Search Results (310)

Opuntia humifusa (commonly known as Cheon-nyun-cho) has traditionally been used for its antioxidant, laxative, and immune-boosting properties, but its potential prebiotic activity remains largely unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the prebiotic potential of O. humifusa leaf and fruit extracts by assessing their effects on the growth of four Lactobacillus spp. strains. Among them, Lactobacillus paracasei KCTC 12576 exhibited the most pronounced response to the extracts and was therefore selected for further investigation. Comparative analysis demonstrated that ethanol extracts were more effective than water extracts, and leaf extracts outperformed fruit extracts in enhancing bacterial viability. Notably, the ethanol extract of O. humifusa leaves showed the strongest stimulatory effect on L. paracasei KCTC 12576 growth. Based on extraction optimization studies, 60% ethanol was identified as the most effective solvent for obtaining bioactive compounds. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of isorhamnetin 3-O-β-D-(6-O-α-L-rhamnosyl)glucoside (1) as a major flavonol glycoside in the extract. A robust and validated HPLC method was established for quantification of this compound (0.33 mg/g in the 60% ethanol extract of the leaves), supporting the standardization of the extract. These findings suggest that O. humifusa leaf extract, particularly the 60% ethanol extract, may serve as a promising natural prebiotic ingredient for use in functional foods or synbiotic formulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Selinexor is a selective nuclear-export inhibitor approved for hematologic malignancies, characterized by extensive plasma protein binding (>95%). However, a validated analytical method to accurately measure the clinically relevant unbound fraction of selinexor in human plasma has not yet been established. This study aimed to develop a fully validated bioanalytical assay for simultaneous quantification of total and unbound selinexor concentrations in human plasma. Methods: We established and fully validated an analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) capable of quantifying total and unbound selinexor concentrations in human plasma. Unbound selinexor was separated using ultrafiltration, and selinexor was efficiently extracted from 50 μL of plasma by liquid–liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using an isocratic mobile phase (0.1% formic acid:methanol, 12:88 v/v) with a relatively short runtime of 2.5 min. Results: Calibration curves showed excellent linearity over a range of 5–2000 ng/mL for total selinexor (r² ≥ 0.998) and 0.05–20 ng/mL for unbound selinexor (r² ≥ 0.995). The precision (%CV ≤ 10.35%) and accuracy (92.5–104.3%) for both analytes met the regulatory criteria. This method successfully quantified selinexor in plasma samples from renally impaired patients with multiple myeloma, demonstrating potential inter-individual differences in unbound drug concentrations. Conclusions: This validated bioanalytical assay enables precise clinical pharmacokinetic assessments in a short runtime using a small plasma volume and, thus, assists in individualized dosing of selinexor, particularly for renally impaired patients with altered protein binding. Full article

Wearable sensors have rapidly advanced, enabling applications such as human activity monitoring, electronic skin, and biomimetic robotics. To meet the growing demands of these applications, multifunctional sensing has become essential for wearable devices. However, most existing studies predominantly focus on enhancing single-function sensing capabilities. This study introduces a multifunctional sensor that combines high stretchability for strain and pressure detection with ultraviolet (UV) sensing capability. To achieve simultaneous detection of strain, pressure, and UV light, a multi-sensing approach was employed: a capacitive method for strain and pressure detections and a resistive method utilizing a pn-heterojunction diode for UV detection. In the capacitive method, polyaniline (PANI) served as parallel-plate electrodes, while silicon-based elastomer acted as the dielectric layer. This configuration enabled up to 100% elongation and enhanced operational stability through encapsulation. The sensor demonstrated a strong linear relationship between capacitance value changes reasonably based on the area of PANI, and showed a good linearity with an R-squared value of 0.9918. It also detected pressure across a wide range, from low (0.4 kPa) to high (9.4 kPa). Furthermore, for wearable applications, the sensor reliably captured capacitance variations during finger bending at different angles. For UV detection, a pn-heterojunction diode composed of p-type silicon and n-type zinc oxide nanorods exhibited a rapid response time of 6.1 s and an on/off ratio of 13.8 at −10 V. Durability under 100% tensile strain was confirmed through Von Mises stress calculations using finite element modeling. Overall, this multifunctional sensor offers significant potential for a variety of applications, including human motion detection, wearable technology, and robotics. Full article

