• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.544-550
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• 2013

This work investigated the environmental application of an underwater dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor consisting of a porous hydrophobic ceramic tube to the decolorization of an azo dyeing wastewater. The reactive species generated by the plasma are mostly short-lived, which also need to be transferred to the wastewater right after the formation. Moreover, the gas-liquid interfacial area should be as large as possible to increase the decolorization rate. The arrangement of the present wastewater treatment system capable of immediately dispersing the plasmatic gas as tiny bubbles makes it possible to effectively decolorize the dyeing wastewater alongside consuming less amount of electrical energy. The effect of discharge power, gas flow rate, dissolved anion and initial dye concentration on the decolorization was examined with dry air for the creation of plasma and amaranth as an azo dye. At a gas flow rate of $1.5Lmin^{-1}$, the good contact between the plasmatic gas and the wastewater was achieved, resulting in rapid decolorization. For an initial dye concentration of $40.2{\mu}molL^{-1}$ (volume : 0.8 L; discharge power : 3.37 W), it took about 25 min to attain a decolorization efficiency of above 99%. Besides, the decolorization rate increased with decreasing the initial dye concentration or increasing the discharge power. The presence of chlorine anion appeared to slightly enhance the decolorization rate, whereas the effect of dissolved nitrate anion was negligible.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.319-332
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• 2004

Due to their high strength to weight ratios and excellent durability, fiber reinforced polymer(FRP) is widely used in construction industries. In this paper, a shape optimum design of FRP bridge decks haying pultruded cellular cross-section is presented. In the problem formulation, an objective function is selected to minimize the volumes. The cross-sectional dimensions and material properties of the deck of FRP bridges are used as the design variables. On the other hand, deflection limits in the design code, material failure criteria, buckling load, minimum height, and stress are selected as the design constraints to enhance the structural performance of FRP decks. In order to efficiently treat the optimization process, the cross-sectional shape of bridge decks is assumed to be a tube shape. The optimization process utilizes an improved Genetic Algorithms incorporating indexing technique. For the structural analysis using a three-dimensional finite element, a commercial package(ABAQUS) is used. Using a computer program coded for this study, an example problem is solved and the results are presented with sensitivity analysis. The bridge consists of a deck width of 12.14m and is supported by five 40m long steel girders spaced at 2.5m. The bridge is designed to carry a standard DB-24 truck loading according to the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges in Korea. Based on the optimum design, viable cross-sectional dimensions for FRP decks, suitable for pultrusion process are proposed.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.544-551
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• 2014

This paper suggests an algorithm to measure low-level radiation by radiation measuring devices, and the other algorithm to improve reaction speed of the device to better respond to dramatic changes in radiation amount. The former algorithm to improve the accuracy of measuring low-level radiation takes advantage of a dual window radiation measurement method which is based on accumulated average of pulses gathered by a radiation measuring sensor. The latter algorithm is to enhance reaction speed of a measuring device to more sensitively react to dramatic changes in radiation amount by adopting a dual window radiation measurement method which analyzes data patterns newly put into for six seconds. To verify the suggested algorithms, a hardware-which consists of sensor and high-voltage generator, controller, charger and power supply circuit, wireless communication part, and display part-was used. Tests conducted on the dual window radiation measurement method as used in the suggested algorithm have proved that accuracy improves to measure low-level radiation of 5uSv/h, and linearity also gets better. Other tests were conducted to see whether the suggested algorithm enhances the reaction speed of a radiation measuring device so that the device responds better to dramatically changing radiation amount. The experimental results have shown meaningful changes in numbers after six seconds. Therefore, the conclusions are made that the algorithm enhances the reaction speed of the device.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.12-17
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• 2015

The core of the CNG fueling station is the compressor and most of CNG compressors in Korea require lubrication. Lubrication oil of CNG compressor that can be transferred into the pressure regulators and the engines of fueling system can cause a negative effect on NGV(Nature Gas Vehicle) performance during refueling due to oil Carry-over. In order to avoid the problem, it is necessary to enhance the quality of the compressed natural gas by measuring quantitatively the amount of the transferred oil. In this research, a sampling device and sampling tube were developed, which can be used with a gravimetric method of detection to measure CNG oil Carry-over. In addition, CNG samples were taken at 6 pre-selected CNG fueling stations and analysed for their trace oil Carry-over. The measured total oil Carry-over ranged from 2.569 to 6.509 ppm. This test measurements were compared with those of previous studies to verify the results.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.426-437
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• 2005

