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Because environmentally-friendly fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen are primarily stored in the form of cryogenic liquids to enable efficient transportation, the demand for cryogenic fuel (LNG, LH) ships has been increasing as the primary carriers of environmentally-friendly fuels. In such ships, insulation systems must be used to prevent heat inflow to the tank to suppress the generation of boil-off gas (BOG). The presence of BOG can lead to an increased internal pressure, and thus, its control and prediction are key aspects in the design of fuel tanks. In this regard, although the thermal analysis of the phase change through a finite element analysis requires less computational time than that implemented through computational fluid dynamics, the former is relatively more error-prone. Therefore, in this study, a cryogenic fuel tank to be incorporated in ships was established, and the boil-off rate (BOR), measured considering liquid nitrogen, was compared with that obtained using the finite element method. Insulation material with a cubic structure was applied to the cylindrical tank to increase the insulation performance and space efficiency. To predict the BOR through finite element analysis, the effective thermal conductivity was calculated through an empirical correlation and applied to the designed fuel tank. The calculation was predicted to within 1% of the minimum error, and the internal fluid behavior was evaluated by analyzing the vertical temperature profile according to the filling ratio.

Background and Objective. Epimedium koreanum Nakai is a medicinal plant known for its health beneficial effects on impotence, arrhythmia, oxidation, aging, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no report available that shows its effects on platelet functions. Here, we elucidated antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of ethyl acetate fraction of E. koreanum. Methodology. We analyzed the antiplatelet properties using standard in vitro and in vivo techniques, such as light transmission aggregometry, scanning electron microscopy, intracellular calcium mobilization measurement, dense granule secretion, and flow cytometry to assess integrin αIIbβ3 activation, clot retraction, and Western blot, on washed platelets. The antithrombotic effects of E. koreanum were assessed by arteriovenous- (AV-) shunt model in rats, and its effects on hemostasis were analyzed by tail bleeding assay in mice. Key Results. E. koreanum inhibited platelet aggregation in agonist-stimulated human and rat washed platelets, and it also reduced calcium mobilization, ATP secretion, and TXB2 formation. Fibrinogen binding, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction by attenuated integrin αIIbβ3-mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling were also decreased. Reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Akt, PLCγ2, and Src was observed. Moreover, the fraction inhibited thrombosis. HPLC results revealed that the fraction predominantly contained icariin. Conclusion and Implications. E. koreanum inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombus formation by attenuating calcium mobilization, ATP secretion, TXB2 formation, and integrin αIIbβ3 activation. Therefore, it may be considered as a potential candidate to treat and prevent platelet-related cardiovascular disorders.

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) therapeutically induce RNA interference (RNAi) of disease-causing genes, but they also silence hundreds of seed-matched off-targets as behaving similar to microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs control the pathophysiology of tumors, wherein their accessible binding sites can be sequenced by Argonaute crosslinking immunoprecipitation (AGO CLIP). Herein, based on AGO CLIP, we develop potent anticancer siRNAs utilizing miRNA-like activity (mi/siRNAs). The mi/siRNAs contain seed sequences (positions 2–7) of tumor-suppressive miRNAs while maintaining perfect sequence complementarity to the AGO-accessible tumor target sites. Initially, host miRNA interactions with human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) were identified in cervical cancer by AGO CLIP, revealing tumor-suppressive activity of miR-1/206 and miR-218. Based on the AGO-miRNA binding sites, mi/siRNAs were designed to target E6 and E7 (E6/E7) transcript with seed sequences of miR-1/206 (206/E7) and miR-218 (218/E7). Synergistic anticancer activity of 206/E7 and 218/E7 was functionally validated and confirmed via RNA sequencing and in vivo xenograft models (206/E7). Other mi/siRNA sequences were additionally designed for cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer, and available as an online tool (http://ago.korea.ac.kr/misiRNA); some of the mi/siRNAs were validated for their augmented anticancer activity (206/EphA2 and 206/Her2). mi/siRNAs could coordinate miRNA-like activity with robust siRNA function, demonstrating the potential of AGO CLIP analysis for RNAi therapeutics., Graphical Abstract, The gene silencing activity of siRNAs depends on target accessibility of Argonaute (AGO) and has a problem to induce miRNA-like repression of seed-matched off-targets. Based on AGO CLIP sequencing analyses, Gu and colleagues developed a robust strategy to design anticancer siRNAs (mi/siRNAs), which utilize AGO-accessible tumor target sites to augment tumor-suppressive miRNA-like activity.

