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The operation and maintenance management environment of the national highway agency is expected to be further aggravated by increases in maintenance and rehabilitation costs and environmental costs due to aging road facilities. It is imperative to find a way to reduce life-cycle costs (LCC) and environmental costs (EC) associated with carbon dioxide emissions in road construction. A case study was conducted to select the maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) scenario with the lowest cost by taking into account carbon dioxide emissions. This was done using a hybrid of LCC analysis (LCCA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) methods with three representative M&R scenarios: repetitive patching works, single milling and overlay works, and combined works, respectively. The case study analysis indicates that the most economical scenario according to the LCC is scenario 1, but when considering the EC directly linked to carbon dioxide emissions, scenario 2 is the most economical choice for the national highway agency at a carbon trading price of 42.27 USD/ton and above. This case study is the first international research effort linking long-term pavement performance and carbon dioxide emissions to provide a decision-making framework for the most carbon-efficient M&R strategy for roads.

Cerium oxide (CeO2) shows superior surface exchange, and therefore is widely used for the cathode interlayer coating material to reduce the activation loss in low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC). Here, we report on the application of the high growth-rate atomic layer deposition (ALD) process of CeO2 thin films as cathodic interlayers for LT-SOFCs. We demonstrate that the maximum power density of the SOFC with pure CeO2 interlayer increases by 45% compared to the one without interlayer at 450 °C. More importantly, the performance degradation rate of the ALD CeO2 interlayered cell improves by 25 times compared to the cell without interlayer during 24 h operation at 450 °C.

High-density plasma dry etching was performed with a mixture of CF4/O2/Ar gases, and the plasma resistant properties of RO-Al2O3-SiO2 (R: alkaline earth) glass were analyzed. RAS had etch rates below 25㎚/min, which are lower than that of alumina and sapphire. CAS showed an improvement in the etch rate, which corresponds to 72% of that recorded by sapphire. The plasma resistant properties of RAS glass are more significantly influenced by the sublimation temperature with fluoride than atomic binding energy. The difference in the etch rates of the RAS glass was smaller at higher sublimation temperatures.

The incidence of colorectal cancer is rapidly growing in Korea, due to increasingly westernized dietary. We investigated the inhibitory effects of Citrus grandis extracts rich in polymethoxylated flavones in colorectal cancer. CGDF treatment changed the ratio of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and generated ROS. CGDF treatment could promote the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol by activating the expression of caspases and decreasing the expression of IAPs. ROS generated by CGDF may initiate upstream signaling in the apoptotic signaling pathway. CGDF treatment inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors in mice. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant intestinal microbial shifts caused by CGDF ingestion, in which SCFA producers, Clostridium_IV, Oscillibacter, and Acetatifactor, were increased, while the number of potentially tumorigenic bacteria Staphylococcus was decreased. Therefore, we suggest that C. grandis peel extract and its fractions promote the mitochondrial apoptotic cascade in human colorectal cells by shifting the gut microbiota.

The plasma resistance of these commercial quartz glasses was compared, and the product formed by the reaction with plasma was analyzed. Plasma etching was performed in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) process with a mixture of CF4, O2, and Ar gases. The mean etching rate of the commercial quartz glasses was 235.5㎚/min, and the p-value of 0.638 determined from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed no statistical significance difference between the impurity content and the etching rate for the samples prepared by the various methods. Thus, it was determined that impurity differences on the ppm level in commercial quartz glasses does not affect the plasma resistance. After plasma etching, the surface roughness was 6.5㎛, which is 45 times greater than the initial surface roughness of 0.14㎛. This is due to the reaction product formed by the chemical reaction of SiO2 and fluorocarbon during plasma treatment. The product comprised spherical particles with a size of 5–10 ㎛, where silicon oxide and fluoride were the main reaction products, leading to coarsening of the plasma-treated quartz glass.

Particulate matter (PM) plays a pivotal role in creating short-term and long-term respiratory issues and even premature deaths. Industries like the automobile industry have taken a progressive approach in reducing PM emission by concentrating on high PM emitters' control measures. However, the construction industry lacks such PM data to follow a similar approach and create a sustainable construction practice. In this study, the authors utilised an approach of measuring an activity level real-time PM and inhalation rate (IR) to gauge the hazard levels, which identifies activities needing the most attention regarding the control measures. Our results highlight that each activity's hazard level varies based on the IR, PM exposure, type of activity, tools, and materials used. But the most important factor is the IR, as the variation in the IR significantly impacts each construction activity's health risk. For high-intensity activity, the variation in IR decreased the hazard index (R) (– 99.25 %), and for lower intensity activity, IR increased the Hazard Index (R) (+34.66 %). The authors conclude that these findings will direct researchers and construction practitioners' attention to practical steps for managing environmental footprints to generate a sustainable construction industry by using smart construction technology to reduce PM hazard levels.

