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Tissue-specific stem cells persist for a lifetime and can differentiate to maintain homeostasis or transform to initiate cancer. Despite their importance, there are no described quality assurance mechanisms for newly formed stem cells. We observed intimate and specific interactions between macrophages and nascent blood stem cells in zebrafish embryos. Macrophage interactions frequently led to either removal of cytoplasmic material and stem cell division or complete engulfment and stem cell death. Stressed stem cells were marked by surface Calreticulin, which stimulated macrophage interactions. Using cellular barcoding, we found that Calreticulin knock-down or embryonic macrophage depletion reduced the number of stem cell clones that established adult hematopoiesis. Our work supports a model in which embryonic macrophages determine hematopoietic clonality by monitoring stem cell quality.

The hematopoietic niche is a supportive microenvironment composed of distinct cell types, including specialized vascular endothelial cells that directly interact with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The molecular factors that specify niche endothelial cells and orchestrate HSPC homeostasis remain largely unknown. Using multi-dimensional gene expression and chromatin accessibility analyses in zebrafish, we define a conserved gene expression signature and cis-regulatory landscape that are unique to sinusoidal endothelial cells in the HSPC niche. Using enhancer mutagenesis and transcription factor overexpression, we elucidate a transcriptional code that involves members of the Ets, Sox, and nuclear hormone receptor families and is sufficient to induce ectopic niche endothelial cells that associate with mesenchymal stromal cells and support the recruitment, maintenance, and division of HSPCs in vivo. These studies set forth an approach for generating synthetic HSPC niches, in vitro or in vivo, and for effective therapies to modulate the endogenous niche.

This study examines the impacts of copper and boron in parts per million (ppm) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spheroidal graphite cast iron (SCI). Boron’s inclusion increases the ferrite content whereas copper augments the stability of pearlite. The interaction between the two significantly influences the ferrite content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicates that boron alters the enthalpy change of the α + Fe3C → γ conversion and the α → γ conversion. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the locations of copper and boron. Mechanical property assessments using a universal testing machine show that the inclusion of boron and copper decreases the tensile strength and yield strength of SCI, but simultaneously enhances elongation. Additionally, in SCI production, the utilization of copper-bearing scrap and trace amounts of boron-containing scrap metal, especially in the casting of ferritic nodular cast iron, offers potential for resource recycling. This highlights the importance of resource conservation and recycling in advancing sustainable manufacturing practices. These findings provide critical insights into the effects of boron and copper on SCI’s behavior, contributing to the design and development of high-performance SCI materials.

This study investigated the impact of boron and copper on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Spheroidal graphite Cast Iron (SCI). The addition of boron increased the ferrite content, while copper increased the stability of pearlite. The interaction between boron and copper significantly increased the ferrite content. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) revealed that boron decreased the enthalpy change of the α + Fe3C -> γ transformation and increased the enthalpy change of the α -> γ transformation. The addition of boron and copper reduced the tensile and yield strength but increased elongation and impact energy. The findings provide valuable insights into the effect of boron and copper on SCI, facilitating the design and development of high-performance SCI materials.

While sevoflurane and desflurane have been regarded as inhalation agents providing rapid induction and emergence, previous studies demonstrated the superiority of desflurane-anesthesia compared to sevoflurane-anesthesia in the postoperative recovery in obese and geriatric patients. We investigated whether a short-term switch of sevoflurane to desflurane at the end of sevoflurane-anesthesia enhances patient postoperative recovery profile in non-obese patients. We randomly divide patients undergoing elective surgery (n = 60) into two groups: sevoflurane-anesthesia group (Group-S, n = 30 ) and sevoflurane-desflurane group (Group-SD, n = 30 ). In Group-S, patients received only sevoflurane-anesthesia until the end of surgery (for >2 hours). In Group-SD, sevoflurane was stopped and switched to desflurane-anesthesia before the completion of sevoflurane-anesthesia (for approximately 30 minutes). We assessed the intergroup differences in the times to get eye-opening, extubation, and a bispectral index of 80 (BIS-80). Group-SD showed significantly shorter times to get eye-opening ( 438 ± 101 vs. 295 ± 45 s; mean difference, 143 s; 95% confidence interval [CI], 101–183; p < 0.001 ), extubation ( 476 ± 108 vs. 312 ± 42 s; mean difference, 164 s; 95% CI, 116–220; p < 0.001 ), and BIS-80 ( 378 ± 124 vs. 265 ± 49 minutes; mean difference, 113 s; 95% CI, 58–168 p < 0.001 ) compared to Group-S. There was no between-group difference in postoperative nausea, vomiting, and hypoxia incidences. Our results suggested that the short-term (approximately 30 minutes) switch of sevoflurane to desflurane at the end of sevoflurane-anesthesia can facilitate the speed of postoperative patient recovery.

