• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.425-430
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• 2022

A pumped storage power station is an important means to solve the problem of peak load regulation and ensures the safety of power grid operation. The doubly fed variable-speed pumped storage (DFVSPS) system adopts a doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) to replace the synchronous machine used in traditional pumped storage. The stator of DFIM is connected to the power grid, and the three-phase excitation windings are symmetrically distributed on the rotor. Excitation current is supplied by the converter. The active and reactive power of the unit can be quickly adjusted by adjusting the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the rotor-side voltage or current through the converter. Compared with a conventional pumped storage hydropower station (C-PSH), DFVSPS power stations have various operating modes and frequent start-up and shutdown. This study introduces the structure and principle of the DFVSPS unit. Mathematical models of the unit, including a model of DFIM, a model of the pump-turbine, and a model of the converter and its control, are established. Fast power control strategies are proposed for the unit model. A 300 MW model of the DFVSPS unit is established in MATLAB/Simulink, and the response characteristics in generating mode are examined.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.175-183
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• 1993

There are many report suggesting that influx and intracellular calcium concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ are related to cell signalling in various cells. However, it has not been reported that calcium channel activation is affected by the substances involved in signal transduction pathways in the mouse eggs. In this study, the effects of isoprenaline (ISP) and cyclic AMP on calcium influx through calcium channels were investigated to show their relationship with the signal transduction process in unfertilized mouse eggs. Using whole cell voltage clamp techniques, calcium currents, elicited by the depolarizing pulses of 300 ms duration (from -50 mV to 50 mV in 10 mV increments) from a holding potential of -80 mV, were recorded. The current-voltage (I-V) relation of calcium currents was shown to be bell-shaped; the current began to activate at -50 mV and reached its maximum $(-1.33{\pm}0.16\;nA:\;mean{\pm}S.E.,\;n=7)$ at -10 mV, then decayed at around 50 mV. Calcium currents were fully activated within $7\;ms{\sim}20\;ms$ and completely inactivated 200 ms after onset of the step pulse. ISP within the concentration ranges of $10^{-8}\;M{\sim}10^{-4}\;M$ dose-dependently increased the amplitude calcium current. The permeable cyclic AMP analogue,8-bromocyclic AMP, also increased its maximal amplitude by 46ft at $10^{-5}\;M$, while protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), which is known to inhibit 0.02 phosphorylating units of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) per microgram decreased calcium currents. Currents recorded in the presence of PKI were resistant to increase by the application of $10^{-5}\;M$. Also, PKI inhibited the calcium current increase elicited by ISP treatment. These results suggest that $\beta-adrenergic$ regulation of the calcium channel is mediated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This signal transduction pathway might play a role in regulating $[Ca^{2+}]_i$, level due to the increase of calcium influx in mouse eggs.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.13-27
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• 1995

single $K^{+}$ channels of skeletal muscle from the rat and frog were into planar lipid bilayers and their properties were studied. Fusion was induced by an osmotic gradient. Of the four types of $K^{+}$ channels recorded, the two most frequently observed were a voltage and $Ca^{2+}-activated$ $K^{+}$ channel and a $K^{+}$ channel with a prominent conductance substate. The first $K^{+}$ channel was identified as the large $Ca^{2+}-activated$ $K^{+}$ (BK) channel because the open-state probability was increased with depolarization (e-fold change per $10.6{\pm}3.5$ mV, n=8) and internal $Ca^{2+}$ (half-activation at $16.7{\pm}3.8$ mV, n=8, pCa 4) and its conductance was large ($247{\pm}4.9$ pS, n=24 in 0.1 M KCI). Lifetime distributions of open- and closed-states could be fitted with single exponentials of several milliseconds. The mean open- and closed-lifetimes were linearly dependent on the intracellular $[Ca^{2+}]$ and $1/[Ca^{2+}]$, respectively. The second $K^{+}$ channel showed a conductance substate at $30{\sim}60%$ of the open state. Its current-voltage relation was linear in the range of $-80\;{\sim}\;+80\;mV$. The slope conductance of the substate and open-state were 40 and 144 pS in 0.2 M KCl, respectively. The channel was highly selective for $K^{+}$ over Cl. The open-state probability was weakly voltage-dependent (e-fold change per 35 mV. The lifetime distributions of open- and closed-states were fitted with two exponentials and the major gating occurred slowly at several hundred milliseconds. Based on the above results, we think the second type of $K^{+}$ channel is the sarcoplasmic reticulum $K^{+}$ (SRK) channel. In addition, both types of channel were also incorporated into the lipids extracted from the skeletal muscle. The channel properties recorded in the bilayers termed from synthetic and extracted lipids were qualitatively similar. Our data indicate that BK and SRK channels are rich in the skeletal muscle and their properties and regulation could be effectively studied in planar lipid bilayer.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.6247-6253
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• 2015

