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The insecticidal activity of 38 commercialized pesticides against Atractomorpha lata nymphs in Korea was studied. Seven pesticides showed greater than 70% insecticidal activity against A. lata nymphs after 48 h of treatment, and similar results were observed for adult A. lata using the spray method. The insecticidal activity of the seven pesticides, except for thiacloprid, against Oxya sinuosa adults was similar to that against A. lata. Clothianidin, tetraniliprole, and thiacloprid showed higher toxicity when plants and insects were treated together than when insects were treated directly, indicating that pesticides have ingestion toxicity against A. lata. Clothianidin and thiacloprid have been observed to have knockdown effects on both A. lata nymphs and adults. Tetraniliprole showed 86.7% mortality until 7 days after treatment in the residual effect test of pesticide exposure under field conditions. Therefore, this study provides basic data for A. lata control; tetraniliprole was found to be an effective insecticide for the control of A. lata nymphs and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: ADAMTS13 deficiency increases the circulating level of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Low ADAMTS13 and high vWF can provide a milieu for microthrombosis, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This study investigated the prognostic values of ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers and their correlation with DIC severity. Methods: ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers (vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco), ADAMTS13 activity, and anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody) were measured in patients (n = 152) suspected of having DIC along with the well‐known DIC markers including antithrombin and protein C. Result: The vWF:Ag level was significantly increased, and ADAMTS13 activity was significantly decreased in overt DIC. The vWF:Ag level (hazard ratio 7.365, p =.009), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 3.777, p =.037), ADAMTS13 activity/vWF:Rco ratio (hazard ratio 3.027, p =.028), and platelet count/vWF:Ag ratio (hazard ratio 8.538, p <.001) were significant prognostic markers in Cox regression analysis and correlated well with DIC score and antithrombin and protein C levels. Conclusion: The platelet count/vWF:Ag was the strongest prognostic marker among ADAMTS13–vWF axis markers. The measurement of vWF:Ag may improve prognostic insights of DIC in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial expression conveys nonverbal communication information to help humans better perceive physical or psychophysical situations. Accurate 3D imaging provides stable topographic changes for reading facial expression. In particular, light‐field cameras (LFCs) have high potential for constructing depth maps, thanks to a simple configuration of microlens arrays and an objective lens. Herein, machine‐learned NIR‐based LFCs (NIR‐LFCs) for facial expression reading by extracting Euclidean distances of 3D facial landmarks in pairwise fashion are reported. The NIR‐LFC contains microlens arrays with asymmetric Fabry−Perot filter and NIR bandpass filter on CMOS image sensor, fully packaged with two vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers. The NIR‐LFC not only increases the image contrast by 2.1 times compared with conventional LFCs, but also reduces the reconstruction errors by up to 54%, regardless of ambient illumination conditions. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifies input vectors, consisting of 78 pairwise distances on the facial depth map of happiness, anger, sadness, and disgust, and also exhibits exceptional average accuracy of 0.85 (p<0.05). This LFC provides a new platform for quantitatively labeling facial expression and emotion in point‐of‐care biomedical, social perception, or human−machine interaction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐field imaging has attracted much attention in constructing 3D objects with a simple configuration and capturing all the spatial and directional data in a single photographic exposure. Here, an ultrathin light‐field camera (ULFC) for high contrast and high‐resolution light‐field imaging using a metal–insulator–metal optical absorber based inverted microlens arrays (MIM‐iMLA) is reported. A metal–insulator–metal based optical absorber (MIM‐OA) between microlenses exhibits high light absorption in the full visible region, thereby highly blocking microlens crosstalk. The MIM‐iMLA double the image contrast and improve MTF50 by up to 32%, compared to conventional light‐field image. In addition, the MIM‐iMLA substantially reduces an image plane distance and brings the objective lens position closer to the MLA. The ULFC exhibits a short total track length of 5.1 mm, demonstrating high contrast light‐field image acquisition and high accuracy 3D depth map estimation after light‐field rendering. This ultrathin and high contrast light‐field camera can provide a new platform for miniaturized 3D cameras in biomedical applications, biometrics, automated inspection, or mobile camera applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the adsorption structures of cytosine on Si(100). Multiple adsorption configurations that could result from Lewis acid–base reactions or cycloadditions were optimized, and the structural and energetic parameters of the obtained adsorption structures were compared. Row‐bridged bidentate configurations with SiOCNCNSi linkages to two silicon atoms in adjacent dimer rows were found to be more stable than other configurations. The SiN bond was formed by NH dissociative adsorption, while the SiO bond was dative. In the monodentate structures, the CH or NH dissociative adsorption structures were more energetically favorable than the datively bonded ones. Cycloaddition through the π‐electrons of the CN or CC bonds of the cytosine ring resulted in relatively unstable adsorption products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroxidasin (PXDN) has been reported to crosslink the C‐terminal non‐collagenous domains of collagen IV (Col IV) by forming covalent sulfilimine bond. Here, we explored the physiological role of PXDN and its mechanism of action in endothelial cell survival and growth. Silencing of PXDN using siRNAs decreased cell proliferation without increase of the number of detached cells and decreased cell viability under serum‐starved condition with increased fragmented nuclei and caspase 3/7 activity. Conditioned medium (CM) containing wild‐type PXDN restored the proliferation of PXDN‐depleted cells, but CM containing mutant PXDN with deletion of either N‐terminal