Exposure to microplastics (MP) in aquatic environment leads to bioaccumulation in fish, with MP size being a major factor in determining the accumulation profile. MPs absorbed into the fish body enter the circulatory system and affect hematological properties, changing the blood physiology. MPs also induce an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant capacity, causing oxidative damage. In addition, MPs impact immune responses due to physical and chemical toxicity, and cause neurotoxicity, altering AchE activity. Here, the toxic effects of MPs in fish through various indicators were examined, including bioaccumulation, hematological parameters, antioxidant responses, immune responses, and neurotoxicity in relation to MP exposure, facilitating the identification of biomarkers of MP toxicity following exposure of fish.

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the primary pollutants of the environment. The amount of PM discharged from construction projects is considerably high; it generates 70-80% of the overall PM. The composition of PM is complex and may contain various toxic substances that have severe health effects on human health. Existing health risk assessment in the construction industry lacks the efficiency to reduce the risk level of PM exposure. This study systematically reviews literature in this research area to understand the primary reasons which generates PM health risk assessments. The authors reviewed health risk assessment studies in the construction industry to analyze the current situation, and then reviewed health risk assessment studies from four different industries to compare the advancement of research and outcomes in all the five industries. From the study it is understood that the area of research related to ambient air were more developed compared to those in other areas due to their sampling methods and the size of the PM studied. From the findings of the systematic review, it is understood that majority of the risk assessment studies still rely on a two decade-old system and neglect recent research findings pertaining inhalation rate and size of PM. To overcome this, the level of risk involved in various common construction activities needs to be explored using real-time location-based PM monitoring and real-time inhalation monitoring methods. The findings of this review will help researchers gain a better perspective while conducting occupational health risk studies in the construction industry.

This paper provides simulated datasets for different versions of small-scale physical sinkhole models that are essential to understand the sinkhole formation rate. These physical models were used in experiments to monitor ground settlement or collapse due to leakage from an underground pipeline. The factors under consideration were the subsurface soil profile, pattern of water flow, and leakage position in the pipeline. The experimental results and statistical analysis showed that the subsurface soil strata conditions dominated the sinkhole occurrence mechanism, although other factors also contributed to the settlement. The results also showed that the subsurface soil comprising strata sandy clay, limestone, and bedrock (SC-LS-BR) dominates the sinkhole mechanism. The data are organized and formatted in a useful structure. Specifically, the dataset is presented in terms of tables to illustrate the settlements in different soil profiles under various conditions. This analysis was then used to predict the sinkhole risk level under different conditions. The formulated dataset and the results can be considered in developing a sinkhole risk index (SRI) and identifying sinkhole risk areas.

Air quality is an environmental issue faced by many countries. Recent studies have shown that majority (70%) of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere originates from the construction industry. Thus, existing PM monitoring and control measures are insufficient to reduce the overall exposure. Studies have shown that PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 have different physiochemical properties, and consequently, different dispersion behavior. PM1 particles are more toxic to humans compared to PM10 and PM2.5 particles. This study aims to investigate the propagation of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 away from a construction source, once it is produced and discharged, using a location-based PM monitoring approach. The authors used optical particle counter (OPC) sensors to record the concentration of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 simultaneously during the execution of construction activity. The results showed that PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 propagated away from the source and remained suspended with different propagation behavior. PM1 concentration propagated exponentially higher from the source. PM10 and PM2.5 propagated similarly to an extent. However, PM10 propagated back toward the ground in a short time (6–8 min), whereas PM2.5 tended to remain suspended and propagate higher. This study will provide researchers and construction practitioners with a new set of information to refine current PM monitoring and PM control measures to yield more benefits. While implementing a real-time PM monitoring system for construction projects, accommodating the difference in the particle distribution and dispersion can help to create a better targeted countermeasure. Further research can lead the construction industry toward a sustainable future.

We investigated why residual stress is generated in the glaze of a commercial bone china product. Because of the difference between the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the glaze and the body, the residual stress in the glaze was expected to be 15 MPa or lower. However, the measured value exceeded 50 MPa. During glost firing, an interface layer appeared between the glaze and body, and it was thought to be hydroxyapatite (HAp) or β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP). A simulation confirmed that the CTE of the interface layer should be higher than 14 × 10 −6 /°C and its thickness should be 30 μm or more to match the measured strain value of 50 MPa. Thus, it was thought that the difference in the CTE between the glaze and the interface had a stronger influence than that between the glaze and the body with respect to developing residual compressive stress in the glaze of bone china.

