• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.492-499
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• 2021

In this study, the benthic environmental and microbial community structure were investigated by mixing granulated coal ash(GCA) and contaminated estuary sediments. Estuary sediments and GCA were mixed in a ratio of 8:2 and allowed to interact for 1 month, then sediment environmental factors were investigated. The pH of the experimental sediment was mixed increased to 11. The concentration of DIP(Dissolved inorganic phosphorus) in the experimental case decreased by 30 % compared to the control case, and this should be due to formation of calcium phosphate through the chemical reaction of DIP and calcium which diluted from GCA. The high abundance of Gammaproteobacteria seen in the experimental sediment compare to the control can af ect the DIP reduction. The DIN(Dissolved inorganic nitrogen) concentration increased over two times in the experimental case than the control, and this should be due to the high pH condition and release of NH₄⁺-N from the GCA. Microorganisms related to nitrogen circulation were not identified in both the control and experimental cases. It was confirmed that the GCA were effective in reducing the DIP concentration in contaminated estuary sediment, and that benthic microbial communities were shown to influenced the phosphorus circulation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.134-148
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• 2021

Background: Lung cancer has a high incidence worldwide, and most lung cancer-associated deaths are attributable to cancer metastasis. Although several medicinal properties of Panax ginseng Meyer have been reported, the effect of ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and self-renewal in A549 cells is relatively unknown. Methods: We treated TGF-β1 or alternatively Rk1 and Rg5 in A549 cells. We used western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), wound healing assay, Matrigel invasion assay, and anoikis assays to determine the effect of Rk1 and Rg5 on TGF-mediated EMT in lung cancer cell. In addition, we performed tumorsphere formation assays and real-time PCR to evaluate the stem-like properties. Results: EMT is induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells causing the development of cancer stem-like features. Expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, decreased and an increase in vimentin expression was noted. Cell mobility, invasiveness, and anoikis resistance were enhanced with TGF-β1 treatment. In addition, the expression of stem cell markers, CD44, and CD133, was also increased. Treatment with Rk1 and Rg5 suppressed EMT by TGF-β1 and the development of stemness in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Rk1 and Rg5 markedly suppressed TGF-β1-induced metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP2/9) activity, and activation of Smad2/3 and nuclear factor kappa B/extra-cellular signal regulated kinases (NF-kB/ERK) pathways in lung cancer cells. Conclusions: Rk1 and Rg5 regulate the EMT inducing TGF-β1 by suppressing the Smad and NF-κB/ERK pathways (non-Smad pathway).

• Clean Technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.286-292
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• 2020

This study confirmed the effect of the Cu/CeO2-X catalyst on the CO oxidation activity at low temperature through the catalyst's structure and reaction characteristics. The catalyst was prepared by the wet impregnation method. Cu/CeO2_X catalysts were manufactured by loading Cu (active metal) using CeO2 (support) formed at different calcination temperatures (300-600 ℃). Manufactured Cu/CeO2_X catalysts were evaluated for the low-temperature activity of carbon monoxide. The Cu/CeO2_300 catalyst showed an activity of 90% at 125 ℃, but the activity gradually decreased as the calcination temperature of the CeO2-X and Cu/CeO2_600 catalysts showed an activity of 65% at 125 ℃. Raman, XRD, H2-TPR, and XPS analysis confirmed the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. Based on the XPS analysis, the lower the calcination temperature of the CeO2 was, the higher the unstable Ce3+ species (non-stoichiometric species) ratio became. The increased Ce3+ species formed a solid solution bond between Cu and CeO2-X, and it was confirmed by the change of the CeO2 peak in Raman analysis and the reduction peak of the solid solution structure in H2-TPR analysis. According to the result, the formation of the solid solution bond between Cu and Ce has been enhanced by the redox properties of the catalysts and by CO oxidation activity at low temperatures.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.19-28
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• 2021

