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Objective Diabetes increases the risk for cancers. However, whether it is associated with hematologic malignancies is not clear. The present study investigated the association between diabetes and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (ML), non-Hopkin lymphoma (NHL), and multiple myeloma (MM). Methods Newly diagnosed adult cancer patients were recruited consecutively from our clinical database. Peoples from a local enterprise were recruited to create a small-scale population-based dataset. We compared the diabetes prevalence between the cancer patients and the local people; an increase in diabetes prevalence in the cancer patients suggests an association between diabetes and the cancer(s). Results We found that the prevalence of diabetes was 19.7%, 21.3%, 12.5%, and 12.0% in ALL, AML, NHL, and MM, respectively, which was higher than that (9.1%) in the local people. Despite that there were more male than female cancer patients, there were more female than male diabetic patients. The increase in diabetes prevalence occurred in ALL and NHL patients aged 18 to 39 years old as well as in AML patients over 40. In MM patients, the increase in diabetes prevalence (18.6%) occurred only in females. Approximately 70% of the diabetic patients were undiagnosed before the diagnosis of the blood cancer. Approximately half of the pre-existing diabetic patients had anti-diabetic treatment, with over 70% of them still had poor glycemic control. Conclusions Our results suggest that diabetes is associated with ALL, AML, NHL, and MM, at least in adult patients.

Professional sport is one of the essential core industries for the development of the sports industry, divided into two categories: team and individual sports. The main development feature of professional basketball is to compete through the home-and-away system’s operation and establish a good emotional foundation with the residents through the home operation, which in turn creates recognition and support for the team and enhances the profits of the basketball organization. In recent years, Southeast Asia has developed a multinational professional basketball league, which covers nine countries. The “Formosa Dreamers” professional basketball team, a joint venture of Chinese entrepreneurs and has become the first professional basketball team in Taiwan, has chosen Changhua County as the home court. This report’s objective was to explore the localization and home business strategies of professional basketball games and to summarize further and analyze the characteristics of the home business strategy of Formosa Dreamers to establish the foundation for the future development of home business sports events in Taiwan.

To compare clinical outcomes between the use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT) with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in locally advanced prostate cancer (PC), we enrolled 315 patients with locally advanced PC (clinical T-stage 3/4). Propensity score-matching at a 1:1 ratio was performed. The median follow-up period was 59.2 months (IQR: 39.8-87.4). There were 117 (37.1%) patients in the RP group and 198 (62.9%) patients in the RT group. RT patients were older and had higher PSA at diagnosis, higher Gleason score grade group and more advanced T-stage (all ppp=0.470, p=0.268 and p=0.509, respectively). This information may provide insight for clinicians and patients for decision-making regarding their preference for either treatment strategy.

To compare clinical outcomes between the use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiotherapy (RT) with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in locally advanced prostate cancer (PC), 315 patients with locally advanced PC (clinical T-stage 3/4) were considered for analysis retrospectively. Propensity score-matching at a 1:1 ratio was performed. The median follow-up period was 59.2 months (IQR 39.8–87.4). There were 117 (37.1%) patients in the RP group and 198 (62.9%) patients in the RT group. RT patients were older and had higher PSA at diagnosis, higher Gleason score grade group and more advanced T-stage (all p p p = 0.470, p = 0.268 and p = 0.509, respectively). This information supported a clinical benefit in BCR control for patients undergoing RT plus long-term ADT compared to RP.

Decreased glomerular filtration rate has been reported in patients with primary aldosteronism after unilateral adrenalectomy. Glomerular hyperfiltration has been assumed to mask the preoperative subtle renal impairment. In this study, we investigated predictors for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate after adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism.From January 2006 through September 2018, 328 patients with confirmatory diagnoses of primary aldosteronism received unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy and subsequent follow-up for 12 months. We prospectively collected related parameters of the clinical outcomes and renal function to identify predictors of renal function impairment at 12 months after surgery.Patients were stratified into three groups by preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate level: 144 (43.9%) with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥90, 130 (39.6%) with estimated glomerular filtration rate within 60-89.9, and 54 (16.5%) with estimated glomerular filtration rate60 mL/min/1.73 mEstimated glomerular filtration rate declined significantly after adrenalectomy in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥90. The study provided important information to identify primary aldosteronism patients with higher risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline after adrenalectomy and might help to adopt early interventions to improve the outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist was the first-line treatment in bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) with primary aldosteronism (PA). Some patients were refractory to...