The construction industry is one of the significant sources which pollutes the environment. As 66 % of the world’s population will move towards urban areas within 2050, the rate of construction work happening in the cities will be enormous. Thus, construction practitioners should be aware of Particulate matter (PM) exposure and associated health impacts on society living in urban areas and focus on executing targeted countermeasures. Low-cost sensors with higher sensitivity and higher saturation point can be used for PM measurements during the construction works. This study measures PM produced from a construction activity using low-cost sensors. A total of 4635 exposure samples were collected during the experiment from which the PM concentrations for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were recorded as 7731.32, 532.14, and 113.68 μg/m3 with a standard deviation (σ) of 1990.39, 64.97, and 12.06 μg/m3. The two-stage Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method supports the conclusion that even after implementing efficient control measures, the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 remain 30 and 8 fold higher than their respective 24-hs exposure standards. Thus, future research work should focus on creating targeted control measures, further research exploring the distribution of particles produced from different construction activities should be monitored.

The construction industry is one of the primary sources of fine dust pollution. Aging labor, occupational health impacts, and stagnant productivity are the concerns within the construction industry. Even though control measures are implemented to reduce exposure to fine dust during construction works, occupational health impacts for construction practitioners still exist. At the worst, it can lead the construction practitioner to premature death or long-term illness. The authors used content analysis with deductive reasoning and a concept based review approach to collate a broader knowledge within the scope of this research. It is found that the research and applications of fine dust emitted from construction equipment are in a progressive stage, but that of the construction activities is still in an early stage. The majority of recent publications in this area of research are associated with the control measures, health impacts, monitoring systems, and emission from the construction activities. However, still, there is no consensus about an appropriate real-time monitoring system or a targeted countermeasure. Researchers and construction practitioners can accommodate significant factors such as the distributional characteristics of different sizes of particles while using different materials and tools for various activities simultaneously. This study will support the future researchers in this area by directing their attention towards research areas such as real-time monitoring of construction dust by considering distributional characteristics of particles and formulation of a standard PM inventory for the construction works. This will in turn advocate for a refined construction practice and in the creation of targeted control measures.

The degrading effects of atmospheric turbulence on an imaging system can be characterized by the atmospheric modulation transfer function (MTF). In this paper, we derived analytically a new expression for the wave structure function (WSF) of a Gaussian-beam based on the weak fluctuation theory. We assumed the beam-wave is propagating through a horizontal path experiencing isotropic and homogeneous non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence where the power spectrum has a generalized spectral power-law exponent which varies between 3 and 4 instead of the fixed classical Kolmogorov power-law exponent of 11/3. Using the WSF, we derived mathematical expressions for the spatial coherence radius and the long-exposure turbulence MTF of the Gaussian-beam wave. These new expressions were used to analyze the influence of power-law variations and beam sizes on the WSF and quality of imaging systems. The simulation results show that different exponent values produce varying effects on both WSF and imaging systems.

TRAIL induces apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells. However, development of resistance to TRAIL is a major obstacle to more effective cancer treatment. Therefore, novel pharmacological agents that enhance sensitivity to TRAIL are necessary. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which ilimaquinone isolated from a sea sponge sensitizes human colon cancer cells to TRAIL. Ilimaquinone pretreatment significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HCT 116 cells and sensitized colon cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through increased caspase-8, -3 activation, PARP cleavage, and DNA damage. Ilimaquinone also reduced the cell survival proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-xL, while strongly up-regulating death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5 expression. Induction of DR4 and DR5 by ilimaquinone was mediated through up-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). The up-regulation of CHOP, DR4 and DR5 expression was mediated through activation of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Finally, the generation of ROS was required for CHOP and DR5 up-regulation by ilimaquinone. These results demonstrate that ilimaquinone enhanced the sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through ROS-ERK/p38 MAPK-CHOP-mediated up-regulation of DR4 and DR5 expression, suggesting that ilimaquinone could be developed into an adjuvant chemotherapeutic drug.

Purpose The consequences of precipitously rising allergic skin inflammation rates worldwide have accelerated the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). Natural product-based agents with good efficacy and low risk of side effects offer promising prevention and treatment strategies for inflammation-related diseases. We have already reported that Platycodon grandiflorum root-derived saponins (Changkil saponins, CKS) have many pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, but its influence on AD remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the possible mechanisms in cells. Methods Mice were sensitized and challenged with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Four weeks after challenge, mice were treated with oral administration of CKS for 4 weeks. In addition, cells were used to evaluate the effect of CKS, mainly platycodin D, on the TARC expression regulated mechanism. Results CKS attenuated DNCB-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA expression of TARC, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in mice. Histopathological examination showed reduced thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells in the ears. Moreover, CKS and platycodin D inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression through the suppression of NF-κB and STAT1 and induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in cells. Conclusion We suggest that CKS and platycodin D inhibited the development of AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine mediators and may be an effective alternative therapy for AD-like skin symptoms.

