• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.158-167
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• 2007

In this study, we have cloned a novel cDNA encoding for a papain-family cysteine protease from the Uni-ZAP XR cDNA library of the polychaete, Periserrula leucophryna. This gene was expressed in Escherichia coli using the T7 promoter system, and the protease was characterized after partial purification. First, the partial DNA fragment (498 bp) was amplified from the total RNA via RT-PCR using degenerated primers derived from the conserved region of cysteine protease. The full-length cDNA of cysteine protease (PLCP) was prepared via the screening of the Uni-ZAP XR cDNA library using the $^{32}P-labeled$ partial DNA fragment. As a result, the PLCP gene was determined to consist of a 2591 bp nucleotide sequence (CDS: 173-1024 bp) which encodes for a 283-amino acid polypeptide, which is itself composed of an 59-residue signal sequence, a 6-residue propeptide, a 218-residue mature protein, and a long 3'-noncoding region encompassing 1564 bp. The predicted molecular weights of the preproprotein and the mature protein were calculated as 31.8 kDa and 25 kDa, respectively. The results of sequence analysis and alignment revealed a significant degree of sequence similarity with other eukaryotic cysteine proteases, including the conserved catalytic triad of the $Cys^{90},\;His^{226},\;and\;Asn^{250}$ residues which characterize the C1 family of papain-like cysteine protease. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the novel gene were deposited into the GenBank database under the accession numbers, AY390282 and AAR27011, respectively. The results of Northern blot analysis revealed the 2.5 kb size of the transcript and ubiquitous expression throughout the entirety of the body, head, gut, and skin, which suggested that the PLCP may be grouped within the cathepsin F-like proteases. The region encoding for the mature form of the protease was then subcloned into the pT7-7 expression vector following PCR amplification using the designed primers, including the initiation and termination codons. The recombinant cysteine proteases were generated in a range of 6.3 % to 12.5 % of the total cell proteins in the E. coli BL21(DE3) strain for 8 transformants. The results of SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis indicated that a cysteine protease of approximately 25 kDa (mature form) was generated. The optimal pH and temperature of the enzyme were determined to be approximately 9.5 and $35^{\circ}C$, respectively, thereby indicating that the cysteine protease is a member of the alkaline protease group. The evaluation of substrate specificity indicated that the purified protease was more active towards Arg-X or Lys-X and did not efficiently cleave the substrates with non-polar amino acids at the P1 site. The PLCP evidenced fibrinolytic activity on the plasminogen-free fibrin plate test.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.33 no.6_1
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• pp.901-915
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• 2017

Recently, global climate change has caused a catastrophic event in the Arctic Ocean, directly and indirectly. The air-sea interaction has caused the significant sea-ice reduction in the Arctic Ocean, and has been accelerating the Arctic warming. Many scientists are worried about the Arctic environment change, suggesting that many of anomalous events will produce direct or indirect biophysical effects on the Arctic. The aim of this study is to understand the inter-annual variability of the Arctic Ocean in wide-view using multi-satellite-derived measurements. Sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice concentration (SIC) data were obtained from Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) and ECMWF ERA-Interim, respectively. Chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL) was obtained from Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) and Aqua sensor from MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS-Aqua) sensor which has continuously observed since 1998. From 1998 to 2016 summer in the Arctic Ocean which was defined as regions over $60^{\circ}N$ in this study, there were three consequences that CHL increase ($0.15mg\;m^{-3}\;decade^{-1}$), SST warming ($0.43^{\circ}C\;decade^{-1}$) and SIC decrease ($-5.37%\;decade^{-1}$). While SST and SIC highly correlated each other (r = -0.76), a relationship between CHL and SIC was very low ($r={\pm}0.1$) because of data limitations. And a relationship between CHL and SST shows meaningful results ($r={\pm}0.66$) with regional differences.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.473-483
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• 2011