Background The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing at a high rate, and the available treatment options, sometimes, have complications which necessitates the need to develop safer and efficacious approaches. Ethnomedicinal applications reportedly reduce CVD risk. Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (Ulmaceae) commonly known as Chinese Elm or Lacebark Elm, is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, but its anti-platelet properties have not yet been elucidated. Purpose To investigate the pharmacological anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects of U. parvifolia bark extract. Study design and methods Human and rat washed platelets were prepared; light transmission aggregometry and scanning electron microscopy was performed to assess platelet aggregation and the change in platelet shape, respectively. Intracellular calcium mobilization, ATP release, and thromboxane-B2 production were also measured. Integrin αIIbβ3 activation was analyzed in terms of fibrinogen binding, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. The expression of MAPK, Src, and PI3K/Akt pathway proteins was examined. Cyclic nucleotide signaling pathway was evaluated via cAMP elevation and VASP phosphorylation. Anti-thrombotic activity of the extract was evaluated in vivo using an arteriovenous shunt rat model, whereas its effect on hemostasis in mice was assessed via bleeding time assay. Results U. parvifolia extract significantly inhibited human and rat platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner along with inhibition of calcium mobilization, dense granule secretion, and TxB2 production. Integrin αIIbβ3 mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling events, as evidenced by the inhibition of fibrinogen binding, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. The extract significantly reduced phosphorylation of Src, MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK), and PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. Cyclic-AMP levels were elevated in U. parvifolia-treated platelets, while PKAαβγ and VASPser157 phosphorylation was enhanced. U. parvifolia reduced thrombus weight in rats and moderately increased bleeding time in mice. Conclusion U. parvifolia modulates platelet responses and inhibit thrombus formation by regulating integrin αIIbβ3 mediated inside-out and outside-in signaling events and cAMP signaling pathway.

With the tightening of environmental regulations (i.e., IMO Tier III), natural gas (NG) has been spotlighted as an eco-friendly fuel with few air pollutants other than nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). For reasons of economic efficiency, it is mainly stored and transported in a liquid state at -163 °C, which is a cryogenic temperature, using a liquefied gas storage tank. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the boil-off gas (BOG) occurrence due to the heat flow according to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the storage tank. Therefore, in this study, a BOG measurement test on an independent-type storage tank made up of SUS304L was carried out. The test results showed the tendency for BOG occurrence according to the temperature under different filling ratios.

We present a novel approach to estimate the rotation and translation between two camera views from a minimum of five matched points in the images. Our approach simultaneously recovers the 3D structure of the points up to a common scale factor, and is immune to a variety of problems that plague existing methods that are based on the Euclidean homography or Essential matrix. Methods based on homography only function when feature points are coplanar in 3D space. Methods based on the Essential matrix often lose accuracy as the translation between two camera views goes to zero or when points are coplanar. By recovering the rotation and translation independently using quaternions, our algorithm eschews the shortcomings of these methods. Moreover, we do not impose any constraints on the 3D configuration of the points (such as coplanar or non-coplanar constraints). Our method is particularly well-suited for Position-Based Visual Servoing (PBVS) applications. Investigations using both simulations and experiments validate the new method. Comparisons between the proposed algorithm and the existing algorithms establish that our algorithm is robust to noise. A Matlab implementation of our algorithm is available online and free.

