• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.307-313
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• 1997

he photoconductive gain mechanism in amorphus silicon devices was investigated in connection with applications to radiation detection. Various device types such as p-i-n, n-i-n and i-i-p-i-n structures were fabricated and tested. Photoconductive gain was measured in two time scales : one for short pulses of visible light(<$1{\mu}sec$) which simulate the transit of energetic charged particles or ${\gamma}$-rays, and the other for rather long pulses of light(1msec) which simulate x-ray exposure in medical imaging, We used two definitions of phtoconductive gain : current gain and charge gain which is an integration of the current gain. We obtained typical charge gains of 3~9 for short pulses and a few hundreds for long pulses at a dark current density level of 10mA/$cm^2$. Various gain results are discussed in terms of the device structure, applied bias and dark current density.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.31.3-31.3
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• 2018

On August 17th 2017, for the first time in the history, the gravitational wave (GW) detectors recorded signals coming from the merger of two neutron stars. This event was named as GW170817, and more interestingly, gamma-ray emission was detected 2 seconds after the gravitational wave signal, and 11 hours later, telescopes in Chile identified that the GW signal came from the NGC 4993 galaxy at the distance of about 40 Mpc. This is again the first time that electromagnetic (EM) signals are detected for a GW source. The follow-up observations by astronomers all around the world, including our group in Korea, successfully identified the optical emission as the kilonova, the elusive optical/NIR counterpart that has been proposed to originate from a neutron star merger. This whole event started the new era of astronomy, so-called the "multi-messenger astronomy", where the combined information from GW and EM radiation reveals an unprecedented view of the universe. In this talk, I summarize this exciting event, and describe the efforts by Korean astronomers that have led to important discoveries about the kilonova and the host galaxy properties, and finally provide the future prospects.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.3808-3815
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• 2021

In this paper, the EPICS2017 photoatomic database was used to evaluate the photon mass attenuation coefficients and buildup factors of soils collected at different depths in the Philippine islands. The extraction and interpolation of the library was accomplished at the recommended linear-linear scales to obtain the incoherent and total cross section and mass attenuation coefficient. The buildup factors were evaluated using the G-P fitting method in ANSI/ANS-6.4.3. An agreement was achieved between XCOM, MCNP5, and EPICS2017 for the calculated mass attenuation coefficient values. The buildup factors were reported at several penetration depths within the standard energy grid. The highest values of both buildup factor classifications were found in the energy range between 100 and 400 keV where incoherent scattering interaction probabilities are predominant, and least at the region of predominant photoionization events. The buildup factors were examined as a function of different soil silica contents. The soil samples with larger silica concentrations were found to have higher buildup factor values and hence lower shielding characteristics, while conversely, those with the least silica contents have increased shielding characteristics brought by the increased proportions of the abundant heavier oxides.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.363-367
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• 1992

The crystal structure of (1,3,6,9,11,14-hexaazatricycol[12.2.1.$1^{6,9}$]octadecane)copper(Ⅱ) perchlorate, Cu($C_{12}H_{26}N_6$)$(ClO_4)_2$, has been determined by the X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal data are as follows: Mr=516.9, triclinic, ${\alpha}=8.572\;(2)$, b=8.499 (3), c=15.204 (3) ${\AA}$, ${\alpha}=80.42\;(5),\;{\beta}=73.57\;(3),\;{\gamma}=69.82\;(4)^{\circ},\;V=994.2\;{\AA}^3,\;D_C=1.726\;gcm^{-3}$, space group $P{\tilde{1}},\;Z=2,\;{\mu}=21.27\;cm^{-1}&, F(000)=534 and T=297 K. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares methods to and R value of 0.081 for 1608 observed reflections measured with graphite-mono-chromated Mo Ka radiation on a diffractometer. There are two independent complexes in the unit cell. The two copper ions lie at the special positions (1/2, 0, 0) and (0, 1/2, 1/2)and each complex possesses crystallographic center of symmetry. Each Cu ion is coordinated to four nitrogen donors if the hexaazamacrotricyclic ligand and weakly interacts with two oxygen atoms of the perchlorate ions to form a tetragonally distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The Cu_N (sec), Cu_N(tert) and Cu_O coordination distances are 1.985 (14), 2.055 (14) and 2.757 (13) ${\AA}$ for the complex A and 1.996 (10), 2.040 (11) and 2.660 (13) ${\AA}$ for the complex B, respectively. The macrocycles in the two independent cations assume a similar conformation with the average r.m.s. deviation of 0.073 ${\AA}$. Two 1,3-diazacyclopentane ring moieties of the hexaazamacrotricyclic ligand are placed oppositely and almost perpendicularly to the square coordination plane of the ruffled 14-membered macrocycle. The secondary N atoms are hydrogen-bonded to the perchlorate O atoms with distances of 3.017 (23) and 3.025 (19) ${\AA}$ for the complexes A and B, respectively.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.2230-2243
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• 2022