extracellular matrix (ECM) motifs or peroxidase domain failed to restore PXDN function. Accordingly, anti‐PXDN antibody [raised against IgC2 (3‐4) subdomain within ECM motifs] and peroxidase inhibitor phloroglucinol prevented the rescue of the PXDN‐depleted cells by PXDN‐containing CM. PXDN depletion resulted in loss of sulfilimine crosslinks, and decreased dense fibrillar network assembly of not only Col IV, but also fibronectin and laminin like in Col IV knockdown. Exogenous PXDN‐containing CM restored ECM assembly as well as proliferation of PXDN‐depleted cells. Accordingly, purified recombinant PXDN protein restored the proliferation and ECM assembly, and prevented cell death of the PXDN‐depleted cells. PXDN depletion also showed reduced growth factors‐induced phosphorylation of FAK and ERK1/2. In addition, siPXDN‐transfected cell‐derived matrix failed to provide full ECM‐mediated activation of FAK and ERK1/2. These results indicate that both the ECM motifs and peroxidase activity are essential for the cellular function of PXDN and that PXDN is crucial for ECM assembly for survival and growth signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐entropy alloys and compounds are becoming an important class of new materials due to their outstanding refractory and high‐temperature properties. However, preparation in bulk quantities and in powder form via classical metallurgical methods is challenging. Here, we report the first synthesis of an ultra‐high‐temperature high‐entropy carbide, (TiNbTaZrHf)C, via a facile electrochemical process. In this, a mixture of the individual metal oxides and graphite is deoxidised in a melt of CaCl2 at a temperature of only 1173 K. The (TiNbTaZrHf)C prepared is single‐phase fcc and has a powdery morphology with a particle‐size range of 15–80 nm. Such materials are in demand for modern additive manufacturing techniques, while preliminary tests have also indicated a possible application in supercapacitors. The successful synthesis of (TiNbTaZrHf)C powder may now guide the way towards establishing the electrochemical route for the preparation of many other entropy‐stabilised materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acaricidal activity and residual effects of 63 commercialized pesticides against the Cheongju strain of Haemaphysalis longicornis in Korea were examined. Twenty‐two pesticides (4 carbamates, 5 organophosphates, 10 pyrethroids, 1 amitraz, 1 diamide, and 1 unclassified pesticide) caused greater than 80% mortality in H. longicornis adults under laboratory conditions using the spray method. These 22 pesticides were used to treat grassland under field conditions for investigation of the residual effects, and 100% mortality in H. longicornis adults was observed with all the carbamates (carbosulfan, benfuracarb, fenobucarb, and carbaryl) and γ‐cyhalothrin after 3 days of pesticide treatment. γ‐Cyhalothrin exhibited 56.7% mortality after 10 days of treatment, which was the longest residual effect of treated grass on H. longicornis adults. With regard to the residual effects on H. longicornis under field conditions, most of the 22 pesticides exhibited higher mortality in nymphs than in adults. In particular, benfuracarb exhibited 96.7% acaricidal activity until 10 days after treatment. These results indicate that carbamates are highly likely to be available under field conditions and, based on this preliminary data, could be used for the control of H. longicornis adults and nymphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticidal and antifeeding activities against Plutella xylostella were observed using whole‐plant‐derived Perilla frutescens material. The active ingredient in P. frutescens was identified by spectroscopic analysis as the sesquiterpenoid α‐farnesene, which showed insecticidal activity against third‐instar larva of P. xylostella in a leaf‐dipping bioassay based on 24‐h LD50 values (LD50 = 53.7 ppm). The feeding inhibition rate of α‐farnesene was 82.98% against P. xylostella at 10 ppm, and the antifeeding responses were determined using an oscilloscope to detect electrophysiological responses. The electrophysiological responses of the medial styloconic sensillum (MSS) were approximately 7‐fold more sensitive at 100 ppm than those of the lateral styloconic sensillum (LSS). These results suggest that the insecticidal and antifeeding effect of α‐farnesene, which is a P. frutescens‐derived material, can be used as a potential control agent for P. xylostella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to identify health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants in outpatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used and a total of 124 Korean participants was enrolled. The HRQoL (physical limitations, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception), symptom experience (frequency, severity, and distress), physiological (left ventricular ejection fraction and lipids), psychological (depression and anxiety), and situational (social support) factors were measured, selected on the basis of the theory of unpleasant symptoms. The HRQoL was assessed by using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire‐Korean, designed to evaluate disease‐specific health outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: The mean age of the participants was 61.73 years. The HRQoL was moderate. Among the HRQoL domains, disease perception showed the lowest level. The most intense symptoms that were experienced by the participants were fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. More than half of the participants had depression and anxiety. The determinants of worse HRQoL were severe symptom experience, higher depression, higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, a lower educational level, and lower social support. Conclusion: This study proposes a comprehensive approach to health care that incorporates symptom experience, as well as the physiological, psychological, and situational aspects based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, to improve the HRQoL among outpatients with ACS. Nurses should play a key role to help patients with ACS to deal with the symptoms, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and depression and to promote social support, particularly in less‐educated patients, in order to improve their HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the association between type D personality and smoking cessation among high school students who had participated in a stop smoking program. From 27 high schools, we recruited 279 smoking students who had participated in a stop smoking program between May 29, 2015, and January 25, 2016. About 26.5% of participants had a type D personality. A