This work investigates the impact of reset pulse width on multilevel conductance programming in Al₂O₃/TiO_x-based resistive random access memory. A 32 × 32 cross-point array of Ti (12 nm)/Pt (62 nm)/Al₂O₃ (3 nm)/TiO_x (32 nm)/Ti (14 nm)/Pt (60 nm) devices (2.5 µm × 2.5 µm active area) was fabricated via e-beam evaporation, atomic layer deposition, and reactive sputtering. Following an initial forming step and a stabilization phase of five DC reset–set cycles, devices were programmed using an incremental step pulse programming (ISPP) scheme. Reset pulses of fixed amplitude were applied with widths of 100 µs, 10 µs, 1 µs, and 100 ns, and the programming sequence was terminated when the read current at 0.2 V exceeded a 45 µA target. At a 100 µs reset pulse width, most cycles exhibited abrupt current jumps that exceeded the target current, whereas at a 100 ns width, the programmed current increased gradually in all cycles, enabling precise conductance tuning. Cycle-to-cycle variation decreased by more than 50% as the reset pulse width was reduced, indicating more uniform filament disruption and regrowth. These findings demonstrate that controlling reset pulse width offers a straightforward route to reliable, linear multilevel operation in Al₂O₃/TiO_x-based RRAM. Full article

Pork accounts for 34% of global meat consumption, following poultry and beef. Intensive pig farming has expanded to meet increasing demand, but space constraints and poor environmental conditions can negatively affect pig welfare. This study aimed to investigate pigs’ spatial preferences in response to environmental factors in an experimental pig barn. Six 60-day-old Yorkshire pigs were observed for 60 days. Indoor temperature (IT), relative humidity (IRH), and CO₂ concentration (ICO₂) were measured hourly, and pig positions were recorded using an RGB 2D-IP camera. Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS. IT ranged from 14.3 °C to 25.1 °C, IRH from 78.9% to 96.5%, and ICO₂ from 1038 to 1850 ppm. A strong negative correlation was found between IT and IRH (r = −0.89), while IT and ICO₂ were uncorrelated (r = −0.01). Pigs showed a clear preference for sections with lower IT, supporting previous findings on thermal preference. Structural features, such as two-wall enclosures, also influenced stay frequency. These results suggest that optimizing barn structure and improving ventilation and manure management can support thermal comfort and improve welfare in intensive pig farming systems. Full article

This study investigates the electromagnetic analysis and optimal design of outer rotor type brushless DC (BLDC) motors for fan filter applications. The primary objective is to develop a method that integrates three-dimensional (3D) structural effects with efficient two-dimensional (2D) equivalent analysis. This study proposes a 2D equivalent analysis method that addresses the unique features of outer rotor type BLDC motors, particularly the permanent magnet (PM) overhang structure. This approach transforms the operating point on the B–H curve to facilitate accurate modeling in a 2D framework, overcoming traditional analysis limitations. An analytical method using spatial harmonics is introduced to derive essential electromagnetic quantities, namely flux linkage and back electromotive force (EMF). The method compensates for slot effects using the Carter coefficient, ensuring precise evaluation of circuit parameters and electromagnetic losses. To optimize motor performance, a multi-objective optimization technique is implemented using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), aiming to maximize both efficiency and power density. The research validates the proposed analytical approach against the finite element analysis method (FEM) results to confirm its accuracy. Full article

A PAAc-PVI(4:1)@MWCNT hybrid was synthesized for the selective electrochemical detection of serotonin. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) enhanced electrode conductivity, while the hydrophilic polymer Poly(Acrylic Acid-co-Vinyl imidazole) (PAAc-PVI) facilitated serotonin recognition. At pH 7.4, the carboxyl (-COO⁻) groups in PAAc-PVI interacted with the amine (-NH₃⁺) groups of serotonin, enabling oxidation and electron transfer for signal detection. Additionally, π-π interactions between vinylimidazole and MWCNT improved dispersion and stability. The hybrid materials enhanced electron transfer efficiency, increasing sensitivity and reliability. Structural and electrochemical properties were characterized using FT-IR, HR-TEM, TGA, Raman spectroscopy, impedance analysis, and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Serotonin detection using the fabricated electrode demonstrated high selectivity (LOD 0.077 μM and LOQ 0.26 μM), reproducibility (%RSD 1X PBS condition (4.63%) and human serum condition (4.81%)), and quantitative capability (dynamic range 1.2 μM to 10.07 μM) without interference (potential shift from +0.40 V to −0.15 V) from blood-based substances, confirming its potential for electrochemical biosensing applications. Full article