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng), one of the most valuable medicinal plants, is known for its healing and immunobooster properties and has been widely used in folk medicine against cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack. In this study, we explored the anti-platelet activity of gintonin (a recently discovered non-saponin fraction of ginseng) against agonist-induced platelet activation. In vitro effects of gintonin on agonist-induced human and rat platelet aggregation, granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) mobilization were examined. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation techniques were used to estimate the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and interaction of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling pathway molecules such as Src family kinases (SFK), tyrosine kinase Syk, and PLCγ2. In vivo effects were studied using acute pulmonary thromboembolism model in mice. Gintonin remarkably inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and suppressed granule secretion, [Ca2+]i mobilization, and fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3 in a dose-dependent manner and clot retraction. Gintonin attenuated the activation of MAPK molecules and PI3K/Akt pathway. It also inhibited SFK, Syk, and PLCγ2 activation and protected mice from thrombosis. Gintonin inhibited agonist-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation through impairment in GPVI signaling molecules, including activation of SFK, Syk, PLCγ2, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt; suggesting its therapeutic potential against platelet related CVD.

Normal activation of platelets and their aggregation are crucial for proper hemostasis. It appears that excessive or abnormal aggregation of platelets may bring about cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. For this reason, finding a substance that can regulate platelet aggregation or suppress aggregation will aid in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Artesunate is a compound extracted from the plant roots of Artemisia or Scopolia, and its effects have shown to be promising in areas of anticancer and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the role and mechanisms by which artesunate affects the aggregation of platelets and the formation of a thrombus are currently not understood. This study examines the ways artesunate affects the aggregation of platelets and the formation of a thrombus on platelets induced by U46619. As a result, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production were increased significantly by artesunate relative to the doses, as well as phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), substrates to cAMP-dependent kinase and cGMP-dependent kinase, in a significant manner. The Ca2+, normally mobilized from the dense tubular system, was inhibited due to IP3R phosphorylation from artesunate, and phosphorylated VASP aided in inhibiting platelet activity via αIIb/β3 platelet membrane inactivation and inhibiting fibrinogen binding. In addition, MAPK and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation was inhibited via artesunate in a significant manner, causing the production of TXA2 and intracellular granular secretion (serotonin and ATP release) to be reduced. Therefore, we suggest that artesunate has value as a substance that inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombus formation through an antiplatelet mechanism.

This paper proposes a novel, hybrid and decentralized, switched-system approach for formation and heading consensus control of mobile robots under switching communication topology, including collision avoidance capability. The set of robots consists of nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots and can include a teleoperated UAV. The key feature of this approach is a virtual graph, which is derived by adding a set of relative translation vectors to the real graph of the multiple robots. Our approach results in the robots in the real graph moving to the desired formation and achieving heading consensus while the virtual robots on the virtual graph reach pose consensus. If any robot detects a nearby obstacle or other robot, the robot will temporarily move along an avoidance vector, which is perpendicular and positively projected onto the attractive vector, such that collision is avoided while minimally deviating from its formation control path. Experimental results are provided by two different research groups to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. These experiments extend the theoretical development by introducing a teleoperated quadrotor as a leader robot of the multi-robot systems. The same control law works for the extended system, with no modifications.

진균 속에 속하는 종인 Cordyceps 는 중국의 전통약제로서, 그 유효성분인 cordycepin이 혈소판 응집에 관여한다는 보고가 있지만 phosphoprotein 조절에 관련된 연구는 미흡하다. 본 연구에서는, cordycepin이 fibrinogen binding에 관여한다고 알려진 PI3k/Akt와 TXA2 분비 및 과립방출에 관여한다고 알려진 p38와 같은 phosphoprotein의 인산화를 어떻게 조절하며 혈소판응집을 억제시키는지 규명하고자 하였다. 그 결과, cordycepin가 261.1 μM의 IC50으로 collagen이 유도한 혈소판 응집을 강력하게 억제하였고, PI3K와 Akt의 인산화를 감소시키며 αIIb/β3에 대한 fibrinogen 결합을 농도의존적으로 억제하였다. 또한, cordycepin은 collagen이 촉진시킨 p38의 인산화를 억제함으로써, 과립방출의 지표인 ATP 과 serotonin의 방출을 억제하였고 COX-1과 TXAS의 활성 및 PLC-γ2 인산화에 대한 영향없이 TXA2 생성량을 감소시켰다. 따라서, cordycepin은 PI3K/Akt, p38와 같은 phosphoprotein의 인산화를 억제함으로써 혈소판 응집억제를 나타내는 항혈전 치료 및 예방약물로서 유용한 가치가 있다고 여겨진다.

