Deepening Conditions of Precarity in the Korean Game Industry and Collaborative Strategies to Overcome Constraints

This paper examines how Korean game developers have been experiencing deepening conditions of precarity and makes a few suggestions regarding how they could overcome their structural limitations. Despite the remarkable growth in the Korean game industry, many underlying problems overshadow its success, such as labor exploitation, low wages, employment instability, and alienated labor. This paper uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the implications of the game industry market’s transition from PC online to the mobile game platform since the 2010s, which contributed to the industry’s deteriorating working condition and production system. Given this context, this study explores how the game developers experienced deepening conditions of precarity. This paper offers a few suggestions about overcoming these structural constraints. First, game developers can appropriate their know-how and resources then integrate them into a new form of “digital creative labor,” which refers to networked and collaborative cultural practices of game developers. Secondly, this paper argues that the intervention at the institutional and policy level is necessary to protect the rights and interests of workers

ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR TREATING ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION WITH THE USE OF THE «MOXI» DEVICE

The aim of the article was to study of the influence of the apparatus “MOXI” as an alternative method for the correction of arterial hypertension and improving the quality of life of patients using acupuncture reflexotherapy. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in 36 patients with arterial hypertension of 1 stage, low risk, with the experience of the disease from 1 to 2.5 years, without taking antihypertensive therapy. The average age of patients was 41.3±2.6 years. The state of the psycho-emotional sphere was assessed by the SAN test. The determination of the general non-specific adaptation reaction according to Garkavi-Kvakina-Ukolova was carried out. Control of blood pressure and pulse, was carried out in the center, and by the diaries of self-control. We calculated the arithmetic mean of blood pressure for the day and week. Baseline blood pressure was 152/106 mmHg when measured at the center and 149/102 mmHg at home. Results. The obtained results indicate that the adaptogenic set of acupuncture points allows you to simultaneous selective regulation of the function of organs and systems according to the principle of segmental and vegetative innervation. After a course of preventive recovery, a statistically significant (p<0.05) normalization of well-being indicators according to the SAN test was noted from 4.0 to 4.6 points, activity from 3.9 to 4.4 points, mood from 3.9 to 4.7 points. All patients showed a pronounced reduction of complaints and autonomic disorders. In addition, we revealed improvement in the functional state of the cardiovascular system. So, systolic pressure decreased from 152±1.5 mmHg up to 134±2.4 mmHg, and diastolic from 106±0.7 mmHg to 82±1.8 mmHg. Conclusions. As a result of the prophylactic treatment, all patients registered a normal type of adaptive response, since the training reaction was detected in 44.4 % of cases, the calm activation reaction was 22.2 %, in the area of increased activation - 33.4 %. The use of the “MOXI” device in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension of 1 type, with a low level of risk gives a positive therapeutic effect in the normalization of the psycho-emotional state of patients. It normalizes non-specific adaptation reactions of the body, and allows you to achieve a decrease in blood pressure to normal levels

INFLUENCE OF “NOVUMEDICAL” EQUIPMENT ON NON-SPECIFIC RESISTANCE OF THE ORGANISM TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ADAPTATION REACTIONS

Studies have shown the effectiveness and perspective of using «NovuMedical» devices for the purpose of primary and secondary prevention of diseases, increasing the personal interest of patients in extending the period of active longevity due to regular recovery at home. The preventive effect of the equipment is not directed against the symptoms of the disease, but to increase the body's resistance. Before treatment, the normal type of adaptive response was detected in 75 % of patients, the workout reaction was noted in 45.4 %, the calm activation reaction – 23.2 %, the reaction of increased activation in 6.2 % of cases, and the stress response was recorded in 25.2 %. After the treatment, the workout reaction was detected in 44.1 % of cases, the calm activation reaction – 22.2 %, the increased activation zone – 33.3 %. The preformed factors used in the apparatuses are a bioregulator in the broad sense of modulating the physiological functions of the body, which makes it possible to “rejuvenate” the sick organism, at least to equalize the biological and passport age, to restore the original potential of sanogenetic reactions. Apparatus for home use can be the basis for the primary population prevention and secondary individual prevention of a wide range of diseases and premature aging

A Facile Fabrication and Transfer Method of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes on a Mo/Ni Bilayer for Wearable Energy Devices