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) has been attractive as an emerging memory that can be used for computing-in-memory (CIM) and storage-class memory (SCM). However, achieving gradual resistive switching (RS) characteristics and minimizing the variability remain critical challenges. In this work, we investigate the wake-up effect in Al₂O₃-based RRAM and its role in improving RS properties. Two types of wake-up effects were found: HRS variation improvement and gradual switching during set operation. First, a reduction in current variation in the high-resistance state (HRS), which indicates improvement of filament stability and uniformity. Second, gradual switching during the set voltage sweep, suggesting a more gradual modulation of the conduction mechanism, likely related to interface conductive filament (CF) generation. By harnessing the wake-up effect, it is possible to overcome the limitations of RRAM, which allows writing only during the reset voltage sweep, to enable writing during the set voltage sweep as well. Full article

This study deals with the extraction of active compounds for a formula (Angelica gigas, Cornus officinalis, Ganoderma lucidum, Thymus vulgaris, and Asparagus cochinchinensis) and the evaluation of its skin anti-aging properties. This formulation was inspired by the oriental medicine Gongjin-dan (Angelica gigas, Cornus officinalis, deer antler, and musk), which has been used as a restorative drug for longevity. Enzyme-based extraction and chemical purification were used to obtain a mixed fraction (GEF) enriched in glycopeptides and glycoproteins from the five herbal materials. The chemical characteristics of GEF, including the carbohydrate groups attached to the peptides and proteins, the total carbohydrate and protein contents, and the composition of monosaccharides and amino acids were determined. The chemical characteristics that were significantly different from those of the extract, generally prepared in the same ratio, were the abundance of glycopeptides and glycoproteins and the high proportions of conditionally essential amino acids (51.0%) and acidic/basic amino acids (67.7%). These are necessary components for strengthening the skin layers against aging. The in vitro skin anti-aging properties of GEF on human fibroblasts (HS68), keratinocytes (HaCaT), and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were evaluated. It was found that MMP-1 gene expression was inhibited (18–28%) and fibrillin-1 protein (23–37%) was restored contrary to the effect of UV irradiation. COL1A1 and COL4A1 gene expression (25–35%), HAS2 gene expression (22–213%), and adipogenesis (15%) were facilitated. These results demonstrate the potential of GEF as a raw material for skin anti-aging and reinforce the scientific evidence supporting a traditional medicine with a long history. Full article

Yakutia, the largest breeding ground for wild migratory birds in Northeastern Siberia, plays a big role in the global ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In this study, we present the results of virological surveillance conducted between 2018 and 2023, analyzing 1970 cloacal swab samples collected from 56 bird species. We identified 74 AIVs of H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H5N3, H7N7, H10N3, and H11N9 subtypes in Anseriformes order. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to the Eurasian lineage and have genetic similarities with strains from East Asia, Europe, and North America. Cluster analysis has demonstrated the circulation of stable AIV genotypes for several years. We assume that Yakutia is an important territory for viral exchange on the migratory routes of migrating birds. In addition, several amino acid substitutions have been found to be associated with increased virulence and adaptation to mammalian hosts, highlighting the potential risk of interspecific transmission. These results provide a critical insight into the ecology of the AIV and highlight the importance of continued monitoring in this geographically significant region. Full article

Hand gestures serve as a fundamental means of communication, and extensive research has been conducted to develop automated recognition systems. These systems are expected to improve human/computer interaction, particularly in environments where verbal communication is limited. A key challenge in these systems is the classification of non-target actions, as everyday movements are often not included in the training set, but resembling target gestures can lead to misclassification. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on target action recognition, this study explicitly addresses the unseen non-target classification problem through an experiment to distinguish target and non-target activities based on movement characteristics. This study examines the ability of deep learning models to generalize classification criteria beyond predefined training sets. The proposed method was validated with arm movement data from 20 target group participants and 11 non-target group participants, achieving an average F1-score of 84.23%, with a non-target classification score of 73.23%. Furthermore, we confirmed that data augmentation and incorporating a loss factor significantly improved the recognition of unseen non-target gestures. The results suggest that improving classification performance on untrained, non-target movements will enhance the applicability of gesture recognition systems in real-world environments. This is particularly relevant for wearable devices, assistive technologies, and human/computer interaction systems. Full article