Leptin, a hormone with multiple biological actions, is produced predominantly by adipose tissue. Among its functions, leptin can stimulate tumour cell growth. Oestrogen receptor α (ERα), which plays an essential role in breast cancer development, can be transcriptionally activated in a ligand-independent manner. In this study, we investigated the effect of leptin on CYP1B1 expression and its mechanism in breast cancer cells. Leptin induced CYP1B1 protein, messenger RNA expression and promoter activity in ERα-positive MCF-7 cells but not in ERα-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, leptin increased 4-hydroxyoestradiol in MCF-7 cells. Also, ERα knockdown by siRNA significantly blocked the induction of CYP1B1 expression by leptin, indicating that leptin induced CYP1B1 expression via an ERα-dependent mechanism. Transient transfection with CYP1B1 deletion promoter constructs revealed that the oestrogen response element (ERE) plays important role in the up-regulation of CYP1B1 by leptin. Furthermore, leptin stimulated phosphorylation of ERα at serine residues 118 and 167 and increased ERE-luciferase activity, indicating that leptin induced CYP1B1 expression by ERα activation. Finally, we found that leptin activated ERK and Akt signalling pathways, which are upstream kinases related to ERα phosphorylation induced by leptin. Taken together, our results indicate that leptin-induced CYP1B1 expression is mediated by ligand-independent activation of the ERα pathway as a result of the activation of ERK and Akt in MCF-7 cells.

This study attempts to enhance the understanding of the two emerging public–private partnership (PPP) business models – Transfer-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and divestiture – in the context of Chinese water sector. Foreign investors aiming to enter or expand their share in the market need to select an optimal PPP model between competing ones through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) analysis. For the purpose, we employ the triangulation approach consisting of an opinion survey to measure the level of consensus on each of a total of eleven SWOT factors surrounding TOT and divestiture models, and in-depth case studies on the two-representative TOT and divestiture projects. Our assessments indicate the emergence of a strong consensus between interviewees regarding bid premium, financial burden, and bidding method in TOT and fixed-return provisions, operational management efficiency, majority control, and equity transfer proportion in divestiture. However, it is advised that foreign investors should be flexible in interpreting the factors and respond them at the solution level considering a project-specific environment.

In this study, the corrosion resistance of alumino-silicate glass containing Ca, Y and B is assessed against CF4/O2/Ar plasma, with the results compared to those of poly-crystalline and single-crystalline alumina. All of the alumino-silicate glasses containing Ca, Y and B were more resistant than sintered alumina to a plasma-etching gas. Glass samples with boron oxide were less corroded by plasma than those without B2O3, and their surfaces were contaminated by the CFx generated by the plasma reaction. CaO-Y2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 (CYAS) showed a lower etch rate than sapphire and retained a smooth surface microstructure, unlike sintered alumina. The plasma resistance improved with an increase in the calcium oxide content. The improved plasma resistance of CYAS glass is thought to be due to the high sublimation temperature of the calcium fluoride and the strong atomic binding energy of the calcium ions in the glass.

Piperine is a bioactive component of black pepper, Piper nigrum Linn, commonly used for daily consumption and in traditional medicine. Here, the molecular mechanisms by which piperine exerts antitumor effects in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells was investigated. The results showed that piperine strongly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, piperine inhibited HER2 gene expression at the transcriptional level. Blockade of ERK1/2 signaling by piperine significantly reduced SREBP-1 and FAS expression. Piperine strongly suppressed EGF-induced MMP-9 expression through inhibition of AP-1 and NF-κB activation by interfering with ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and Akt signaling pathways resulting in a reduction in migration. Finally, piperine pretreatment enhanced sensitization to paclitaxel killing in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Our findings suggest that piperine may be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of human breast cancer with HER2 overexpression.

Many data replication techniques have been proposed to minimize performance degradation caused by network partitioning in a mobile ad-hoc network. Most of them assume that all mobile nodes collaborate fully in terms of sharing their memory space. However, in reality, some nodes may selfishly decide to only cooperate partially, or not at all, with other nodes. Recently, a new approach to selfish replica allocation has been proposed to handle node selfishness. However, there is still much room for improvement. We empirically observe that the previous selfish replica allocation strategy suffers from long query delay and poor data accessibility, because it utilizes only non-selfish nodes that may be faraway nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel replica allocation strategy in the presence of selfish nodes, that takes into account both selfish behavior and node distance. Moreover, through a novel node leveling technique, we utilize the memory space of all connected nodes, including selfish nodes. The conducted simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategy outperforms existing replica allocation techniques in terms of data accessibility, query delay, and communication cost.

Saponins from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (Changkil saponins, CKS) have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. This study investigated the effects of CKS on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and hepatic lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. CKS suppressed high-glucose-induced lipid accumulation and inhibited high-glucose-induced fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression in HepG2 cells. Moreover, the use of a pharmacological AMPK inhibitor revealed that AMPK is essential for the suppression of SREBP-1c expression in CKS-treated cells. Finally, the activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) and SIRT1 was necessary for CKS-enhanced activation of AMPK. These results indicate that CKS prevents lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells by blocking the expression of SREBP-1c and FAS through SIRT1 and CaMKKβ/AMPK activation. Using CKS to target AMPK activation may provide a promising approach for the prevention lipogenesis.