Statement of problem : Although zirconium oxide ceramics are more and more commonly used in restorative dentistry, for many clinical applications only limited data can be found in the literature. However it is quite clear that hydrofluoric acid etching is impossible with zirconia ceramics. Therefore, other bonding techniques are required in order to lute these materials adhesively. Purpose : The purpose or this study was to evaluate the effects of surface treatments on shear bond strengths between two resin cements and a zirconia ceramic. Materials and methods : Experimental industrially manufactured yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia ceramic discs (Adens, Korea) were used for this study. The ceramic specimens divided into five experimental groups and a control group (as received). Five surface treatments were studied 1) sandblasting with 110$\mu$m $Al_2O_3$ at 3 bars pressure 13 seconds at a distance of 10 mm, 2) flame-treated with the Silano-Pen for 5 $s/cm^3$, 3) grinding with a diamond bur. 4) sandblasting + Silano-Pen treatment, 5) diamond bur preparation + Silano-Pen treatment. Acrylic plastic tube (5 mm in height and 3 mm in diameter) were filled with composite to fabricate composite cylinders The composite cylinders were bonded to the ceramic specimens with either Superbond C&B or Panavia F resin luting agents. All cemented specimens were tested under shear loading until fracture on universal testing machine at a crosshead speed 1mm/min; the maximum load at fracture was recorded. Sheat bond strength data were analyzed with oneway analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests (P<.05). Treated ceramic surfaces and fracture surfaces after shear testing were examined morphologically using scanning electron microscope. Results: Ceramic surface treatment with Silano-Pen after sandblasting improved the bond strength of Superbond C&B resin cement. Supevbond C& B resin cement at Silano-Pen aiker sandblasting($27.4{\pm}3.8MPa$) showed statistically higher shear bond strength than the others. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, Superbond C& &B resin cement are suitable for cementation of zirconia ceramics and flame-treated with the Silano-Pen after sandblasting is required to enhance the bond strength.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.501-513
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• 2004

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of etching time on shear bond strength of four resin cements to IPS Empress 2 ceramic. Material and Methods: Forty rectangular shape ceramic specimens ($10{\times}15{\times}3.5mm$ size) were used for this study. The ceramic specimens divided into four groups and were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 0, 10, 30, 60, 180, 300, 420, 600, and 900 seconds respectively. Etched surfaces of ceramic specimens were coated with ceramic adhesive system and bonded with four resin cement (Variolink II, Panavia F, Panavia 21, Super-Bond C&B) using acrylic glass tube. All cemented specimens were tested under shear loading untill fracture on universal testing machine at a crosshead speed 1mm/min: the maximum load at fracture (kg) was recored. Shear bond strengh data were analyzed with oneway analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests (p<.05). Etched ceramic surfaces (0-, 60-, 300-, and 600-seconds etching period) and fracture surfaces after shear testing were examined mophologically using scanning electron microscopy. Results : Ceramic surface treatment with 10% hydrofluoric acid improved the bond strength of three resin cement except for Super-Bond C&B cement. Variolink II (41.0$\pm$2.4 MPa) resin cement at 300-seconds etching time showed statistically higher shear bond strength than the other resin cements (Panavia F: 28.3$\pm$2.3 MPa, Panavia 21: 21.5$\pm$2.2 MPa, Super-Bond C&B: 16.7$\pm$1.6 MPa). Ceramic surface etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 300 seconds showed more retentive surface texture. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, Variolink II resin cement are suitable for cementation of Empress 2 all-ceramic restorations and etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 180 to 300 seconds is required to enhance the bond strength.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.1367-1375
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• 2016

Cilostazol is known to be a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III and is generally used to treat stroke. Our previous findings showed that cilostazol enhanced capillary density through angiogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia. Angiogenesis is an important physiological process for promoting revascularization to overcome tissue ischemia. It is a multistep process consisting of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubular structure formation. Here, we examined the modulatory effect of cilostazol at each step of the angiogenic mechanism by using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). We found that cilostazol increased the migration of HBMECs in a dose-dependent manner. However, it did not enhance HBMEC proliferation and capillary-like tube formation. We used a cDNA microarray to analyze the mechanisms of cilostazol in cell migration. We picked five candidate genes that were potentially related to cell migration, and we confirmed the gene expression levels by real-time PCR. The genes phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ${\beta}$ ($C/EBP{\beta}$) were up-regulated. The genes tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2), retinoic acid receptor responder 1 (RARRES1), and RARRES3 were down-regulated. Our observations suggest that cilostazol can promote angiogenesis by promoting endothelial migration. Understanding the cilostazol-modulated regulatory mechanisms in brain endothelial cells may help stimulate blood vessel formation for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.55-60
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• 2005