To evaluate the dynamic characteristics at all positions of the main spindle of a machine tool, an experimental point was selected using a full factorial design, and a vibration test was conducted. Based on the measurement position, the resonant frequency was distributed from approximately 236 to 242 Hz. The approximation model was evaluated based on its resonant frequencies and dynamic stiffness using regression and interpolation methods. The accuracy of the resonant frequency demonstrated by the kriging method was approximately 89%, whereas the highest accuracy of the dynamic stiffness demonstrated by the polynomial regression method was 81%. To further verify the approximation model, its dynamic characteristics were measured and verified at additional experimental points. The maximum errors yielded by the model, in terms of the resonant frequency and dynamic stiffness, were 1.6% and 7.1%, respectively.

Although the physiological function of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 3 has emerged as a critical mediator of programmed necrosis/necroptosis, the intracellular role it plays as an attenuator in human lungs and human bronchial epithelia remains unclear. Here, we show that the expression of RIPK3 dramatically decreased in the inflamed tissues of human lungs, and moved from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The overexpression of RIPK3 dramatically increased F-actin formation and decreased the expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β), but not siRNA-RIPK3. Interestingly, whereas RIPK3 was bound to histone 1b without LPS stimulation, the interaction between them was disrupted after 15 min of LPS treatment. Histone methylation could not maintain the binding of RIPK3 and activated movement towards the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, overexpressed RIPK3 continuously attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression by inhibiting NF-κB activation, preventing the progression of inflammation during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our data indicated that RIPK3 is critical for the regulation of the LPS-induced inflammatory microenvironment. Therefore, we suggest that RIPK3 is a potential therapeutic candidate for bacterial infection-induced pulmonary inflammation.

Background The family Staphylinidae is the most speciose beetle group in the world. The outbreaks of two staphylinid species, Paederus fuscipes and Aleochara (Aleochara) curtula, were recently reported in South Korea. None of research about molecular markers and genetic diversity have been conducted in these two species. Objective To develop microsatellite markers and analyze the genetic diversity and population structures of two rove beetle species. Methods NGS was used to sequence whole genomes of two species, Paederus fuscipes and Aleochara (Aleochara) curtula. Microsatellite loci were selected with flanking primer sequences. Specimens of P. fuscipes and A. curtula were collected from three localities, respectively. Genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed using the newly developed microsatellite markers. Results The number of alleles ranged 5.727–6.636 (average 6.242) and 2.182–5.364 (average 4.091), expected heterozygosity ranged 0.560–0.582 (average 0.570) and 0.368–0.564 (average 0.498), observed heterozygosity ranged 0.458–0.497 (average 0.472) and 0.418–0.644 (average 0.537) in P. fuscipes and A. curtula, respectively. Population structure indicates that individuals of A. curtula are clustered to groups where they were collected, but those of P. fuscipes are not. Conclusion Population structures of P. fuscipes were shallow. In A. curtula, however, it was apparent that the genetic compositions of the populations are different significantly depending on collection localities.

Magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH) with pure superparamagnetic nanoparticles (P-SPNPs) has drawn a huge attraction for cancer treatment modality. However, the low intrinsic loss power (ILP) and attributable degraded-biocompatibility resulting from the use of a heavy dose of P-SPNP agents as well as low heat induction efficiency in biologically safe AC magnetic field (HAC,safe) are challenging for clinical applications. Here, we report an innovatively designed pseudo-single domain-SPNP (PSD-SPNP), which has the same translational advantages as that of conventional P-SPNPs but generates significantly enhanced ILP at HAC,safe. According to the analyzed results, the optimized effective relaxation time, τeff, and magnetic out-of-phase susceptibility, χ'', precisely determined by the particle size at the specific frequency of HAC,safe are the main reasons for the significantly enhanced ILP. Additionally, in vivo MNFH studies with colloidal PSD-SPNPs strongly demonstrated that it can be a promising agent for clinically safe MNFH application with high efficacy.

Magnetic dipole coupling between the colloidal superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPNPs) depending on the concentration has been paid significant attention due to its critical role in characterizing the Specific Loss Power (SLP) in magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH). However, despite immense efforts, the physical mechanism of concentration-dependent SLP change behavior is still poorly understood and some contradictory results have been recently reported. Here, we first report that the SLP of SPNP MNFH agent shows strong concentration-dependent oscillation behavior. According to the experimentally and theoretically analyzed results, the energy competition among the magnetic dipole interaction energy, magnetic potential energy, and exchange energy, was revealed as the main physical reason for the oscillation behavior. Empirically demonstrated new finding and physically established model on the concentration-dependent SLP oscillation behavior is expected to provide biomedically crucial information in determining the critical dose of an agent for clinically safe and highly efficient MNFH in cancer clinics.

As the home-meal replacement food industry grows, there is an increasing need for smoky flavorings that can satisfy the diverse tastes of consumers. In particular, the industry requires chargrilled flavorings that complement Korean foods. In this study, chargrilled flavoring was applied to bulgogi (Korean barbecued beef) and its effects on consumer liking, sensory perception, familiarity, and flavor congruency with the bulgogi were investigated. Eight formulations (one control and seven flavorings) were tested by 78 Korean subjects. A rate-all-that-apply test was conducted to profile the sensory attributes of the food from the consumers' perspectives. The samples with weaker woody and smoky flavors were preferred; the samples with strong woody and smoky flavors were perceived as being artificial and Western-styled, as well as less familiar and incongruent with bulgogi. This study shows that flavorings that are congruent with a food system can improve consumer liking and the perception of familiarity.

In this study, the characteristics of the SKD61 material used for the stem of an extruder were analyzed through structural analysis, tensile testing, and fatigue testing. The extruder works by pushing a cylindrical billet into a die with a stem to reduce its cross-sectional area and increase its length, and it is currently used to extrude complex and diverse shapes of products in the field of plastic deformation processes. Finite element analysis was used to determine the maximum stress on the stem, which was found to be 1152 MPa, lower than the yield strength of 1325 MPa obtained from tensile testing. Fatigue testing was conducted using the stress–life (S–N) method, considering the characteristics of the stem, and statistical fatigue testing was employed to create an S–N curve. The predicted minimum fatigue life of the stem at room temperature was 424,998 cycles at the location with the highest stress, and the fatigue life decreased with increasing temperature. Overall, this study provides useful information for predicting the fatigue life of extruder stems and improving their durability.

In metal product manufacturing, additive manufacturing (AM) is a method that has the advantage of fabricating complex shapes and customized production, unlike existing machining methods. However, owing to the characteristics of the AM process, anisotropy of macrostructure occurs because of various causes such as the scan direction, melting, fusion, and cooling of the powdered material. The macrostructure anisotropy is realized from the scan direction, and when a single layer is stacked in one direction, it is expressed as orthogonal anisotropy. Here, the classical lamination theory is applied to simply calculate the individual orthotropic layers by superimposing them. Through this, the authors analyzed whether the mechanical properties of the product are isotropically expressed with a periodic layer rotation strategy. To determine if the mechanical properties can be reasonably considered to be isotropic, a shock absorber mount for a vehicle was manufactured by AM. The tensile and vibration test performed on the product was compared with the finite element analysis and experimental results. As a result of the comparison, it was confirmed that the macroscopically of the product was considered isotropic as the load-displacement diagram and the fracture location coincided, as well as the natural frequency and mode shape.

