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In this study, the effect of organoclay as a compatibilizer in immiscible poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural rubber (NR) blends was studied. Structural development of PLA90/NR10 blend was examined depending on the clay content (0.5–10 wt%). The drop size of the dispersed NR phase initially decreased and then remained constant as the clay content increased. Below the critical concentration (3 wt%), the clay was selectively localized mostly at the interface between the matrix phase (PLA) and the dispersed phase (NR), whereas the clay particles were additionally observed in the matrix phase above 3 wt%. XRD analysis revealed that the gallery structure of the clay was highly dependent on the concentration and selective location of the clays. The development of the structure and the physical properties of the blend were also investigated according to the clay contents by measuring the linear viscoelasticity and surface tension. The degree of clay exfoliation was analyzed quantitatively in terms of the modulus ratio of PLA/NR/clay and PLA/clay. The elongational behavior and mechanical properties of the blends were strongly dependent on the location of the clays. The clay worked as an efficient compatibilizer below the critical content, while it worked as a reinforcing filler above the threshold, making the matrix more rigid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The EMF exposure level of the 154 kV power line was measured and analyzed by distance. • Comparison with EMF exposure standards of the world's major countries. • The safe work zone was calculated by reflecting the Korean body size. • The safe work zone was visually marked and provided to the operator. In the present study, Electric and magnetic fields distribution status was measured around power cables inside an underground power cable tunnel and the results were compared with domestic and foreign Electric and magnetic fields exposure standards to find a safe distance of approach. It is suggested to visually mark the finding in the workplace inside the power cable tunnel. The underground power cable tunnel subject to this study measurement is in a box form with 2.2 m width and 2.35 m height, which serves nearby apartment and collective housing areas. The power cable is 154 kV cross-linked polyethylene insulated sine wave, corrugated extrusion aluminum sheath vinyl (CAZV) cable. Electric and magnetic fields was measured at 5 cm intervals from the cable to 1 square meter horizontally and safe work zone was marked in accordance with the domestic exposure standard. By visually showing the degree of exposure to Electric and magnetic fields to workers entering the power cable tunnel every day, it is expected to help ease their mental anxiety about Electric and magnetic fields and prevent possible negligent accidents. To ensure safety, the range of exposure to Electric and magnetic fields found in the current study can be referred to while designing an underground power cable tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Optically active tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, (R)-(+)-higenamine (1R ) and (S)-(−)-higenamine (1 S ), and their optically active 1-naphthylmethyl analogues (2 and 3), were synthesized by enantioselective hydrogenation of the corresponding dihydroisoquinoline intermediates 7 as a key step. The evaluation of the platelet anti-aggregation effect demonstrated clearly that the (S)-(−)-enantiomers, 1S , 2S , and 3S , had higher inhibitory potency than the corresponding (R)-(+)-antipodes, 1R , 2R , and 3R , respectively, to platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine. 1S enantiomer was superior to the corresponding 1R enantiomer in attenuating all of the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and multiple organ failure (MOF) parameters tested, while the S enantiomers 2S and 3S ameliorated some of the DIC and MOF parameters more effectively than the corresponding antipodes 2R and 3R . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatocystin/80K-H is known as a causative gene for autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease. However, the role of hepatocystin in hepatitis B virus-related liver disease remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of hepatocystin on the cytokine-mediated antiviral response against hepatitis B virus infection. We investigated the antiviral effect and mechanism of hepatocystin by ectopic expression and RNAi knockdown in cell culture and mouse livers. Hepatocystin suppressed the replication of hepatitis B virus both in vitro and in vivo . This inhibitory effect was HBx-independent and mediated by the transcriptional regulation of viral genome via the activation of exogenous signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and the reduced expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, a transcription factor essential for hepatitis B virus replication. The amino-terminal region of hepatocystin was essential for regulation of this antiviral signaling pathway. We also found that hepatocystin acts as a critical component in interferon-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and the interferon-induced antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus is associated with the expression levels of hepatocystin. We demonstrated that hepatocystin plays a critical role in modulating the susceptibility of hepatitis B virus to interferon, suggesting that the modulation of hepatocystin expression is important for cytokine-mediated viral clearance during hepatitis B virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we have fabricated and characterized the 3-dimensional fin SONOS flash memory. This device has two independent gates on both sides of Si-fin and each of them governs two side-channels. Fabrication flow and array structure are described as well as operation schemes. The 4-bit/cell operation is demonstrated with the multi-bit concept in fabricated devices. Some fabrication issues related with device characteristics and reliabilities are delivered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]