• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.777-784
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• 2013

This study compared the effects of diets consisting of experimental extruded pellets (EP), commercial soft extruded pellets (SEP), and raw-fish-based moist pellets (MP) on the growth, flesh quality, and histology of the Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Three replicated groups of 60 fish each (initial mean weight 152 g) were fed one of two experimental EPs (EP1 and EP2), two commercial SEPs (SEP1 and SEP2), or MP for 11 weeks. The survival, weight gain, and final mean weight of the fish did not differ significantly among the groups. The highest feed efficiency was in fish fed MP (P<0.05), and the protein efficiency ratio of fish fed MP was significantly higher than that of fish fed EP1, EP2, or SEP1, but not significantly different from that of fish fed EP2. The daily feed intake of the fish fed the EPs and SEPs was significantly higher than that of the fish fed MP (P<0.05). The condition factor, Hepatosomatic Index, and Viscerasomatic Index of the fish did not differ significantly among the groups. No notable differences in the textural properties of the dorsal muscle, plasma biochemical parameters, or histological features of the fish were observed in fish fed any diet. This suggests that extruded pellets can be used to feed growing Korean rockfish without compromising growth, flesh quality, or histopathological change in comparison to raw fish-based moist pellets.

• Journal of the Korean Solar Energy Society
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.11-19
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• 2015

In this paper, EP-Kalina cycle applying liquid-vapor ejector and motive pump is newly proposed. In this EP-Kalina cycle, the liquid-vapor ejector is used to increase pressure difference between inlet and outlet of the turbine. Also the motive pump enhances the performance of liquid-vapor ejector, resulting in increase of system efficiency of OTEC cycles. The comparison cycles in this study are basic, Kalina, EKalina and EP-Kalina ones. The pump work, net power, APRe, APRc, TPP and system efficiency of each cycle are compared. In case of net power, EP-Kalina cycle is lowest among the cycles due to the application of the motive pump. But, the net power difference of cycles seems to be minor since the pump work of cycles is merely about 1kW, compared to turbine gross power of 20kW. The system efficiency of EP-Kalina cycle shows 3.22%, relatively 44% higher than that of basic OTEC cycle. Therefore, the system efficiency is increased by applying the liquid-vapor ejector and the motive pump. Additional performance analysis is necessary to optimize the proposed EP-Kalina cycle.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.373-378
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• 2015

Postprandial ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus fed two different feed types, moist pellet (MP) and expanded pellet (EP) diets, to satiation were determined at $12^{\circ}C$, $15^{\circ}C$, $20^{\circ}C$, and $25^{\circ}C$ for 48 h. The ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption rates increased with increasing water temperature. However, the postprandial times for the maximum rates of ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption were shortened from 12 h to 6 h after feeding with increasing water temperature. The ammonia excretion and oxygen consumption rates of the fish fed EP were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those fed MP at 12 h post-feeding both for $12^{\circ}C$ and $15^{\circ}C$. The highest (P < 0.05) weight-specific ammonia excretion rates at $12^{\circ}C$ were observed in the fish fed EP and MP at $12.1mg\;NH_3-N\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$ and $8.7mg\;NH_3-N\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$, respectively, for 12 h and 9 h after feeding. The highest (P < 0.05) weight-specific oxygen consumption rates at $12^{\circ}C$ were observed in fish fed EP and MP at $116.4mg\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$ and $101.0mg\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$, respectively, for 12 h after feeding. The highest ammonia excretion rates at $25^{\circ}C$ in the fish fed EP and MP increased to $16.9mg\;NH_3-N\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$ and $18.3mg\;NH_3-N\;kg^{-1}h^{-1}$, respectively, for 6 h after feeding. The highest (P < 0.05) weight-specific oxygen consumption rates at $25^{\circ}C$ were observed in fish fed EP and MP at $184.3mg\;O_2kg^{-1}h^{-1}$ and $197.3mg\;O_2kg^{-1}h^{-1}$, respectively. These data are valuable for the design of biofilters and development of effluent treatment technologies for the land-based flounder farms.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.7
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