This paper presents the transient-response improved LDO regulator based on parallel error amplifiers. The proposed LDO regulator consists of an error amplifier (E/A1) which has a high gain and narrow bandwidth and a second amplifier (E/A2) which has low gain and wide bandwidth. These amplifiers are in parallel structure. Also, to improve the transient-response properties and slew-rate, some circuit block is added. Using pole-splitting technique, an external capacitor is reduced in a small on-chip size which is suitable for mobile devices. The proposed LDO has been designed and simulated using a Megna/Hynix $0.18{\mu}m$ CMOS parameters. Chip layout size is $500{\mu}m{\times}150{\mu}m$. Simulation results show 2.5 V output voltage and 100 mA load current in an input condition of 2.7 V ~ 3.3 V. Regulation Characteristic presents voltage variation of 26.1 mV and settling time of 510 ns from 100mA to 0 mA. Also, the proposed circuit has been shown voltage variation of 42.8 mV and settling time of 408 ns from 0 mA to 100 mA.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2002

Cryopreservation is commonly used for an efficient utilization of semen, oocytes and embryos but has disadvantage in the survival, development of the post-thawed eggs. The high risk in the survival, development of eggs after thawing is thought to be caused by inappropriate internal regulation of $Ca^{2+}$ and/or formation of intracellular ice crystals. In this experiment, we tested whether the $Ca^{2+}$ current (iCa), a decisive factor to $Ca^{2+}$ entry, was altered in post-thawed oocytes by using whole cell voltage clamp technique. The quality and survival rates of the oocytes derived from both fresh and frozen groups were examined by morphology and FDA-test. Vitrified oocytes (VOs) were incubated for 4 hr after thawing and then donated to this experiment. Ethyleneglycol-ficoll-galactose (EFG) was used as a cryoprotectant for vitrification. The membrane potential was held at -80 mV and step depolarizations of 250 ms were applied from -50 mV to 50 mV in 10 mV increments. The survival rates showed a higher in VOs vitrified with EFG containing $Ca^{2+}$ than in VOs vitrified with EFG under the $Ca^{2+}$-free condition (82.0% vs 14%). In group with/without $Ca^{2+}$, the survival rates were significantly (P<0.01) difference. In the fresh metaphase II oocytes (FOs), current-voltage (I-V) relationship showed that iCa began to activate at -40 mV and reached its maximum at -10 mV. With same voltage pulses, inward currents were elicited in VOs. I-V relationships observed in VOs were similar to those in FOs. Time constants of activation and inactivation of the inward current shown in VOs were not different to those in FOs. This accordance in I-V relations and time constants in FOs with those in VOs indicates that the inward currents in FOs are unaltered by vitrification and thawing. Therefore, vitrification with EFG does not play as a factor to deteriorate $Ca^{2+}$ entry across the membrane of the oocytes.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2016.11a
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• pp.195-195
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• 2016