Frictional pressure drop (also called wall drag) for a two-phase flow has been investigated for several decades. However, the two-phase frictional pressure drop models in the state-of-the-art thermal-hydraulic system codes are significantly different from each other, especially in the way to partition the wall friction force of liquid and vapor phases in the two-fluid momentum equations. This may lead to unphysical results in some flow conditions.In this technical note, the two-phase wall frictional pressure drop models in the RELAP5/MOD3, TRACE V5, and SPACE codes are discussed in terms of the wall friction partition into the liquid and vapor momentum equations. To show the effect of different partition methods in the three codes, we simulated air-water bubbly flows in a horizontal pipe. The results of the calculations show that the partition method has a direct effect on the relative velocity of the two phases, and it may lead to unphysical behaviors of dispersed bubbles and droplets. It is stro...

Additional file 1. Serum protein binding percentage (%) of cefquinome in six horses.

we will introduce a new program so-called TVA(Tech-Venture Academy) for the setup of a role model, and cultivation of outstanding enterprise innovation experts and investigate the performance of its program to overcome the crisis faced by the Korean manufacturing industry due to the global economic recession and the dumping of companies in developing countries, and to lead the role of regional industry promotion and also, to introduce innovation management experts and industry re-creation because DGIST should play as a science and technology specialization and leading university located in Daegu of South Korea.

The new generation of consumer wristbands are now able to classify sleep stages based on multiple sensing data. Several studies have validated the accuracy of one of the latest models, that is, Fitbit Charge 2, in measuring polysomnographic(PSG) parameters. Nevertheless, its feasibility in measuring sleep disorder remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Fitbit Charge 2 as a means of monitoring sleep disorders for workers. We recruited participants without mental and medical diseases from 3 sites consisting of department, hospital and research institute. Sleep data were obtained from 3-month night recording at each worker's home in 95 adults (22-64 years; 68 women; over 20 participants from each site). Our results indicate that there are some differences in sleep patterns in different occupations.

Physiological agonists trigger signaling cascades, called “inside-out signaling”, and activated platelets facilitate adhesion, shape change, granule release, and structural change of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3). Activated αIIb/β3 interacts with fibrinogen and begins second signaling cascades called “outside-in signaling”. These two signaling pathways can lead to hemostasis or thrombosis. Thrombosis can occur in arterial and venous blood vessels and is a major medical problem. Platelet-mediated thrombosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, controlling platelet activity is important for platelet-mediated thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, focus on Morus Alba Linn, a popular medicinal plant, to inhibit the function of platelets and found the containing component mulberroside C. We examine the effect of mulberroside C on the regulation of phosphoproteins, platelet-activating factors, and binding molecules. Agonist-induced human platelet aggregation is dose-dependently inhibited by mulberroside C without cytotoxicity, and it decreased Ca2+ mobilization and p-selectin expression through the upregulation of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor I (Ser1756), and downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In addition, mulberroside C inhibited thromboxane A2 production, fibrinogen binding, and clot retraction. Our results show antiplatelet effects and antithrombus formation of mulberroside C in human platelets. Thus, we confirm that mulberroside C could be a potential phytochemical for the prevention of thrombosis-mediated CVDs.

