• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.302-306
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• 2009

A trace amount of boron in steel significantly influences its mechanical and physical properties. A prompt gamma ray activation analysis (PGAA) method is used to measure boron in low alloy steel samples of KRISS 101-01-C21~C26. NIST SRMs of 362, 364, 1761 and 1767 serve as the control standards to validate the measurement method. The measured values of the NIST SRMs are consistent with their certified values within the expected uncertainties, except for that of NIST SRM 362. Experimental uncertainties are evaluated according to the guidelines given by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The expanded uncertainties are calculated with a coverage factor of 2, at approximately 95% confidence level. The calculated relative expanded uncertainties of boron mass fractions are between 3% and 7% at the mg/kg level. The results are compared with the results measured by the solvent extraction-inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES) method.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.3
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• pp.221-238
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• 2023

This paper developed and examined a novel passive vibration isolator (i.e., "X-inerter") motivated by combining a bio-inspired structure and a rack-pinion inerter. The bio-inspired structure provided nonlinear stiffness and damping owing to its geometric nonlinearity. In addition, the behavior was further enhanced by a gear inerter that produced a special nonlinear inertia effect; thus, an X-inerter was developed. As a result, the X-inerter can achieve both high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) and quasi-zero stiffness (QZS), obtaining ultra-low frequency isolation. Furthermore, the installed inerter can produce a coupled nonlinear inertia and damping effect, leading to an anti-resonance frequency near the resonance, wide isolation region, and low resonance peak. Both static and dynamic analyses of the proposed isolator were conducted and the structural parameters' influence was comprehensively investigated. The X-inerter was proven to be comparatively more stable in the ultra-low frequency than the benchmarking QZS isolator due to the nonlinear damping and inertia properties. Moreover, the inertia effect could suppress the bio-inspired structure's super- and sub-harmonic resonance. Therefore, the X-inerter isolator generally possesses desirable nonlinear stiffness, nonlinear damping, and unique nonlinear inertia, designed to achieve the ultra-low natural frequency, the anti-resonance property, and a wide isolation region with a low resonance peak.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.56-64
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• 2024

Biased signaling or functional selectivity refers to the ability of an agonist or receptor to selectively activate a subset of transducers such as G protein and arrestin in the case of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Although signaling through arrestin has been reported from various GPCRs, only a few studies have examined side-by-side how it differs from signaling via G protein. In this study, two signaling pathways were compared using dopamine D₂ receptor (D₂R) mutants engineered via the evolutionary tracer method to selectively transduce signals through G protein or arrestin (D₂G and D₂Arr, respectively). D₂G mediated the inhibition of cAMP production and ERK activation in the cytoplasm. D₂Arr, in contrast, mediated receptor endocytosis accompanied by arrestin ubiquitination and ERK activation in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. D₂Arr-mediated ERK activation occurred in a manner dependent on arrestin3 but not arrestin2, accompanied by the nuclear translocation of arrestin3 via importin1. D₂R-mediated ERK activation, which occurred in both the cytosol and nucleus, was limited to the cytosol when cellular arrestin3 was depleted. This finding supports the results obtained with D₂Arr and D₂G. Taken together, these observations indicate that biased signal transduction pathways activate distinct downstream mechanisms and that the subcellular regions in which they occur could be different when the same effectors are involved. These findings broaden our understanding on the relation between biased receptors and the corresponding downstream signaling, which is critical for elucidating the functional roles of biased pathways.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.465-474
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• 2023

The chemical composition and molecular weight characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) exert a profound influence on the efficiency of organic matter removal in water treatment systems, acting as efficiency predictive indicators. This research evaluated the primary chemical and molecular weight properties of DOM derived from diverse sources, including rivers, lakes, and biomasses, and assessed their relationship with the efficiency of coagulation/flocculation treatments. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal efficiency through coagulation/flocculation exhibited significant correlations with DOM's hydrophobic distribution, the ratio of humic-like to protein-like fluorescence, and the molecular weight associated with humic substances (HS). These findings suggest that the DOC removal rate in coagulation/flocculation processes is enhanced by a higher presence of HS in DOM, an increased influence of externally sourced DOM, and more presence of high molecular weight compounds. The results of this study further posit that the efficacy of water treatment processes can be more accurately predicted when considering multiple DOM characteristics rather than relying on a singular trait. Based on major results from this study, a predictive model for DOC removal efficiency by coagulation/flocculation was formulated as: 24.3 - 7.83 × (fluorescence index) + 0.089 × (hydrophilic distribution) + 0.102 × (HS molecular weight). This proposed model, coupled with supplementary monitoring of influent organic matter, has the potential to enhance the design and predictive accuracy for coagulation/flocculation treatments targeting DOC removal in future applications.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.3
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• pp.219-232
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• 2024