logistic regression analysis revealed that initiating smoking before or during 5th grade, smoking 21 or more cigarettes daily, and having a type D personality were significantly related to smoking cessation failure. Type D personality was significantly associated with social nicotine dependency and was a predictor of smoking cessation failure after a stop smoking program. Accordingly, type D personality should be considered along with other smoking‐related factors when attempting to promote smoking cessation among high school adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To identify the NANDA‐I–NOC–NIC (NNN) linkages for inpatients of the obstetrics nursing unit using electronic nursing records. METHODS: In this retrospective, descriptive survey, the electronic nursing records for 220 adult patients aged ≥18 years who were discharged after obstetrics nursing unit were analyzed. FINDINGS: The 7 most frequent nursing diagnoses were found to be associated with 9 nursing outcomes and 26 nursing interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, the list of nursing diagnoses was observed to comprise the safety/protection domain, the list of nursing outcomes the physiological health domain, and the list of nursing interventions the physiological: complex domain. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This result can contribute to improving the nursing quality and will help continuing education and documentation system refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how customers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect their customer citizenship behaviour and the mediated link through customer‐company identification and affective commitment. Working with a sample of 615 banking service customers in South Korea, structural equation modelling is employed to test the research hypotheses. The results of this study suggest that customers' perceptions of CSR are positively related to their customer citizenship behaviour. Second, customer‐company identification was found to mediate the positive relationship between customers' perceptions of CSR and customer citizenship behaviour. Third, customers' affective commitment towards their organization also mediated the positive relationship between customers' perceptions of CSR and customer citizenship behaviour. Finally, the relationship between customers' perceptions of CSR and customer citizenship behaviour is sequentially and partially mediated by customer‐company identification and affective commitment. The theoretical and managerial implications of the results and the limitations of the study are discussed, and future research directions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have reported individual benefits of yogurt and exercise on health; however, their combined effects remain unclear. Twenty‐four healthy individuals participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control, yogurt, exercise, and combination. The participants consumed yogurt and exercised for 2 weeks, and we examined the combined effects of yogurt and exercise on physiological biomarkers. Individually, yogurt and exercise did not exert a significant effect on biomarkers of depression or cardiovascular disease, although vitamin D levels increased in the exercise group. However, in the combination group, serotonin levels increased, while levels of triglycerides and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, which are biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases, decreased. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that, in healthy individuals, a combination of yogurt and exercise led to greater increases in serotonin levels and reductions in triglyceride and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels, relative to those observed for yogurt or exercise alone; therefore, this combination could have implications for the prevention of depression and cardiovascular disease. This study showed that, in healthy individuals, a combination of yogurt and exercise led to greater increases in serotonin levels and reductions in triglyceride and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels, relative to those observed for yogurt or exercise alone; therefore, this combination could have implications for the prevention of depression and cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For risk‐adaptive therapeutic approaches in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, we analyzed treatment outcome according to in situ hybridization (FISH) profiles to investigate the prognostic and predictive values of structural variations in a large series of Asian population. A total of 565 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma between January 2005 and June 2015 were evaluated. FISH results showed del(17p13) in 8.8% (29/331), del(13q14) in 35.5% (184/519), t(14;16) in 2.5% (8/326), t(4;14) in 27.9% (109/390), IgH rearrangement in 47.7% (248/520), and +1q21 in 40.8% (211/517). The presence of del(17p13), IgH rearrangement, and t(14;16) was associated with worse overall survival. Interestingly, however, the presence of t(4;14) conferred little prognostic impact. Treatment‐specific analysis revealed the presence of del(17p13), t(14;16), IgH rearrangement, and trisomy 1q21 was predictive of unsatisfactory response to bortezomib. On the other hand, patients with del(13q14) and del(9p21) were less likely to benefit from lenalidomide. Autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) was less effective in patients with del(17p13), t(14;16), and trisomy 1q21. Predictive values of del(17p13) and t(14;16) to bortezomib and autoSCT are seemingly universal, but predictive marker del(13q14) and del(9p21) for lenalidomide response appears ethnicity‐specific. Thus, FISH profiles in MM treatment should be interpreted with regards to patient's ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diamondback moth ( Plutella xylostella) is a globally distributed and important economic pest, and it has developed resistance to all conventional insecticide classes used in the field. Chlorantraniliprole is a new chemical class of insecticide that acts as a conformation-sensitive activator of the insect ryanodine receptor (RyR). In the present study, a field strain (16.3-fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole) was collected in Korea and lab-selected with chlorantraniliprole for more than one year. The resulting strain presented 2,157-fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole. A point mutation (G4946E) in the RyR gene was observed at a high frequency in the resistant strain. Enzyme assays indicated that glutathione S-transferase (GST) and P450 activity in the resistant strain were 2.4- and 