• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.85-93
• /
• 2012

Purpose: Developmental delay is caused by very diverse etiologic diseases. Most chronic disorders has some influence on development. Chronic or acute disorders of CNS are main etiologic diseases of developmental delay. Up to now, over 60 diseases are included in organic acidopathies and most of them causes acute or chronic recurrent CNS damage and developmental delay. We have done this study to find out the importance of organic acidopathies causing developmental delay in Korean childhood and adolescent patients. Method: Retrograde analysis for 738 patients with developmental delay whose clinical informations are available and have done urine organic acid analysis for 5 years period, between Jan. 1st 2007 to Dec. 31th 2011. Statistical analysis was done with Student's t test using SPSS. Result: Out of 738 patients, 340 patients (46.1%) showed abnormalities on urine organic acid analysis. The most frequent disease was mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders (MRCD) (253, 34.3%), followed by ketolytic defects(39, 5.3%), 3-hydroxyisobutyric aciduria (26, 3.5%), glutaric aciduria type II (8, 1.1%), pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (3, 0.4%), 3-methylglutaric aciduria (2, 0.3%), glutaric aciduria type I (2, 0.3%), ethylmalonic aciduria (1, 0.15%), methylmalonic aciduria (1, 0.15%), HMG-CoA lyase deficiency (1, 0.15%), 3-methylcrotonylglycinuria (1, 0.15%), fatty acid oxidation disorders(1, 0.15%) and FAOD (1, 0.15%). Conclusion: Mitochondrial disorders are most frequent etiologic disease on all age group, followed by ketolytic defects and various organic acidopathies. The number and diversities of organic acidopathies emphasize meticulous evaluation of basic routine laboratory examinations and organic acid analysis with initial sample on every developmental patient.

• Solar Energy
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.43-54
• /
• 2000

We prepared and characterized $Cu(In_{1-x}Ga_x)Se_2$(CIGS) films using a elemental co-evaporation method for absorbing layer of high efficiency thin film solar cells. The CIGS films deposited on a soda-lime glass exhibited low resistivity because of higher carrier concentration. Na was accumulated at the CIGS surface and the 0 and Se were also accumulated at the surface, suggesting that oxidation is a driving force of Na accumulation. The structure of CIGS film was modified or a secondary phase was formed in the Cu-poor CIGS bulk films probably due to the incorporation of Na into Cu vacancy sites. As the Ga/(In+Ga) ratio increased, the diffraction peaks of $Cu(In_{1-x}Ga_x)Se_2$ films were shifted to larger angle and splitted, and the grain size of $Cu_{0.91}(In_{1-x}Ga_x)Se_2$ films became smaller. All $Cu_{0.91}(In_{1-x}Ga_x)Se_2$ films showed the p-type conductivity regardless of the Ga/(In+Ga) ratio. Ag/n-ZnO/i-ZnO/CdS/$Cu_{0.91}(In_{0.7}Ga_{0.3})Se_2$/Mo solar cells were fabricated. The currently best efficiency in this study was 14.48% for $0.18cm^2$ area ($V_{oc}=581.5mV,\;J_{sc}=34.88mA$, F.F=0.714).

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.274-283
• /
• 2014

Oxidative stress causes tissue damage and facilitates the progression of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular heart diseases, and obesity. Lipid accumulation and obesity-related complications have been observed in the presence of extensive oxidative stress. As part of an ongoing study to develop therapeutic supplements, Sargassum sp. were tested for their ability to scavenge free radicals and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as to suppress lipid accumulation. Three species, S. hemiphyllum, S. thunbergii, and Sargassum horneri, were shown to scavenge free radicals in a di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) assay. In addition, Sargassum sp. was shown to scavenge intracellular ROS and to decrease nitric oxide (NO) production in $H_2O_2$ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that Sargassum sp. possess huge potential to relieve oxidative stress and related complications, as well as lipid-induced oxidation. They indicate that S. hemiphyllum, S. thunbergii, and S. horneri are potent functional supplements that can produce beneficial health effects through antioxidant and antiobesity activities, with S. hemiphyllum being the most potent among the Sargassum sp. tested. A potential mechanism for the effect of Sargassum sp. on the suppression of lipid accumulation in differentiating 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocytes through deactivation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ (PPAR ${\gamma}$) is presented.