In current study, for the first time, Nonlinear Bending of a skew microplate made of a laminated composite strengthened with graphene nanosheets is investigated. A mixture of mechanical and thermal stresses is applied to the plate, and the reaction is analyzed using the First Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT). Since different percentages of graphene sheets are included in the multilayer structure of the composite, the characteristics of the composite are functionally graded throughout its thickness. Halpin-Tsai models are used to characterize mechanical qualities, whereas Schapery models are used to characterize thermal properties. The microplate's non-linear strain is first calculated by calculating the plate shear deformation and using the Green-Lagrange tensor and von Karman assumptions. Then the elements of the Couple and Cauchy stress tensors using the Modified Coupled Stress Theory (MCST) are derived. Next, using the Hamilton Principle, the microplate's governing equations and associated boundary conditions are calculated. The nonlinear differential equations are linearized by utilizing auxiliary variables in the nonlinear solution by applying the Frechet approach. The linearized equations are rectified via an iterative loop to precisely solve the problem. For this, the Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) is utilized, and the outcomes are shown for the basic support boundary condition. To ascertain the maximum values of microplate deflection for a range of circumstances-such as skew angles, volume fractions, configurations, temperatures, and length scales-a parametric analysis is carried out. To shed light on how the microplate behaves in these various circumstances, the resulting results are analyzed.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.12
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• pp.4671-4677
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• 2023

For the first time Pb, Ni, and Cu nanocomposites were synthesized by versatile solution combustion synthesis using Aloevera extract as a reducing agent, to study the potential applications in X-ray/gamma, neutron, and Bremsstrahlung shielding. The synthesized Lead-Nickel-Copper (LNC) nanocomposites were characterized by PXRD, SEM, UV-VIS, and FTIR for the confirmation of successful synthesis. PXRD analysis confirmed the formation of multiphase LNC NCs and the Scherrer equation and the W-H plot gave the average crystal sizes of 19 nm and 17 nm. Surface morphology using SEM and EDX confirmed the presence of LNC NCs. Strong absorption peaks were analyzed by UV visible spectroscopy and the direct energy gap is found to be 3.083 eV. Functional groups present in the LNC NCs were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. X-ray/gamma radiation shielding properties were measured using NaI(Tl) detector coupled with MCA. It is found to be very close to Pb. Neutron shielding parameters were compared with traditional shielding materials and found LNC NCs are better than lead and concrete. Secondary radiation shielding known as Bremsstrahlung shielding characteristics also studied and found that LNC NCs are best in secondary radiation shielding. Hence LNC NCs find shielding applications in ionizing radiation such as X-ray/gamma and neutron radiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.564-572
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• 2015

Nutritional compositions, volatile compounds, and sensory attributes of Cynanchi wilfordii Radix were analyzed in order to examine its practical utilization as a food resource. In the proximate analysis, protein and lipid contents were shown to be 14.6 and 5.0 mg/100 g, respectively, in C. wilfordii Radix. Potassium was the most predominant mineral (809 mg/100 g), as determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in parallel with microwave acid digestion. Total phenolic content was found to be 410 mg/100 g. Further, arginine and linoleic acid were the most abundant amino acid and fatty acid of C. wilfordii Radix, respectively. To examine its functional properties, classical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) analysis was performed. As a result, the concentration of C. wilfordii Radix required to scavenge 50% of DPPH radicals was 1.16 mg of dried material. Lastly, in olfactory and sensory tests, ${\beta}$-eudesmol (woody odor) was the major flavor compound responsible for the bitter taste and sensory attributes of C. wilfordii Radix. Taken altogether, the above results provide important preliminary results for utilization of C. wilfordii Radix as a food resource.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2015.08a
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• pp.64-64
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• 2015

Control of plasma processing methodologies can only occur by obtaining a thorough understanding of the physical and chemical properties of plasmas. However, all plasma processes are currently used in the industry with an incomplete understanding of the coupled chemical and physical properties of the plasma involved. Thus, they are often 'non-predictive' and hence it is not possible to alter the manufacturing process without the risk of considerable product loss. Only a more comprehensive understanding of such processes will allow models of such plasmas to be constructed that in turn can be used to design the next generation of plasma reactors. Developing such models and gaining a detailed understanding of the physical and chemical mechanisms within plasma systems is intricately linked to our knowledge of the key interactions within the plasma and thus the status of the database for characterizing electron, ion and photon interactions with those atomic and molecular species within the plasma and knowledge of both the cross-sections and reaction rates for such collisions, both in the gaseous phase and on the surfaces of the plasma reactor. The compilation of databases required for understanding most plasmas remains inadequate. The spectroscopic database required for monitoring both technological and fusion plasmas and thence deriving fundamental quantities such as chemical composition, neutral, electron and ion temperatures is incomplete with several gaps in our knowledge of many molecular spectra, particularly for radicals and excited (vibrational and electronic) species. However, the compilation of fundamental atomic and molecular data required for such plasma databases is rarely a coherent, planned research program, instead it is a parasitic process. The plasma community is a rapacious user of atomic and molecular data but is increasingly faced with a deficit of data necessary to both interpret observations and build models that can be used to develop the next-generation plasma tools that will continue the scientific and technological progress of the late 20th and early 21st century. It is therefore necessary to both compile and curate the A&M data we do have and thence identify missing data needed by the plasma community (and other user communities). Such data may then be acquired using a mixture of benchmarking experiments and theoretical formalisms. However, equally important is the need for the scientific/technological community to recognize the need to support the value of such databases and the underlying fundamental A&M that populates them. This must be conveyed to funders who are currently attracted to more apparent high-profile projects.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2017