The hematopoietic niche is a supportive microenvironment comprised of distinct cell types, including specialized vascular endothelial cells that directly interact with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The molecular factors that specify niche endothelial cells and orchestrate HSPC homeostasis remain largely unknown. Using multi-dimensional gene expression and chromatin accessibility analyses, we define a conserved gene expression signature and cis-regulatory landscape unique to sinusoidal endothelial cells in the HSPC niche. Using enhancer mutagenesis and transcription factor overexpression, we elucidate a transcriptional code involving members of the Ets, Sox and Nuclear Hormone Receptor families that is sufficient to induce ectopic niche endothelial cells that associate with mesenchymal stromal cells and support the recruitment, maintenance and division of HSPCs in vivo. These studies set forth an approach for generating synthetic HSPC niches, in vitro or in vivo, and for effective therapies to modulate the endogenous niche.

In the case of a cat bite patient, even if the external wound is small, prophylactic antibiotics should be used early and a closed observation is needed. If symptoms persist, deep infection should be considered.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH) is highly desirable in cancer treatment because it can allow for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis simultaneously. However, the application of currently developed iron-oxide based superparamagnetic nanoparticles (IOSPNPs) for an MRI-guided MNFH agent is technically limited by the low AC heat induction power at the physiologically tolerable range of AC magnetic field (

본 연구에서는 공유소비 환경에서 공유소비의도의 선행요인으로 신뢰 개념을 주목하고 3가지 중요한 신뢰차원인 플랫폼 신뢰, 판매자 신뢰, 커뮤니티 신뢰가 공유소비의도에 미치는 영향력을 공유상품유형(재화 vs. 서비스) 간에 비교분석하였다. 실증분석 결과 플랫폼 신뢰와 커뮤니티 신뢰는 공유소비의도에 유의한 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났으며, 커뮤니티 신뢰의 영향력이 가장 큰 것으로 확인되고 있다. 공유상품유형(재화 vs. 서비스) 간 비교 분석결과 판매자 신뢰와 커뮤니티 신뢰가 공유소비의도에 미치는 영향력은 모두 재화 공유보다 서비스 공유의 경우에 더 큰 것으로 나타났다. 반면에 플랫폼 신뢰가 공유소비의도에 미치는 영향력은 재화 공유와 서비스 공유 간에 차이가 없는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과를 바탕으로 공유소비활성화를 위한 공유상품유형에 따른 효과적인 마케팅 커뮤니케이션 전략에 대해 연구되고 논의되었다.

While neural cell transplantation represents a promising therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, the formation of functional networks of transplanted cells with host neurons constitutes one of the challenging steps. Here, we introduce a magnetic guidance methodology that controls neurite growth signaling via magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with antibodies targeting the deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) receptor (DCC-MNPs). Activation of the DCC receptors by clusterization and subsequent axonal growth of the induced neuronal (iN) cells was performed in a spatially controlled manner. In addition to the directionality of the magnetically controlled axon projection, axonal growth of the iN cells assisted the formation of functional connections with pre-existing primary neurons. Our results suggest magnetic guidance as a strategy for improving neuronal connectivity by spatially guiding the axonal projections of transplanted neural cells for synaptic interactions with the host tissue.

To enhance mechanical properties through improvement of dispersion stability of carbon black (CB) in epoxy resins, fluorine functional groups were introduced on the CB surface by fluorination. The changes in the chemical properties and dispersion stabilities after fluorination were evaluated with different partial pressures of fluorine gas. The mechanical properties of the fluorinated CB/epoxy composites were evaluated by the test of tensile, impact strengths and creep behavior. The fluorinated CB/epoxy composites showed approximately 1.6 and 1.1 times enhancement in the tensile and impact strengths compared to that of neat epoxy, respectively. Moreover, when a constant load was applied at 323 K, the fluorinated CB/epoxy composites lasted longer and had smaller strain changes than those of the raw CB/epoxy composites. Thus, well-dispersed CB by fluorination in epoxy resins effectively transfers mechanical stress.