Titanium and its alloys are widely used as implants in orthopedics, dentistry and cardiology due to their outstanding properties, such as high strength, high level of hemocompatibility and enhanced biocompatibility. Hence, recent works showed that the synthesis of new Ti-based alloys for implant application involves more biocompatible metallic alloying element, such as, Nb, Hf, Zr and Mo. In particular, Nb and Hf are one of the most effective Ti ${\beta}-stabilizer$ and reducing the elastic modulus. Plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) is known as excellent method in the biocompatibility of biomaterial due to quickly coating time and controlled coating condition. The anodized oxide layer and diameter modulation of Ti alloys can be obtained function of improvement of cell adhesion. Silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) has a beneficial effect on bone. Si in particular has been found to be essential for normal bone and cartilage growth and development. In vitro studies have shown that Mg plays very important roles in essential for normal growth and metabolism of skeletal tissue in vertebrates and can be detected as minor constituents in teeth and bone. The aim of this study is to research Si and Mg doped hydroxyapatite film formation by plasma electrolytic oxidation. Ti-29Nb-xHf (x= 0, 3, 7 and 15wt%, mass fraction) alloys were prepared Ti-29Nb-xHf alloys of containing Hf up from 0 wt% to 15 wt% were melted by using a vacuum furnace. Ti-29Nb-xHf alloys were homogenized for 2 hr at $1050^{\circ}C$. Each alloy was anodized in solution containing typically 0.15 M calcium acetate monohydrate + 0.02 M calcium glycerophosphate at room temperature. A direct current power source was used for the process of anodization. Anodized alloys was prepared using 270V~300V anodization voltage at room. A Si and Mg coating was produced by RF-magnetron sputtering system. RF power of 100W was applied to the target for 1h at room temperature. The microstructure, phase and composition of Si and Mg coated oxide surface of Ti-29Nb-xHf alloys were examined by FE-SEM, EDS, and XRD.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.175-180
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• 2013

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin found in grapes, red wine, and berries. Resveratrol has been known to have many beneficial health effects, such as anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and life-prolonging effects. However, relatively little is known about the effects of resveratrol on the regulation of ligand-gated ion channels. We have previously reported that resveratrol regulates subsets of homomeric ligand-gated ion channels such as those of 5-$HT_{3A}$ receptors. The ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric $acid_C$($GABA_C$) receptor is mainly expressed in retinal bipolar cells and plays an important role in visual processing. In the present study, we examined the effects of resveratrol on the channel activity of homomeric $GABA_C$ receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes injected with cRNA encoding human $GABA_C$ ${\rho}$ subunits. Our data show that the application of GABA elicits an inward peak current ($I_{GABA}$) in oocytes that express the $GABA_C$ receptor. Resveratrol treatment had no effect on oocytes injected with $H_2O$ or with $GABA_C$ receptor cRNA. Co-treatment with resveratrol and GABA inhibited $I_{GABA}$ in oocytes with $GABA_C$ receptors. The inhibition of $I_{GABA}$ by resveratrol was in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner. The $IC_{50}$ of resveratrol was $28.9{\pm}2.8{\mu}M$ in oocytes expressing $GABA_C$ receptor. The inhibition of $I_{GABA}$ by resveratrol was in voltage-independent and non-competitive manner. These results indicate that resveratrol might regulate $GABA_C$ receptor expression and that this regulation might be one of the pharmacological actions of resveratrol on the nervous system.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.42-48
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• 2016

In this paper, a high-precision peak detector circuit that detects the output voltage information of a fly-back converter is proposed. The proposed design consists of basic analog elements with only one operational amplifier and three transistors. Because of its simple structure, the proposed circuit can minimize the delay time of the detection process, which has a strong impact on the precision of the regulation aspect of the fly-back converter. Furthermore, by using an amplifier and several transistors, the proposed detector can be fully integrated on-chip, instead of using discrete circuit elements, such as capacitors and diodes, as in conventional designs, which reduces the production cost of the fly-back converter module. In order to verify the performance of the proposed scheme, the peak detector was simulated and implemented by using a 0.35 m MagnaChip process. The gained results from the simulation with a sinusoidal stimulus signal show a very small detection error in the range of 0.3~3.1%, which is much lower than other reported detecting circuits. The measured results from the fabricated chip confirm the simulation results. As a result, the proposed peak detector is recommended for designs of high-performance fly-back converters in order to improve the poor regulation aspect seen in conventional designs.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.207-213
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• 2007