Natural anti-oxidative compounds have important disease prevention and food preservation properties, in addition to anti-bacterial, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and skin whitening effects. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with an ultra vilolet (UV) detector coupled to a reverse phase C18 column and an online measurement system for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, was used to search for potent antioxidative compounds in crude extracts. The online HPLC-DPPH assay was then applied to confirm antioxidative compounds in water extracts from Radix of Pueraria lobata, Rhizoma of Zingiber officinale, Fructus of Chaenomeles sinensis, Cortex of Ulmus pumila, and Radix of Astragalus membranaceus. To determine the yields of the extracts, the Brix% of each extract solution was measured using a refractometer. When the relative DPPH radical scavenging ability values of the water extracts were compared with those of a positive control (ascorbic acid), the water extracts of P. lobata, C. sinensis, and U. pumila were 7.77%, 4.71%, and 4.19%, respectively. The results suggest that this method provides a useful assay for rapid measurement of DPPH radical scavenging abilities and conformation of antioxidative compounds in natural products. Moreover, it can reduce the time spent on the separation of active compounds from natural materials, such as medicinal plants, in addition to the use of reagents for separation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Powder Metallurgy Institute Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.7-7
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• 2001

The increasing interest in light weight materials coupled to the need for cost -effective processing have combined to create a significant opportunity for aluminum P/M. particularly in the automotive industry in order to reduce fuel emissions and improve fuel economy at affordable prices. Additional potential markets for Al PIM parts include hand tools. Where moving parts against gravity represents a challenge; and office machinery, where reciprocating forces are important. Aluminum PIM adds light weight, high compressibility. low sintering temperatures. easy machinability and good corrosion resistance to all advantages of conventional iron bm;ed P/rv1. Current commercial alloys are pre-mixed of either the AI-Si-Mg or AL-Cu-Mg-Si type and contain 1.5% ethylene bis-stearamide as an internal lubricant. The powder is compacted in closed dies at pressure of 200-500Mpa and sintered in nitrogen at temperatures between $580~630^{\circ}C$ in continuous muffle furnace. For some applications no further processing is required. although most applications require one or more secondary operations such as sizing and finishing. These sccondary operations improve the dimension. properties or appearance of the finished part. Aluminum is often considered difficult to sinter because of the presence of a stable surface oxide film. Removal of the oxide in iron and copper based is usually achieved through the use of reducing atmospheres. such as hydrogen or dissociated ammonia. In aluminum. this occurs in the solid st,lte through the partial reduction of the aluminum by magncsium to form spinel. This exposcs the underlying metal and facilitates sintering. It has recently been shown that < 0.2% Mg is all that is required. It is noteworthy that most aluminum pre-mixes contain at least 0.5% Mg. The sintering of aluminum alloys can be further enhanced by selective microalloying. Just 100ppm pf tin chnnges the liquid phase sintering kinetics of the 2xxx alloys to produce a tensile strength of 375Mpa. an increilse of nearly 20% over the unmodified alloy. The ductility is unnffected. A similar but different effect occurs by the addition of 100 ppm of Pb to 7xxx alloys. The lend changes the wetting characteristics of the sintering liquid which serves to increase the tensile strength to 440 Mpa. a 40% increase over unmodified aIloys. Current research is predominantly aimed at the development of metal matrix composites. which have a high specific modulus. good wear resistance and a tailorable coefficient of thermal expnnsion. By controlling particle clustering and by engineering the ceramic/matrix interface in order to enhance sintering. very attractive properties can be achicved in the ns-sintered state. I\t an ils-sintered density ilpproaching 99%. these new experimental alloys hnve a modulus of 130 Gpa and an ultimate tensile strength of 212 Mpa in the T4 temper. In contest. unreinforcecl aluminum has a modulus of just 70 Gpa.