In the recent WTO/DDA negotiations, discussions are progressing to forbid fishery subsidies which have negative effect on the natural environment and the fishery resources and to lower or to eliminate the tariff/non-tariff barriers that distort trade liberalization. As a result, linking to the weak structural environment of Korea's fishing villages; such a scheme has jeopardized the livelihood of fishermen who settle down in local fishing harbors. Against this backdrop, the government is attempting to positively respond to changes in the fishing environment in a number of different ways: promotion of fishing tourism, fishing harbor reinforcement in function, developing fishing villages, and harbors. With respect to investment by priority in fishing harbor development, it is very important to appropriately select investment targets based on objective criteria. A small number of harbors are chosen and investment plans by harbor are systematically devised, economic feasibility and the effects of investment are analyzed and reviewed in relation to each target harbor. This paper is designed to review and assess objective evaluation methods and the degree of importance for the designation of target harbors, dealing with local harbors in Chung Nam Do as a model. Each local government has tried to reorganize existing harbors and develop new harbors, considering a fall in the number of fishing vessels and the expansion of maritime leisure activities. In order to overcome the limit of existing harbors in function, to raise the income of fishermen, and to activate tourism, they have shifted their focus from simple functions such as vessel evacuation and anchoring to harbor beautification, which can work as a basis for fishing tourism. This paper points out that the AHP analysis method for prioritizing local harbors in Chung Nam Do should help to be chosen target harbors in other cities and provinces. Each local government has attempted to reorganize existing harbors and to develop new harbors, taking into consideration the decline in the number of fishing vessels and the expansion of maritime leisure activities. In order to overcome the limited number of functional harbors, to raise the income of fishermen, and to boost tourism, they have shifted their focus from simple functions, such as vessel evacuation and anchoring, to harbor beautification, which can work as a basis for fishing tourism. This paper shows that the AHP analysis method for prioritizing local harbors in Chungcheongnam-do could aid in the effective selection of target harbors in other cities and provinces.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.435-445
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• 2011

We investigated geochemical properties, and microbial sulfate- and iron(III) reduction in sediment influenced by the aquaculture of abalone in the Nohwa-do, southern coastal sea in Korea. Concentrations of ammonium, phosphate, and sulfide in the pore-water were higher at farm sites than at control sites. The differences between the 2 types of sites were most apparent in terms of the weights of abalone and the temperature increase during September. Accordingly, the rates of sulfate reduction at the farm sites during September (61 mmol S $m^{-2}d{-1}$) were 3-fold higher than the sulfate reduction during May (20 mmol S $m^{-2}d{-1}$). In contrast, Fe(III) reduction rates were highest at the control sites in May, but its significance was relatively decreased at farm sites during September when sulfate reduction rates were highest. During September, benthic ammonium flux was 3-fold greater at the farm sites (35 mmol N $m^{-2}d{-1}$) than at the control sites (12 mmol N $m^{-2}d{-1}$), and phosphate flux was 8-fold higher at the farm sites (0.018 mmol P $m^{-2}d{-1}$) than at control sites (0.003 mmol P $m^{-2}d{-1}$). Overall results indicated that the inappropriate operation of a large-scale aquaculture farm may result in excess input of biodeposits and high nutrient fluxes from the sediment, thereby decreasing diversity of the benthic ecosystem and deepening eutrophication in coastal waters.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.169-182
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• 2007