Corrosion is the degradation of metals by reaction with the environment. It is difficult to completely remove. Corrosion proceeds rapidly after the protective barrier is destroyed, and several reactions occur that alter the composition and properties of the metal surface and local environments, such as diffusion of metal cations into the matrix, the formation of oxides, and local pH changes. The study of corrosion of steel and iron is of theoretical and practical interest and is receiving considerable attention. Acid solutions, which are widely used in industrial pickling, acid descaling, cleaning and acidification of oil wells, require the use of corrosion inhibitors to suppress corrosion attacks on metallic materials. Physical removal of rust requires expensive special equipment, and chemical removal of it can cause corrosion or shorten the life of the metal. In this study, an eco-friendly rust cleaner was developed using cosmetics and food materials by applying the concept of perm reducing agent and chelate, and applied to remove rust from industrial and hot water pipes and various industrial devices. As a result, it was found that rust cleaners remove rust more effectively and safely compared to conventional treatment methods. At the same time, the rust removal efficiency was 1.75 to 2.5 times better for industrial piping and 1.56 to 2.2 times better for boiler hot water than conventional methods.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.70-83
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• 2021

The issue of predicting the relationship between humans and AI robots is a 'strong AI' problem. Many experts predict the tragic ending which is a strong AI with superior thinking ability than humans will conquer humans. Due to the expectations of AI robots are projected onto media, the 'morally good AI' that meets human expectations is an important issue. However, the demand for good AI and the realization of perfect technology is not limited to machines. Rather, it appears as a result of putting all responsibility on humans, driving humans into immoral beings and turning them into human and human problems, which is resulting in more alienation and discrimination. As such, the result of technology interacts with the human being used and its properties are determined and developed according to the reaction. This again affects humans. Therefore, AI technology that considers human emotions in consideration of interaction is also important. Therefore, this study will clarify the process that the demand for 'Good AI' in the relationship of AI to humans with Randall Collins' Interaction Ritual Chain. Emotional energy in Interaction Ritual Chain has explained the formation of human bonds. Also, the methodology is a type of thinking experiment and explained through Janet and surrounding characters in the TV show .

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.790-800
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• 2022

Objective : EID3 (EP300-interacting inhibitor of differentiation) was identified as a novel member of EID family and plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer development. However, its role in glioma remained elusive. In current study, we identified EID3 as a novel oncogenic molecule in human glioma and is critical for glioma cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Methods : A total of five patients with glioma were recruited in present study and fresh glioma samples were removed from patients. Four weeks old male non-obese diabetic severe combined immune deficiency (NOD/SCID) mice were used as transplant recipient models. The subcutaneous tumor size was calculated and recorded every week with vernier caliper. EID3 and AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) expression levels were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Colony formation assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays were performed for cell viability assessment. Trypan blue staining approach was applied for cell death assessment. Cell Apoptosis DNA ELISA Detection Kit was used for apoptosis assessment. Results : EID3 was preferentially expressed in glioma tissues/cells, while undetectable in astrocytes, neuronal cells, or normal brain tissues. EID3 knocking down significantly hindered glioma cell proliferation and invasion, as well as induced reduction of cell viability, apoptosis and cell death. EID3 knocking down also greatly inhibited tumor growth in SCID mice. Knocking down of AMPKα1 could effectively rescue glioma cells from apoptosis and cell death caused by EID3 absence, indicating that AMPKα1 acted as a key downstream regulator of EID3 and mediated suppression effects caused by EID3 knocking down inhibition. These findings were confirmed in glioma cells generated patient-derived xenograft models. AMPKα1 protein levels were affected by MG132 treatment in glioma, which suggested EID3 might down regulate AMPKα1 through protein degradation. Conclusion : Collectively, our study demonstrated that EID3 promoted glioma cell proliferation and survival by inhibiting AMPKα1 expression. Targeting EID3 might represent a promising strategy for treating glioma.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.309-314
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• 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) are few nanometer-sized carbon-based nanoparticles and emerging candidate materials in various fields such as biosensors and bioimaging due to their excellent optical properties and high biocompatibility. However, most CDs, emitting blue light, have limited their application in biomedical fields due to the low penetration of short-wavelength lights into the biological system. Therefore, there has been enormous need to develop long-wavelength emitting CDs. In this study, red-emitting CDs were successfully synthesized through the hydrothermal reaction of p-phenylenediamine with hydrochloric acid. In addition, the effect of the amount of hydrochloric acid on the formation of carbon dots, resulting in the variation of the chemical structures of CDs, were investigated, which was confirmed with the intensive structural analyses using infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the chemical structure of CDs governed their optical properties and quantum yield. Therefore, this study provides an insight into the role of acid in forming red-emitting CDs as the optimal probe for biomedical application.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.544-555
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• 2022

