• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2008

In this study, plasma processing of metal surface is experimentally investigated to enhance the surface decontamination efficiency and to find out the reaction mechanism. Cobalt, the major contaminant in the nuclear facilities, and three fluorine-containing gases, $CF_4/O_2$, $SF_6/O_2$, and $NF_3$ are chosen for the investigation. Thin metallic disk specimens are prepared and their surface etching reactions with the three plasma gases are examined. Results show that the maximum etching rate of $17.2\;{\mu}m/min.$ is obtained with NF3 gas at $420^{\circ}C$, while with $CF_4/O_2$, $SF_6/O_2$ gas plasmas those of $2.56\;{\mu}m/min.$ and $1.14\;{\mu}m/min.$ are obtained, respectively. Along with etching experiments, constituent elements of the reaction products are identified to be cobalt, oxygen, and fluorine by AES (Auger Electron Spectroscopy) analysis. It turns out that the oxygen atoms are physically adsorbed ones to the surface from the ambient not participation ones during the analysis after reaction, which supports that the surface reaction of cobalt is mainly to be a fluorination reaction.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.155-169
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• 2007

A transport container for a 500 kCi tritium storage vessel was developed, which could be used for the transport of metal tritide from Wolsong TRF facility to a disposal site. The structural, thermal, shielding, and confinement analyses were performed for the container in a view of Type B. As a result of structural analysis, the developed container sustained its integrity under normal and accidental conditions. The maximum temperature increase of the inner storage vessel by radiation was evaluated at $134.8^{\circ}C at room temperature. In $800^{\circ}C$ fire test, The thermal barrier of container sustained the inner vessel at $405^{\circ}C after 30 min, which temperature was allowable for the container integrity since maximum design temperature of inner vessel was $550^{\circ}C. In the evaluation of the shielding, the activity of radiation was nearly zero on the outer surface of inner vessel. Consequently the transport container for a 500 kCi tritium was evaluated to pass all the safety tests including accidental condition, so it was concluded that the designed transport container is proper to be used.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.347-357
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• 2018

The applicability of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([$C_nmim$] [$Tf_2N$]), was investigated for the extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) from nitric acid using n-octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutyl carbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) and tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) as extractants. The distribution ratios of Am(III) and Eu(III) in CMPO-TBP/[$C_nmim$][$Tf_2N$] were measured as a function of various parameters such as the concentrations of nitric acid, CMPO, and TBP. The results were compared with those obtained in CMPO-TBP/n-dodecane (n-DD). With comparable concentrations of the extractants, the distribution ratios obtained with RTILs were much higher than those obtained with n-DD. It was observed that the extraction efficiency was less for Eu(III) than for Am(III). The extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) decreased with increases in the feed acidity for all three RTILs. The results suggest that the extraction of Am(III) and Eu(III) by CMPO in RTILs from nitric acid proceeds through the cation-exchange mechanism. The distribution ratios of Am(III) and Eu(III) increased with increases in the concentration of CMPO for all three RTILs. A linear regression analysis of the extraction data resulted in a straight line with a slope of about 3, suggesting the involvement of 3 molecules of CMPO during the extraction process.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.432-441
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• 2001

An automated on-line portable preconcentration-short column gas chromatograph was developed, which used preconcentrator using adsorption tube with Tenax-GR and Curie-point heating. The developed system operated with 3 steps of processing, preconcentration, thermal desorption, and analysis and cleaning, and could continued operating within 1~2 min cycle. The recoveries of preconcentrator for toluene was ranged between $94.7{\pm}6.6%$ and $103.8{\pm}3.1%$ with less than 7% of RSD. For benzene, toluene and xylene(BTX) standard gas test, IDL was 41, 49, $472ng/m^3$ benzene, toluene and o-xylene, respectively. The BTX mixture was analyzed within 30 sec with baseline separation by the system equipped with 4 m long capillary column. The deficiency of separation power caused by short column was solved by the control of sample injection volume and inlet/outlet pressure ratio. The automated portable preconcentration-short column gas chromatograph system was found to be useful for the continuous air monitoring of BTX at ppb levels in ambient air.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.161-167
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• 2001