This paper presents a novel switched-system approach for obstacle avoidance by mobile robots. This approach does not suffer from common drawbacks of existing methods, such as needing prior knowledge of obstacles, or local minima or chattering in control laws. We define an attractive and an avoidance vector in obstacle-free and obstacle-avoidance regions, respectively. Next, we define an unified velocity vector, which represents either the attractive vector or the avoidance vector, and drives the robot away from the obstacle and ultimately towards the goal. The avoidance vector differs from the repulsive vector commonly used in potential field approaches, rather it is defined always perpendicular to such a repulsive vector and projects positively onto the attractive vector. The unified velocity vector enables the use of a common Lyapunov function in analyzing the stability of the system under arbitrary switching. Novel switching rules are proposed for obstacles that can be well bounded by a circle in the local subset of SE(2). To better handle large, non-circular obstacles, a separate switching signal is proposed. Through the choice of switching rule, we investigate the chattering problem that can hinder some switching controllers. We present two control laws, one with bounded inputs and one with no bounds on inputs. We prove both control schemes are asymptotically stable and guide the robot to the goal while avoiding obstacles. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, as well as compare the control laws and switching rules, several simulations and experiments have been conducted.

In this paper, we propose the stiffness characteristics of compliant three segment leg that can have a self-stable region in slow and fast running. This proposition can contribute to reducing the control effort and enhancing the locomotion energy efficiency for the compliant three segment legged robot in slow and fast running. Previous research indicated that the running self-stable region of the spring-mass system is located in a relatively fast running region and that of the two segment leg is located in a relatively slow running region. In this paper, we analyze the stiffness characteristics of the spring-mass system and the two segment leg to explain the previous research results. From this analysis, we propose the stiffness characteristics of the compliant three segment leg with a self-stable region in slow and fast running. We further design the compliant three segment leg based on this proposition and check its structural stability. We examine the running self-stable region of this compliant three segment leg to determine whether it has a self-stable region in slow and fast running. We also examine the walking self-stable region of this compliant three segment leg.

Polyisocyanurate foam (PIF) has been adopted as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) insulating material owing to its various mechanical merits such as high structural stability and mechanical strength, and excellent insulating ability. In an attempt to increase the mechanical strength of PIF, chopped-glass-fiber-reinforced polyisocyanurate foam (CGR-PIF) was synthesized by adding chopped glass fibers to polyol and isocyanate, which are the raw materials used in the polymerization process for producing PIF. The main objective is to closely observe the compression material characteristics of PIF and CGR-PIF in terms of the cryogenic temperature. Therefore, compressive tests were conducted at cryogenic temperature including low temperatures, and microscopic images were obtained to analyze the cell size and distribution that affects the mechanical and thermal properties of the foam. Furthermore, recovery ratio and weight loss which are important factors of brittle fracture were evaluated, and the applicability of the foams to a cryogenic environment was evaluated. Finally, thermal conductivity, an important parameter of insulation, was evaluated. The obtained results confirm that the compressive strength of CGR-PIF significantly increases at cryogenic temperatures, moreover, a relatively higher thermal conductivity was observed in the case of CGR-PIF as compared to that of PIF owing to the chopped glass fibers.

Marine debris is a serious and worldwide environmental problem. In particular, most marine debris is comprised of plastics, which decompose in natural conditions for decades to hundreds of years. They have been distributed across the ocean since the 1970s. Marine plastics have a very low recycling rate due to concerns associated seawater and attachment of microorganisms. Collected plastics are subjected to a pre-treatment process that is not efficient due to the heat generated during grinding. For this reason, cryogenic grinding using liquid nitrogen has been developed. In this study, they were applied to concrete as a marine waste treatment method. In particular, the waste existing in bulk was subjected to cryogenic grinding to evaluate the strength of the concrete according to the particle size. Two types of fiber and two types of bulk plastics that account for a significant portion of marine plastics were tested to evaluate the resulting performance of the concrete. The experimental results confirmed that the strength and ductility increased when adding plastic particles to cement via cryogenic grinding and that the strength increased by 30% or more for a specific plastic.