1.96-times higher than that of the susceptible strain, respectively. The expression of the RyR, GST (sigma, omega, and zeta) and CYP321E1 gene was higher in the resistant strain than in the susceptible strain. The F1 progeny resulting from reciprocal crosses did not reveal maternal effects or a diamide-susceptible phenotype, which suggests an autosomal nearly recessive mode of inheritance. In addition, we surveyed the susceptibility to 13 insecticides (3 diamides, 2 synthetic pyrethroids, 2 spinosyns, 1 organophosphate, 1 oxadiazine, 1 avermectin, and 3 others) in the chlorantraniliprole-resistant strain. The resistant strain exhibited high cross-resistance to flubendiamide (5,910 fold) and showed no cross-resistance to spinetoram, spinosad, indoxacarb, and metaflumizone. These results can serve as an important basis for guiding the use of insecticides in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a microwave-assisted solvothermal process for the preparation of magnetite (Fe3O4, ca. 5 nm)-anchored reduced graphene oxide (rGO). It has been examined as a prospective conversion-type negative electrode for multiple energy storage applications, such as Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Li-ion capacitors (LICs). A LiFePO4/Fe3O4-rGO cell is constructed and capable of delivering an energy density of approximately 139 Wh kg−1 with a notable cyclability (ca. 76 %) after 500 cycles. Prior to the fabrication of a LIB, the Fe3O4-rGO is electrochemically pretreated to eliminate the irreversible capacity loss. In addition to the LIB, a high-energy LIC is also fabricated by using the pre-lithiated Fe3O4-rGO composite as the anode and commercial activated carbon as the cathode. This LIC registered a maximum energy density of approximately 114 Wh kg−1 with good cyclability. For both the LIB and LIC, the mass loading between the electrodes was adjusted based on the performance with metallic Li. The improved electrochemical performance of Fe3O4-rGO over existing materials is a promising development in the quest for novel, fast, low cost, and efficient energy storage systems without compromising the eco-friendliness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues with the dissolution and diffusion of polysulfides in liquid organic electrolytes hinder the advance of lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation energy storage. To trap and re-utilize the polysulfides without hampering lithium ion conductivity, a bio-inspired, brush-like interlayer consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and interconnected conductive frameworks is proposed. The chemical effect of ZnO on capturing polysulfides has been conceptually confirmed, initially by using a commercially available macroporous nickel foam as a conductive backbone, which is then replaced by a free-standing, ultra-light micro/mesoporous carbon (C) nanofiber mat for practical application. Having a high sulfur loading of 3 mg cm−2, the sulfur/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite cathode with a ZnO/C interlayer exhibits a reversible capacity of 776 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 1C with only 0.05% average capacity loss per cycle. A good cycle performance at a high rate can be mainly attributed to the strong chemical bonding between ZnO and polysulfides, fast electron transfer, and an optimized ion diffusion path arising from a well-organized nanoarchitecture. These results herald a new approach to advanced lithium-sulfur batteries using brush-like chemi-functional interlayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monochamus saltuarius was recently identified as an important vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the cause of pine wilt disease. In this study, M. saltuarius adults preferred different species of tree based on the longevity, ingested amount and wounded area that were determined for 90 d. Among eight tree species, the longevity of feeding by M. saltuarius was not significantly different except when feeding in Sciadopitys verticillata. However, the highest ingested amounts with the largest wounded areas were associated with Pinus koraiensis. The highest oviposition preference was in P. densiflora for the first 20 d. However, after 40 d, the oviposition highest preference was noted in P. koraiensis. For oviposition activities, M. saltuarius preferred the tree species in the following order: P. densiflora > P. koraiensis > P. rigida > Larix leptolepis. Although many oviposition scars were observed, M. saltuarius laid fewer eggs in P. rigida than other species of pine, which was related to the bark thickness. The oviposition frequencies were highest with bark 2.0-2.5 mm thick and with tree diameters of 110-130 mm. The current study increased understanding of the ecology of M. saltuarius by identifying specific tree preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neutrophils play a role in xenograft rejection. When neutrophils are stimulated, they eject the DNA-histone complex into the extracellular space, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). We investigated whether NET formation actively occurs in the xenograft and contributes to coagulation and endothelial activation. Methods Human whole blood was incubated with porcine aortic endothelial cells (pEC) from wild-type or α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) pigs. In the supernatant plasma from human blood, the level of the DNA-histone complex was measured by ELISA, and thrombin generation was measured using a calibrated automated thrombogram. Histone-induced tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression were measured by flow cytometry. Results pEC from both wild-type and GTKO pigs significantly induced DNA-histone complex formation in human whole blood. The DNA-histone complex produced shortened the thrombin generation time and clotting time. Histone alone dose-dependently induced tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression in pEC. Aurintricarboxylic acid pretreatment partially inhibited pEC-induced DNA-histone complex formation. Conclusions DNA-histone complex actively generated upon xenotransplantation is a novel target to inhibit coagulation and endothelial activation. To prevent tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression, a strategy to block soluble histone may be required in xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk groups with high suicidal ideation among South Korean adults. Design and Sample: A descriptive cross‐sectional design was adopted using secondary data from the 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 5,963 adults aged 19 years and older who participated in the 2011 KNHANES served as