• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.190-195
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• 2011

To investigate the photon-trapping effect and scattering layer effect of $TiO_2$ multi-layer in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and the degree of recombination of electrons at the electrode treated $TiCl_4$, we formed electrodes of different conditions and obtained the most optimal electrode conditions. To estimate characteristics of the cell, IV curve, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) were measured. As a result, we confirmed that the multi-layer's efficiency was higher than that of monolayer in the IV curve and the performance of $TiCl_4$ treated electrode was increased according to decreasing the impedance of EIS. Among several conditions, the efficiency of the cell with scattering layer is higher than that of a layer with the base electrode about 19%. Because the light scattering layer enhances the efficiency of the transmission wavelength and has long electron transfer path. Therefore, the value of the short circuit current increases approximately 10% and IPCE in the maximum peak also increases about 12%.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.1579-1589
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to generate single stranded DNA oligonucleotides with selective affinity to bovine spermatozoa, assess its binding potential and explore its potential utility in trapping spermatozoa from suspensions. Methods: A combinatorial library of 94 mer long oligonucleotide was used for systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) with bovine spermatozoa. The amplicons from sixth and seventh rounds of SELEX were sequenced, and the reads were clustered employing cluster database at high identity with tolerance (CD-HIT) and FASTAptamer. The enriched nucleotides were predicted for secondary structures by Mfold, motifs by Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation and 5' labelled with biotin/6-FAM to determine the binding potential and binding pattern. Results: We generated 14.1 and 17.7 million reads from sixth and seventh rounds of SELEX respectively to bovine spermatozoa. The CD-HIT clustered 78,098 and 21,196 reads in the top ten clusters and FASTAptamer identified 2,195 and 4,405 unique sequences in the top three clusters from the sixth and seventh rounds, respectively. The identified oligonucleotides formed secondary structures with delta G values between -1.17 to -26.18 kcal/mol indicating varied stability. Confocal imaging with the oligonucleotides from the seventh round revealed different patterns of binding to bovine spermatozoa (fluorescence of the whole head, spot of fluorescence in head and mid- piece and tail). Use of a 5'-biotin tagged oligonucleotide from the sixth round at 100 pmol with 4×10⁶ spermatozoa could trap almost 80% from the suspension. Conclusion: The binding patterns and ability of the identified oligonucleotides confirms successful optimization of the SELEX process and generation of aptamers to bovine spermatozoa. These oligonucleotides provide a quick approach for selective capture of spermatozoa from complex samples. Future SELEX rounds with X- or Y- enriched sperm suspension will be used to generate oligonucleotides that bind to spermatozoa of a specific sex type.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.256-266
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• 2022

It is important to determine the concentration of long-lived radionuclides (e.g., ¹²⁹I) in nuclear waste to ensure safety when handling it. To analyze nuclides in a solid sample (e.g., concrete and soil), it is essential to effectively separate and purify the nuclides of interest in the sample. This study reports the comprehensive efforts made to validate the analytical procedure for ¹²⁹I detection in solid samples, using a high-temperature combustion furnace. ¹²⁹I volatilized from the sample collected in 0.01 M HNO₃ solution with a reducing agent (e.g., NaHSO₃) and was rapidly measured by ICP-MS. Analytical conditions, such as pyrolysis temperature and types of mobile phase gas, catalyst, and trapping solution, were optimized to obtain a high recovery rate of spiked ¹²⁹I. Finally, the optimized method was applied for the simultaneous analysis of other volatile radionuclides, such as ³H and ¹⁴C. The performance test results for the optimized method confirmed that the LSC (for ³H and ¹⁴C) and ICP-MS (for ¹²⁹I) measurements, with the separation of volatile nuclides using a high-temperature combustion furnace, were reliable.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.395-406
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• 2009