Carbon nanotubes are a promising material for flexible/wearable electrochemical device due to their mechanical softness, chemical stability, and high conductivity. Furthermore, the vertically aligned form of carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) have a large surface area due to their unique three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure. Thus, VACNTs are particularly useful for wearable electrochemical sensors and/or energy devices. However, VACNTs are generally grown via a high-temperature chemical vapor deposition process, which requires a rigid substrate. As a flexible/wearable device platform, therefore, VACNTs should be transferred from rigid substrates to soft substrates. Here, a facile fabrication and transfer method of a unique 3D nanostructure, that is, VACNTs on the Mo/Ni bilayer, for high performance flexible/wearable devices is reported. After growth of VACNTs on a Mo/Ni bilayer, VACNTs with the Mo/Ni bilayer can be easily peeled-off from the SiO2 wafer by using weak adhesion of Ni to SiO2 for transfer printing onto polymeric/elastomeric substrates. Moreover, the Mo layer helps facile growth of VACNTs, and the Mo/Ni bilayer underneath VACNTs maximizes the lateral current flow. The proposed 3D nanostructure (VACNTs on the Mo/Ni bilayer) is successfully applied as flexible electrodes for high-performance wearable asymmetric supercapacitors.

Wearable Fall Detector using Integrated Sensors and Energy Devices

Wearable devices have attracted great attentions as next-generation electronic devices. For the comfortable, portable, and easy-to-use system platform in wearable electronics, a key requirement is to replace conventional bulky and rigid energy devices into thin and deformable ones accompanying the capability of long-term energy supply. Here, we demonstrate a wearable fall detection system composed of a wristband-type deformable triboelectric generator and lithium ion battery in conjunction with integrated sensors, controllers, and wireless units. A stretchable conductive nylon is used as electrodes of the triboelectric generator and the interconnection between battery cells. Ethoxylated polyethylenimine, coated on the surface of the conductive nylon electrode, tunes the work function of a triboelectric generator and maximizes its performance. The electrical energy harvested from the triboelectric generator through human body motions continuously recharges the stretchable battery and prolongs hours of its use. The integrated energy supply system runs the 3-axis accelerometer and related electronics that record human body motions and send the data wirelessly. Upon the unexpected fall occurring, a custom-made software discriminates the fall signal and an emergency alert is immediately sent to an external mobile device. This wearable fall detection system would provide new opportunities in the mobile electronics and wearable healthcare.

Phosphorylation-Dependent 14-3-3 Binding to LRRK2 Is Impaired by Common Mutations of Familial Parkinson's Disease

) are the cause of the most common inherited and some sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenic role of LRRK2 mutations in PD remains unknown. and in cell culture, suggesting that PKA is a potential upstream kinase that regulates LRRK2 function. Finally, our study indicates that the common PD-related mutations of LRRK2, R1441G, Y1699C and G2019S, decrease homeostatic phosphorylation levels of S935 and impair 14-3-3 binding of LRRK2., and the phosphorylation of specific sites (e.g. S935) determines 14-3-3 binding of LRRK2. We propose that 14-3-3 is an important regulator of LRRK2-mediated cellular functions. Our study suggests that PKA, a cAMP-dependent kinase involved in regulating dopamine physiology, is a potential upstream kinase that phosphorylates LRRK2 at S935. Furthermore, the reduction of phosphorylation/14-3-3 binding of LRRK2 due to the common familial PD-related mutations provides novel insight into the pathogenic mechanism of LRRK2-linked PD

Phosphorylation-Dependent 14-3-3 Binding to LRRK2 Is Impaired by Common Mutations of Familial Parkinson's Disease

