Interference-free tool path generation in five-axis machining of a marine propeller

The manufacture of a marine propeller typically requires long lead-time to generate five-axis tool paths. It usually takes several days to generate satisfactory tool paths with a general purpose CAD/CAM system. This paper proposes a novel methodology that generates effective five-axis tool paths for marine propellers. The machining of a propeller is accomplished in three steps: rough cut, semi-finish cut, and finish cut. For generating accurate finish cut tool paths, the proposed system computes check vectors that determine a maximum range of valid tool motion based upon tool size and passage width for each CL (Cutter Location) point along the tool path. Interference-free tool paths can be acquired by positioning the tool inside the two check vectors. The modelling capability for propellers is also of importance because it determines the eventual success or failure of the whole process. An iterative B-spline surface modelling technique is employed to improve the accuracy of the models and to increase the productivity. The proposed system generates interference-free tool paths with superior surface finish and reduces lead-time to manufacture a propeller. The system validation and sample results are given and discussed.     

Low molecular weight β-glucan stimulates doxorubicin-induced suppression of immune functions in mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of low molecular weight β-glucan (LMG) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced immune suppression of tumor-bearing mice. The tumor size and spleen cell functions such as spleen cell proliferation, cytokine production (interferon-γ and interleukin-2), and the population of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were estimated. In the tumorbearing mice, the tumor size was significantly (p<0.05) decreased by DOX treatment. However, there was no significant difference between mice treated with high molecular weight β-glucan (HMG) and mice treated with LMG. Spleen cell proliferation and cytokine production were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in only DOX treated group, but increased in all β-glucan treated groups with DOX. Moreover, the populations of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells were also increased in the LMG-treated group. It appears that LMG effectively reduces the DOX-induced immune toxicity through activation of immune cells such as splenocytes.     

Role of spheroidized carbides on the fatigue life of bearing steel

The fatigue characteristics of bearing steel in ultrasonic fatigue tests are investigated with regard to the role of spheroidized carbides. The results show that, despite a similar hardness level, the bearing steel with spheroidized carbide has a much longer fatigue life than steel without, and that the failure mechanism differs in each case. All the samples of SAQT-processed steel examined using ultrasonic fatigue tests were characterized by a conventional fish-eye structure, which implies they went through subsurface-originated or interior inclusion-induced failure. On the contrary, it was shown that surface-induced failure prevailed in the QT-processed steel without spheroidized carbide. The results suggest spheroidized carbide may strengthen the tempered martensitic matrix of the bearing steel and concentrate the stress around an inclusion rather than at the surface, allowing for prolonged fatigue life over the steel without spheroidized carbide.     

Severe carbamazepine intoxication unresponsive to albumin‐enhanced continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with low dialysate flow

Carbamazepine (CBZ) intoxication can be associated with severe toxicity, including neurological and cardio‐respiratory abnormalities. Highly protein‐bound, CBZ is not removed efficiently through conventional hemodialysis. Charcoal hemoperfusion is the most effective extracorporeal elimination therapy for CBZ intoxication. Recent reports have indicated that continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), albumin‐enhanced continuous venovenous hemodialysis, high‐flux hemodialysis and plasma exchange can be as effective as charcoal hemoperfusion. In contrast to recent reports, which demonstrated the effectiveness of CVVHDF with high dialysate flow in CBZ intoxication, we observed that serum CBZ level was decreased minimally by albumin‐enhanced CVVHDF with low dialysate flow. Therefore, albumin‐enhanced CVVHDF with high dialysate flow should be considered in severe CBZ intoxication, if hemoperfusion is unavailable because of the lack of facilities or if it cannot be performed.     

Growth of Clostridium perfringens spores inoculated in sous-vide processed Korean traditional Galbijjim under different storage conditions

To evaluate the microbiological safety of Korean traditional seasoned beef processed by sous-vide method, Clostridium perfringens spores were inoculated into the samples, and then germination and growth of spores were observed under different temperatures for days. Also, changes in pH, water activity, and salt contents were analyzed. As the results, there was no difference in water activity and pH of the samples during the storage at any temperature. However, salt contents of the samples significantly increased as storage time increased, and the storage temperature affected the change of salt contents. C. perfringens did not grow at 4 and 10°C for 24 days however, the bacterial growth was observed at 20°C after 2 days of storage. Based on these simulation tests, the microbiological safety of sous-vide processed galbijjim can be guaranteed at 4 and 10°C for 24 days even though the raw materials were contaminated by C. perfringens spores.     

Preparation and evaluation of a cosmetic adhesive containing guar gum

Guar gum is an effective agent for use as a natural adhesive ingredient that can be used to replace the hazardous ingredients of spirit gum. This study describes the possibility of using guar gum as a renewable substituent for cosmetic adhesive. An adhesive base and cosmetic adhesive containing guar gum were prepared by a two-step process. The samples were tested for safety (cell toxicity test and patch test), stability (centrifugation, cycling and viscosity), and effectiveness (tensile strength). The results from the MTT assay show that the growth activity of human fibroblast skin cells was over 89% in all concentrations of cosmetic adhesive containing guar gum. In addition, no special skin reactions were reported in the patch test prepared adhesive containing guar gum. Moreover, the stability test demonstrated proper stability of all adhesive samples: the composition stability, heat stability, and viscosity of the adhesive samples maintained stable conditions. The efficacy test confirmed the superiority of the guar gum adhesive samples over spirit gum concerning the tensile strength. This study demonstrated that guar gum may be a viable replacement for synthetic rosins and also as a substituent in cosmetic.     

Pilot Reduction Using Spatial and Temporal Correlation in Massive MIMO-OFDM Systems

Wireless Personal Communications - In MIMO-OFDM systems, the base station sends pilot signals for channel estimation at receivers. Since the number of pilots is proportional to the number of...     

Novel interactions of caffeic acid with different hemoglobins: Effects on discoloration and lipid oxidation in different washed muscles

Caffeic acid (CA) accelerated methemoglobin (Hb) formation at pH 5.8 and 25 °C. This was attributed to electron donation from CA to liganded O₂ in Hb. CA inhibited hemin dissociation from metHb. Pig Hb remained mostly as oxyHb and did not promote lipid oxidation in washed cod muscle (WCM) nor washed turkey muscle (WTM) during iced storage at pH 5.8. Conversely, perch Hb rapidly was converted to metHb and readily promoted lipid oxidation based on lipid peroxide and hexanal formation. CA strongly inhibited perch Hb-mediated lipid oxidation during storage. Once metHb formation occurred in WCM, CA appeared to maintain the heme protein as metHb during the remainder of iced storage. CA may have become bound to perch Hb based on filtration analysis. CA facilitated the transfer of perch Hb (but not pig Hb) from the aqueous phase to the insoluble components of WCM. Collectively, these results suggest that CA inhibited Hb-mediated lipid oxidation by various mechanisms not related to inhibition of metHb formation.     

Comparison of influences of NaCl and CaCl2 on the corrosion of 11% and 17% Cr ferritic stainless steels during cyclic corrosion test

During the drying stage of the cyclic corrosion test on ferritic stainless steels in the NaCl environment, the current abruptly increased and then decreased to nearly zero, indicating that pits are initiated as the salt concentration is increased, which are then repassivated when the surface is completely dry. During the wet stage, the current remained high, suggesting that pits mainly propagate during the wet stage. In contrast, in the cyclic corrosion test in the CaCl₂ environment, the current was highest during the drying stage, indicating that the electrolyte is not completely dried and corrosion mainly propagates during the drying stage.