Ginseng contains many bioactive constituents, including various ginsenosides that are believed to have anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, and immunostimulatory activities; however, its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) remain unclear. In the current study, we hypothesized that cultivated ginseng (CG) would inhibit 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by regulating the T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance. Also, CG inhibits TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) expression through nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-dependent signaling in HaCaT cells. CG ameliorated DNCB-induced dermatitis severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA expression of TARC, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in mice. Histopathological examination showed reduced thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ears. Furthermore, CG suppressed the TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced mRNA expression of TARC in HaCaT cells. CG inhibited TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced NF-κB activation. These results suggest that CG inhibited the development of the AD-like skin symptoms by modulating Th1 and Th2 responses in the skin lesions in mice and TARC expression by suppressing TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced NF-κB activation in keratinocytes, and so may be a useful tool in the therapy of AD-like skin symptoms.

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua L., has recently been shown to possess antitumor activity in various cancer cells. However, the effect of anti-inflammatory potentials of DHA in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells has not been studied. The present study investigated the effect of COX-2 and molecular mechanisms by DHA in PMA stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DHA dose-dependently decreased PMA-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production, as well as COX-2 promoter-driven luciferase activity. Additionally, DHA decreased luciferase activity of COX-2 regulation-related transcription factors including NF-κB, AP-1, C/EBP and CREB. DHA also remarkably reduced PMA-induced p65, C/EBPβ, c-jun and CREB nuclear translocation. Furthermore, DHA evidently inhibited PMA-induced phosphorylation of AKT and the MAP Kinases, such as ERK, JNK and p38. Taken together, our data indicated that DHA effectively attenuates COX-2 production via down-regulation of AKT and MAPK pathway, revealing partial molecular basis for the anti-inflammatory properties of DHA.

Korea has witnessed a significant number of post-disaster rebuild (PDR) projects following flood damages caused by unforeseeable super-typhoons. Efforts to improve the management performance of such projects are mostly limited to the development of several administrative guidelines for faster construction starts to avoid secondary damage from subsequent typhoons. However, no explicit and comprehensive studies have thus far been initiated to identify the causes of low performance outcomes of flood PDR projects in quantitative and qualitative ways. Hence, this study performed macro- and micro-level analyses to provide an overall view of the performance of flood PDR projects as well as created a comprehensive cause and effect (C&E) diagram, which reveals 12 major factors and 19 sub-factors adversely affecting the project outcomes. The findings of this study are expected to be useful in improving current project management capability as well as relevant laws and regulations both in Korea and in developing countries.

Currently available wireless sensor networks (WSNs) provide the potential for collecting and monitoring construction job-site information in an efficient way. However, the unique characteristic of large scale and complicated job-site layout makes it difficult to reliably adopt WSNs. As the wireless network becomes denser, increased network traffic may degrade the overall reliability of the data acquisition system. In this paper, a numerical simulation with the IEEE802.15.4 standard was conducted to analyze the packet reception rate and the number of received bits using channel clear probability. In addition, a case study was implemented to evaluate the network traffic congestion, by configuring an ad-hoc network topology with the commercial product of the ZigBee module. It is confirmed that the reliability of the ad-hoc network is degraded due to the increased signal traffic caused by the increased number of active nodes, hop counts, transmission intervals, etc.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, and inflammatory skin disease associated with eczematous symptoms and IgE hyperproduction. Psidium guajava is an important food crop and medicinal plant with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities, supporting its traditional uses. Our previous studies have shown that P. guajava extract inhibits Th2 chemokine expression by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and STAT1 co-stimulated with TNF-α and INF-γ. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of P. guajava water extract (PGW) on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Treatment of cream containing PGW onto DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice ameliorated lesion intensity scores, levels of IgE, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), TNF-α, and IL-4 in serum and ears. In contrast, PGW increased level of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased thickening of the epidermis/dermis as well as dermal infiltration by inflammatory cells. These results suggest that cream containing PGW may be a potential therapeutic modality for AD and adjunctive agent to control pruritus in AD.

Kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene, is reported to have anti-cancer properties, although its precise chemopreventive mechanism remains unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of kahweol on anti-metastatic activities and the possible mechanisms. Kahweol inhibited the migration and invasion ability of various cancer cells in vitro and decreased the secretion of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and VEGF in cancer cells via suppression of STAT3 activation. Kahweol also exhibited an inhibitory effect on lung metastasis in the experimental B16-F10 melanoma metastasis model. Moreover, kahweol inhibited migration and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro, decreased the secretion of VEGF, and suppressed neovascularisation in Matrigel plugs in mice. Our findings demonstrate that kahweol inhibits metastasis through the disruption of STAT3-mediated transcription of the MMP and VEGF genes.

