• Composites Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.7-11
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• 2006

The improved SWNTs/PANi composite actuator films applicable to an artificial muscle were fabricated successfully using a new process of manufacture that consists of 90% pure single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and chemical polymerization. PANi is electrically conducting polyaniline polymer. The conductivities of the composite SWNTs/PANi film-type actuators and the pure PANi films fabricated were measured as 56.15 S/cm and 17.38 S/cm, respectively, by the 4-prove method. The conductivity of the composite actuator is 3.2 times higher than the pure PANi film. The fabricated composite actuator showed higher conductivity than any other similar ones. The quality of samples was investigated by an electron scanning microscope (SEM). To measure the actuating strains, a specially designed beam balance apparatus was developed and strains of the composite actuators was measured by a laser displacement sensor subjected to electric currents. During the operation, the sample was soaked in the $NaNO_3$ solution and the sine-wave voltage in the range of $+1V{\sim}-1V$ was applied. The length of the composite actuator changed from $l_0=12.690$ mm to $l_1=12.733$ so that the change of length was l=0.043 mm and the strain was 0.34 %. This is a very high strain for this kind of a composite actuator. Other result reported by Tahhan showed 0.23 % strain, so that the present result is improved by 48%.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.389-397
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• 2001

Cocaine-amphetamine regulated transcript (CART), a satiety factor regulated by leptin, is associated with food intake and motor behavior. In knock out studies, Leu34Phe mutation of human CART gene resulted in obese phenotype but mice carrying a targeted deletion of the CART gene exhibited no dramatic increase of body weight on normal fat diet. To establish a new transgenic mouse model for determining the function of CART on feeding behavior in vivo, we constructed the fusion gene, CART gene under the control of neurofilament light chain promoter, which regulates gene expression at the stage of neuronal differentiation. Transgenic mice were generated by microinjection method and screened by PCR and Southern blot analyses. In these transgenic mice, overexpression of CART was detected by in situ hybridization in spinal cords and brains at 13.5 days post-coitum embryos. At six weeks of age, RT-PCR analysis showed that exogenous CART mRNA was expressed strongly in brains and spinal cords, but not much in other tissues. Our results suggest that these transgenic mice provide a new model to investigate the function of CART gene in neuronal network associated with feeding behavior.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.538-548
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• 2023

The research has been conducted on the isolation of antimicrobial compounds from plant natural extracts and their potential application in oral health care products. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial mechanism by analyzing the changes in gene expression of Streptococcus mutans, a major oral pathogen, in response to complex compounds extracted from Aralia continentalis and Arctii Semen using organic solvents. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) revealed that both natural extracts commonly upregulated or downregulated the expression of various genes associated with different metabolic and physiological activities. Three genes (SMU_1584c, SMU_2133c, SMU_921), particularly SMU_921 (rcrR), known as a transcription activator of two sugar phosphotransferase systems (PTS) involved in sugar transport and biofilm formation, exhibited consistent high expression levels. Additionally, component analysis of the A. continentalis extract was performed to compare its effects on gene expression changes with the A. Semen extract, and two active compounds were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the active fraction. The n-hexane fraction (ACEH) from the A. continentalis extract exhibited antibacterial specificity against S. mutans, leading to a significant reduction in the viable cell counts of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii among the tested multi-species bacterial communities. These findings suggest the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of the A. continentalis extract and provide essential foundational data for the development of customized antimicrobial materials by elucidating the antibacterial mechanism of the identified active compounds.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 1978

