• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1288-1298
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• 2019

Bacterial ATP synthases drive ATP synthesis by a rotary mechanism, and play a vital role in physiology and cell metabolism. Corynebacterium glutamicum is well known as an industrial workhorse for amino acid production, and its ATP synthase operon contains eight structural genes and two adjacent genes, cg1360 and cg1361. So far, the physiological functions of Cg1360 (GenBank CAF19908) and Cg1361 (GenBank CAF19909) remain unclear. Here, we showed that Cg1360 was a hydrophobic protein with four transmembrane helices (TMHs), while no TMH was found in Cg1361. Deletion of cg1360, but not cg1361, led to significantly reduced cell growth using glucose and acetic acid as carbon sources, reduced F1 portions in the membrane, reduced ATP-driven proton-pumping activity and ATPase activity, suggesting that Cg1360 plays an important role in ATP synthase function. The intracellular ATP concentration in the ${\Delta}cg1360$ mutant was decreased to 72% of the wild type, while the NADH and NADPH levels in the ${\Delta}cg1360$ mutant were increased by 29% and 26%, respectively. However, the ${\Delta}cg1361$ mutant exhibited comparable intracellular ATP, NADH and NADPH levels with the wild-type strain. Moreover, the effect of cg1360 deletion on L-valine production was examined in the L-valine-producing V-10 strain. The final production of L-valine in the $V-10-{\Delta}cg1360$ mutant reached $9.2{\pm}0.3g/l$ in shake flasks, which was 14% higher than that of the V-10 strain. Thus, Cg1360 can be used as an effective engineering target by altering energy metabolism for the enhancement of amino acid production in C. glutamicum.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1522-1542
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• 2019

To adapt to environmental changes and to maintain cellular homeostasis, microorganisms adjust the intracellular concentrations of biochemical compounds, including metal ions; these are essential for the catalytic function of many enzymes in cells, but excessive amounts of essential metals and heavy metals cause cellular damage. Metal-responsive transcriptional regulators play pivotal roles in metal uptake, pumping out, sequestration, and oxidation or reduction to a less toxic status via regulating the expression of the detoxification-related genes. The sensory and regulatory functions of the metalloregulators have made them as attractive biological parts for synthetic biology, and the exceptional sensitivity and selectivity of metalloregulators toward metal ions have been used in heavy metal biosensors to cope with prevalent heavy metal contamination. Due to their importance, substantial efforts have been made to characterize heavy metal-responsive transcriptional regulators and to develop heavy metal-sensing biosensors. In this review, we summarize the biochemical data for the two major metalloregulator families, SmtB/ArsR and MerR, to describe their metal-binding sites, specific chelating chemistry, and conformational changes. Based on our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms, previously developed metal biosensors are examined to point out their limitations, such as high background noise and a lack of well-characterized biological parts. We discuss several strategies to improve the functionality of the metal biosensors, such as reducing the background noise and amplifying the output signal. From the perspective of making heavy metal biosensors, we suggest that the characterization of novel metalloregulators and the fabrication of exquisitely designed genetic circuits will be required.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.437-454
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• 2022

The hydro-mechanical (HM) two-way sequential coupling in the TOUGH2-FLAC3D linking algorithm is validated completely and successfully in both M to H and H to M directions, which are initiated by mechanical surface loading for geomechanical validation and hydrological groundwater pumping for hydrogeological validation, respectively. For such complete and successful validation, a TOUGH2-FLAC3D linked numerical model is developed first by adopting the TOUGH2-FLAC3D linking algorithm, which uses the two-way (fixed-stress split) sequential coupling scheme and the implicit backward time stepping method. Two geomechanical and two hydrogeological validation problems are then simulated using the linked numerical model together with basic validation strategies and prerequisites. The second geomechanical and second hydrogeological validation problems are also associated with the Mandel effect and the Noordbergum and Rhade effects, respectively, which are three phenomenally well-known but numerically challenging HM effects. Finally, sequentially coupled numerical solutions are compared with either analytical solutions (verification) or fully coupled numerical solutions (benchmarking). In all the four validation problems, they show almost perfect to extremely or very good agreement. In addition, the second geomechanical validation problem clearly displays the Mandel effect and suggests a proper or minimum geometrical ratio of the height to the width for the rectangular domain to maximize agreement between the numerical and analytical solutions. In the meantime, the second hydrogeological validation problem clearly displays the Noordbergum and Rhade effects and implies that the HM two-way sequential coupling scheme used in the linked numerical model is as rigorous as the HM two-way full coupling scheme used in a fully coupled numerical model.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1162-1185
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• 2022