The evaluation of neutron flux distribution was performed for the ex-core detector design of SMART-P. DORT and MCNP code were used for the calculation of energy-dependent neutron flux distribution at 100% full power condition. Two code results show that maximum thermal flux appears at the $1^{st}$ water region in IST region and agree within 10% difference. In addition, another evaluation was performed code with assumptions that cote was composed of fission source and control rod without fuel assemblies. These assumptions make neutron count rate to be minimized. As a results, maximum thermal flux showed $6.99{\times}10^{-2}(n/cm^2-sec)$, when the strength of initial fission source was assumed as $1.0{\times}10^8(n/sec)$. The main reason of these results is due to the thermalization of fast neutrons in the water region and thermal flux is proportional to 80% of total neutron flux. Therefore, optimization of filler material of detector guide tube, position of installation and axial length of detector segments is necessary for the design of ex-core detector to enhance the neutron count rate and above results could be used in ex-core detector design as a fluence requirement.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.678-699
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• 2015

Although the harsh space environment imposes many severe challenges to space pioneers, space exploration is a realistic and profitable goal for long-term humanity survival. One of the viable and promising options to overcome the harsh environment of space is nuclear propulsion. Particularly, the Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) is a leading candidate for nearterm human missions to Mars and beyond due to its relatively high thrust and efficiency. Traditional NTR designs use typically high power reactors with fast or epithermal neutron spectrums to simplify core design and to maximize thrust. In parallel there are a series of new NTR designs with lower thrust and higher efficiency, designed to enhance mission versatility and safety through the use of redundant engines (when used in a clustered engine arrangement) for future commercialization. This paper proposes a new NTR design of the second design philosophy, Korea Advanced NUclear Thermal Engine Rocket (KANUTER), for future space applications. The KANUTER consists of an Extremely High Temperature Gas cooled Reactor (EHTGR) utilizing hydrogen propellant, a propulsion system, and an optional electricity generation system to provide propulsion as well as electricity generation. The innovatively small engine has the characteristics of high efficiency, being compact and lightweight, and bimodal capability. The notable characteristics result from the moderated EHTGR design, uniquely utilizing the integrated fuel element with an ultra heat-resistant carbide fuel, an efficient metal hydride moderator, protectively cooling channels and an individual pressure tube in an all-in-one package. The EHTGR can be bimodally operated in a propulsion mode of $100MW_{th}$ and an electricity generation mode of $100MW_{th}$, equipped with a dynamic energy conversion system. To investigate the design features of the new reactor and to estimate referential engine performance, a preliminary design study in terms of neutronics and thermohydraulics was carried out. The result indicates that the innovative design has great potential for high propellant efficiency and thrust-to-weight of engine ratio, compared with the existing NTR designs. However, the build-up of fission products in fuel has a significant impact on the bimodal operation of the moderated reactor such as xenon-induced dead time. This issue can be overcome by building in excess reactivity and control margin for the reactor design.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.582-590
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• 2018

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) play a pivotal role in vascular regeneration in ischemic tissues; however, their therapeutic application in clinical settings is limited due to the low quality and quantity of patient-derived circulating EPCs. To solve this problem, we evaluated whether three priming small molecules (tauroursodeoxycholic acid, fucoidan, and oleuropein) could enhance the angiogenic potential of EPCs. Such enhancement would promote the cellular bioactivities and help to develop functionally improved EPC therapeutics for ischemic diseases by accelerating the priming effect of the defined physiological molecules. We found that preconditioning of each of the three small molecules significantly induced the differentiation potential of $CD34^+$ stem cells into EPC lineage cells. Notably, long-term priming of OECs with the three chemical cocktail (OEC-3C) increased the proliferation potential of EPCs via ERK activation. The migration, invasion, and tube-forming capacities were also significantly enhanced in OEC-3Cs compared with unprimed OECs. Further, the cell survival ratio was dramatically increased in OEC-3Cs against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress via the augmented expression of Bcl-2, a pro-survival protein. In conclusion, we identified three small molecules for enhancing the bioactivities of ex vivo-expanded OECs for vascular repair. Long-term 3C priming might be a promising methodology for EPC-based therapy against ischemic diseases.