The authors observed the ultrastructure of the mucous glandular epithelial cells in the amphibian skin by mean of electron microscope. The specimens from the experimental animals were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde-oaraformaldehyde fixative in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 prior to fixation in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in graded ethanol and acetone, embedded in Epon 812 mixture, and sectioned with Sorvall MT-2 ultramicrotome. The ultrasections were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and observed with a JEOL-100B electron microscope. The results were as follows: 1. The cutaneous mucous glands in amphibia consisted of the glandular epithelial and the myoepithelial cells. 2. Several different cells in ultrastructure were observed in the mucous glandular epithelium of the adult amphibian skin. a. The dark and the light cells were observed in Hynobius leechi. b. The mitochondria-rich and the round secretory granule-containing cells were observed in Bombina orientalis. c. The round secretory granule-containing and the foam-like granule mass-containing cells were observed in Kaloula tornieri. d. The cutaneous mucous gland of Rana nigromaculata were divided into two types: A and B-type glands. In the A-type mucous gland, the mitochondria-rich and the round secretory granule-containing cells and in the B-type mucous gland, the mitochondria-rich, the secretory granule-containing and the ER-rich cells were observed. 3. Based upon the above findings, the authors infer that the mucous granular epithelium of the amphibian skin consists of the mitochondria-rich undifferentiated, the secetory granule-containing and mature, and the ER-rich evacuated cells.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.6_3
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• pp.1747-1761
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• 2023

Wetlands, defined as lands periodically inundated or exposed during the year, are crucial for sustaining biodiversity and filtering environmental pollutants. The importance of mapping and monitoring their topographical changes is therefore paramount. This study focuses on the topographical variations at the Incheon River estuary wetland post-restoration, noting a lack of adequate prior measurements. Using a multi-temporal Sentinel-1 dataset from October 2014 to March 2023, we mapped long-term variations in water bodies and detected topographical change anomalies using a pixel-frequency approach. Our analysis, based on 196 Sentinel-1 acquisitions from an ascending orbit, revealed significant topography changes. Since 2020, employing the pixel-frequency technique, we observed area increases of +0.0195, 0.0016, 0.0075, and 0.0163 km² in water level sections at depths of 2-3 m, 1-2 m, 0-1 m, and less than 0 m, respectively. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the wetland restoration efforts in the area.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.395-412
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• 2023

The morphology and whole genome sequence of Hyphantria cunea nucleopolyhedrovirus W1 (HycuNPV-W1) isolated in Korea were analyzed for the use as an eco-friendly control agent against H. cunea. The HycuNPV-W1 had irregular tetrahedral polyhedra with a size of 1.5-2.2 ㎛ which is similar to that of previously reported HycuNPV isolated in Korea. As a result of whole viral genome analysis, HycuNPV-W1 was composed of 131,353 bp, which is 1,606 bp shorter than that of the previously reported HycuNPV. The G+C content was 45% and six of the homologous repeated regions were found, so there was no significant difference from the previous report. As a result of ORF analysis, HycuNPV-W1 contains total of 145 ORFs which is three ORFs less than the previous report, while two ORFs were exclusively found in HycuNPV-W1. The functions of these ORFs remains unclear and are not considered to have a significant influence on the characteristics of the HycuNPV. The genome vista analysis showed that the overall sequence identity between HycuNPV-W1 and the previously reported HycuNPV was very high. The whole genome of HycuNPV-W1 analyzed was found to be similar to those of the previously reported HycuNPV, however, it is supposed to be a novel resource in Korea with different isolate.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.273-279
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• 2007

In order to estimate the sedimentation rates of continental shelf and slope of Ulleung Basin in the Southwestern East Sea, $^{210}Pb,\;^{226}Ra\;and\;^{137}Cs$ were simultaneously measured by a well-type high purity germanium(HPGe) gamma detector. $^{137}Cs$ was used to determine whether the sediment were affected by bioturbation or not, and to judge the accuracy of estimated sedimentation rates. The estimated sedimentation rates decreased exponentially from slope to basin - 0.6 cm/yr in the continental shelf, $0.3{\sim}0.4$ cm/yr in the slope, and below 0.2 cm/yr in the margin of Ulleung basin. From our and other research results, we suggest followings about sediment transport of the study area. The sediment particles were transported by coastal current from south to north through the Korea Straight. And much of them were accumulated in the shelf area. And then, the rest of sediment particles were deposited in the lower slope and the southwest margin of the basin. Also the excess $^{210}Pb$ profiles indicate that the depositional processes in the study area may have been very complicate.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-22
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• 2024