Objective: Spermatozoa are produced within the seminiferous tubules after sexual maturity. The expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs in testicular tissues are different at each stage of testicular development and are closely related to formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we set out to study the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs during the different developmental stages of the goat testis. Methods: We constructed 12 RNA libraries using testicular tissues from goats aged 3, 6, and 12 months, and studied the functions of mRNAs and lncRNAs using the gene ontogeny (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) databases. Relationships between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network and protein-protein interaction network (PPI). Finally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) were detected by western blotting. Results: We found 23, 8, and 135 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 161, 12, and 665 differentially expressed mRNAs that were identified between 3 vs 6, 6 vs 12, and 3 vs 12 months, respectively. GO, KEGG, and PPI analyses showed that the differential genes were mainly related to the ECM. Moreover, MMP2 was a hub gene and co-expressed with the lncRNA TCONS-0002139 and TCONS-00093342. The results of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction verification were consistent with those of RNA-seq sequencing. The expression trends of MMP2, IGF2, and IGFBP6 protein were the same as that of mRNA, which all decreased with age. IGF2 and MMP2 were significantly different in the 3 vs 6-month-old group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in sexual maturation of the goat testis.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.273-281
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• 2022

In order to understand the solidification behavior and microstructural evolution of the Al-Cu-Si ternary eutectic alloy system, changes of the microstructure of the Al-Cu-Si ternary eutectic alloy with different cooling rates were investigated. When the mold preheating temperature is 500℃, primary Si and Al2Cu dendrites are observed, with (α-Al+Al2Cu) binary eutectic and needle-shaped Si subsequently observed. In addition, even when the mold preheating temperature is 300℃, primary Si and Al2Cu dendrites can be observed, and both (α-Al+Al2Cu+Si) areas observed and areas not observed earlier appear. When the mold preheating temperature is 150℃, bimodal structures of the binary eutectic (α-Al+Al2Cu) and ternary eutectic (α-Al+Al2Cu+Si) are observed. When the preheating temperature of the mold is changed to 500℃, 300℃, and 150℃, the greatest change is in the Si phase, and upon reaching the critical cooling rate, the ternary eutectic of (α-Al+Al2Cu+Si) forms. If the growth of the Si phase is suppressed upon the formation of (α-Al+Al2Cu+Si), the growth of both Al and Cu is also suppressed by a cooperative growth mechanism. As a result of analyzing the Al-27wt%Cu-5wt%Si ternary eutectic alloy with a different alloy design simulation programs, it was confirmed that different results arose depending on the program. A computer simulation of the alloy design is a useful tool to reduce the trial and error process in alloy design, but this effort must be accompanied by a task that increases reliability and allows a comparison to microstructural results derived through actual casting.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.25-32
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• 2022

To understand the distribution characteristics of PM_2.5 concentration in the Saemangeum Reclamation Area and nearby areas, three points of the background area, the occurrence area, and the affected area were selected and samples were collected for each season. The chemical composition was determined. As a result of analyzing the chemical composition contained in PM_2.5, NO₃^- (7.2 ㎍/m³), SO₄^2- (4.3 ㎍/m³), NH₄+ (4.3 ㎍/m³), OC (2.5 ㎍/m³), Si (1.3 ㎍/m³) m³) and EC (0.5 ㎍/m³) seemed to be the main components, and NO₃-, SO₄^2-, NH₄⁺, which are components that form secondary particles, occupied a large proportion. The composition ratio of PM_2.5 was investigated in the order of ion component (56.8%) > Unknown (27.4%) > carbon component (11.8%) > heavy metal component (4.0%). During the PM_2.5 high concentration case days, the ionic component accounted for 90.7% during atmospheric stagnation cases, whereas the chemical composition ratio was in the order of ionic component (51.7%) > heavy metal component (41.5%) > carbon component (6.8%) during yellow dust cases. It was found that the characteristic of PM_2.5 in the Saemangeum reclaimed land and surrounding areas is mainly influenced by outside (domestic and overseas) throughout the year. Ion components accounted for the largest portion of PM_2.5 components in this area, but there were few sources of SOx and NOx emission in the Seamangeum area, which are precursors for secondary particle formation. Therefore, it is judged that most of these are generated and influenced as a secondary reaction in the atmosphere from the outside.