The determination of iodine in the spent nuclear fuel and the volatile behavior during its acid dissolution have been studied by NAA(neutron activation analysis) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Simulated spent fuels (SIMFUELs) were dissolved in $HNO_3$(1+1) at $90^{\circ}C$ for 8 hours. The iodine remained in a dissolver solution after dissolution, and that condensed in dissolution apparatus and trapped in the adsorbent by volatilization during the dissolution were determined, respectively. The condensed iodine was recovered by the redistillation with $HNO_3$(1+1) after transfer of the dissolver solution. The iodines in the dissolver and redistilled solution were separated by solvent extraction followed by ion exchange or precipitation method and determined by RNAA (radiochemical neutron activation analysis). The ion exchange column and filtration kit used for the isolation of iodine, which were prepared with a polyethylene tube, were used as an insert in the pneumatic tube for neutron irradiation. The iodine volatilized during the dissolution of SIMFUELs was collected in a trapping tube containing Ag-silica gel (Ag-impregnated silica gel) adsorbent, and the distribution of iodine trapped in the adsorbents were determined by EPMA. The adsorbing characteristics shown with the SIMFUELs were compared with those shown with a real spent fuel from the nuclear power plant.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1B
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• pp.89-100
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• 2010

The performance evaluation of a conventional Wave Resonator at the entrance of harbors against solitary wave has been performed using 3D numerical wave flume. A wave resonator has been designed for the attenuation of the transmitted wave energy by trapping the short periodic incident waves only. In this study, however, the controlled performance of the wave resonator by its various widths has been numerically investigated for solitary waves. Source distribution method based on the Green function and the 3D one-field Model for immiscible TWO-Phase flows (TWOPM-3D) using 3D numerical wave flume were used for the short-periodic waves and the solitary waves, respectively, and these models were verified through the comparisons with the previous experimental and numerical results by other researchers. It was confirmed that the wave resonator is effective enough to control the solitary waves as well as the periodic waves when it compares with the case of no resonance system. Further, it was found that there is the optimal width of a wave resonator to attenuate the target solitary waves.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.227-243
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• 2023

The Asiatic pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker, 1856) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest that attacks rice stems. In this study, we estimated the annual generation of insect in several regions of the Republic of Korea. Adult trapping using a sex pheromone trap detected the occurrence of S. inferens adults in the three northernmost areas around 38° latitude and showed that the insect inhabits all of Korea. In most areas investigated, the seasons of the adult generations estimated using the single-sine degree-day model did not deviate from the corresponding observed seasons of adult occurrence. We estimated that the overwintering larvae hypothetically-estimated using the model could be originated from the last generation of adults. When larvae collected in paddy fields during the autumn season in a few middle and southern areas were reared at 25℃, ca. 70% of pupae did not show additional larval molting before their pupation. All larvae collected in early March in a southern area (Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do) pupated without additional larval molting when reared at 25℃. Based on these results, we presumed that S. inferens could overwinter as mainly the last instar larval stage in the area. Taken together, we conclude that S. inferens primarily has two generations per year in areas around 38° latitude, and three generations in the areas between 35.3° and 37.3° latitude. In addition, approximately 35% of insects captured by the sex pheromone trap were species other than S. inferens, as determined by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene. These species were not morphologically misidentified as S. inferens.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.55-65
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• 2024

This study aimed to figure out diel activity patterns of water deer and wild boar, whose habitat is disturbed by human activity in a suburban area. Photographic data of water deer and wild boar collected by 18 camera traps from January 2021 to November 2022 was categorized into four diel periods (dawn, day, dusk, and night), and converted into frequencies per 100 CTD (Camera Trap-Days) for seasonal and spatial diel activity pattern analysis. Water deer exhibited intense nocturnality in fall, and wild boar did in fall and winter. During the fall, water deer's night-time capture rate was the highest (61.9%), and day-time photographic rate was the lowest (13.9%) among other seasons. During the fall and winter, wild boar's night-time photographic rate was relatively high (77.6%, 78.0%, respectively), and day-time photographic rate was relatively low (0.7%, 1.8%) in comparison with other seasons. In spatial diel activity analysis, both water deer and wild boar showed a tendency to avoid humans, especially near trails during day-time hours. The day-time photographic rate of water deer in trail-near group was 12.1% and trail-far group was 24.6%. The day-time photographic rate of wild boar was 3.4%, 5.7%, respectively. Because the diel activity patterns of wildlife reflect human disturbance, this study provides useful ecological information for developing appropriate management plans for the coexistence of water deer and wild boar in suburban areas.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.683-692
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• 2019