Matsuone is a well-known sex pheromone of the genus Matsucoccus (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), including species Matsucoccus matsumurae (Kuwana), Matsucoccus resinosae Bean & Goldwin, and Matsucoccus thunbergianae Miller & Park. In this study, we investigated the effects of matsuone dose and trap height on the capture of M. thunbergianae and developed an alternative synthesis of racemic matsuone. In field trapping experiments, M. thunbergianae males showed dose-dependent attraction to (6R,10R/S)-matsuone from 100 μg up to an approximate saturation level of 1,600 μg per rubber septum lure. Traps baited with (6R,10R/S)-matsuone and installed 50 cm above ground level attracted more males than traps 100 and 150 cm above ground level. To reduce synthesis procedures, time, and labor, we developed a new synthetic route to racemic matsuone and conducted field experiments with the product. Although traps baited with the racemic matsuone were less attractive than traps baited with (6R,10R/S)-matsuone synthesized by a previously reported method, the new synthetic route could be an economically favorable alternative to the previous method used in production of lures for field application.

In this study, we investigated the effect of rice bran water extract fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum Hong (RBLw), on activities of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and thromboxane A₂ synthase (TXAS), thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) production associated microsomal enzymes and evaluated its the antiplatelet effect. RBLw, containing 13.5 mg of ferulic acid, dose-dependently inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and inhibited the production of TXA₂, an aggregation molecule. In addition, RBLw directly inhibited COX-1 activity in a dose-dependent manner, but not TXAS activity in platelet microsomal fraction having cytochrome c reductase (an endoplasmic reticulum marker enzyme) activity and expressing COX-1 (72 kDa) and TXAS (60.5 kDa) proteins. These results suggest that RBLw selectively inhibited the activity of COX-1 rather than TXAS to attenuate TXA₂ production in ADP-activated platelets. Thus, we demonstrate that RBLw might have direct COX-1 antagonistic function for platelet aggregation-mediated diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are a promising energy conversion device which can help to solve urgent environmental and economic problems. Among the various types of fuel cells, the air breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which minimizes the balance of plant, has drawn a lot of attention due to its superior energy density. In this study a compact, air breathing, proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on Nafion and a Pt/C membrane electrode assembly was designed. The fuel cell was tested using a Scribner Associates 850e fuel cell test station. Specifically, the hydrogen fuel and oxygen starvation of the fuel cell were accurately and systematically tested and analyzed using a frequency analysis method which can analyze the input and output frequency. The analysis of the frequency variation under a fuel starvation condition was done using RMSF (root mean square frequency) and ACSD (autocorrelation standard deviation). The study reveals two significant results: first, the fuel starvations show entirely different phenomenon in both RMSF and ACSD and second, the results of the Autocorrelation show clearer results for fuel starvation detection than the results with RMSF.

High performance and durable electrolyte membrane operated in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) under low relative humidity (RH) has been achieved by incorporating various diameter sizes of mesoporous hygroscopic TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) in a perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion®) membrane. Porous TNTs with different tube diameters are synthesized by thermal annealing the electrospun polymer containing titanium precursor mat at 600 °C under an air atmosphere. The diameter of the TNT is significantly controlled by changing the concentration of the precursor solution. Compared to a commercial membrane (Nafion, NRE-212), the Nafion-TNT-10 composite membrane operated under 100% RH at 80 °C generates about 1.3 times higher current density at 0.6 V, and 3.4 times higher maximum power density operated under dry conditions (18% RH at 80 °C). In addition, the Nafion-TNT-10 composite membrane also exhibits stable and durable operation under dry conditions. The remarkably high performance of the Nafion-TNT-10 composite membrane is mainly attributed to the significant reduction of the ohmic resistance as well as the improvement of cathode catalyst utilization by incorporating TNTs, which greatly enhances the water retention and the water management capability through the membrane. Furthermore, Nafion–TNT membranes exhibit superior mechanical property.