• Clean Technology
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.375-382
• /
• 2014

This work investigated the plasma-catalytic decomposition of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and the behavior of the byproduct compounds over monolith-supported metal oxide catalysts. Iron oxide ($Fe_2O_3$) or copper oxide (CuO) was loaded on a monolithic porous ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ support, which was placed inside the coaxial electrodes of plasma reactor. The IPA decomposition efficiency itself hardly depended on the presence and type of metal oxides because the rate of plasma-induced decomposition was so fast, but the behavior of byproduct formation was largely affected by them. The concentrations of the unwanted byproducts, including acetone, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, methane, carbon monoxide, etc., were in order of $Fe_2O_3/{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ < $CuO/{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ < ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ from low to high. Under the condition (flow rate: $1L\;min^{-1}$; IPA concentration: 5,000 ppm; $O_2$ content: 10%; discharge power: 47 W), the selectivity towards $CO_2$ was about 40, 80 and 95% for ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$, $CuO/{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ and $Fe_2O_3/{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$, respectively, indicating that $Fe_2O_3/{\alpha}-Al_2O_3$ is the most effective for plasma-catalytic oxidation of IPA. Unlike plasma-alone processes in which tar-like products formed from volatile organic compounds are deposited, the present plasma-catalyst hybrid system did not exhibit such a phenomenon, thus retaining the original catalytic activity.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2009

Water curtain of an underground LPG storage cavern is a facility to prevent leakage of high pressure gases, for which groundwater should flow freely towards the cavern and groundwater level also must be stably maintained. In this study, in order to evaluate qualities of seepage water and surrounding groundwater of an underground LPG storage cavern in Yeosu, 4 rounds of samplings, field measurements and laboratory analyses (February, May, August, October of 2007) were conducted. According to field measurements, pH was weak acidic to neutral but it gradually increased with time. Electrical conductivity (EC) of groundwater near a salt stack showed very high values between 10.47 and 38.50 mS/cm. Dissolved oxygen (DO) showed a very wide range of 0.20~8.74 mg/L and a mean of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) was 159 mV, which indicated an oxidized condition. Levels of $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$ were mostly less than 3 mg/L. All of seepage waters showed a Na-Cl type while only groundwater near the salt stack showed a Na-Cl type with a high total dissolved solid. The other groundwaters exhibited typical $Ca-HCO_3$ types. Levels of aerobic bacteria were mostly very high (573-39,520 CFU/mL). Based on the analyses of these hydrochemistry and biological characteristics, it is concluded that there are no particular problems in groundwater and seepage water, which not causing a trouble in the cavern operation. However, both for control of bio-clogging and for sustainable operation of the water curtain system, a regular hydrochemical and microbiological monitoring is required for the seepage water and surrounding groundwater.

• Resources Recycling
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.50-59
• /
• 2023

The amount of dust generated during the dissolution of scrap in an electric arc furnace is approximately 1.5% of the scrap metal input, and it is primarily collected in a bag filter. Electric arc furnace dust primarily consists of zinc and ion. The processing of zinc starts with its conversion into pellet form by the addition of a carbon-based reducing agent(coke, anthracite) and limestone (C/S control). These pellets then undergo reduction, volatilization, and re-oxidation in rotary kiln or RHF reactor to recover crude zinc oxide (60%w/w). Next, iron is discharged from the electric arc furnace dust as a solid called Fe clinker (secondary by-product of the Fe-base). Several methods are then used to treat the Fe clinker, which vary depending on the country, including landfilling and recycling (e.g., subbase course material, aggregate for concrete, Fe-source for cement manufacturing). However, landfilling has several drawbacks, including environmental pollution due to leaching, high landfill costs, and wastage of iron resources. To improve Fe recovery in the clinker, we pulverized it into optimal -sized particles and employed specific gravity and magnetic force selection methods to isolate this metal. A carbon-based reducing agent and a binding material were added to the separated coarse powder (>10㎛) to prepare briquette clinker. A small amount (1-3%w/w) of the briquette clinker was charged with the scrap in an electric arc furnace to evaluate its feasibility as an additives (carbonaceous material, heat-generating material, and Fe source).

