Commutative Energetic Subsets of BCK-Algebras

The notions of a C-energetic subset and (anti) permeable C-value in BCK-algebras are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Conditions for an element t in [0, 1] to be an (anti) permeable C-value are provided. Also conditions for a subset to be a C-energetic subset are discussed. We decompose BCK-algebra by a partition which consists of a C-energetic subset and a commutative ideal

Laundry detergent pod: a rising cause of household poisoning

With the increasing use of laundry detergent pods (LDPs) in Korea, pediatricians and emergency physicians should recognize the risk of poisoning by ingestion of the pods. This report describes a 15-month-old boy who ingested an LDP at home. At the time of hospitalization, he was alert and hemodynamically stable. However, 3 hours after the ingestion, he developed drowsiness, respiratory distress, and metabolic acidosis. Despite the initial supportive therapy, the acidosis worsened, requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Metabolic acidosis improved within 1 hour after initiation of the continuous renal replacement therapy. He was discharged uneventfully on day 13. At 1-month follow-up, he did not show any sequelae. This case highlights the need for recognition of the risk of poisoning by LDP

Ordered homomorphisms and kernels of ordered BCI-algebras

Recently Yang-Roh-Jun introduced the notion of ordered BCI-algebras as a generalization of BCI-algebras. They also introduced the notions of homomorphisms and kernels of ordered BCI-algebras and investigated related properties. Here we extend their investigation to ordered homomorphisms, i.e., order-preserving homomorphisms. To this end, the notions of ordered homomorphism and kernel of ordered BCI-algebras are first defined. Next, properties associated with (ordered) subalgebras, (ordered) filters and direct products of ordered BCI-algebras are addressed

A highly sensitive and selective viral protein detection method based on RNA oligonucleotide nanoparticle

Globally, approximately 170 million people (representing approximately 3% of the population worldwide), are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and at risk of serious liver disease, including chronic hepatitis. We propose a new quantum dots (QDs)-supported RNA oligonucleotide approach for the specific and sensitive detection of viral protein using a biochip. This method was developed by immobilizing a HCV nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) on the surface of a glass chip via the formation of a covalent bond between an amine protein group and a ProLinker™ glass chip. The QDs-supported RNA oligonucleotide was conjugated via an amide formation reaction from coupling of a 5′-end-amine-modified RNA oligonucleotide on the surface of QDs displaying carboxyl groups via standard EDC coupling. The QDs-conjugated RNA oligonucleotide was interacted to immobilized viral protein NS5B on the biochip. The detection is based on the variation of signal of QDs-supported RNA oligonucleotide bound on an immobilized biochip. It was demonstrated that the value of the signal has a linear relationship with concentrations of the HCV NS5B viral protein in the 1 μg mL−1 to 1 ng mL−1 range with a detection limit of 1 ng mL−1. The major advantages of this RNA-oligonucleotide nanoparticle assay are its good specificity, ease of performance, and ability to perform one-spot monitoring. The proposed method could be used as a general method of HCV detection and is expected to be applicable to other types of diseases as well

Innovation and Internationalization of Korean SMEs in the Textile and Footwear Industries

Innovation has been recognized as one of the factors that enhances firm internationalization, a vital route for the growth and survival of small and medium enterprises. Thus, it is important to identify antecedents of firm innovation and their impacts on SME internationalization for their long-term success. Accordingly, the present study examined a model of SME internationalization in which the causal relationships among entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, innovation (product, process, and marketing innovation), and internationalization were proposed. Analyses of 156 survey data collected from Korean SMEs exporting textiles, apparel, and footwear revealed that entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity appeared to function as significant antecedents of product and process innovation. Among three dimensions of innovation, only process and marketing innovation positively affected internationalization. The study provides practical implications by asserting the importance of process and marketing innovation to increase firm internationalization

한국 폐경기 여성에서 대사증후군과 비타민 D의 관련성: 2010∼2012 국민건강영양조사에 근거하여

The aim of this study was to assess the association of metabolic syndrome and Vitamin D in Korean adults. The study subjects were Korean menopausal woman (n=4,340) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010∼2012. After adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index, total cholesterol, smoking, and regular exercise, the mean 25(OH)D levels (M±SE) decreased with increasing metabolic syndrome score (MSS) (MSS 0, 18.18±0.29 ng/Ml; MSS 1, 18.09±0.21 ng/mL; MSS 2, 18.07±0.19 ng/mL; MSS 3, 18.04±0.21 ng/mL; MSS ≥4, 17.27±0.23 ng/mL), and the mean 25(OH)D level (M±SE) for metabolic syndrome (17.66±0.16 ng/mL) decreased in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (18.11±0.14 ng/mL). In conclusion, our results suggest that an increase in metabolic syndrome score or metabolic syndrome are inversely associated with the vitamin D levels

Closed Int Soft -Ideals and Int Soft c--Ideals

The aim of this paper is to lay a foundation for providing a soft algebraic tool in considering many problems that contain uncertainties. In order to provide these soft algebraic structures, the notions of closed intersectional soft -ideals and intersectional soft commutative -ideals are introduced, and related properties are investigated. Conditions for an intersectional soft -ideal to be closed are provided. Characterizations of an intersectional soft commutative -ideal are established, and a new intersectional soft c--ideal from an old one is constructed

Development of selective blockers for Ca2+-activated Cl- channel using Xenopus laevis oocytes with an improved drug screening strategy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ca²⁺-activated Cl^-channels (CaCCs) participate in many important physiological processes. However, the lack of effective and selective blockers has hindered the study of these channels, mostly due to the lack of good assay system. Here, we have developed a reliable drug screening method for better blockers of CaCCs, using the endogeneous CaCCs in <it>Xenopus laevis </it>oocytes and two-electrode voltage-clamp (TEVC) technique.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Oocytes were prepared with a treatment of Ca²⁺ionophore, which was followed by a treatment of thapsigargin which depletes Ca²⁺stores to eliminate any contribution of Ca²⁺release. TEVC was performed with micropipette containing chelerythrine to prevent PKC dependent run-up or run-down. Under these conditions, Ca²⁺-activated Cl^-currents induced by bath application of Ca²⁺to oocytes showed stable peak amplitude when repetitively activated, allowing us to test several concentrations of a test compound from one oocyte. Inhibitory activities of commercially available blockers and synthesized anthranilic acid derivatives were tested using this method. As a result, newly synthesized <it>N</it>-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)anthranilic acid with trifluoromethyl group (-CF₃) at <it>para </it>position on the benzene ring showed the lowest IC₅₀.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results provide an optimal drug screening strategy suitable for high throughput screening, and propose <it>N</it>-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)anthranilic acid as an improved CaCC blocker.</p