Robot technology has become a crucial part of today’s business operation. In fact, more manufacturing firms have been utilizing robot technology in order to increase operational efficiency and productivity. Thus, this study develops the research model investigating firms; behavior for process innovation with intelligent robot. Three categories – Technical, Entrepreneur, and Environmental characteristic – are proposed in the research model as determinants of process innovation. These three characteristics include six variables(Perceived Direct Usefulness, Perceived Indirect Usefulness, Innovation, Risk Senstivity, Perceived Industry Pressure, and Perceived Government Pressure) as influencing factors on process innovation. The data from 77 employee at manufacturing firms were analyzed to test proposed hypotheses. The results reveal that all variables with exception of Perceived Government Pressure have a significant influence on process innovation. Based on the study results, theoretical and practical implications for process innovation with intelligent robot technology are discussed.

We report a high performance and durable electrolyte membrane operated in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells under low relative humidity (RH). This was accomplished by incorporating water retaining mesoporous zirconium oxide (ZrO 1.95 ) nanotubes (ZrNT) in a perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion) membrane. Porous ZrNT with average diameters of 90 nm was synthesized by pyrolysing electrospun zirconium precursor embedded polymer fibers at 600 °C under an air atmosphere. The superior water retention ability and the tubular morphology of the ZrNT fillers resulted in facile water diffusion through the membrane, leading to a significant improvement in membrane proton conductivity under both fully humid and dry conditions. Compared to a commercial membrane (Nafion, NRE-212) operated under 50% and 100% RH at 80 °C, the Nafion–ZrNT membrane exhibited 2.7 and 1.2 times higher power density at 0.6 V, respectively. Under dry conditions (18% RH at 80 °C), the Nafion–ZrNT membrane exhibited 3.1 times higher maximum power density than the NRE-212 membrane. In addition, the Nafion–ZrNT membrane also exhibited durable operation for 200 h under 18% RH at 80 o C. The remarkably high performance of the Nafion–ZrNT composite membrane was mainly attributed to the reduction of ohmic resistance by incorporating the mesoporous hygroscopic ZrO 1.95 nanotubes.

Today, individuals` psychological attitude toward health has been changed from passive to active and dynamic way of thinking. This trend has made attention to wellness more interesting. However, prior studies regarding wellness have been limited in developing indices to measure status of individuals` wellness. Thus, this study adopts five major components of wellness, including physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and occupational wellness in order to examine their effects on individuals` wellness state. The data from 494 employee at various organizations were analyzed to test proposed hypotheses. The results reveal that five components of wellness have a significant influence on wellness status. Based on the findings, academic and practical implications for wellness convergence systems are discussed.

This paper analyzes the behavior and studies the thermal degradation phenomena of a novel sodium rich Prussian blue cathode with a sodium deficient and sodium rich anode system viz. amorphous TiO2, crystalline (pristine), and heat treated TiO2 and Na2Ti3O7, respectively. The primary aim of the research was to demonstrate the superiority of the Na2Ti3O7 anode, which in principle can be considered “pre-stressed” by Na atoms when converted from TiO2 to Na2Ti3O7. Another motive of the research was to analyze exhaustively the layered anode structure and its degradation phenomena using the unique technique of thermal imaging to correlate it with post cycled X-ray diffraction (XRD) and an AC impedance study. The Na2Ti3O7 system was seen as more stable than the other tested TiO2 based anodes and produced an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 3.59 V and a maximum specific capacity of 92.18 mAh g−1 when the electrolyte used was dissolved in an organic solvent. Under the same conditions, the TiO2 sample showed an OCV of 3.41 V and a maximum specific capacity of 71.93 mAh g−1. Thermal imaging studies show that the maximum electrochemical degradation occurs at the anode of the samples with the TiO2 sample being more susceptible to corrosion.