Background: Recent studies show that mutations in Leucine Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the cause of the most common inherited and some sporadic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenic role of LRRK2 mutations in PD remains unknown.Methodology/Principal Findings: Using affinity purification and mass spectrometric analysis, we investigated phosphorylation sites and binding proteins of LRRK2 purified from mouse brain. We identified multiple phosphorylation sites at N-terminus of LRRK2 including S910, S912, S935 and S973. Focusing on the high stoichiometry S935 phosphorylation site, we developed an anti-pS935 specific antibody and showed that LRRK2 is constitutively phosphorylated at S935 in various tissues (including brain) and at different ages in mice. We find that 14-3-3 proteins (especially isoforms γ and η) bind LRRK2 and this binding depends on phosphorylation of S935. The binding of 14-3-3, with little effect on dimer formation of LRRK2, confers protection of the phosphorylation status of S935. Furthermore, we show that protein kinase A (PKA), but not LRRK2 kinase itself, can cause the phosphorylation of LRRK2 at S935 in vitro and in cell culture, suggesting that PKA is a potential upstream kinase that regulates LRRK2 function. Finally, our study indicates that the common PD-related mutations of LRRK2, R1441G, Y1699C and G2019S, decrease homeostatic phosphorylation levels of S935 and impair 14-3-3 binding of LRRK2.Conclusions/Significance: LRRK2 is extensively phosphorylated in vivo, and the phosphorylation of specific sites (e.g. S935) determines 14-3-3 binding of LRRK2. We propose that 14-3-3 is an important regulator of LRRK2-mediated cellular functions. Our study suggests that PKA, a cAMP-dependent kinase involved in regulating dopamine physiology, is a potential upstream kinase that phosphorylates LRRK2 at S935. Furthermore, the reduction of phosphorylation/14-3-3 binding of LRRK2 due to the common familial PD-related mutations provides novel insight into the pathogenic mechanism of LRRK2-linked PD.</p

Global Lysine Acetylome Analysis of LPS-Stimulated HepG2 Cells Identified Hyperacetylation of PKM2 as a Metabolic Regulator in Sepsis

Sepsis-induced liver dysfunction (SILD) is a common event and is strongly associated with mortality. Establishing a causative link between protein post-translational modification and diseases is challenging. We studied the relationship among lysine acetylation (Kac), sirtuin (SIRTs), and the factors involved in SILD, which was induced in LPS-stimulated HepG2 cells. Protein hy-peracetylation was observed according to SIRTs reduction after LPS treatment for 24 h. We identified 1449 Kac sites based on comparative acetylome analysis and quantified 1086 Kac sites on 410 proteins for acetylation. Interestingly, the upregulated Kac proteins are enriched in glycolysis/glu-coneogenesis pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) category. Among the proteins in the glycolysis pathway, hyperacetylation, a key regulator of lactate level in sepsis, was observed at three pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) sites. Hyperacetylation of PKM2 induced an increase in its activity, consequently increasing the lactate concentration. In conclusion, this study is the first to conduct global profiling of Kac, suggesting that the Kac mechanism of PKM2 in glycolysis is associated with sepsis. Moreover, it helps to further understand the systematic information regarding hyperacetylation during the sepsis process. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.1

Selective Inhibition of Bakuchicin Isolated from Psoralea corylifolia on CYP1A in Human Liver Microsomes

Bakuchicin is a furanocoumarin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia and shows several biological activities. Although there have been studies on the biological effects of bakuchicin, its modulation potency of CYP activities has not been previously investigated. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of bakuchicin on the activities of CYP isoforms by using a cocktail of probe substrates in pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs) and human recombinant cDNA-expressed CYP. Bakuchicin strongly inhibited CYP1A-mediated phenacetin O-deethylation with an IC 50 value of 0.43 M in HLMs. It was confirmed by human recombinant cDNA-expressed CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 with a value of 0.11 M and 0.32 M, respectively. A Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that the inhibition mechanism of bakuchicin was competitive inhibition. Overall, this is the first study to investigate the potential CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 inhibition associated with bakuchicin and to report its competitive inhibitory effects on HLMs

Locally Activating TrkB Receptor Generates Actin Waves and Specifies Axonal Fate

Actin waves are filamentous actin (F-actin)-rich structures that initiate in the somato-neuritic area and move toward neurite ends. The upstream cues that initiate actin waves are poorly understood. Here, using an optogenetic approach (Opto-cytTrkB), we found that local activation of the TrkB receptor around the neurite end initiates actin waves and triggers neurite elongation. During actin wave generation, locally activated TrkB signaling in the distal neurite was functionally connected with preferentially localized Rac1 and its signaling pathways in the proximal region. Moreover, TrkB activity changed the location of ankyrinG––the master organizer of the axonal initial segment-and initiated the stimulated neurite to acquire axonal characteristics. Taken together, these findings suggest that local Opto-cytTrkB activation switches the fate from minor to major axonal neurite during neuronal polarization by generating actin waves.C. 2019 Elsevier Ltd.11Nsciescopu