Little is known about the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and oral and oropharyngeal cancers (OOCs). This study aims to investigate the incidence and severity of OSA in patients with OOCs before and 6 months after free flap reconstruction (FFR), as well as identify the factors that affect the severity of OSA.A prospective cohort study was designed. We recruited patients aged ≥ 20 years who were newly diagnosed with OOC and underwent FFR surgery at a medical center. Demographic data, cancer characteristics, and objective full-night polysomnographic parameters were collected. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for analyses.In the 23 included patients, the incidence of OSA was 91.3% before surgery and 95.6% as of 6 months after surgery. The proportion of patients with moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 15-29) or severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30) had increased from 52.2% to 78.3%, and the AHI was significantly increased (23.3 ​± ​17.6 vs. 34.6 ​± ​19.3,Patients with OOCs had a high incidence of OSA before and after surgery. OOC survivors should undergo early OSA assessment and receive pre- and post-FFR OSA management to improve their quality of life.

We have recently reported that type 2 diabetes promotes centrosome amplification via enhancing the expression, biding, and centrosome translocation of rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1)/14‐3‐3σ complex in HCT116 cells. In the functional proteomic study, we further investigated the molecular pathways underlying the centrosome amplification using HCT116 cells. We found that treatment of HCT116 cells with high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid triggered the centrosome amplification and increased the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), nucleophosmin (NPM), and 14‐3‐3σ. Individual knockdown of PCNA, NPM, or 14‐3‐3σ inhibited the centrosome amplification. Knockdown of PCNA inhibited the treatment‐increased expression of ROCK1, whereas knockdown of ROCK1 did not affect the PCNA expression. High glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid also increased the expressions of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐1 (JNK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), individual knockdown of which upregulated the treatment‐increased expression of 14‐3‐3σ and promoted the centrosome amplification. In contrast, overexpression of JNK1 inhibited the centrosome amplification. Knockdown of Stat3 enhanced the centrosome translocation of 14‐3‐3σ. Moreover, we showed that knockdown of JNK1 inhibited the treatment‐increased expression of Stat3. Knockdown of PCNA, JNK1, or Stat3 did not have an effect on NPM and vice versa. In conclusion, our results suggest that PCNA and JNK1‐Stat3 pathways respectively promotes and feedback inhibits the centrosome amplification by targeting at the ROCK1/14‐3‐3σ complex, and NPM serves as an independent signal for the centrosome amplification.