In this study, we investigated the effect of rice bran water extract fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM-12116 (RBLp) on ADP (20 μM)-, collagen (10 μg/mL)-, and thrombin (0.2 U/mL)-stimulated platelet aggregation. RBLp dose-dependently inhibited ADP-, collagen-, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, with IC50 values of 501.1, 637.2, and > 2,000 μg/mL, respectively. The platelet aggregation induced by ADP plus RBLp (750 μg/mL) was increased by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536, and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) inhibitor, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. Treatment with RBLp increased the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ), an A-kinase substrate, which was also inhibited by SQ22536 and Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. It is thought that the RBLp-induced increases in cAMP contributed to the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ), which in turn resulted in an inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, thereby indicating that RBLp has an antiplatelet effect via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ). Thus, RBLp may have therapeutic potential for the treatment (or prevention) of platelet aggregation-mediated diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Background & purpose Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) contains saponin fractions called ginsenosides, which are thought to be the main components responsible for its various pharmacological activities. Ginsenosides have cardioprotective and antiplatelet effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of ginsenoside Rp3 (G-Rp3) on platelet function. Methods The in vitro effects of G-Rp3 were evaluated on agonist-induced human and rat platelet aggregation, while [Ca2+]i mobilization, granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and clot retraction were assessed in rat platelets. Its effects on vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) expression, phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules, and PI3K/Akt activation were also studied. Moreover, the tyrosine phosphorylation of components of the P2Y12 receptor downstream signaling pathway was also examined. The in vivo effects of G-Rp3 were studied using an acute pulmonary thromboembolism model and lung histopathology. Key results G-Rp3 significantly inhibited collagen, ADP, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. G-Rp3 elevated cAMP levels and VASP phosphorylation and suppressed agonist-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization, ATP release, and P-selectin expression along with fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. G-Rp3 also attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPK, Src, and PLCγ2 as well as PI3K/Akt activation. Furthermore, it inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of the Src family kinases (Src, Fyn, and Lyn) and PLCγ2 and protected mice from thrombosis. Conclusion and implication G-Rp3 modulates agonist-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation by inhibiting granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, MAPK signaling, and Src, PLCγ2, and PI3K/Akt activation, and VASP stimulation. Our data suggest that G-Rp3 has therapeutic potential as a treatment for platelet-related cardiovascular disorders.

The present study deals with optimization of machining characteristics using Multi characteristic Optimization in collaboration with utility concept. Surface roughness & Tool wear rate are the selected response characteristics for investigation. The study makes use of Taguchi's robust design experiments with Utility concept. Each experiment was conducted using different combinations of input parameters. The investigations suggest that current plays a significant role in optimizing both the characteristics followed by duty cycle, voltage & Pulse on time. The study also reveals significant interactions between current and pulse on time, current and spark gap & pulse on time and spark gap. The obtained results and the settings of the machine are further validated by the confirmation experiments.

In this study, we investigated the effect of water extract from rice bran (RB) on ADP (20 μM)-stimulated platelet aggregation. RB dose-dependently inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and its IC50 value was 224.0 μg/mL, which was increased by adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. RB elevated the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ) which was also inhibited by SQ22536 and Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. It is thought that RB-elevated cAMP contributed to the phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ) to inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Therefore, we demonstrate that RB has an antiplatelet effect via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP (Ser 157 ), and RB may have preventive or therapeutic potential for platelet aggregation-mediated diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

The most important issue with our current clean energy technology is the dependence on environmental conditions to produce power. To solve this problem a wide range of energy storage devices are being explored for grid-scale energy storage including soluble lead-acid flow batteries. Flow batteries offer a unique solution to grid-scale energy storage because of their electrolyte tanks which allow easy scaling of storage capacity. This study seeks to further understand the mechanisms of a soluble lead acid flow battery using simulations. The effects of varies changes to operating conditions and the system configuration can be explored through simulations. The simulations preformed are 2D and include the positive electrode, negative electrode, and the flow space between them. Simulations presented in this study show Pb(II) surface concentration, external electric potential, and PbO/PbO 2 surface concentration on the positive electrode. Simulations have shown increasing cell temperature can increase external electric potential by as much as 0.2 V during charge. Simulations have also shown electrolyte velocity is an important aspect when investigating lead deposition onto the electrodes. Experimental work was performed to validate simulation results of current density and voltage. Good correlation was found between experimental work and simulation results.