Piperine is a major component of black (Piper nigrum Linn) and long (Piper longum Linn) peppers, and is widely used as a traditional food and medicine. It also exhibits a variety of biological activities, which include antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-pyretic properties. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of piperine on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression and analyzed the molecular mechanism of its activity in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Piperine dose-dependently decreased PMA-induced COX-2 expression and PGE(2) production, as well as COX-2 promoter-driven luciferase activity. Transient transfections utilizing COX-2 promoter deletion constructs and COX-2 promoter constructs, in which specific enhancer elements were mutagenized, revealed that the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), were the predominant contributors to the effects of piperine. In addition, piperine inhibited PMA-induced NF-κB, C/EBP and c-Jun nuclear translocation. Furthermore, piperine significantly inhibited PMA-induced activation of the Akt and ERK. These findings demonstrate that piperine effectively attenuates COX-2 production, and provide further insight into the signal transduction pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of piperine.

Intestinal microflora (IM) is able to produce toxic and carcinogenic metabolites and induce more potent cytotoxicity against cells than non-metabolites. This study was performed to investigate the cytotoxic responses of geniposide (GS) and its metabolite and to determine the role of metabolism by IM in GS-induced cytotoxicity. Genipin (GP), a GS metabolite, increased cytotoxic effects in cells, but GS did not. Following GS incubation with IM for metabolic activation, increased cytotoxicity was detected compared to GS. Western blot analysis revealed that the activated GS inhibited Bcl-2 expression with a subsequent increase in Bax expression. Likewise, GS activation by IM stimulated caspase-3 and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, activated GS-induced apoptosis was confirmed by apoptosis and ROS assays; N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) suppressed ROS production and apoptotic cell death. Activated GS induced sustained JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, activated GS-induced cell death was reversed by SP600125. Taken together, these findings suggest that human IM is able to metabolize GS into GP, and the related biological activities induce apoptosis through ROS/JNK signaling.

Purple sweet potato is a functional food rich in anthocyanins that possess disease-preventive properties. Anthocyanins are known to possess potent antidiabetic properties. However, the effect of the anthocyanin fraction (AF) from purple sweet potato on hepatic lipid metabolism remains unclear. Our hypothesis is that AF inhibits hepatic lipid accumulation through the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated body weight, liver histology, and hepatic lipid content in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ICR mice treated with AF. In addition, we characterized the underlying mechanism of AF's effects in HepG2 hepatocytes through Western blot analysis. Anthocyanin fraction (200 mg/kg per day) reduced weight gain and hepatic triglyceride accumulation and improved serum lipid parameters in mice fed an HFD for 4 weeks. Anthocyanin fraction significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in the liver and HepG2 hepatocytes. In addition, AF down-regulated the levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and its target genes including ACC and fatty acid synthase (FAS). The specific AMPK inhibitor compound C attenuated the effects of AF on the expression of lipid metabolism-related proteins such as SREBP-1 and FAS in HepG2 hepatocytes. The beneficial effects of AF on HFD-induced hepatic lipid accumulation are thus mediated through AMPK signaling pathways, suggesting a potential target for the prevention of obesity.

Psidium guajava (P. guajava) is a food and medicinal plant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities that support its traditional uses. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of P. guajava ethyl acetate extract (PGEA) on atopic dermatitis and to investigate the possible mechanisms by which PGEA inhibits cytokine-induced Th2 chemokine expression in HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. We found that PGEA suppressed the IFN-γ/TNF-α-co-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) protein and mRNA in HaCaT cells. Additionally, PGEA inhibited the TNF-α/IFN-γ-co-induced activation of NF-κB and STAT1 and increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and mRNA. HO-1 inhibitor enhanced the suppressive effects of PGEA on TNF-α/IFN-γ-co-induced TARC production and gene expression. Collectively, these data demonstrate that PGEA inhibits chemokine expression in keratinocytes by inducing HO-1 expression and it suggests a possible therapeutic application in atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases.