// Chan-Chi Chang 1, 2, * , Wei-Ting Lee 1, 2, * , Yao-Chou Lee 2, 3 , Cheng-Chih Huang 1 , Chun-Yen Ou 1 , Yu-Hsuan Lin 1 , Jehn-Shyun Huang 4 , Tung-Yiu Wong 4 , Ken-Chung Chen 4 , Jenn-Ren Hsiao 1, 2 , Yu-Cheng Lu 1 , Sen-Tien Tsai 1 , Yu-Hsuan Lai 2, 5 , Yuan-Hua Wu 5 , Wei-Ting Hsueh 5 , Chia-Jui Yen 6 , Shang-Yin Wu 2, 6 , Jang-Yang Chang 6, 7 , Sheen-Yie Fang 1 , Jiunn-Liang Wu 1 , Chen-Lin Lin 8 , Ya-Ling Weng 7 , Han-Chien Yang 7 , Yu-Shan Chen 1 and Jeffrey S. Chang 7 1 Department of Otolaryngology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 2 Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 3 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 4 Department of Stomatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 5 Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 6 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 7 National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan 8 Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jeffrey S. Chang, email: jeffreychang@nhri.org.tw Keywords: head and neck cancer, diet, vegetables and fruits, risk factor, Taiwan Abbreviations: confidence interval (CI); head and neck cancer (HNC); Nutrition and Heath Surveys in Taiwan (NAHSIT); OR (odds ratio); upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) Received: July 23, 2017 Accepted: September 30, 2017 Published: October 24, 2017 ABSTRACT Most studies reporting an inverse association between the consumption of vegetables and fruits and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk were conducted in Western populations and only a few included East Asians. The current case-control study investigated the association between diet and HNC risk using data of 838 HNC cases and 998 controls from a case-control study of HNC conducted in Taiwan. Each participant was asked about their consumption of fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, fresh fruits, citrus fruits, meat, processed meat, fish, egg, and dairy products. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HNC risk associated with each food category, adjusted for sex, age, education, and use of alcohol, betel quid and cigarette. An inverse association was observed between HNC risk and daily intake of fresh vegetables (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95, p -trend = 0.002) or fruits (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43-0.72, p -trend = 0.00001). Individuals who did not consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily had more than double the risk of HNC compared to those with daily intake of vegetables and fruits (OR= 2.24, 95% CI: 1.54-3.25). The results of the current study supported an inverse association between the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits and HNC risk. In addition to cessation of cigarette smoking and betel quid chewing and reduction of alcohol drinking, a public health campaign for preventing the occurrence of HNC should promote a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the self–categorization theory of sports consumer behaviors. This research proposed a conceptual model delineating the social psychology of basketball fans during watching basketball games. Methods: An questionnaire with a convenience sample is designed for surveying fans of Chinese Taipei Basketball team in the FIBA Asia Basketball World Cup qualification. Structural equation modeling, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis validated and confirmed the relationships between constructs in the model. Findings: Results indicated that Taiwanese fan identification is completely mediated in two factors: team image and supporter loyalty. There is a significantly negative predicting effect of correlation between fan identification and supporter satisfaction. However, the result still had correlation to the cultural difference with countries as research in the past. The factor of fan identification influenced fans' satisfaction towards the team they support. Discussion: The research concluded with suggestions for Taiwanese sports consumers to clarify their self-categorization and interpreted the factor that influenced fans' support to the team. The research also indicated that the variation in sports consumers from different countries and cultures affected fans' satisfaction level of their support. The questionnaire of this research was adopted by cross-sectional study approach. The result only came from a single sports event and therefore, it cannot be applied in other sports field. Longitudinal survey was suggested in the future research for professional basketball games with a view to deeply understanding the process of fans' self-categorization.

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the differences in ureterorenal stone appearance after gouty arthropathy between Taiwanese aboriginal and non-aboriginal patients. Methods Between 2007 and 2015, patients with first diagnoses of ureterorenal stones after diagnosis of gouty arthropathy at Puli Christian Hospital were enrolled in this study. Characteristics, underlying diseases and laboratory data for aboriginal and non-aboriginal patients were recorded. All categorical variables were analysed by χ2 test and continuous variables were compared by t-test. Results A total of 201 patients (66 aboriginal and 135 non-aboriginal) were enrolled in the study. Serum uric acid levels did not differ significantly between aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups. There was a significant difference in the time until ureterorenal stone appearance after gouty arthropathy between aboriginal and non-aboriginal patients (38.0 v 29.3 months, p=0.015). Among males, aboriginal patients exhibited gouty arthropathy at a younger age than non-aboriginal patients (46.0 v 50.2 years, p=0.035). Furthermore, male aboriginal patients exhibited a higher rate of alcoholic hepatitis (26.7% v 12.2%, p=0.046). Conclusion Among males, aboriginal Taiwanese patients exhibited gouty arthropathy at younger ages than did non-aboriginal Taiwanese because of a higher rate of alcoholic hepatitis. The longer time until stone appearance after gouty arthropathy was attributed to alcoholic diuresis. Decreasing alcohol consumption may postpone or halt the development of gouty arthropathy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:In the literature, the percentage of bacterial etiology in pediatric acute epididymitis is around 16-31%. However, more than 80% of patients received antibiotic treatmen...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Annona muricata L. is used to treat cancer in some countries. Extracts of Annona muricata have been shown to cause apoptosis of various cancer cells in vitro , and inhibit tumor growth in vivo in animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer and apoptotic effects of the herb remain to be explored. Aim of study The study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer cell apoptosis triggered by the ethanol extract of leaves of Annona muricata L. Materials and methods Liver cancer HepG2 cells were used as experimental model. MTT assay was employed to evaluate cell viability. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were performed to confirm apoptosis. We employed functional proteomic analysis to delineate molecular pathways underlying apoptosis triggered by the herbal extract. Results We showed that the extract was able to reduce viability and trigger apoptosis of the cancer cells. Proteomic analysis identified 14 proteins associated with the extract-elicited apoptosis, which included the increased expression levels of HSP70, GRP94 and DPI-related protein 5. Western blot analysis confirmed that the extract did up-regulated the protein levels of HSP70 and GRP94. Results from bioinformatic annotation pulled out two molecular pathways for the extract, which, notably, included endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which was evidenced by the up-regulation of HSP70, GRP94 and PDI-related protein 5. Further examinations of typical protein signaling events in ER stress using western blot analysis have shown that the extract up-regulated the phorsphorelation of PERK and eIF2α as well as the expression level of Bip and CHOP. Conclusion Our results indicate that the ethanol extract of leaves of Annona muricata L. causes apoptosis of liver cancer cells through ER stress pathway, which supports the ethnomedicinal use of this herb as an alternative or complementary therapy for cancer.