Background: This study assessed the effect of a single bolus administration of lidocaine on the prevention of tourniquet-induced hypertension (TIH) and compared the effect of lidocaine to that of ketamine in patients undergoing general anesthesia.Methods: This randomized, controlled, double-blind study included 75 patients who underwent lower limb surgery using a tourniquet. The patients were administered lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg, n = 25), ketamine (0.2 mg/kg, n = 25) or placebo (n = 25). The study drugs were administered intravenously 10 min before tourniquet inflation. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured before tourniquet inflation, after tourniquet inflation for 60 min at 10 min intervals, and immediately after tourniquet deflation. The incidence of TIH, defined as an increase of 30% or more in SBP or DBP during tourniquet inflation, was also recorded.Results: SBP, DBP, and HR increased significantly over time in the control group compared to those in the lidocaine and ketamine groups for 60 min after tourniquet inflation (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.007, respectively). The incidence of TIH was significantly lower in the lidocaine (n = 4, 16%) and ketamine (n = 3, 12%) group than in the control group (n = 14, 56%) (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Single-bolus lidocaine effectively attenuated blood pressure increase due to tourniquet inflation, with an effect comparable to that of bolus ketamine.

Although diesel airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) has been known to play a role in many human diseases, there is no direct evidence that therapeutic drugs or proteins can diminish PM2.5‐induced diseases. Nevertheless, studies examining the negative control mechanisms of PM2.5‐induced diseases are critical to develop novel therapeutic medications. In this study, the consensus PDZ peptide of ZO‐1 inhibited PM2.5‐induced inflammatory cell infiltration, pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression, and TEER in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and AM cells. Our data indicated that the PDZ domain in ZO‐1 is critical for regulation of the PM2.5‐induced inflammatory microenvironment. Therefore, the PDZ peptide may be a potential therapeutic candidate during PM‐induced respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: Although fine airborne particulate matter (PM) has been known to play a role in many human diseases, there is no direct evidence that therapeutic drugs or proteins can diminish PM-induced diseases. Nevertheless, studies examining the negative control mechanisms of PM-induced diseases are critical to develop novel therapeutic medications. RESULTS: We found that CLB2.0, a surrogate for PM, induced production of multiple cytokines that alter airway inflammation. Interestingly, deletion of each PDZ domain in the ZO-1 protein dramatically decreased F-actin formation and increased the expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also found that the consensus PDZ peptide in ZO-1 downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and F-actin formation; in contrast, the GG24,25AA mutant PDZ peptide upregulates them. Moreover, CLB2.0-induced F-actin formation in 2D and 3D matrix cultures was significantly inhibited by PDZ peptide, but not by the mutant peptide. Induction of IL-8 secretion by CLB2.0 activates CXCR2 signaling, while increased RGS12 controlled by the PDZ peptide inhibits IL-8/CXCR2 signaling. The consensus PDZ peptide also inhibited CLB2.0-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, and TEER in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and AM cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that the PDZ domain in ZO-1 is critical for regulation of the CLB2.0-induced inflammatory microenvironment. Therefore, we suggest that the PDZ peptide may be a potential therapeutic candidate during PM-induced respiratory diseases.

Since the power transmission line (PTL) passes through the high mountain and heavy snowfall region, it is necessary to keep the stability of the PTL. In this study, PTL is modeled as the mass-spring-damper system by using multi-body dynamics analysis program. In order to analyze the dynamic behavior of PTL, a damping coefficient for a multi-body model is derived by using the free vibration test and Rayleigh damping theory. The icing cross section of the transmission line is considered by ellipse and triangle shape. The aerodynamic coefficient for each cross sections are derived by using the commercial CFD program, ANSYS Fluent. The fluctuating wind velocity is regenerated with time history by using Kaimal spectrum. Galloping simulations are performed for the elliptical and triangular iced sections by using the generated fluctuating wind velocity. There is an attack angle which showed the maximum vertical displacement according to the icing section. As a results, the triangular icing shape on the fluctuating wind velocity is more dangerous for the galloping phenomenon. This results can be available to the tower design for the power transmission line.