Pleurotus eryngii is an edible mushroom native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and is also grown in parts of Asia. The present study investigated the anti-allergy potential of P. eryngii extract (PEE) in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells. PEE inhibited allergy markers, including release of hexosaminidase and histamine, in antigen-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. PEE also suppressed the expression and production of interleukin-4 and reduced antigen-induced NFAT and NF-κB transcriptional activity in antigen-sensitized mast cells. Moreover, PEE decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and COX-2 and iNOS expression in antigen-sensitized mast cells. Finally, PEE suppressed antigen-induced signal protein phosphorylation of Lyn, PLCγ2, PKC, Akt, and MAP kinases. Taken together, these results suggest that P. eryngii extract may provide insight into the prevention and treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Piperine is a major component of black pepper, Piper nigrum Linn, used widely in traditional medicine. Several previous studies reported that piperine possesses various beneficial biological activities including antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammation properties. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of piperine on tumor invasion and migration and the possible mechanisms involved using human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. We found that piperine suppresses PMA-enhanced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression at the protein, mRNA, and transcriptional levels through the suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 activation without changing the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. Piperine also inhibits PMA-enhanced membrane-type 1 MMP expression without changing the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. Piperine inhibited PMA-induced NF-κB and c-Jun nuclear translocation, which are upstream of PMA-induced MMP-9 expression and invasion. Furthermore, piperine strongly repressed the PMA-induced phosphorylation of ERK, which are dependent on the PKCα pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the anti-invasive effects of piperine may occur through inhibition of PKCα and ERK phosphorylation and reduction of NF-κB and AP-1 activation, leading to down-regulation of MMP-9 expression. Thus, piperine has potential as a potent anti-cancer drug in therapeutic strategies for fibrosarcoma metastasis.

During the process of liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a critical role in the increased formation and reduced degradation of extracellular matrix in the liver. We investigated the anti-proliferative effects of an anthocyanin fraction (AF), isolated from the purple-fleshed sweet potato, on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-dependent signaling pathways in HSC-T6 cells. HSC proliferation plays a pivotal role in liver fibrogenesis. The AF suppressed HSC activation, including PDGF-induced proliferation and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Additionally, AF inhibited PDGF-BB-induced Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. AF inhibited the phosphorylation level of PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β) following PDGF-BB stimulation, providing a mechanism for the inhibition of AF-mediated kinase. These results suggest that AF suppresses HSC proliferation by blocking PDGFR-β signaling, inhibiting Akt and ERK1/2 activation and α-SMA expression.

Psidium guajava (P. guajava) is an important food crop and medicinal plant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities, supporting its traditional uses. However, its precise effects remain unknown. We investigated the effects of P. guajava ethyl acetate extract (PGEA) on IgE-mediated allergic responses in rat mast RBL-2H3 cells. PGEA reduced antigen (DNP-BSA)-induced release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, it inhibited antigen-induced IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA expression and protein production in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. PGEA also suppressed antigen-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in these cells, as well as antigen-induced activation of NFAT and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, it inhibited antigen-induced activation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB-α. To identify the mechanisms underpinning the inhibition of degranulation and cytokine production by PGEA, we examined the activation of intracellular FcεRI signaling molecules. PGEA suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Syk, LAT, Gab2, and PLCγ2 but not Lyn, and inhibited antigen-induced phosphorylation of downstream signaling intermediates including MAP kinases and Akt. Collectively, the anti-allergic effects of PGEA in vitro suggest its possible therapeutic application to inflammatory allergic diseases, in which its inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production and FcεRI-dependent signaling events in mast cells may be hugely beneficial.

In current study, we investigated the protective effects of the anthocyanin fraction (AF) obtained from the purple-fleshed sweet potato on hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) administration in rats. Treatment with DMN for 4 weeks produced marked liver fibrosis as assessed by increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity and hepatic collagen content. These increases were inhibited by treatment with AF prior to the administration of DMN. In addition, AF inhibited DMN-induced reductions in rat body and liver weights in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological evaluation of the rat livers revealed that AF reduced the incidence of hepatic fibrosis lesions and inhibited DMN-induced increases in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I and III expression levels. AF also decreased DMN-induced expression levels platelet-derived growth factor receptors-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta. This study demonstrates that AF administration can effectively improve liver fibrosis caused by DMN, and may be used as a therapeutic option and preventive measure against hepatic fibrosis.

o,p′-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p′-DDT) is a DDT isomer and xenoestrogen that can induce inflammation and cancer. However, the effect of o,p′-DDT on aromatase is unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects of o,p′-DDT on aromatase expression in human breast cancer cells. We also examined whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in o,p′-DDT-mediated aromatase expression. Treatment with o,p′-DDT-induced aromatase protein expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells; enhancing aromatase gene expression, and enzyme and promoter activity. Treatment with ICI 182.780, a estrogen receptor antagonist, did not affect the inductive effects of o,p′-DDT on aromatase expression. In addition, o,p′-DDT increased COX-2 protein levels markedly, increased COX-2 mRNA expression and promoter activity, enhanced the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), induced cyclic AMP response element (CRE) activation, and cAMP levels and binding of CREB. o,p′-DDT also increased the phosphorylation of PKA, Akt, ERK, and JNK in their signaling pathways in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, o,p′-DDT induction of aromatase was inhibited by various inhibitors [COX-2 (by NS-398), PKA (H-89), PI3-K/Akt (LY 294002), EP2 (AH6809), and EP4 receptor (AH23848)]. Together, these results suggest that o,p′-DDT increases aromatase, and that o,p′-DDT-induced aromatase is correlated with COX-2 up-regulation, mediated via the CRE activation and PKA and PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways in breast cancer cells.