participants. Measures: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and its related factors, including physical, psychological, health behavioral, and sociodemographic characteristics, were examined. Descriptive statistics and a decision tree were used for data analysis. Results: Nine groups with high suicidal ideation were identified. The coexistence of depression and high levels of stress increased the prevalence of suicidal ideation. The highest risk group was widowed or divorced adults with depression and high levels of stress, and 82.5% of these participants had suicidal ideation (the prevalence rate of this group was 5.7 times higher than the mean suicidal ideation prevalence rate in this study). Conclusion: Public health nurses and community mental health professionals should recognize risk groups with high suicidal ideation, and target these groups when implementing preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surfaces of hydrophobic graphene nanosheets (GNs) are successfully decorated, aided by urea, with FePO4-based materials in an aqueous solution. The hydrophobic GNs can easily disperse in the aqueous solution without functionalization in the presence of urea, leading to the formation of a GNs-based nanocomposite with minimal sacrifice of the electrical conductivity of the GNs. Compared with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with FePO4⋅H2O (FePO4⋅H2O/rGO), synthesized using a graphene oxide (GO) substrate, the resulting FePO4⋅H2O/GNs nanocomposite exhibit superior rate performance, because the GNs have a higher C/O ratio than the rGO. In addition, LiFePO4/GNs with high coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency, prepared using FePO4⋅H2O/GNs, deliver a discharge capacity of 62 mAh g−1 at 120 C rate. Furthermore, a full cell consisting of LiFePO4/GNs and Li4Ti5O12/graphene exhibits excellent rate performance up to 60 C rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nitric oxide ( NO) can reduce platelet adhesion and vascular resistance. Tempol can scavenge the reactive oxygen species ( ROS) that induce tissue injury. As xenograft rejection attenuates endogenous NO production and generates ROS, we evaluated the potential effect of an NO donor ( SIN-1, 3-morpholinosydnonimine) and tempol on hyperacute xenograft dysfunction using an ex vivo porcine lung perfusion model. Methods For the evaluation of von Willebrand factor ( vWF) secretion, human endothelial cells were stimulated with thrombin. Porcine lungs were perfused with either fresh human whole blood (unmodified control group [n = 4]), SIN-1 (n = 4), or SIN and tempol (n = 4). Results SIN-1 and tempol significantly inhibited vWF secretion from endothelial cells in vitro. However, they did not suppress xenogeneic complement activation. In an ex vivo pulmonary perfusion model, SIN-1 improved pulmonary xenograft function by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance ( PVR), inhibiting complement activation, and inhibiting thrombin generation. Combined treatment with tempol and SIN-1 potentiated PVR reduction, but slightly enhanced complement activation. Conclusions An NO donor is expected to improve pulmonary xenograft function through inhibition of vWF secretion, vasoconstriction, thrombin generation, and indirectly through inhibition of complement activation. The additional effects of tempol on an NO donor were not considered significant in an ex vivo xenograft system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Protein Z ( PZ) is an anticoagulant that accelerates the inhibitory effect of PZ-dependent protease inhibitor ( ZPI) on coagulation factor Xa. We assessed functional status of PZ system in 158 patients with liver cirrhosis and 59 healthy controls. Methods Plasma PZ and ZPI levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Thrombin generation assays ( TGA) were performed with and without thrombomodulin ( TM) or PZ, and the ratios were calculated by dividing TGA values with TM or PZ by values without TM or PZ. Results PZ and ZPI levels were reduced and elevated in advanced cirrhosis, respectively. The lag time ratio- PZ was significantly higher in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the model for end-stage liver disease score. The peak thrombin ratio- PZ and endogenous thrombin potential ( ETP) ratio- PZ were significantly lower in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis. The peak thrombin ratio- PZ was dramatically reduced in advanced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients had a significantly higher ETP ratio- TM than the controls, although the ratio was not correlated with cirrhosis severity. The lag time ratio- PZ and peak time ratio- PZ were significantly correlated with the levels of all coagulation and anticoagulation factors. Interestingly, the lag time ratio- PZ and peak thrombin ratio- PZ were significantly associated with thrombotic events. Conclusion The anticoagulant role of PZ is insufficient in advanced stages of cirrhosis. Our newly developed functional assay for measuring the PZ system is expected to reflect the ongoing hypercoagulability of cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover ( Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important sap-sucking pest of many plants, including melons and peppers. This study was conducted to determine the effects of sublethal exposure to flonicamid and imidacloprid and the mechanisms by which these insecticides affect the feeding behavior of A. gossypii. The median lethal concentrations ( LC50) of flonicamid and imidacloprid for adult A. gossypii were 2.40 and 1.92 mg l−1, respectively. The lower lethal concentrations of flonicamid were 1.01 mg l−1 ( LC30) and 0.29 mg l−1 ( LC10), and those of imidacloprid were 0.82 mg l−1 ( LC30) and 0.24 mg l−1 ( LC10). The developmental period of A. gossypii nymphs at LC30 was 3.6 days for both insecticides, which was shorter than that of the untreated controls (4.2 days). Longevity and total fecundity of A. gossypii adults were decreased at the sublethal concentrations of both insecticides. The lowest net reproductive rate was observed in A. gossypii treated with the LC30 of flonicamid. Feeding behavior analyses using an electrical penetration graph showed that sublethal concentrations of flonicamid and imidacloprid had significant effects on the duration of phloem ingestion. Higher doses of flonicamid induced starvation by inhibiting phloem ingestion, whereas imidacloprid acted as a contact toxin rather than an inhibitor of feeding behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinuclear (π-allyl)palladium chlorides, [(π-allyl)Pd(μ-Cl)]2, were cleaved by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to give mononuclear (π-allyl)palladium-NHC