Objective: We aimed to evaluate correlations between computed tomography (CT) parameters and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters according to disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to determine whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices. Materials and Methods: A total of 370 patients with COPD were grouped based on disease severity according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I-IV criteria. Emphysema index (EI), air-trapping index, and airway parameters such as the square root of wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (Pi10) were measured using automatic segmentation software. Clinical characteristics including PFT results and quantitative CT parameters according to GOLD criteria were compared using ANOVA. The correlations between CT parameters and PFT indices, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and FEV₁, were assessed. To evaluate whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices, multiple linear regression analyses were performed for all patients, Group 1 (GOLD I and II), and Group 2 (GOLD III and IV). Results: Pulmonary function deteriorated with increase in disease severity according to the GOLD criteria (p < 0.001). Parenchymal attenuation parameters were significantly worse in patients with higher GOLD stages (P < 0.001), and Pi10 was highest for patients with GOLD III (4.41 ± 0.94 mm). Airway parameters were nonlinearly correlated with PFT results, and Pi10 demonstrated mild correlation with FEV1/FVC in patients with GOLD II and III (r = 0.16, p = 0.06 and r = 0.21, p = 0.04, respectively). Parenchymal attenuation parameters, airway parameters, EI, and Pi10 were identified as predictors of FEV₁/FVC for the entire study sample and for Group 1 (R² = 0.38 and 0.22, respectively; p < 0.001). However, only parenchymal attenuation parameter, EI, was identified as a predictor of FEV₁/FVC for Group 2 (R² = 0.37, p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for FEV₁. Conclusion: Airway and parenchymal attenuation parameters are independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with mild COPD, whereas parenchymal attenuation parameters are dominant independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with severe COPD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1051-1062
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• 1997

Background : In asthma, airway obstruction is usually reversible, either spontaneously or with treatment. However, the responses to treatment are variable and some patients show an irreversible component of airflow obstruction. This may be associated with structural changes in the airway. To assess the relationship between the difference in airway reversibility and structural changes, we evaluated the HRCT findings and pulmonary function test. Methods : We studied 40 asthmatic subjects who had had acute exacerbation of symptoms and had showed normal chest X-ray findings. They had monitered PEFR daily, and had performed PFT and HRCT within three days after initiation of treatment. According to serial PEFR, they were grouped into 3 categories (Group 0 ; initial PEFR was within normal limit, Group 1 ; revealed increment of 30% in PEFR within 3 days after initiation of treatment, Group 2 ; revealed within 2 weeks) and then grouped again into 4 (Group 0, Group 3 ; reached to normal value of PEFR within 3 days after initiation of treatment, Group 4 ; within 2 weeks, Group 5 ; not within 2 weeks). Results : (1) Age in Group 0 was significantly lower than other groups(p<0.05), but there was no significance in other groups. (2) Duration of asthma in Group 2 was significantly longer than Group 0, 1(p<0.05). (3) FVC(%) and FEV1(%) were significantly decreased with delayed response to the treatment (p<0.05). (4) $FEV_1$/FVC(%) in Group 1, 2 were significantly lower than Group 0(p<0.05). $FEV_1$/FVC(%) in Group 5 was significantly lower than Group 0,3,4 (p<0.05). (5) Air trapping was increased significantly with delayed response to the treatment (p<0.05). (6) Mucus impaction in Group 0 was significantly larger than Group 1,2 (p<0.05). $FEV_1$/FVC(%) in Group 0,4,5 were significantly larger than Group 3 (p<0.05). Conclusion : Difference in reversibility of airway obstruction was associated with age, duration of asthma and severity of initial airflow obstruction There was no definite difference in HRCT findings in asthma.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.321-326
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• 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate antihyperglycemic effect of Gleditschiae Spina (GS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats supplemented with acarbose (AC, 4 mg/kg), and with GS ethanol extracts (GSE, 50 mg/kg). Weekly fasting blood glucose (FBG) for 10 weeks and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 10th week were monitored using glucose oxidase-peroxidase reactive strips. The FBG level was significantly reduced in AC group after 8 weeks and in GSE group at the end of period. The AUCs for the glucose response from OGTT and blood glucose level after sacrifice were significantly lower in the AC and GSE groups than the DC group. GSE supplementation significantly increased plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) in STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats, compared with DC group. The present study indicates that GSE could ameliorate type 2 diabetes and be comparable to acarbose, a standard hypoglycemic drug. Also, we suggest that GSE may possess antioxidant activity against the STZ-NA-induced oxidative stress.