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.485-492
• /
• 2024

Sea cucumbers contain more than 50% protein in their solid content, and they also possess various bioactive substances such as saponins and mucopolysaccharides. This study analyzed the activities of various enzymes derived from Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria and determined to degrade the components of sea cucumbers. Among the analyzed strains, B. subtilis K26 showed the highest activities in protease and xylanase and relatively high activity in cellulase. Accordingly, samples of sea cucumber and water were mixed in equal proportions, sterilized, and then fermented by inoculating them with B. subtilis K26. Following this, a higher amino acid content was observed between 1.5 and 7.5 hr, a lower residual solid content in this time, and a lesser fermentation odor. The saponin content in fermented sea cucumber powder extracted with butanol was measured to be 1.12 mg/g. The chondroitin sulfate content was evaluated to be 5.11 mg/g in raw sea cucumber. The total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities were 6.95 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, 3.69 mg quercetin equivalent/g, and 3.69 mg quercetin equivalent/g in raw sea cucumber, respectively. Moreover, the DNA damage protective effect of fermented sea cucumber extract was found to be concentration-dependent, with a very strong effect at very low concentrations. Overall, we suggest that sea cucumber fermented with B. subtilis K26 has a high potential as a food for inhibiting oxidation, enhancing immunity, and improving muscle function in the human body thanks to its high free amino acid content.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.379-393
• /
• 2002

Within the Boseong-Jangheung area of Korea, five hydrothermal gold (-silver) quartz vein deposits occur. They have the characteristic features as follows: the relatively gold-rich nature of e1ectrurns; the absence of Ag-Sb( -As) sulfosalt mineral; the massive and simple mineralogy of veins. They suggest that gold mineralization in this area is correlated with late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, mesothermal-type gold deposits in Korea. Fluid inclusion data show that fluid inclusions in stage I quartz of the mine area homogenize over a wide temperature range of 200$^{\circ}$ to 460$^{\circ}$C with salinities of 0.0 to 13.8 equiv. wt. % NaCI. The homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions in stage II calcite of the mine area ranges from 150$^{\circ}$ to 254$^{\circ}$C with salinities of 1.2 to 7.9 equiv. wt. % NaCI. This indicates a cooling of the hydrothermal fluid with time towards the waning of hydrothermal activity. Evidence of fluid boiling including CO2 effervescence indicates that pressures during entrapment of auriferous fluids in this area range up to 770 bars. Calculated sulfur isotope composition of auriferous fluids in this mine area (${\delta}^34S$_{{\Sigma}S}$$\textperthousand$) indicates an igneous source of sulfur in auriferous hydrothermal fluids. Within the Sobaegsan Massif, two representative mesothermal-type gold mine areas (Youngdong and Boseong-Jangheung areas) occur. The ${\delta}^34S values of sulfide minerals from Youngdong area range from -6.6 to 2.3$\textperthousand$ (average=-1.4$\textperthousand$, N=66), and those from BoseongJangheung area range from -0.7 to 3.6$\textperthousand$ (average=1.6$\textperthousand$, N=39). These i)34S values of both areas are comparatively lower than those of most Korean metallic ore deposits (3 to 7TEX>$\textperthousand$). And, within the Sobaegsan Massif, the ${\delta}^34S values of Youngdong area are lower than those of Boseong-Jangheung area. It is inferred that the difference of ${\delta}^34S values within the Sobaegsan Massif can be caused by either of the following mechanisms: (1) the presence of at least two distinct reservoirs (both igneous, with ${\delta}^34S values of < -6 $\textperthousand$ and 2$\pm$2 %0) for Jurassic mesothermal-type gold deposits in both areas; (2) different degrees of the mixing (assimilation) of 32S-enriched sulfur (possibly sulfur in Precambrian pelitic basement rocks) during the generation and/or subsequent ascent of magma; and/or (3) different degrees of the oxidation of an H2S-rich, magmatically derived sulfur source ${\delta}^34S = 2$\pm$2$\textperthousand$) during the ascent to mineralization sites. According to the observed differences in ore mineralogy (especially, iron-bearing ore minerals) and fluid inclusions of quartz from the mesothermal-type deposits in both areas, we conclude that pyrrhotite-rich, mesothermal-type deposits in the Youngdong area formed from higher temperatures and more reducing fluids than did pyrite(-arsenopyrite)-rich mesothermal-type deposits in the Boseong-Jangheung area. Therefore, we prefer the third mechanism than others because the ${\delta}^34S values of the Precambrian gneisses and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks occurring in both areas were not known to the present. In future, in order to elucidate the provenance of ore sulfur more systematically, we need to determine ${\delta}^34S values of the Precambrian metamorphic rocks and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks consisting the basement of the Korean Peninsula including the Sobaegsan Massif.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.21-35
• /
• 2011