When the power transmission line (PTL) passes through a region of high mountains and heavy snowfall, maintaining the stability of the PTL and avoiding sleet jump and galloping are necessary. In this study, PTL is modeled as the mass-spring-damper system by using the multi-body dynamics analysis program, RecurDyn. The lumped mass model is compared with the finite element model based on deflection. To analyze the dynamic behavior of the PTL under icing and wind conditions, we obtained a damping coefficient for a multibody model from the free vibration test and Rayleigh damping theory. The icing cross-section of the transmission line is assumed to have ellipse and triangle shapes. The aerodynamic coefficients for each cross-section are derived by using the commercial CFD program, ANSYS Fluent. The occurrence of galloping is simulated for each shape according to the attack angle. Results indicate that the dynamic behavior of the PTL and the galloping conditions such as the icing shape, thickness, and attack angle, can be analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of each factor are evaluated. In the elliptical icing section, the effect of icing thickness is high; whereas in the triangular icing section, the wind velocity highly affects galloping.

The ability to sense and manipulate the state of biological systems has been extensively advanced during the last decade with the help of recent developments in physical tools. Unlike standard genetic and pharmacological perturbation techniques – knockdown, overexpression, small molecule inhibition – that provide a basic on/off switching capability, these physical tools provide the capacity to control the spatial, temporal, and mechanical properties of the biological targets. Among the various physical cues, magnetism offers distinct advantages over light or electricity. Magnetic fields freely penetrate biological tissues and are already used for clinical applications. As one of the unique features, magnetic fields can be transformed into mechanical stimuli which can serve as a cue in regulating biological processes. However, their biological applications have been limited due to a lack of high-performance magnetism-to-mechanical force transducers with advanced spatiotemporal capabilities. In this account, we present recent developments in magnetic nano-tweezers (MNTs) as a high-performance tool for interrogating the spatiotemporal control of cells in living tissue. MNTs are comprised of force-generating magnetic nanoparticles and field generators. Through proper design and the integration of individual components, MNTs deliver controlled mechanical stimulation to targeted biomolecules at any desired space and time. We first discuss about MNT configuration with different force-stimulation modes. By modulating geometry of the magnetic field generator, MNTs exert pulling, dipole-dipole attraction, and rotational forces to the target specifically and quantitatively. We discuss the key physical parameters determining force magnitude, which include magnetic field strength, magnetic field gradient, magnetic moment of the magnetic particle, as well as distance between the field generator and the particle. MNTs also can be used over a wide range of biological time scales — By simply adjusting the amplitude and phase of the applied current, MNTs based on electromagnets allow for dynamic control of the magnetic field from microseconds to hours. Chemical design and the nanoscale effects of magnetic particles are also essential for optimizing MNT performance. We discuss key strategies to develop magnetic nanoparticles with improved force-generation capabilities with a particular focus on the effects of size, shape, and composition of the nanoparticles. We then introduce various strategies and design considerations for target-specific biomechanical stimulations with MNTs. One-to-one particle-receptor engagement for delivering a defined force to the targeted receptor and the small size of the nanoparticles are important. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of MNTs for manipulating biological functions and activities with various spatial (single molecule/cell to organisms) and temporal resolution (microseconds to days). MNTs have the potential to be utilized in many exciting applications across diverse biological systems spanning from fundamental biology investigations of spatial and mechanical signaling dynamics at the single-cell and systems levels to in vivo therapeutic applications.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH) is highly desirable in cancer treatment because it can allow for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis simultaneously. However, the application of currently developed iron-oxide based superparamagnetic nanoparticles (IOSPNPs) for an MRI-guided MNFH agent is technically limited by the low AC heat induction power at the physiologically tolerable range of AC magnetic field (H AC,safe), and the low transverse r 2-relaxivity responsible for the insufficient heating of cancers, and the low resolution of contrast imaging, respectively. Here, pseudo single domain colloidal Ni x Zn1−x –γFe2O3 (x = 0.6) superparamagnetic nanoparticle (NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP) physically and theoretically designed at the H AC,safe, specifically by the applied frequency, is proposed for a highly enhanced MRI-guided MNFH agent application. The NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP showed the superparamagnetic characteristics, significantly enhanced AC heat induction performance (ILP = 6.3 nHm2 kg−1), highly improved saturation magnetization (M s = 97 emu g−1 Fe, 3.55 × 105 A m−1) and r 2-relaxivity (r 2 = 396 mM−1 s−1) that are desirable for highly efficient MRI-guided MNFH agent applications. According to the analyzed results, the remarkably enhanced effective relaxation time constant and its dependent out-of-phase magnetic susceptibility, as well as the DC/AC magnetic softness optimized by the PSD-SPNP at the H AC,safe were revealed as the main physical reason for the significance. All the fundamental in vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrated that the physically designed NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP is bio-technically feasible for a highly efficient MRI-guided MNFH agent for future cancer nanomedicine.