Objective International institutes have developed their own clinical performance indicators for ambulance services. It is unknown whether these process measures are related to survival of patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to determine whether Emergency Medical Service (EMS)-related ambulance team process measures correlate with patient survival. Methods Four years of observational data were collected from an urban EMS OHCA registry. The two process measures were achieving an EMS response time ≤4 min and prehospital ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation). The outcome measure was survival to discharge. We used the GLMM (generalised linear mixed model) with stepwise selection to examine this process-outcome link at the patient and EMS team levels, respectively. Results We analyzed 3856 OHCA patients distributed across forty-three EMS ambulance teams. Survival to discharge was observed in 193 (5%) patients. The two EMS team process measures were positively associated with an improvement in survival at the patient level after case-mix adjustment. However, they were not associated with improvement in the risk-adjusted survival rate. Conclusions The EMS team-level process measures proposed by international institutes may not predict the risk-adjusted survival rate. Using these measures to motivate EMS teams to improve their quality performance would be questionable. Increased efforts should be devoted to constructing more pivotal EMS team-level process measures that are tightly linked to survival.

The authors attempt to explain why the generally accepted models built on consumer socialization theory do not sufficiently capture supporting consumer socialization behavior. According to marketing literature, social interaction may influence consumer behavior. The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior of consumers engaged in marathon running. The authors use three types of consumer socialization constructed factors (intergenerational influences, peer influences, and traditional media) and examine their effects on event conformity. A total of 299 marathon runners who were runners in one or more marathon running responded to the survey. The findings highlight social interaction as an influence on the consumer behavior of those engaged in marathon running. Meanwhile, our support conformity moderated the relationship between the intergenerationally influenced and marathon running behavior in marathon events. The authors emphasize the importance of reflecting on different relationships (consumer-related skills, knowledge, and attitudes) in understanding supporting consumer socialization behavior.

Here, we report the application of a CuAlO2/polyaniline (PANI) film, prepared using a large-area-compatible electrospray process, as a hole transport layer in a perovskite solar cell. The synergistic combination of CuAlO2 and PANI results in enhanced hole extraction, a smoother perovskite/hole transport layer interface, and an 80 % enhancement in power conversion efficiency. The results reveal that CuAlO2/PANI film has potential as a low-cost, scalable hole transport layer for perovskite solar cells.

There is evidence that cadmium can initiate carcinogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. There is also evidence that moderate centrosome amplification can initiate tumorigenesis. The present study investigated whether cadmium could trigger cell centrosome amplification, and examined the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that cadmium was able to cause cell centrosome amplification at the subtoxic concentrations, in a dose-dependent manner. It could cause centrosome amplification via the signaling of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteomic analysis revealed that cadmium caused differential expressions of three proteins, which included HSPA1A which is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Western blot analysis confirmed that cadmium upregulated HSPA1A. Further analyses showed that cadmium upregulated Bip and decreased the phosphorylation of ASK1 as well as increased the phosphorylation of MKK7 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Knockdown of JNK2 using small interfering RNA inhibited the cadmium-induced centrosome amplification but not the level of ROS. N-acetylcysteine did not inhibit the cadmium-activated ER stress pathway. In conclusion, our results suggest that cadmium can induce cell centrosome amplification via ROS as well as ER stress through the Bip-TRAF2-ASK1-MKK7-JNK signaling route, in parallel. More studies are required to clarify whether centrosome amplification underlies cadmium-induced carcinogenesis.