Purpose: We examined the effects of Dansam (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, SM) and Dansam-eum (DSE) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reflux esophagitis by comparing the inhibitory effects of SM and DSE with the representative treatment of PPI Omeprazole to determine if the effects of the prescription DSE based on Korean medicine are better than those of a single-use of SM. Methods: We performed experiments using both animal models and cancer cells. Results: Comparison of SM and DSE with PPI in the animal model tests revealed that the effects were superior for SM and DSE than for PPI in all categories (8-OHdG, p-IκB, PAR2, COX-1, cathelicidin, p-JNK, Caspase 3, ATP6V1B1, GRPR, serotonin, and NPY). In three categories (COX-1, serotonin, and NPY), SM and DSE showed superior results over the Controls. In the animal model tests, DSE was superior to SM in all categories except for serotonin. The anti-cancer effects observed in cancer cell tests revealed that SM and DSE had meaningful results in terms of cytotoxicity and cell movement rate, as well as in cancer cell apoptosis. Conclusions: We confirmed that SM and DSE can have effects on reflux esophagitis through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, mucosal protection, apoptosis, proton pumping, and the enteroendocrine system in the stomach and esophagus. We also confirmed that SM and DSE have superior effects to those of PPI on all aspects, especially gastric mucosa protection and enteroendocrine system control. We also confirmed that SM and DSE have anti-cancer effects. Above all, we confirmed that DSE has superior effects on almost all aspects compared to using SM alone.

• Journal of applied mathematics & informatics
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.51-70
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• 2023

The flow of an incompressible Ellis fluid in an inclined asymmetric channel, driven by peristaltic waves was studied under low Reynolds number and long wavelength assumptions. The wave on each side of the channel are assumed to be an infinite train of sinusoidal waves, both having the same constant wave speed and wavelength however, they vary in wave amplitude, channel half width and phase angle. We derived expressions for the axial and transverse velocities, volume flow rate, pressure rise per unit wavelength and streamlines. The effects of varying the wave amplitudes, the phase angle, the channel width, the angle of inclination of the channel as well as the fluid parameters on the flow were analyzed. Trapping conditions were determined and the presence of reflux highlighted using the streamlines for the necessary channel and fluid conditions. By varying the fluid parameters, changes in the fluid that deviated from the Newtonian case resulted in a reduction in the axial velocity in the neighborhood of the center of the channel and a simultaneous increase in the velocity at the periphery of the channel. A nonlinear relation was observed with the pressure rise and the volume flow rate. This nonlinear relation is more pronounced with an increase in the absolute value of the volume flow rate. For Newtonian fluids a linear relation exists between these two variables. The fluid parameters had little effects on the streamlines. However, variations of the wave amplitudes, volume flow, channel width and phase angle had greater effects on the streamlines and hence the trapped region.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2010

Recently interest in subsea tunnels is increasing nationwide and the construction of a subsea tunnel is taking place. For the stability of such a subsea tunnel, grouting is necessary for the water barrier and reinforcement of the tunnel. In this study, therefore, it was investigated how the grouting reinforcement had an effect on the stability of a subsea tunnel located in a great depth. To this end, Hydro-mechanical coupled analyses were performed for a sensitivity analysis in terms of different grouting range, rock class, shotcrete thickness, coefficient of lateral earth pressure, grouting thickness, and pumping existence for the rock classes I, III, and V. FLAC-2D ver. 5.0 was used for the numerical analyses. It was came to the conclusion that the effect of the increased water pressure due to the water barrier of the grouting should be considered as well as the strength improved effect in designing grouting reinforcement of subsea tunnels.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.382-393
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• 2024

The Microplotter system with a fluid dispensing method, sprays fluid based on ultrasonic pumping through piezoelectric devices. This technique can possible for various materials with a wide range of viscosities to be printed in microscale. In this paper, we introduces dispenser printing technology as well as aim to understand and apply various processes using the equipment. In addition, we will explain how to optimize the equipment by adjusting parameters such as spray intensity, tip height during printing, and patterning speed. By utilizing Microplotter's advantage of being compatible with a wide range of fluids, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, DNA, and proteins, it is expected to be used in various fields such as printed electronics, biotechnology, and chemical engineering.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.2029-2038
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• 2024