A fishway is an artificial waterway or device used to resolve difficulties in the movement of fish in a river. Most existing fishways are made of concrete and emit toxic substances, which has a negative impact on the river environment. Accordingly, there is a need to develop fishway construction technology that is eco-friendly and can increase movement efficiency. The technology presented in this study is an integrated porous structure that combines the aggregate with a biopolymer material extracted from castor oil, a non-toxic material. It is a fishway construction technology using eco-friendly materials that can allow vegetation to grow on the surface. In this study, an eco-friendly fishway mixed with biopolymer and aggregate was built on a real scale and the fish movement efficiency was tested and analyzed. As a result of the experiment, a total of 201 fish of 14 species were released with tags inserted, and the detection rate of released fish was confirmed to be 82.6% on average. A total of 40 fish of 6 species were transported upstream through the fishway, and the average passage rate was confirmed to be 21.7%. As a result of checking the circadian migration pattern, it was found that all fish mainly migrate during the day. It was confirmed that there was no significant functional difference between a fishway using biopolymer and a concrete fishway. It is believed that a fishway using biopolymer can be used as a replacement for a concrete fishway.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.21-32
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• 2023

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a pivotal role in predicting the potential environmental impacts of proposed developments and planning appropriate mitigation measures to minimize effects on species. However, as concerns over biodiversity loss rise, there's ongoing debate about the efficacy of these mitigation plans. In this study, we utilized data from EIAs and post-environmental impact surveys to understand the trends in biodiversity during construction and operation phases. By examining 30 urban development projects, we categorized species richness indices of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles into pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction operational stages. The biodiversity trends were analyzed based on the rate of change in these indices. The results revealed three distinct biodiversity change patterns: (A) An initial increase in biodiversity indices post-development, followed by a gradual decline over time; (B) a sustained increase in biodiversity as a result of mitigation measures; and (C) a continuous decline in biodiversity post-development. Furthermore, all species exhibited a higher rate of biodiversity decline during the construction phase compared to the operational phase, with mammals showing the most significant rate of change. Notably, the biodiversity change rate during operation was generally lower than during construction. In particular, mammals seemed to be most influenced by mitigation measures, displaying the smallest rate of change. This study provides empirical evidence on the efficacy of mitigation measures and deliberates on ways to enhance their effectiveness in minimizing the adverse impacts of urban development on biodiversity. These findings can serve as foundational data for addressing terrestrial biodiversity reduction.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-222
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• 2024

The Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used for underground tunnel construction for its advantages, such as eliminating the need for additional facilities compared to the slurry shield TBM, which requires Slurry Treatment Plant (STP). During EPB shield TBM excavation, a soil conditioning technique is employed to enhance the physical properties of the excavated soil by injecting additives, thus broadening the range of applicable ground conditions to EPB shield TBMs. This study explored the use of xanthan gum, a type of biopolymer, as an alternative to the commonly used polymer additive. Biopolymers, derived from biological sources, are fully biodegradable. In contrast to traditional polymers such as polyacrylic acid, which contain environmentally harmful components, xanthan gum is gaining attention as an eco-friendly material due to its minimal toxicity and environmental impact. Test conditions with similar workability were established through slump tests, and the rheological characteristics were assessed using a laboratory pressurized vane shear test apparatus. The experiments demonstrated that, despite exhibiting similar workability, the peak strength in the flow curve decreased with increasing the content of xanthan gum. Consequently, a correlation between the xanthan gum content and peak strength was established. Replacing the traditional polymers with xanthan gum could enable stable EPB shield TBM operation by reducing equipment load, in addition to offering environmental benefits.