In China, the massive demand for water infrastructure and lack of capital has precipitated the rapid growth of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector. However, the current market indicates that numerous foreign companies have been either reducing their business or have retreated from the market whereas some are aggressively taking market share. Given the assumption that there are two broad categories of risks restricting foreign companies’ market participation—PPP project risks and legal and regulatory barriers—it was found that the revocation of fixed return policy, current low level of water prices and its difficulty of adjustment are the most significant risks. Moreover, an active player has a visibly and statistically lower level of risk perception than a market retreater. This implies that active players ascribe much importance to market practices rather than the incompleteness and ambiguity of China’s PPP legal system; they are more certain that the risk mitigation strategy is highly effective, and operational profits can be greatly increased through price adjustment.

Fatty liver and steatosis induced by alcohol is the earliest and most common response of the liver to alcohol and may be a precursor of more severe forms of liver injury. However, the mechanism of liver injury and deposition of fatty liver due to alcohol is complex. The protective effects of saponins from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Changkil saponins: CKS) against ethanol-induced liver injury in an enteral alcohol feeding model was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given control diets or ethanol-containing diets enterally for 4 weeks. Treatment with CKS for 2 weeks significantly prevented the alcohol-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities or decrease in serum albumin levels. Alcohol elevated the hepatic triglyceride content and induced cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression. CKS treatment reduced CYP2E1 expression and hepatic triglyceride accumulation and prevented alcoholic liver steatosis. Chronic alcohol feeding decreased AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKalpha) phosphorylation, which was restored by CKS treatment. Recovery of AMPKalpha phosphorylation by CKS was also followed by an increase in acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation. Our study suggests that CKS is a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.

We have synthesized a new solution processable iridium complex, di[2-(4′-octyloxyphenyl) benzothiazole]iridium(III)acetoacetone, [(OPBT)2Ir(acac)], based on benzothiazole derivative for organic electro-phosphorescent devices. The synthesized molecule was identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR, and readily soluble in common organic solvents such as chlorobenzene. The UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence properties of pristine [(OPBT)2Ir(acac) thin film as well as poly(N-vinylcarbzole) (PVK) thin film doped with the iridium complex were studied. The maximum UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra are found to be at 337 nm and 547 nm, respectively. We have fabricated phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices using the ITO/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/PVK:(OPBT)2Ir(acac) (40 nm)/Balq (40 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (80 nm) configuration with the iridium complex as a triplet emissive dopant in poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) host. The electroluminescence (EL) devices showed greenish yellow light emission with maximum peak at 551 nm. Especially, the maximum external quantum and current efficiency of 1 mol% doped device were 1.74% and 4.89 cd/A, respectively.

The protective effects of saponins isolated from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Changkil saponins: CKS) against alcoholic steatosis in liver injury induced by acute ethanol administration were investigated. Pretreatment with CKS prior to ethanol administration significantly prevented the increases in serum alanine aminotransferase activity, hepatic TNF-alpha level, hepatic lipid peroxidation and hepatic triglyceride level. CKS prevented ethanol-induced steatosis and necrosis, as indicated by liver histopathological studies. Additionally, CKS protected against ethanol-induced depletion of hepatic glutathione levels. CYP2E1 has been suggested as a major contributor to ethanol-induced oxidative stress and liver injury. The concurrent administration of CKS efficaciously abrogated the CYP2E1 induction and CYP2E1-dependents hydroxylation of aniline as compared to the individual treatment at higher doses. These findings suggest that CKS may prevent ethanol-induced acute liver injury, possibly through its ability to block CYP2El-mediated ethanol bioactivation and its free radical scavenging effects.

The root of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa has been used in traditional Korean medicine to relieve pain and to treat inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract of A. continentalis roots (AC) against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect. In mice, pretreatment with AC prior to the administration of CCl4 significantly prevented the increased serum enzymatic activity of ALT and AST as well as the formation of hepatic malondialdehyde. Histopathological evaluation of the livers also revealed that AC reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl4. In addition, pretreatment with AC significantly prevented both the depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) content and the decrease in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the liver of CCl4-intoxicated mice. Hepatic GSH levels and GST activity were increased by treatment with AC alone. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to be induced by oxidative stress and to confer protection against oxidative tissue injuries. Interestingly, AC markedly upregulated hepatic HO-1 expression in CCl4-treated mice, which might provide anti-oxidative activity in the liver. These results indicate that AC plays a critical protective role in CCl4-induced acute liver injury by promoting anti-oxidative protein expression.