The tin tailing processing industry in Malaysia has operated with minimal regard and awareness for material management and working environment safety, impacting the environment and workers in aspects of radiation and heavy metal exposure. RIA was conducted where environmental samples were analyzed, revealing concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K between the range of 0.1-10.0, 0.0-25.7, and 0.1-5.8 Bq/g respectively, resulting in the AED exceeding UNCEAR recommended value and regulation limit enforced by AELB (1 mSv/y). Ra_eq calculated indicates that samples collected pose a significant threat to human health from gamma-ray exposure. Assessment of heavy metal content via pollution indices of soil and sediment showed significant contamination and enrichment from processing activities conducted. As and Fe were two of the highest metals exposed both via soil ingestion with an average of 4.6 × 10^-3 mg/kg-day and 1.4 × 10^-4 mg/kg-day, and dermal contact with an average of 5.6 × 10^-4 mg/kg-day and 6.0 × 10^-4. mg/kg-day respectively. Exposure via accidental ingestion of soil and sediment could potentially cause adverse non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effect towards workers in the industry. Correlation analysis indicates the presence of a relationship between the concentration of NORM and trace elements.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.2802-2811
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• 2023

In a first-of-its-kind study, terrestrial radionuclide concentrations were measured in 35 topsoil samples from the outskirts of Dhaka using HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the radiological consequences of such a vast number of brick kilns on the plant workers, general as well as dwelling environment. The range of activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K is found at 19 ± 3.04 to 38 ± 4.94, 39 ± 5.85 to 57 ± 7.41, and (430 ± 51.60 to 570 ± 68.40) Bq/kg, respectively. ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K concentrations were higher than the global averages. Bottom ash deposition in lowlands, fly ash buildup in soils, and the fallout of micro-particles are all probable causes of the elevated radioactivity levels. ¹³⁷Cs was found in the sample, which indicates the migration of ¹³⁷Cs from nuclear accidents or nuclear fallout, or the contamination of feed coal. Although the effective dose received by the general public was below the recommended dose limit but, most estimates of hazard parameters surpass their respective population weighted global averages, indicating that brick kiln workers and nearby residents are not safe due to prolonged exposures to terrestrial radiation. In addition, the soil around sampling sites is found to be unsuitable for agricultural purposes.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.2050-2056
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• 2024

Handling of radioisotopes may cause external and internal contamination to occupational workers while using radiation for medical purposes. This research aims to monitor the internal hazard of occupational workers who handle ¹³¹I. Two methods are used: in vivo or direct method and in vitro or indirect method. The in vivo or direct method was performed by assessing thyroid intake with a thyroid uptake monitoring machine. The in vitro or indirect method was performed by assessing urine samples with the help of a gamma-ray spectroscopy practice using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector. In this study, fifty-nine thyroid counts and fifty-nine urine samples were collected from seven occupational workers who were in charge of ¹³¹I at the National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (NINMAS), Dhaka. The result showed that the average annual effective dose of seven workforces from thyroid counts were 0.0208 mSv/y, 0.0180 mSv/y, 0.0135 mSv/y, 0.0169 m Sv/y, 0.0072 mSv/y, 0.0181 mSv/y, 0.0164 mSv/y and in urine samples 0.0832 mSv/y, 0.0770 mSv/y, 0.0732 mSv/y, 0.0693 mSv/y, 0.0715 mSv/y, 0.0662 mSv/y, 0.0708 mSv/y.The total annual effective dose (in vivo and in vitro method) was found among seven workers in average 0.1039 mSv/y, 0.0950 mSv/y, 0.0868 mSv/y, 0.0862 mSv/y, 0.0787 mSv/y, 0.0843 mSv/y, 0.0872 mSv/y. Following the rules of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the annual limit of effective dose for occupational exposure is 20 mSv per year and the finding values from this research work are lesser than this safety boundary.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.4141-4148
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• 2024

The study focused on syenogranite and its altered variety, and specifically monitored the activities of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy. Syenogranites in the study area in Egypt were investigated to determine their potential use in industries such as ornamental stones and ceramics. The main outcrops in the study area consist of metasediments, metavolcanics, metagabbro, syn-to late-orogenic granites, and post-orogenic granites (syenogranites). There are also numerous dikes and veins of various shapes and compositions that have intruded and penetrated all the older rocks in the area. The mean activity (± standard deviation, SD) of these radioelements in the granites is ²²⁶Ra (63 ± 71 Bq kg^-1), ²³²Th (76 ± 170 Bq kg^-1), and ⁴⁰K (1248 ± 532 Bq kg^-1) were found to be greater than the world average. The radiological hazards are mostly attributed to the γ-rays emitted by granitic rocks. The granites studied in this study deviate from international standards mainly due to the presence of minerals containing radioelements such as zircon, allanite, monazite, sphene titanite, apatite, thorite, samarskite, fergusonite, xenotime, columbite, apatite and fluorite. As a result, granitic rocks are unsuitable for home building.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.450-461
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• 2001

