High hydrostatic pressure extract of Siegesbeckia orientalis inhibits adipogenesis through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Food Science and Biotechnology - St. Paul’s Wort (Siegesbeckia orientalis L.) confers anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-infertility, and immunosuppressive properties....     

A grid-based node split algorithm for managing current location data of moving objects

There is rapidly increasing interest in Location Based Service (LBS) which utilizes location data of moving objects. To efficiently manage the huge amounts of location data in LBS, the GALIS (Gracefully Aging Location Information System) architecture, a cluster-based distributed computing architecture, is proposed. The GALIS using the non-uniform 2-level grid algorithm performs load balancing and indexing for nodes. However, the non-uniform 2-level grid algorithm has a problem creating unnecessary nodes when moving objects are crowded in a certain region. Therefore, a new node split algorithm, which is more efficient for various distribution of moving objects, is proposed in this paper. Because the algorithm proposed in this paper considers spatial distribution for the current location of moving objects, it can perform efficient load balancing without creating unnecessary nodes even when moving objects are congested in a certain region. Besides, the various data distribution configuration for moving objects has been experimented by implementing node split simulators and it’s been verified that the proposed algorithm can split nodes more efficiently than the existing algorithm.

A modeling study of mechanical energetic optimality in incline walking

To maintain steady level walking, collision loss is predominantly compensated for with push-off propulsion, and negligible additional work is performed during the single support phase. The observed energy balance during the double support phase is energetically optimal. However, unlike level walking, significant work proportional to the incline slope was observed during the single support phase, which raises the question of whether energetic optimality applies to incline walking. In this study, we examined the energetic optimality of incline walking using a simple work-energy relationship. Work performed by the leading and trailing leg over a gait cycle was estimated for various incline slopes, and the optimal push-off impulse that minimized the total work performed was calculated. The model prediction for least costly gait occurred when push-off propulsion provided all of the necessary work for raising or lowering the body center of mass (CoM) and collision compensation. When we assumed that the generation of optimal propulsion is gradually scaled to obey a feasible push-off constraint, which was estimated based on the allowable plantar flexor torque and the weight support of the trailing leg, the predicted slope-proportional increase in mechanical work done by the ground reaction force (GRF) during the single support phase was consistent with the empirical data. This result implies that the energetic optimality of incline walking can be described from a mechanical perspective and is subject to a feasible push-off propulsion constraint. However, the implication of the mechanical perspective of energetic optimality on the metabolic cost should be further examined and compared using empirical data.     

Machinability and set-up orientation for five-axis numerically controlled machining of free surfaces

In this paper, we investigate the problems of determining machinability and part set-up orientation for a given surface model. We first develop kinematic models of the five-axis machines, based on the axis configuration, then develop algorithms for determining the feasibility of one-set-up machining (machinability) and the part orientation for types C-A and A-B tool configurations. Machinability is determined by a computationally efficient procedure for finding the intersection of the feasible tool motion on the sphere and a visibility map which we call the binary spherical map (BSM). The part set-up is so chosen as to give the smallest rotational range among all feasible configurations. The algorithms developed have been tested via numerical simulations. The results show that they can be readily implemented in a CAD/CAM system, as an automated process planner selecting the efficient machine type and part set-up for NC machining.     

Characterization of Capsaicin-Loaded Nanoemulsions Stabilized with Alginate and Chitosan by Self-assembly

The objectives of this research were to characterize capsaicin-loaded nanoemulsions stabilized with natural biopolymer such as alginate and chitosan for use as a functional ingredient delivery system. The biopolymer nanoemulsion was prepared using self-assembly emulsification methods, and the capsaicin included oleoresin capsicum as the core material in the nanoemulsion. The particle sizes of the double-layer nanoemulsions prepared with alginate (AN) and chitosan (CN) were 20 nm or lower. The triple-layer nanoemulsion, which was prepared by complexation with chitosan and alginate (CAN), was successfully prepared with particle sizes on the nanoscale through the electrostatic interactions between the carboxylic groups and amine groups of the biopolymers. The Zeta potential value, which is an indicator of the overall stability and physicochemical properties of the nanoemulsion, of AN and CN were significantly higher than SN and CAN (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the double-layer nanoemulsions incorporated with alginate and chitosan can be expected to improve the stability of nanoemulsion. In addition, this system holds promise for use in the production of functional foods containing functional ingredients.     

Fucosterol inhibits adipogenesis through the activation of AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Food Science and Biotechnology - Fucosterol is a sterol constituent primarily derived from brown algae. Recently, the antiadipogenic effect of fucosterol has been reported; however, its molecular...     

Formation of CIGS thin absorption layer by sequential sputtering of CuGa/In/CuGa precursor on Mo/SLG with post selenization

Precursor structures of CuGa/In/CuGa stacking layers were prepared on Mo/soda-lime glass by sequential sputtering using intermetallic CuGa and metal In targets, with post selenization by Se evaporation at substrate temperature 500 °C. The selenized CIGS thin films were characterized by X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Photoluminescence (PL). XPS survey spectra show that the constituent elements such as Cu, Ga, In, and Se appeared on the surface composition with corresponding photoelectron lines and a detailed study of the Se 3d signal in the CIGS absorption layer was discussed. The X-ray diffractograms of the CIGS films exhibited peaks revealing that the films are crystalline in nature with tetragonal chalcopyrite structure. FESEM images reveal that CIGS thin films yield granular nanostructure and a Mo back contact with a columnar structure. The CIGS thin films demonstrated intense near-band-edge PL and free-to-bound transitions were found and reported.     

Tribo-electrostatic beneficiation of fly ash for ash utilization

The study was conducted to obtain the scale-up factor and the optimum design criteria for the development of a commercial scale electrostatic separator using a continuous, bench-scale electroseparator composed of two vertical electrode plates and an ejector-tribocharger. Tests of the charge density and separation efficiency to study the removal possibility of unburned carbon from coal fly ash were evaluated under various operating conditions. It was found that the experimental conditions for obtaining the maximum charge density were an air flow rate of 1.75 m³/min and a feed rate of less than 50 kg/hr when operated at lower than 30% relative humidity using a SUS304 ejector tribocharger. Also, the optimum instrument conditions for recovering the clean ash with less than LOI3% at yield over 65% when operated at above experimental conditions were found to be a diffuser slit gap of 4 mm, and a distance between diffuser slit and splitter of 15 cm. Overall, the feed rate per unit electrode surface area was about 0.074 kg/cm2 hr, which can be used as a scale-up factor of the electroseparator. Presented at the Int’/Sym. on Chem. Eng. (Cheju, Feb. 8–10, 2001), dedicated to Prof. H. S. Chun on the occasion of his retirement from Korea University.     

Flavonoids: nutraceutical potential for counteracting muscle atrophy

Food Science and Biotechnology - Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the conversion of chemical energy into physical force. Muscle atrophy, characterized by a reduction in muscle mass, is a...     

Design of modular gripper for explosive ordinance disposal robot manipulator based on modified dual-mode twisting actuation

In this paper, a modular gripper is newly designed for explosive ordnance disposal manipulators. For delicate and powerful grasp, the modular gripper is designed based on modified dual-mode twisting actuation. The dual-mode twisting actuation is a kind of transmission mechanism which generates high speed and large actuating force depending on the operation modes. For maximizing the output force in limited conditions, several design parameters are defined and analyzed. Furthermore, experiments are performed to verify high performance of the developed gripper.