Background Frey syndrome is a common complication after parotidectomy. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictors for developing severe Frey syndrome after parotidectomy and to identify patients who may benefit from additional preventive maneuvers. Methods A total of 485 patients received parotidectomy because of parotid tumors at the Otolaryngology Department of the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, from July 2009 to November 2015. Only 115 of 485 patients were included in this study and to fill in a questionnaire to determine the occurrence and severity of Frey syndrome. Results A total of 115 parotidectomies were identified. 84 (73%, 84/115) patients were aware of the discomfort and were thus considered symptomatic. 39 (34%, 39/115) patients considered the symptoms apparently affected their quality of life. MSI tests showed that 56 (49%, 56/115) patients had a positive MSI test. By combining the results from symptom questionnaire and MSI test, 23 patients (20%, 23/115) had a severe form of Frey syndrome. Among all clinicopathological variables, the resected specimen size was the only significant predictor of the severe Frey syndrome group (P = 0.04). Disease pathology, tumor size, and adjuvant radiotherapy did not correlate with the severe Frey syndrome. Using receiver operating curve analysis, the best cutoff value of the resected specimen size (in largest dimension) for predicting severe Frey syndrome was 40 mm(sensitivity: 71.7%, specificity: 42.0%; area under the curve = 0.6483). The odds ratio of severe Frey syndrome with every 10 mm increase in the largest diameter of resected specimen was 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.68; P = 0.04). Conclusions Resected specimen size is the only significant predictor of developing severe Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. Preventive interventions may have to be considered in high-risk patients whose resected specimen size (in largest dimension) is greater than 40 mm.

It has been reported recently that type 2 diabetes promotes centrosome amplification via 14-3-3σ/ROCK1 complex. In the present study, 14-3-3σ interacting proteins are characterized and their roles in the centrosome amplification by high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid are investigated. Co-immunoprecipitation in combination with MS analysis identified 134 proteins that interact with 14-3-3σ, which include heat shock 70 kDa protein 4 (Hsp74). Gene ontology analyses reveal that many of them are enriched in binding activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis shows that the top three enriched pathways are ribosome, carbon metabolism, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Molecular and functional investigations show that the high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid increase the expression and binding of 14-3-3σ and Hsp74 as well as centrosome amplification, all of which are inhibited by knockdown of 14-3-3σ or Hsp74. Moreover, molecular docking analysis shows that the interaction between the 14-3-3σ and the Hsp74 is mainly through hydrophobic contacts and a lesser degree ionic interactions and hydrogen bond by different amino acids residues. In conclusion, the results suggest that the experimental treatment triggers centrosome amplification via upregulations of expression and binding of 14-3-3σ and Hsp74.

Type2 diabetes is associated with oxidative stress which can cause cell centrosome amplification. The study investigated centrosome amplification in type 2 diabetes and the underlying mechanisms. We found that centrosome amplification was increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the type 2 diabetic patients, which correlated with the levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. High glucose, insulin and palmitic acid, alone or in combinations, induced ROS production and centrosome amplification. Together, they increased AKT activation as well as the expression, binding and centrosome translation of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ. Results from further analyses showed that AKT-ROS-dependent upregulations of expression, binding and centrosome translocation of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ was the molecular pathway underlying the centrosome amplification induced by high glucose, insulin and palmitic acid. Moreover, the increases in AKT activation and ROS production as well as expression, binding and centrosome distribution of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ were confirmed in the PBMC from the patients with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, our results show that type 2 diabetes promotes cell centrosome amplification, and suggest that the diabetic pathophysiological factors-activated AKT-ROS-dependent signalling of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ is the underlying molecular mechanism.