Background : The underlying pathogenesis of radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RTLF) has not been very well defined. However, the role of TGF-$\beta$ in the generation of RTLF has been a major focus because there is an increase in the expression of both the TGF-${\beta}m$-RNA and its protein preceding RTLF lesions. The down stream signal after a TGF-$\beta$ stimulated lung fibrosis includes the activation of many mediators such as Smad and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) through TAK1. It is we hypothesized that JNK activation may play a pivotal role in RTLF pathogenesis through increased transcription of the fibrogenic cytokines. The present study evaluates JNK activity in alveolar macrophages after irradiation and the relationship between JNK activity and the amount of collagen in the lung tissues. Methods : C57BL/6 mice(20-25 gr, males) received chlorotetracycline(2g/L) in their drinking water 1 week prior to irradiation and continuously there after. The mice were irradiated once with 1400 cGy of $60CO{\gamma}$-ray over the whole chest. The cellular composition of the whole lung bronchoalveoalr lavage fluids(BALF), elastin expression in the lung tissues, the level of hydroxyproline in lung tissues, and an in vitro JNK assay was measured before irradiation and one, four, and eight weeks after irradiation (RT). Results : The volumes of BALF retrieved from instilled 4 mL of saline with 2% heparin were 3.7-3.8 mL for each group. The cell numbers were similar before($4.1{\times}10^4{\pm}0.5{\times}10^4/mL$) and 1 week($3.1{\times}10^4{\pm}0.5{\times}10^4/mL$) after RT. At four and eight weeks after RT, the cell number reached to $14.0{\times}10^4{\pm}1.5{\times}10^4mL$ and $10.0{\times}10^4{\pm}1.3{\times}10^4/mL$, respectively. There we no changes in the lymphocytes and neutrophils population observed in the BALF after RT. The H-E stain of the lung tissues did not show any structural and fibrotic change in the lung tissues at 4 and 8 weeks after RT. In addition, the amount of elastin and collagen were not different on Verhoeff staining of the lung tissues before RT to eight weeks after RT. The hydroxyproine content was measured with the left lung dissected from the left main bronchus. The lung were homogenized and hydrolyzed with 6 N Hel for 12 hours at $110^{\circ}C$ then measured as previously described. The content of hydroxyproline, standardized with a lung protein concentration, reached a peak 4 weeks after RT, and thereafter showed a plateau. AnIn vitro JNK assay using c-$Jun_{1-79}$-GST sepharose beads were performed with the alveolar macrophages obtained from the BAL. JNK activity was not detected prior to RT, However, the JNK activity increased from one week after RT and reached a peak four weeks after RT. Conclusion : JNK may be involved in the pathogenesis because the JNK activity showed similar pattern observed with the hydroxyproine content. However, it is necessary to clarify that the JNK increases the transcription of fibrogenic cyiokines through the transcription factor.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.38 no.11
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• pp.827-832
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• 1994

The crystal structure of bis(N-methylphenazinium) bis(oxalato)palladate(II) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: ((C_{13}H_{11}N_2)_2[Pd(C_2O_4)_2]) $M_w$ = 672.93, Triclinic, Space Group P1 (No = 2), a = 7.616(8), b = 9.842(3), c = $20.335(7)\AA$, $\alpha$ = 103.53(3), $\beta$ = 90.00(5), $\gamma$ = $112.38(5)^{\circ}$, Z = 2, $V = 1363(2){\AA}^3\;D_c = 1.639\;gcm^{-3},\;{\mu} = 7.3\;cm^{-1},\;F(000) = 680.0$. The intensity data were collected with $Mo-K\alpha$ radiation (${\lambda}$= 0.7107\;\AA)$ on an automatic four-circle diffractometer with a graphite monochromater. The structure was solved by Patterson method and refined by full matrix least-square methods using Killean & Lawrence weights. The final R and S values were $R = 0.069,\;R_w = 0.050,\;R_{all} = 0.069$ and S = 5.45 for 3120 observed reflections. Both cation and anion complexes are essentially planar and have dihedral angles of 6.3(6) and $57.06(6)^{\circ}$ between their planes. The planar complex anions are sandwiched between slightly bent cations. The interplanar separations of two triads are 3.328 and 3.463 $\AA$, respectively. The triads are stacked along b-axis, but their orientations are different based on dihedral angle $59.08(9)^{\circ}$ of two complex anions.