protolith. • It underwent four main movements since Late Cretaceous. • Dextral slip faulting of late Paleogene age was the most intense event of the fault. Abstract We describe the structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of the NNE–SSW-striking Yangsan Fault, Korea. The surface trace of the fault extends for over 170 km on land, displaying ∼20–30 km of dextral offset. It transects mainly Mesozoic–Cenozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks. Our field observations suggest that the style of deformation within the fault core is controlled by the ductility of the protoliths. Where sedimentary rocks have been faulted, fault cores tend to be relatively wide, having hosted multiple events. Internal fault core structures are characterized by networks of multiple anastomosing strands of fault gouge and breccia, which enclose lenses of fractured protolith. However, where igneous (crystalline) rocks have been faulted, slip tends to be much more localized within narrow fault cores comprising cataclastic rocks. Combining our new data with previous research results, we infer that four main movement phases have occurred on the fault: (1) Late Cretaceous sinistral slip faulting with a component of extensional deformation, under a regime of NW–SE compression; (2) late Paleogene intense dextral slip faulting, which occurred under a regional NE–SW compressional regime; (3) middle Miocene weak sinistral slip faulting, during NNW–SSE compression; and (4) local Quaternary dextral slip faulting with a reverse component, under ENE–WSW to E-W compression. The most intense phase of deformation appears to have occurred during the late Paleogene due to a major reorganization of plate motion in and around the NW Pacific area. Our findings highlight that the fault has been a preferred zone of weakness for episodic reactivations having significant implications for the changing tectonic environments of East Asia from Late Cretaceous to Quaternary, and that its segments underwent distinguishable deformations at each phase probably due to their geometrical features and fault rock properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and a number of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A total of 1224 male police officers aged 50-59 years who had participated in a health examination were included. LUTS/BPH were assessed by prostate-specific antigen, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), total prostate volume (TPV), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume. Testosterone levels were also examined. MetS was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The subjects were classified into 4 groups according to the number of exhibited MetS components (0, 1-2, 3, and 4-5). We used the Mantel-Haenszel extension test and logistic regression analyses. Results: MetS was diagnosed in 29.0% of the patients. The BPH ratio (IPSS >7, TPV ≥30 mL, and/or Qmax <15 mL/sec), TPV ≥30 mL, and PVR ≥50 mL significantly increased with an increasing number of metabolic abnormalities. The odds ratio (OR) in relation to a TPV ≥30 mL and a PVR ≥50 mL significantly rose as the number of positive MetS components increased after adjusting for age and testosterone. Additionally, the ORs (adjusting for age and testosterone) in relation to BPH also increased as the number of positive MetS components increased, with a suggestive threshold effect associated with 4-5 positive components (BPH: IPSS >7 + TPV ≥30 mL; 4 and 5 components, 3.496, 1.805-6.769, P = .001; BPH: IPSS >7 + TPV ≥30 mL + Qmax <15 mL/sec; 4 and 5 components, 5.458, 1.777-16.764, P = .002). Conclusion: According to our results, the cases of LUTS/BPH were positively associated with the number of MetS components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of peripheral blood leukocyte is related to depression in community-dwelling old women. A total of 142 community-dwelling women, older than 60 years, were included in the study. The mtDNA copy number, which represents the mtDNA content, was measured using real-time PCR methods. Patients with depression defined as the subjects whose 15-question geriatric depression scale (GDS) score was ≥8 or who were taking anti-depressant medication. We also measured cognitive function, physical performances (gait speed, chair-stand times, tandem standing times) and metabolic parameters. The depression group had a significantly lower mtDNA copy number than the control group (71.5 vs. 107.3; interquartile range (IQR)=42.7–116.0 vs. 51.7–202.1; p =0.028). The Korean version of the mini mental state examination (K-MMSE) score and physical performance score were significantly lower in the depression group than in the control group (p =0.041, and p =0.002, respectively). After adjustment for confounding factors using multiple logistic regression analysis, mtDNA copy number was significantly related to depression (p =0.025). We demonstrated that low leukocyte mtDNA content is related to depression in community dwelling old women. This finding suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction could be a mechanism of geriatric depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We determined the geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf–Pb isotopic compositions of volcanic rocks within the Tertiary basins of southeastern Korea to better understand the petrogenetic evolution of local volcanism. The volcanic rocks in this region are divided into two major groups based on their geochemical characteristics and spatiotemporal distributions: Eoil from the Yangnam Basin, and Daljeon from the Pohang Basin. The Eoil rocks (16–22Ma K–Ar ages) are primarily subalkaline basalt to basaltic andesite, whereas the Daljeon samples (13–15Ma K–Ar ages) are sodic alkaline phonotephrites. The Eoil basaltic rocks exhibit light rare earth element (LREE)-enrichment patterns with chondrite-normalized (La/Yb)N ratios of 3.6–5.0. Daljeon phonotephrites are typified by significant LREE-enrichment [(La/Yb)N =32.0–33.2] and slight negative Sm and Eu anomalies on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns. The Eoil samples show an arc signature on the primitive mantle-normalized multi-element variation diagrams, with high large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment and the depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE). In contrast, the Daljeon samples are dominated by high ratios of Nb and Ta to LILE and HREE, resembling typical oceanic island basalt (OIB) but distinguished by a significant trough in K, Rb, Sm, and Ti, and a positive anomaly in P. In Sr–Nd isotope space, all samples fall in the depleted quadrant, but the Eoil basaltic rocks are characterized by lower 143Nd/144Nd ratios at a given 87Sr/86Sr ratio than those of the Daljeon phonotephrites. The Eoil rocks have elevated 176Hf/177Hf ratios compared with the Daljeon samples, exhibiting a decoupling of Nd and Hf isotopes in Hf–Nd space. These observations, together with the Eoil volcanic rocks showing more radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions than the Daljeon samples, indicate two distinct mantle sources for the volcanism. The source of Eoil magmatism might be mantle wedge metasomatized by the addition of subducted pelagic sediment melts, whereas hydrous mineral-bearing sub-continental lithospheric mantle could be the dominant source for the Daljeon volcanism. The difference may be related to changes in the geodynamic setting induced by a back-arc opening in the East Sea, which culminated at around 15Ma. Lithospheric thinning caused by rifting produced the East Sea and the resultant thermal effect of asthenospheric upwelling may have initiated partial melting of the metasomatized lithospheric mantle, producing the Daljeon volcanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Individual differences are the hallmark of aging. Chronological age (CHA) is known that fails to provide an accurate indicator of the aging but biological age (BA) estimates the functional status of an individual in reference to his or her chronological peers on the basis of how well he or she functions in comparison with others of the same CHA. Therefore, we developed models for predicting BA that can be applicable in clinical practice settings. This was a community-based cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited from the health promotion center in Korea from 2001 to 2005. Among these, data obtained from the 3575 participants (1302 men and 2273 women) was used for clinical evaluation and statistical analysis. For our test battery we selected 25 parameters among the routine tests. For males, the best models were developed using 15, 7, 5, and 4 of the 25 chosen parameters for total, physical, biochemical and hormonal characteristics, respectively (R 2 =0.62, 0.38, 0.33, and 0.36, respectively). Similar to males, for the females, 14, 6, 8, and 3 parameters were developed as the models (R 2 =0.66, 0.40, 0.42, and 0.37, respectively). Our BA prediction models may be used as supplementary tools adding knowledge in the evaluation of aging status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]