To evaluate the possibly potent role of Asian Dust (AD) on the long range transport of Hg, statistical analyses were carried out using the hourly concentration data of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg) along with relevant environmental parameters. For the purpose of this study, Hg data were collected from Yang-Jae monitoring station in Seoul, Korea during Sept. 1997 to June 2002. During the study period, Hg concentrations in non-AD period ranged from $0.03\;to\;32.70\;ng\;m^{-3}$ with a mean $5.27{\pm}3.06\;ng\;m^{-3}$, while those in AD period from $1.79\;to\;32.60\;ng\;m^{-3}$ with a mean $5.20{\pm}3.06\;ng\;m^{-3}$. The air quality during AD were typically deteriorated by enhanced PM10 mass concentration (by $2{\sim}5$ times) compared to non-AD period, however comparison of the Hg concentration data indicates that they are not critically distinguished between events of AD and non-AD, except for the high minimum level of Hg during AD. The results of correlation and factor analysis also indicated somewhat complex patterns; in the case of AD events, Hg and $SO_{2}$ were assorted concurrently into a same factor. Evidence collected from this study thus suggests that long-range transport of Hg, if occurring, is unlikely to raise statistically Hg concentration levels such as seen during AD event. However, in nighttime of winter season, Hg concentrations are higher during AD (along with PM10 levels) than non-AD period. Although such observations suggest the effect of long range transport on the enhancement of Hg concentrations, more deliberate analysis may be required to track down the effect of such mechanism in relation with various factors including the air mass transport route.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.17-30
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• 2020

An optical televiewer is a geophysical logging device that produces continuous high-resolution full-azimuth images of a borehole wall using a light-emitting-diode and a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor to provide valuable information on subsurface discontinuities. Recently, borehole imaging logging has been applied in many fields, including ground subsidence monitoring, rock mass integrity evaluation, stress-induced fracture detection, and glacial annual-layer measurements in polar regions. Widely used commercial borehole imaging logging systems typically have limitations depending on equipment specifications, meaning that it is necessary to clearly verify the scope of applications while maintaining appropriate quality control for various borehole conditions. However, it is difficult to directly check the accuracy, implementation, and reliability for outcomes, as images derived from an optical televiewer constitute in situ data. In this study, we designed and constructed a modular fractured borehole model having similar conditions to a borehole environment to report unprecedented results regarding reliable data acquisition and processing. We investigate sonde magnetometer accuracy, color realization, and fracture resolution, and suggest data processing methods to obtain accurate aperture measurements. The experiment involving the fractured borehole model should enhance not only measurement quality but also interpretations of high-resolution and reliable optical imaging logs.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.135-153
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• 2007

Temporal (seasonal) and spatial distributions and variations of various physico-chemical factors (salinity, temperature, pH, DO, COD, SPM, POC, silicate, DIP, DIN) in surface and bottom waters were studied in the coastal environment with typical macro-tidal range and monsoonal weather condition, Gyeonggi Bay, west coast of Korea. Spacial distribution patterns of these factors were generally similar to each other, and appeared to be inversely related to the distribution pattern of salinity, suggesting that water quality of the study area was primarily controlled by the physical mixing process of Han-River freshwater with nearby coastal seawater. During flooding season, silicate- and nitrogen-rich Han River water directly flowed into offshore as far as $20\sim30\;km$ from the river mouth, probably causing serious environmental problems such as eutrophication and unusual and/or noxious algal bloom, etc. Except the surface water during summer flooding season, high concentrations of nutrients appeared generally in dry season, whereas low values in spring, possibly because of the occurrence of spring phytoplankton bloom. On the other hand, nutrient flux through the estuary seems to be primarily depending on river discharge, sewage discharge and agricultural activities, especially during the rainy season. Also, nutrients in this coastal waters are considered to be supplied from the sediments of tidal-flats, which developed extensively around the Han-River mouth, especially during fall and winter of dry and low discharge seasons, possibly due to the stirring of tidal flat sediments with highly enriched pore-water nutrients by storm. And also, COD and DIN concentrations in the study area consistently increased during the last 20 years, probably because of agricultural activities and increasing discharge of industrial and domestic wastes.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.109-119
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• 2001