This paper presents the design of a frequency measurement device using ADC, EP2AGX FPGA and STM32 processor to accurately measure the frequency of a broadband high frequency signal. The ADC device used in this paper has a sampling frequency of 250 MSPS and a processing frequency bandwidth of 100 MHz. Due to its high sampling frequency, it is difficult to process in ordinary computers or processors, so we implemented the frequency measurement algorithm using the Altra EP2AGX FPGA. The measured frequency is sent to the direction detection controller in real time and fused with the phase signal to calculate the incident azimuth angle of the high frequency signal. The designed frequency measurement device is about 0.2 Mhz in frequency measurement error and 30% less than Anaren DFD-x, which is considered to contribute greatly to the design of radio monitoring and direction detection device.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.96-106
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• 1997

The clinical validity of a korean EEG and EP mapping system(Neuronics) was evaluated with schizophrenic patients(n=20), normal controls(n=19), and 10 patients with central nervous system disease(8 patients with cerebrovascular accident, 1 patient with brain mass, and 1 patient with periodic paralysis). In the normal control group, the pattern of resting computerized EEG with eyes closed showed normal parieto-occipital dominance of alpha wave. Compared with normal controls, schizophrenic patients had more delta activity in the frontal region, and less alpha activity especially in the parieto-occipital region. In most cases patients with cortical organic lesions(n=5) revealed increased delta and theta activity and decreased alpha activity on the lesion areas. These findings were compatible with their MRI and clinical findings. However in the cases of subcortical lesions(n=5) EEG showed various findings which suggest diverse influences of subcortical abnormalities on cortical activities. The P300 of schizophrenic group was smaller and more delayed than those of normal controls. These results are generally compatible with the previous studies using other EEG and EP mapping systems consequenty and suggest that the this EEG and EP mapping system(Neuronics) has clinical validity.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2024

Objectives: The effectiveness and efficiency of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) relies on how widely it is adopted and adhered to, particularly among high-risk groups of MSM. The meta-analysis aimed to collect and analyze existing evidence on various factors related to PrEP adherence in MSM, including demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, substance use, and psychosocial factors. Methods: The meta-analysis followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search included articles published between January 2018 and December 2022, obtained from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. The studies that were included in the analysis reported the proportion of MSM who demonstrated adherence to PrEP and underwent quality appraisal using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Of the 268 studies initially identified, only 12 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final meta-analysis. The findings indicated that education (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 2.40), number of sexual partners (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.31), engaging in sexual activities with an human immunodeficiency virus-positive partner (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.26), substance use (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99), and lower levels of depression (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.82) were associated with higher rates of PrEP adherence among MSM. Conclusions: Despite these findings, further research is necessary to investigate PrEP adherence more comprehensively. The findings of this meta-analysis can be utilized to inform interventions aimed at improving PrEP adherence among MSM and provide directions for future research in this area.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.532-537
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• 2018

Prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), a major product of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of many solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. Because $PGE_2$ functions by signaling through $PGE_2$ receptors (EPs), which regulate tumor cell growth, invasion, and migration, there has been a growing amount of interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting EPs. In the present study, we investigated the role of EP4 on the effectiveness of cordycepin in inhibiting the migration and invasion of HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. Our data indicate that cordycepin suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-enhanced cell migration and invasion through the inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 as well as the down-regulation of COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production. These events were shown to be associated with the inactivation of EP4 and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, the EP4 antagonist AH23848 prevented LPS-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in HCT116 cells. However, the AMPK inhibitor, compound C, as well as AMPK knockdown via siRNA, attenuated the cordycepin-induced inhibition of EP4 expression. Cordycepin treatment also reduced the activation of CREB. These findings indicate that cordycepin suppresses the migration and invasion of HCT116 cells through modulating EP4 expression and the AMPK-CREB signaling pathway. Therefore, cordycepin has the potential to serve as a potent anti-cancer agent in therapeutic strategies against colorectal cancer metastasis.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2020