An automatic mackerel grader is a machine that automatically sorts mackerel according to size. The chute spreads the mackerel to allow the latter to enter each roller evenly. Sorting is simulated to confirm that the multibody dynamics model of the automatic grader correctly sorts the mackerel. This process is completed according to the shape of the chute to confirm the effect on performance. A new shape of the chute and the application are proposed and evaluated by a comparison with conventional chute shapes. RecurDyn, a multi-body dynamics program, is used for the sorting simulation. The contact parameters are defined by Hertzian contact theory using the material information of mackerel and C/S steel. A rigid-body mackerel model is used to express the behavior of mackerel. Sorting is simulated for each shape. The sorting accuracy and error of the new shape are compared with those of two existing shapes. The new shape shows a 0.29 mm sorting error and better sorting accuracy than the existing shapes.

Based on the labor-intensive nature of construction tasks and high costs associated with labor operations, reliable estimation of construction labor productivity is crucial. However, owing to the dynamic nature and variety of tasks involved in a construction activity, obtaining accurate and reliable productivity data has proven to be difficult. Herein, a motion data-based modeling approach for estimating the labor productivity is proposed. The method consists of the following: estimating the standard motion time of the tasks, measuring the unit workload of an operation cycle using 3D models, and quantifying the production rates based on the cycle times and unit workloads. Motion-data analysis is also integrated into simulation modeling to incorporate the impact of jobsite conditions. To validate the proposed approach, a case study is applied for estimating the production rate of concrete placement operations. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can reliably estimate the productivity of the operations.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Cell-based therapies are attractive for treating various degenerative disorders and cancer but delivering functional cells to the region of interest in vivo remains difficult. The problem is exacerbated in dense biological matrices such as solid tissues because these environments impose significant steric hindrances for cell movement. Here, we show that neural stem cells transfected with zinc-doped ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (ZnMNPs) can be pulled by an external magnet to migrate to the desired location in the brain. These magnetically labeled cells (Mag-Cells) can migrate because ZnMNPs generate sufficiently strong mechanical forces to overcome steric hindrances in the brain tissues. Once at the site of lesion, Mag-Cells show enhanced neuronal differentiation and greater secretion of neurotrophic factors than unlabeled control stem cells. Our study shows that ZnMNPs activate zinc-mediated Wnt signaling to facilitate neuronal differentiation. When implemented in a rodent brain stroke model, Mag-Cells led to significant recovery of locomotor performance in the impaired limbs of the animals. Our findings provide a simple magnetic method for controlling migration of stem cells with high therapeutic functions, offering a valuable tool for other cell-based therapies.