Meiobenthic community structure of tidal flats near the Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant have studied during summer (June) and fall (October) 1997. Examination of sediment samples collected along the transects showed that there were 18 different types of meiobenthos in the study area. The most abundant meiobenthic animals belonged to Phylum Nematoda in both seasons and all transects. However, sediment samples collected near discharge areas, transects A and B, showed relatively lower abundance than other general coastal areas. Another abundant meiobenthic organism is benthic Harpacticoids which is very sensitive to any environmental changes. Polycheats and Ostracods were next abundant meiobenthos which also showed the difference between the study area and other general coastal areas. Only transect C maintained similar meiobenthic abundance and diversity to other coastal areas. Horizontal distribution for transects A and B showed higher densities in upper and mid tidal flat zones. On the other hand, transect C which is located furtherest from the discharges showed an increasing trend in abundance from upper to lower areas. For size distribution analyses showed that animals which fit into the meshsize of 0.125 mm were abundant, Vertical distribution of meiobenthic animals within the sediments for both sampling seasons showed the highest individual numbers in the surface sediment layers of 0-1 cm depth and showed a decreasing trend as sediment gets deeper. Each class of meiobenthos had different vertical profiles. When comparing survey transects A and B with other similar tidal flat areas, this sites seems to a very unstable environment of tidal flats near the Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.337-350
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• 2010

This study conducted sedimentological and geophysical surveys for 3 years (2006-2008) in southern Gyeonggi Bay, Korea to elucidate temporal changes in subaqueous dune morphology on a sand ridge trending northeast to southwest that has been excavated by marine sand mining. The sand ridge (~20 m in height, ~2 km in width and 3~4 km in length) has a steep slope on the NW side and a gentle slope on the SE side, creating an asymmetric profile. Large (10~100 m in length) and very large (>100 m in length) dunes occurring on the SE side of the ridge show a northeastward asymmetrical shape, whereas dunes on the NW side destroyed by marine sand mining display a southwestward asymmetry. The comparison between Flemming (1988)'s correlation and the height-length correlation of this study indicates that tidal current and availability of sand sediment are major controlling factors to the development and maintenance of dunes. Depth and sedimentary characteristics (grain size) are not likely to be major controlling factors, but indirectly influence dune growth by hydrological and sedimentary processes. The length and the height of dunes decrease toward the southeastern trough away from the crest of the ridge. These features result from the decrease of tidal current and sediment availability. The length and the height of dunes on the southeast side decrease gradually over time. This is a result of the interaction between tidal current and the decrease in sediment availability due to sediment extraction by marine sand mining. Marine sand mining has destroyed the dunes directly, causing irregular shapes of shorter length and lower height. The coarse fraction of suspended sediments is transported and deposited very close to the sand pit. By contrast, relatively fine sediments are transported by the tidal current and deposited over a wide range by the settling-lag effect, resulting in a decrease of sediment grain size in the area where suspended sediments are deposited. In addition, marine sand mining, decreases the height of dunes. Therefore, morphological and sedimentological characteristics of dunes around the sand pits will be significantly changed by future sand mining activities.

• Maritime Security
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.311-343
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• 2020

Because of the global warming, the Arctic Ocean is expected to be ice-free by the year 2035. When the Arctic Ocean will be opened, a number of national interests will become more salient as experiencing a shortened sailing distance and decreasing navigation expense, possibility of natural resources transport by sea from Arctic Circle, and indirect-profit making by building a herb port in Asia. To secure the national interests and support the free activities of people in this region, R.O.K government is trying to make advanced policies. In order to carry out the naval tasks in the Arctic Ocean, using the operational characteristics(mobility, flexibility, sustainability, presence of capabilities, projection) is necessary. To this end, ROK Navy should analyze the operational environment (O.E.) by its capability(weakness and strength), opportunity, and threat. R.O.K. Navy should make an effort over the following issues to implement the tasks in the Arctic Ocean: first, Navy needs to map out her own plan (Roadmap) under the direction of government policies and makes crews participate in the education·training programs in home and abroad for future polar experts. Third, to develop the forces and materials for the tasks in cold, far operations area, Navy should use domestic well-experienced shipbuilding skills and techniques of the fourth industrial revolution. Next, improving the combined operations capabilities and military trust with other countries in the Arctic region to cover the large area with lack of forces' number and to resolve the ports of call issues. Lastly, preparation in advance to execute a variety of missions against military and non-traditional threats such as epidemics, HA/DR, SOLAS, in the future operation area is required.