The global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) has led to a significant increase in the number of LNG carriers (LNGCs), consequently elevating the risk of operational accidents. Unlike conventional vessels, LNGCs present a high risk of fire and explosion and involve extensive repair times and costs due to the complex structure of the cargo containment system (CCS). This study investigates the effects of seawater exposure on the uni-axial compressive properties of plywood used in LNGC CCS structures, with the goal of establishing material strength criteria that could reduce repair requirements. The analysis focuses on the NO96 CCS, which incorporates the highest volume of plywood among existing designs. In this configuration, compressive strength is a critical design parameter. Therefore, the mechanical response of plywood was evaluated under both room temperature and cryogenic conditions (−163 °C), simulating the LNG operating environment. The results demonstrate that plywood exhibited increased compressive strength after three hours of seawater and saltwater immersion, although the rate of improvement diminished with extended exposure. In contrast, specimens immersed in distilled water showed a consistent reduction in compressive strength. Furthermore, cryogenic temperatures significantly enhanced the compressive strength compared to ambient conditions. This study establishes a methodology for assessing the mechanical performance of plywood under marine and cryogenic conditions, contributing to its reliable application in LNG carrier structures. Full article

This study investigates the effects of pilot scale Alnus japonica hot water extract (AJHW) on muscle loss and muscle atrophy. Building on previous in vitro studies, in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate muscle strength, mass, fiber size, protein synthesis, and antioxidant activity. The results showed that AJHW significantly restored muscle strength, increased muscle mass, enhanced the expression of muscle synthesis markers, such as Akt and mTOR, and apoptosis inhibition markers, such as Bcl-2, compared to the muscle atrophy control. Muscle degradation markers, such as Atrogin1, MuRF1, FoxO3α, and the apoptosis activation marker Bax, were decreased compared to the muscle atrophy control. Additionally, AJHW significantly boosted the activity of antioxidant factors like SOD, catalase, and Gpx, suggesting its protective role against oxidative stress-induced muscle damage. The enhanced effects were attributed to the high content of hirsutanonol and hirsutenone, which synergized with oregonin, compounds, identified through phytochemical analysis. While these findings support the potential of AJHW as a candidate for preventing muscle loss, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy across diverse atrophy models and to elucidate its exact mechanisms. Full article

STS304L is widely used in liquefied natural gas cargo containment systems for cryogenic liquefied gas storage because of its excellent mechanical properties at low temperatures. However, unpredictable sloshing impacts can induce excessive plastic deformation, leading to phase transformation from austenite to martensite. This study investigated the impact resistance of STS304L under cryogenic conditions through drop-weight impact tests. Temperature sensitivity was analyzed using electron backscatter diffraction to quantify plastic deformation and phase fraction. The results showed that, as the temperature decreased, the energy absorption and stiffness increased, whereas the plastic deformation remained relatively constant. Energy absorption increased by 59.63% at −100 °C and 68.80% at −193 °C compared with that at 20 °C. The martensite fraction, measured at the end of the hemispherical impact region, increased from 19.26% at 20 °C to 77.85% at −100 °C and 96.87% at −193 °C, indicating significant strain-induced martensitic transformation at cryogenic temperatures. Full article

Wood cellulose is an abundant bio-based resource with diverse applications in construction, cosmetics, packaging, and the pulp and paper industries. Transparent wood (TW) is a novel, high-quality wood material with several advantages over traditional transparent materials (e.g., glass and plastic). These benefits include renewability, UV shielding, lightweight properties, low thermal expansion, reduced glare, and improved mechanical strength. TW has significant potential for various applications, including transparent roofs, windows, home lighting structures, electronic devices, home decoration, solar cells, packaging, smart packaging materials, and other high-value-added products. The mechanical properties of TW, such as tensile strength and optical transmittance, are typically up to 500 MPa (Young’s modulus of 50 GPa) and 10–90%, respectively. Fabrication methods, wood types, and processing conditions significantly influence the mechanical and optical properties of TW. In addition, recent research has highlighted the feasibility of TW and large-scale production, making it an emerging research topic for future exploration. This review attempted to provide recent and updated manufacturing methods of TW as well as current and future applications. In particular, the effects of structural modification through various chemical pretreatment methods and impregnation methods using various polymers on the properties of TW biocomposites were also reviewed. Full article