chlorides, [(π-allyl)Pd(Cl)(NHC)] ( 1- 6) [NHC = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPR), 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidine (SIPR), 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes)]. Complexes 1- 6 were subsequently treated with aqueous NaN3, KSCN, KOCN, and CF3COOAg to produce the corresponding mononuclear (π-allyl)palladium-NHC pseudohalogen complexes, [(π-allyl)Pd(X)(NHC)] (X = N3, NCS, SCN, NCO, CF3COO) ( 7- 30). These products could also be obtained by treating dinuclear pseudohalogen-bridged Pd complexes, [(π-allyl)Pd(μ-X)]2, which were prepared by replacing the μ-Cl ligand in [(π-allyl)Pd(μ-Cl)]2, with aqueous NaN3, KSCN, KOCN, or CF3COOAg, followed by cleavage with the NHCs. Reactions of [(π-allyl)Pd(N3)(NHC)] with organic isothiocyanates (R-NCS) or CH3O(CO)C≡CO(CO)CH3 resulted in selective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition into the Pd-azido bond to give heterocyclic compounds. By contrast, analogous reactions of [(η3-allyl)Pd(N3)(IPr)] with an organic isocyanide (R-NC: R = tert-butyl, benzyl) gave the adduct [(η3-allyl)Pd(N3)(IPr)] ·(R-NC) as the only product or a mixture of the adduct and a dipolar cycloaddition product, [(η3-allyl)Pd{CN4(R)}(IPr)], depending on the isocyanides used. Finally, a series of (π-allyl)Pd-NHC pseudohalogen complexes, [(π-allyl)Pd(X)(NHC)], exhibited high catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were coated by an ink formulation containing nanoclay dispersed with ultrasonic homogenization for 20 min. Mechanical and barrier properties of the coated films were evaluated according to clay type and concentration. PLA films coated by ink formulations containing Cloisite 30B displayed the best mechanical and barrier properties in six types of nanoclays. PLA films coated by Cloisite 30B-containing ink varying in clay concentration were investigated. Tensile strength and elongation at break of these coated films were improved in 1% Cloisite 30B. Oxygen permeability decreased significantly upon the addition of clay levels up to 1% and slightly decreased with further increases in the amount of the clay. The value of water vapor permeability also decreased depending on the increases of clay (0%-20%). When the clay content in the sample was 2.0%, the surface of coated PLA films displayed aggregation visible using film emission scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy indicated that a mixture of exfoliated and intercalated structure was formed with addition of 1% (w/w) Cloisite 30B to the ink after ultrasonication. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are naturally produced during common cooking processes for meats and fish. HCAs are metabolized by various enzymes, including cytochromes P450, N-acetyl transferases, and sulfotransferases, and their bioactivated metabolites are considered to bind to DNA or protein to show carcinogenic effects. More than 20 HCAs have been identified, of which 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is classified as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' to develop cancers in breast, colon and prostate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate human exposure levels of PhIP and to understand the role of genetic polymorphisms of enzymes on PhIP metabolism. Urine samples were collected from subjects ( n = 100) before 3-day meat-restricted diets. Subjects consumed grilled chicken, and their blood and urine were collected before and after the administration of the chickens to investigate genetic polymorphisms and PhIP levels. The mean PhIP levels were 4.22 ± 0.12, 0.61 ± 0.19 and 22.64 ± 1.00 pg ml−1 in urine under normal conditions and before and after chicken administration, respectively. Among 21 Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, NATs and UGTs investigated in this study, genotypic groups of CYP1A1/T6235C (MSP I) and CYP1A2/ −2467delT showed significant differences in PhIP excretion ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms might affect PhIP metabolism, which could improve understanding of populations subject to PhIP-derived health risk. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The toxicity to adult Dermatophagoides farinae of allyl isothiocyanate identified in horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, oil and another 27 organic isothiocyanates was evaluated using contact + fumigant and vapour-phase mortality bioassays. Results were compared with those of two conventional acaricides, benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate. RESULTS: Horseradish oil (24 h LC50, 1.54 µg cm−2) and allyl isothiocyanate (2.52 µg cm−2) were highly toxic. Benzyl isothiocyanate (LC50, 0.62 µg cm−2) was the most toxic compound, followed by 4-chlorophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, 2-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl and 2-bromophenyl isothiocyanates (0.93-1.41 µg cm−2). All were more effective than either benzyl benzoate (LC50, 4.58 µg cm−2) or dibutyl phthalate (24.49 µg cm−2). The structure-activity relationship indicates that types of functional group and chemical structure appear to play a role in determining the isothiocyanate toxicities to adult D. farinae. In the vapour-phase mortality bioassay, these isothiocyanates were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was, in part, a result of vapour action. CONCLUSION: In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, the horseradish oil-derived compounds and the isothiocyanates described herein merit further study as potential acaricides for the control of house dust mite populations as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cho HJ, Shin DY, Kim JH, Bae JY, Lee KH, See CJ, Kim N, Park EK, Ra EK, Lee JE, Hong YC, Kim HK, Park SS, Yoon SS, Lee DS, Han KS, Park MH, Park S, Kim BK, Kim I. Impact of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms on clinical outcomes of HLA-matched sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2011.01523.x. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: We hypothesized that polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene might affect clinical outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Three VDR gene polymorphisms ( BsmI G>A, ApaI G>T, and TaqI T>C) were genotyped in 147 patients who underwent HLA-matched sibling allogeneic HSCT. Frequencies of infection, graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared according to genotypes and haplotypes. Infection and acute GVHD had trends to be less frequent in patients with ApaI TT genotype than non-TT genotypes (p = 0.061 and p = 0.059, respectively). For TaqI genotypes, there were no statistical differences in frequency of infection and acute GVHD (p = 0.84 and p = 0.30, respectively), but TC genotype was associated with longer OS and DFS than TT genotype (p = 0.022 and p = 0.038, respectively). In the ApaI- TaqI haplotype analysis, patients with TC haplotype had significantly longer OS and DFS than those without TC haplotype (p = 0.022 and p = 0.038, respectively). In multivariable analysis, TaqI genotype and ApaI- TaqI haplotype of recipients were independent prognostic factors for both OS and DFS. This study suggests that the genotype and haplotype of VDR in recipient might be associated with clinical outcome of sibling HLA-matched HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the xenotransplantation of vascularized organs, such as the lung, a large area of endothelial cell layer is a big hurdle to be overcome. We investigated the potential protective effect of aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), a known inhibitor of platelet adhesion, on endothelial damage induced by xenogeneic serum. We also assessed its role in hyperacute xenograft rejection using a porcine ex vivo lung perfusion model. Methods: Porcine endothelial cells were incubated with human serum and other inflammatory stimuli. For the evaluation of von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion and tissue factor (TF) expression, we used human endothelial cells. E-selectin expression, complement activation, TF expression and platelet activation were investigated by flow cytometry. In an ex vivo porcine lung perfusion model, the porcine lungs were perfused with fresh human whole blood: unmodified blood (n = 5), ATA-treated blood (n = 5), and ATA and lepirudin-treated blood (n = 5). Results: Aurintricarboxylic acid significantly inhibited TNF-α- or lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial E-selectin expression in a dose-dependent manner. ATA also prevented human serum induced-E-selectin expression and human monocytic cell adhesion to porcine endothelial cells. Moreover, ATA abolished thrombin-induced vWF secretion as well as complement activation. However, ATA induced endothelial TF expression and platelet activation in vitro. In ex-vivo experiments, ATA treatment improved pulmonary function and attenuated sequestration of leukocytes. Although ATA did not influence thrombin generation, we were able to minimize its activity by adding lepirudin to the blood with ATA. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated in vitro protective effect of ATA on the inhibition of endothelial activation and vWF secretion and confirmed detrimental effect of ATA on induction of endothelial TF and platelet activation. The combination of ATA and lepirudin may act beneficially by preventing coagulation perturbation while maintaining improved xenograft survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the inhibitory mechanism of curcumin and its derivative (CHC007) against β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) signaling in various cancer cell lines. Curcumin is known to inhibit β-catenin/Tcf transcriptional activity in HCT116 cells but not in SW620 cells. To clarify the inhibitory effect of curcumin against β-catenin/Tcf signaling, we tested several cancer cell lines. In addition, in order to verify the inhibitory mechanism, we performed reporter gene assay, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Since inhibitors downregulated the transcriptional activity of β-catenin/Tcf in HEK293 cells transiently transfected with S33Y mutant β-catenin gene, whose product is not induced to be degraded by adenomatous polyposis coli–Axin–glycogen synthase kinase 3β complex, we concluded that the inhibitory mechanism was related to β-catenin itself or downstream components. Western blot analysis suggested that no change in the amount of cytosolic and membranous β-catenin in a cell occurred; however, nuclear β-catenin and Tcf-4 proteins were markedly reduced by inhibitors and this lead to the diminished association of β-catenin with Tcf-4 and to the reduced binding to the consensus DNA. In the present study, we demonstrate that curcumin and its derivative are excellent inhibitors of β-catenin/Tcf signaling in all tested cancer cell lines and the reduced β-catenin/Tcf transcriptional activity is due to the decreased nuclear β-catenin and Tcf-4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is among the most promising candidates for developing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for all‐solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, practical applications of the PEO/LiTFSI system face challenges due to its relatively low ionic conductivity and low Li+ transference number. To address these issues, a method is proposed that incorporates multiple components, including zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF‐67) as fillers and ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) as plasticizers, into a PEO/LiTFSI matrix. By optimizing the fabrication process, ultra‐thin membranes of the integrated electrolyte PEO/LiTFSI‐ILE‐ZIF‐67 (PLiZ) with a thickness of 32 µm are developed, achieving high ionic conductivity (1.19 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C), broad electrochemical stability (5.66 V), and high lithium‐ion mobility (0.8). As a result, the fabricated ASSLMBs exhibited excellent cycle stability at both room temperature and 60 °C, delivering an initial specific discharge capacity of 166.4 mAh g−1 and an impressive capacity retention of 83.7% after 1000 cycles at 3C under 60 °C, corresponding to a low fading rate of 0.0163% per cycle. Additionally, the designed SPEs demonstrated high safety properties, as shown by the successful cutting and folding of a working LiFePO4/PLiZ/Li pouch cell. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensively improved method for developing high‐performance ASSLMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on prognosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

On page 8418, R. Chen, R. V. Kumar, and co‐workers describe a bio‐inspired chemi‐functional interlayer for lithium sulfur batteries. The adsorption of migrating polysulfides (yellow) on the surface of brush‐like zinc oxide nanowire arrays (blue) mimics the adsorption of nutrients in intestinal cells. The novel interlayer improves lithium‐sulfur battery performance and will surely inspire the design of new materials with brushlike nano/micro‐architecture as traps or filters for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations related to the synthesis of (π-Allyl)Pd complexes containing N-Heterocyclic Carbene and pseudohalogen ligands and catalytic activity in Suzuki-Miyaura reactions, published in a 2013 issue of the "European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry."