Purpose: To compare the polishing characteristics and their influence on Candida albicans adhesion to the recently introduced polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and the conventional polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture resin material. Materials and methods: Specimens from PEKK (Group E) and PMMA (Group M) were made in dimensions of 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. The specimens were further divided into sub-groups according to the extent of polishing (ER, MR: rough; EP, MP: polished, N = 12 each). The specimens were polished using polishing machine and SiC foil. ER and MR group specimens were polished with 600 grit SiC foil only. EP and MP groups were further polished with 800, 1,000, 1,200 grit SiC foils sequentially. To measure the surface roughness values (Sa) of specimens, atomic force microscope (AFM) was used and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation under 1,000, and 20,000 magnifications was performed to investigate surface topography. The polished specimens were soaked in C. albicans suspension for 2 hours with shaking to promote adhesion. The attached C. albicans were detached from the surface with 10 times of pipetting. The suspension of detached C. albicans was performed by serial dilution to 10³ times, and the diluted suspensions were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates using spread plate method. After incubating the plate for 48 hours, colony forming unit (CFU)/plate of C. albicans was counted. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test to confirm significant difference between the groups (α=.05). Results: Average Sa value was significantly higher in MR group compared to other groups (P<.05), meaning that additional polishing steps reduced surface roughness effectively only in the PMMA specimens. There was no significant difference in Sa values between MP and EP groups. In SEM images, PEKK specimens showed numerous spikes of abraded material protruding from the surface and this phenomenon was more significant in EP group. The mean CFU/plate value was the highest in EP group and this was significant when it was compared to MP group (P<.05) which was the lowest. Conclusion: Polishing PEKK using serial SiC abrasive foil may result in higher adhesion of C. albicans. In clinic, this should be considered carefully.

• Nano
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.1850131.1-1850131.19
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• 2018

In this paper, an electrochemical sensor for epinephrine (EP), a neurotransmitter was developed by anchoring molecularly imprinted polymeric matrix (MIP) on the surface of gold-coated quartz crystal electrode of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) using starch nanoparticles (Starch NP) - reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite as polymeric format for the first time. Use of EP in therapeutic treatment requires proper dose and route of administration. Proper follow-up of neurological disorders and timely diagnosis of them has been found to depend on EP level. The MIP sensor was developed by electrodeposition of starch NP-RGO composite on EQCM electrode in presence of template EP. As the imprinted sites are located on the surface, high specific surface area enables good accessibility and high binding affinity to template molecule. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and piezoelectrogravimmetry were used for monitoring binding/release, rebinding of template to imprinted cavities. MIP-coated EQCM electrode were characterized by contact angle measurements, AFM images, piezoelectric responses including viscoelasticity of imprinted films, and other voltammetric measurements including direct (DPV) and indirect (using a redox probe) measurements. Selectivity was assessed by imprinting factor (IF) as high as 3.26 (DPV) and 3.88 (EQCM). Sensor was rigorously checked for selectivity in presence of other structurally close analogues, real matrix (blood plasma), reproducibility, repeatability, etc. Under optimized conditions, the EQCM-MIP sensor showed linear dynamic ranges ($1-10{\mu}M$). The limit of detection 40 ppb (DPV) and 290 ppb (EQCM) was achieved without any cross reactivity and matrix effect indicating high sensitivity and selectivity for EP. Hence, an eco-friendly MIP-sensor with high sensitivity and good selectivity was fabricated which could be applied in "real" matrices in a facile manner.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.296-302
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• 2024

An ionic conjugated polymer-iron (III) chloride composite was prepared via in-situ quaternization polymerization of 2-ethynylpyridine (2EP) using iron (III) chloride. Various instrumental methods revealed that the chemical structure of the resulting conjugated polymer (P2EP)-iron (III) chloride composite has the conjugated backbone system having the designed pyridinium ferric chloride complexes. The polymerization mechanism was assumed to be that the activated triple bond of 2-ethynylpyridinium salt, formed at the first reaction step, is easily susceptible to the step-wise polymerization, followed by the same propagation step that contains the propagating macroanion and monomeric 2-ethynylpyridinium salts. The electro-optical and electrochemical properties of the P2EP-FeCl₃ composite were studied. In the UV-visible spectra of P2EP-FeCl₃ composite, the absorption maximum values were 480 nm and 533 nm, and the PL maximum value was 598 nm. The cyclic voltammograms of the P2EP-FeCl₃ composite exhibited irreversible electrochemical behavior between the oxidation and reduction peaks. The kinetics of the redox process of composites were found to be very close to a diffusion-controlled process from the plot of the oxidation current density versus the scan rate.