Although alcohol is an established risk factor of head and neck cancer (HNC), insufficiencies exist in the literature in several aspects. We analyzed detailed alcohol consumption data (amount and type of alcoholic beverage) of 811 HNC patients and 940 controls to evaluate the association between alcohol and HNC by HNC sites and by genotypes of ADH1B and ALDH2. Alcohol was associated with an increased HNC risk in a dose-response relationship, with the highest risk observed for hypopharyngeal cancer, followed by oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Liquor showed a stronger positive association with HNC than beer and wine. The highest HNC risk occurred in individuals with the slow ADH1B and slow/non-functional ALDH2 genotype combination. In our study population, 21.8% of HNCs, 55.7% of oropharyngeal cancers, and 89.1% of hypopharyngeal cancers could be attributed to alcohol. Alcohol accounted for 47.3% of HNCs among individuals with the slow ADH1B and slow/non-functional ALDH2 genotype combination. The HNC risk associated with alcohol became comparable to that of never/occasional drinkers after ten or more years of cessation from regular alcohol drinking. In conclusion, alcohol use is associated with an increased HNC risk, particularly for individuals with slow ethanol metabolism. HNC incidence may be reduced by alcohol cessation.

A low power digital signed array multiplier based on a 2-dimensional (2-D) bypassing technique is proposed in this work. When the horizontally (row) or the vertically (column) operand is zero, the corresponding bypassing cells skip redundant signal transitions to avoid unnecessary calculation to reduce power dissipation. An 8×8 signed multiplier using the 2-D bypassing technique is implemented on silicon using a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process to verify power reduction performance. The power-delay product of the proposed 8×8 signed array multiplier is measured to be 31.74 pJ at 166 MHz, which is significantly reduced in comparison with prior works.

The impact of organizational crises is getting stronger as the risk and uncertainty in business environments are increasing due to today's uncertain economic conditions. The threat of organizational crises to organizations can be lessened if critical knowledge is transferred to the individuals who will need it during such events. Nevertheless, there have been very few studies specifically investigating the use of knowledge transfer channels during organizational crises. Consequently, we conducted an in-depth case study of a product recall at a motorcycle manufacturer in order to explore what knowledge transfer channels were applied during the organizational crisis in order to transfer critical knowledge, and what the corresponding results were. The research findings indicate that multiple knowledge transfer channels were used and that they had a significantly positive influence on organizational performance when dealing with the crisis. The relationships between the knowledge transfer channels used and crisis characteristics are depicted in six theoretical propositions. The findings of this study can help organizations examine their abilities to circulate critical knowledge, and, in turn, develop effective methods to transfer it to where it is truly needed when dealing with crises. Future research that specifically examines the interrelationships between the knowledge transfer channels used during organizational crises are encouraged.

Employing the theorem that matching impedance produces maximum power transfer, the current study develops a low-cost and highly efficient “maximum power point tracker for a solar cell unit,” for the purpose of allowing a solar cell to achieve optimal power transfer under different solar intensities and temperatures. Circuit control takes a single-chip microprocessor as the core and the booster circuit design undergoes the solar cell charging operation even though the solar cell output voltage is lower than the rated storage battery voltage. Experiments conducted in this study prove that the tracker this study develops effectively enhances the utilization efficiency of a solar cell. When a solar cell is at an output voltage above 30% of the rated voltage, it can charge a storage battery. When it reaches above 80% of the rated voltage, its power conversion efficiency can reach above 85%. The charge and discharge management mechanism of the device also avoids excessive charge and discharge of the storage battery, and extends storage battery longevity.

A novel microstrip antenna applicable for multiband use is proposed in this work. The design was evolved from a conventional parallel stripline dipole with modifications in the dipole geometry and feeding structure. Those measures help introduce new resonant modes and increase bandwidths in the radiation spectrum. Fundamental antenna parameters including reflection coefficients, antenna gains, radiation patterns, and efficiency are measured. The results suggest that the proposed dipole provides roughly omni directional patterns at 1.8 to 2.4, 3.6, and 5.8 GHz bands with ∼0 dBi gain on the H-plane of the dipole. Such a planar antenna is of low cost and can be used on personal portable communication devices such as the smart phones to fulfill the multiband need of integrated mobile, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and WiMAX systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 237–241, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22081