Inorganic and organic geochemical characteristics of Devonian bitumen carbonates in Alberta were studied using two drilling cores, Saleski 03-34-88-20w4 and Saleski 08-01-88-20w4, taken from the Core Research Center of Canada. The results of elements analyses showed high Total Inorganic Carbon, low Total Nitrogen and Total Sulfur, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis showed double $CO_2$ peaks in the oxidation part. These mean that the Devonian bitumen carbonates are mainly composed of dolomite formed by diagenesis, and its crystal texture is dominantly subhedral to anhedral but often euhedral. Bitumen contents were 3.6~19.0% in Saleski 3-34-88-20w4 and 5.0~16.4% in Saleski 08-01-88-20w4, respectively. As samples color become dark, bitumen and Total Organic Carbon contents are generally increasing in two cores. The results of biomarker analyses showed that the contents of resins and asphaltenes were 5~28% higher than those of saturated hydrocarbon, interring that the bitumen has been heavily biodegradated. According to the results of carbon isotope analyses in each component of bitumen, asphaltenes had highest values and the others had constant values. However, their values were varied in the range of normal crude oil (-18~-30‰).

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.29 no.8
• /
• pp.895-903
• /
• 2007

As for the increasing demanding on the development of direct-ecological landfill monitoring methods, it is needed for critically defining the condition of landfills and their influence on the environment, quantifying the amount of enzymes and bacteria mainly concerned with biochemical reaction in the landfills. This study was thus conducted to understand the fates of contaminants in association with groundwater quality parameters. For the study, groundwater was seasonally sampled from four closed unsanitary landfills(i.e. Cheonan(C), Wonju(W), Nonsan(N), Pyeongtaek(P) sites) in which microbial diversity was simultaneously obtained by 16S rDNA methods. Subsequently, a number of primer sets were prepared for quantifying the specific gene of representative bacteria and the gene of encoding enzymes dominantly found in the landfills. The relationship between water quality parameters and gene quantification were compared based on correlation factors. Correlation between DSR(Sulfate reduction bacteria) gene and BOD(Biochemical Oxygen Demand) was greater than 0.8 while NSR(Nitrification bacteria-Nitrospira sp.) gene and nitrate were related more than 0.9. A stabilization indicator(BOD/COD) and MTOT(Methane Oxidation bacteria), MCR(Methyl coenzyme M reductase), Dde(Dechloromonas denitrificans) genes were correlated over 0.8, but ferric iron and Fli(Ferribacterium limineticm) gene were at the lowest of 0.7. For MTOT, it was at the highest related at 100% over BOD/COD. In addition, anaerobic genes(i.e., nirS-Nitrite reductase, MCR. Dde, DSR) and DO were also related more than 0.8, which showing anaerobic reactions generally dependant upon DO. As demonstrated in the study, molecular biological investigation and water quality parameters are highly co-linked, so that quantitative real-time PCR could be cooperatively used for assessing landfill stabilization in association with the conventional monitoring parameters.