This study was designed to characterize ureteral smooth muscle motility and also to study the effect of forskolin(FSK) and isoproterenol(ISO) on smooth muscle contractility in murine ureter. High $K^+$(50 mM) produced tonic contraction by $0.17{\pm}0.06mN$(n=19). Neuropeptide and neurotransmitters such as serotonin($5{\mu}M$), histamine($20{\mu}M$), and carbarchol(CCh, $10{\sim}50{\mu}M$) did not produce significant contraction. However, CCh($50{\mu}M$) produced slow phasic contraction in the presence of 25 mM $K^+$. Cyclopiazonic acid(CPA, $10{\mu}M$), SR $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase blocker, produced tonic contraction(0.07 mN). Meanwhile, inhibition of mitochondria by protonophore carbnylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone(CCCP) also produced weak tonic contraction(0.01 mN). The possible involvement of $K^+$ channels was also pursued. Tetraethyl ammonium chloride(TEA, 10 mM), glibenclamide($10{\mu}M$) and quinidine($20{\mu}M$) which are known to block $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channels($K_{Ca}$ channel), ATP-sensitive $K^+$ channels($K_{ATP}$) and nonselective $K^+$ channel, respectively, did not elicit any significant effect. However, $Ba^{2+}$($1{\sim}2mM$), blocker of inward rectifier $K^+$ channels($K_{IR}$ channel), produced phasic contraction in a reversible manner, which was blocked by $1{\mu}M$ nicardipine, a blocker of dehydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels($VDCC_L$) in smooth muscle membrane. This $Ba^{2+}$-induced phasic contraction was significantly enhanced by $10{\mu}M$ cyclopiazonic acid(CPA) in the frequency and amplitude. Finally, regulation of $Ba^{2+}$-induced contraction was studied by FSK and ISO which are known as adenylyl cyclase activator and $\beta$-adrenergic receptor agonist, respectively. These drugs significantly suppressed the frequency and amplitude of $Ba^{2+}$-induced contraction(p<0.05). These results suggest that $Ba^{2+}$ produces phasic contraction in murine ureteral smooth muscle which can be regulated by FSK and $\beta$-adrenergic stimulation.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2020

Saturated fatty acids contribute to β-cell dysfunction in the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cellular responses to lipotoxicity include oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and blockage of autophagy. Palmitate induces ER Ca²⁺ depletion followed by notable store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Subsequent elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ can activate undesirable signaling pathways culminating in cell death. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) is the major route for Ca²⁺ uptake into the matrix and couples metabolism with insulin secretion. However, it has been unclear whether mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake plays a protective role or contributes to lipotoxicity. Here, we observed palmitate upregulated MCU protein expression in a mouse clonal β-cell, MIN6, under normal glucose, but not high glucose medium. Palmitate elevated baseline cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and reduced depolarization-triggered Ca²⁺ influx likely due to the inactivation of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs). Targeted reduction of MCU expression using RNA interference abolished mitochondrial superoxide production but exacerbated palmitate-induced [Ca²⁺]_i overload. Consequently, MCU knockdown aggravated blockage of autophagic degradation. In contrast, co-treatment with verapamil, a VGCC inhibitor, prevented palmitate-induced basal [Ca²⁺]_i elevation and defective [Ca²⁺]_i transients. Extracellular Ca²⁺ chelation as well as VGCC inhibitors effectively rescued autophagy defects and cytotoxicity. These observations suggest enhanced mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake via MCU upregulation is a mechanism by which pancreatic β-cells are able to alleviate cytosolic Ca²⁺ overload and its detrimental consequences.