Aims: To investigate plasma apixaban concentrations and thrombin generation assay (TGA) parameters across different apixaban doses in atrial fibrillation patients who had dose-reduction criteria for apixaban., Methods: This observational study included 374 patients (mean age 75.6 ± 7.7 years, 54.8% female) with dose-reduction criteria for apixaban. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (i) on-label standard dose (5 mg twice daily, n = 166); (ii) on-label reduced dose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 55); and (iii) off-label underdose (2.5 mg twice daily, n = 153). Apixaban concentrations determined via the anti-Xa assay and TGA parameters were compared at trough levels., Results: The off-label underdose group exhibited significantly lower apixaban trough concentrations than the on-label reduced-dose and standard-dose groups (56.7 ± 42.9 vs. 83.7 ± 70.4 vs. 129.9 ± 101.8 ng/mL, all P < .001). Less than 70% of all patients fell within the expected range of apixaban concentrations. Proportions exceeding the upper limit of the expected range were significantly lower in the off-label underdose group (1.3%) than in the on-label reduced-dose (9.1%, P = .005) and standard-dose (12.7%, P < .001) groups. The TGA parameters showed the on-label standard-dose group displaying the lowest thrombogenic profiles. Lower creatinine clearance was the most significant predictor of higher apixaban concentrations., Conclusion: Off-label underdosed apixaban resulted in lower apixaban concentrations than both on-label standard and reduced-dose regimens. A considerable proportion of the patients exhibited apixaban concentrations outside the expected range, suggesting the potential benefits of plasma concentration monitoring. Further studies are needed to compare dosages directly, investigate the impact of plasma apixaban concentration monitoring and validate the current dose-reduction criteria., (© 2024 British Pharmacological Society.)

Aims: To determine the frequencies of the variant alleles and the genotypes of CYP2C9 in a Korean population., Methods: Three hundred and fifty-eight healthy Korean subjects were studied. CYP2C9 alleles were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays and direct sequencing assays., Results: The allele frequencies were 0.934 for CYP2C9*1, 0.060 for CYP2C9*3 and 0.006 for CYP2C9*13. The CYP2C9*2,*4,*5 and *11 alleles were not detected. The frequencies of the CYP2C9*1/*1, *1/*3 and *1/*13 genotypes were 0.869, 0.120 and 0.011, respectively., Conclusion: The frequency of the CYP2C9*3 allele in the Korean population studied was significantly higher than reported elsewhere, and a novel allele, CYP2C9*13, was found at a frequency of 0.006 (95% confidence interval 0, 0.012). Only three genotypes of CYP2C9, CYP2C9*1/*1,*1/*3 and *1/*13 were observed in this Korean population.

Platelet microparticles (PMP) are endogenous substances generated during the coagulation process in a hypercoagulable state. This study demonstrated that PMP promote the proliferation and survival, migration, and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Heat-treated PMP did not significantly decrease the angiogenic activity in HUVEC compared with that of the untreated PMP. Meanwhile when PMP were treated with activated charcoal, a procedure known to remove the lipid growth factors, the angiogenic activity was significantly reduced. These results suggest that the lipid component(s) of the PMP may be major active factor(s) and that protein component(s) may be minor contributor(s). PMP were also shown to augment endothelial progenitor cell differentiation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In addition, PMP-stimulated proliferation, chemotaxis and tube formation of the HUVEC was mediated via the Pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway. Herein, a new action of PMP was demonstrated to be a potent angiogenic stimulator. It is expected that in pathological states such as a growing tumour, PMP shed from the circulating platelets may reach adequate concentrations and that the elevated levels of PMP could contribute to florid formation of new blood vessels.