A deep understanding of the characteristics and mechanism of geyser boiling and capillary pumping is necessary to optimize a high-temperature sodium heat pipe. In this work, the Volume of Fluid (VOF) two-phase model and the capillary force model in the mesh wick were used to model the complex phase change and fluid flow in the heat pipe. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations successfully predicted the process of bubble nucleation, growth, aggregation, and detachment from the wall in the liquid pool of the evaporation section of the heat pipe in horizontal and tilted states, as well as the reflux phenomenon of capillary suction within the wick. The accuracy and stability of the capillary force model within the wick were verified. In addition, the causes of geyser boiling in heat pipes were analyzed by extracting the oscillation distribution of heat pipe wall temperature. The results show that adding the capillary force model within the wick structure can reasonably simulate the liquid backflow phenomenon at the condensation; Under the horizontal and inclined operating conditions of the heat pipe, the phenomenon of local dry-out will occur, resulting in a sharp increase in local temperature. The speed of bubble detachment and the timely reflux of liquid sodium (condensate) replenishment in the wick play a vital role in the geyser temperature oscillation of the tube wall. The numerical simulation method and the results of this study are anticipated to provide a good reference for the investigation of geyser boiling in high-temperature heat pipes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
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• v.3 no.3 s.10
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• pp.151-163
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• 2003

In this study, the algorithm of groundwater flow process was established for koreanized groundwater program development dealing with the geographic and geologic conditions of the aquifer have dynamic behaviour in groundwater flow system. All the input data settings of the 3-DFM model which is developed in this study are organized in Korean, and the model contains help function for each input data. Thus, it is designed to get detailed information about each input parameter when the mouse pointer is placed on the corresponding input parameter. This model also is designed to easily specify the geologic boundary condition for each stratum or initial head data in the work sheet. In addition, this model is designed to display boxes for input parameter writing for each analysis condition so that the setting for each parameter is not so complicated as existing MODFLOW is when steady and unsteady flow analysis are performed as well as the analysis for the characteristics of each stratum. Descriptions for input data are displayed on the right side of the window while the analysis results are displayed on the left side as well as the TXT file for this results is available to see. The model developed in this study is a numerical model using finite differential method, and the applicability of the model was examined by comparing and analyzing observed and simulated groundwater heads computed by the application of real recharge amount and the estimation of parameters. The 3-DFM model is applied in this study to Sehwa-ri, and Songdang-ri area, Jeju, Korea for analysis of groundwater flow system according to pumping, and obtained the results that the observed and computed groundwater head were almost in accordance with each other showing the range of 0.03 - 0.07 error percent. It is analyzed that the groundwater flow distributed evenly from Nopen-orum and Munseogi-orum to Wolang-bong, Yongnuni-orum, and Songja-bong through the computation of equipotentials and velocity vector using the analysis result of simulation which was performed before the pumping started in the study area. These analysis results show the accordance with MODFLOW's.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.33-44
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• 2005

On the basis of a stepwise and careful integration of various field and laboratory methods the analysis of groundwater flow characterization was performed with five boreholes (BH-1, -2, -3, -4, -5) on a pilot site of Natural Forest Park in Guemsan-gun, Chungcheongbook-do, Korea. The regional lineaments of NW-SE are primarily developed on the area, which results in the development of many fractures of NW-SE direction around boreholes made in the test site for the study. A series of surface geological survey, core logging, geophysical logging, tomography, tracer tests, and heat-pulse flowmeter logging were carried out to determine fracture characteristics and fracture connectivity between the boreholes. In the result of fracture connectivity analysis BH-1 the injection well has a poor connectivity with BH-2 and BH-3, whereas a good with BH-4 and BH-5. In order to analyse the hydraulic connectivity between BH-1 and BH-5, in particular, a conspicuous groundwater outflux in the depth of 12 m and influx in the depth of 65 m and 70 m, but partly in/outflux occurred in other depths in BH-5 were observed as pumping from BH-1. On the other hand, when pumping from BH-5 the strong outflux in the depths of 17 m and 70 m was occurred. The spatial connectivity between the boreholes was examined in the depth of 15 m, 67 m, and 71 m in BH-1 as well as in the depth of 15 m, 17 m, 22 m, 72 m, and 83 m in BH-5.