Objective: Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factors known to be secreted in murine and human reproductive tract. The development of human, bovine and murine embryos could be promoted by addition of GM-CSF in culture medium. However, the pregnancy and implantation rate of embryos cultured in GM-CSF have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of GM-CSF in embryo development, pregnancy and implantation rate. Methods: A total of 191 IVF cycles were divided into control and GM-CSF supplement group (control=96, GM-CSF=95). The embryos were cultured for three day with or without 2 ng/ml of recombinant human GM-CSF. The quality of embryo, developmental velocity, pregnancy and implantation rates were compared. Results: There was no difference in age, number of gonadotropin ampules used, number of oocytes and fertilization. The number of ICSI cycle was higher in GM-CSF group. In GM-CSF group, G-1 grade embryos were the highest in proportion (56.4%), while G-2 grade embryos were highest (44.3%) in control group. The developmental velocity of embryos were not different between GM-CSF and control group. The pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly higher in GM-CSF group than control (47.4% vs. 33.3%, 17.0% vs. 11.1% respectively). Conclusion: By adding GM-CSF in culture medium, the quality of embryo, pregnancy and implantation rate could be improved.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 1989

Some infertile patients who need IVF-ET for conception have small ovarian cysts diagnosed in pelvic ultrasonography. It is well known that it is impossible or very difficult to perform controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH) for such patients because of the poor ovarian response or the possibility of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS). To remove or to decrease the size of ovarian cysts, estrogen and progesterone (E-P) therapy with oral contraceptives for 2 cycles and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts using transvaginal ultrasonography were performed in 36 IVF-cancelled infertile patients with ovarian cysts from February to October, 1988 at Seoul National University Hospital. Thirty-nine ovarian cysts($32.8{\pm}9.6$mm in mean diameter) were treated with E-P therapy, and their size decreased to $28.2{\pm}11.0mm$ after 1 cycle and significantly to $24.8{\pm}14.7mm$ after 2 cycles. After E-P therapy for 2 cycles, 7(17.9%) ovarian cysts disappeared in ultrasonography, 9(23.1%) decreased in size significantly, 18(46.2%) had no change in size and 5(12.8%) increased in size. Thirty-two ovarian cysts($30.2{\pm}9.7mm$) in 30 patients were aspirated transvaginally, and there was no significant decrease in size after follow-up transvaginal ultrasonography($27.8{\pm}12.5mm$). After transvaginal aspiration, 3(9.4%) ovarian cysts disappeared and 28(87.5%) had no change in size. The mean amount of the transvaginally aspirated cystic fluids was $19.6{\pm}13.2ml$, and there was no malignant cells in aspiration cytology. Four endometrioid cysts, one dermoid cyst and one mucinous cyst could be diagnosed in consideration of the findings of transvaginal ultrasonography and the characteristics and cytology of aspirated fluids. Therefore E-P therapy and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts had made it possible to restart IVF program earlier in the IVF-cancelled patients with ovarian cysts.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2018

Objective: Hemicastration is a unilateral orchiectomy to remove an injured testis, which can induce hormonal changes and compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining testis, and may influence spermatogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of hemicastration on remaining testicular function. Methods: Prepubertal mice (age 24 days) were hemicastrated, and their growth was monitored until they reached physical maturity (age 72 days). Subsequently, we determined testis DNA methylation patterns using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing of normal and hemicastrated mice. Moreover, we profiled the testicular gene expression patterns by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine whether methylation changes affected gene expression in hemicastrated mice. Results: Hemicastration did not significantly affect growth or testosterone (p>0.05) compared with control. The genome-wide DNA methylation pattern of remaining testis suggested that substantial genes harbored differentially methylated regions (1,139) in gene bodies, which were enriched in process of protein binding and cell adhesion. Moreover, RNA-seq results indicated that 46 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in meiotic cell cycle, synaptonemal complex assembly and spermatogenesis were upregulated in the hemicastration group, while 197 DEGs were downregulated, which were related to arachidonic acid metabolism. Integrative analysis revealed that proteasome 26S subunit ATPase 3 interacting protein gene, which encodes a protein crucial for homologous recombination in spermatocytes, exhibited promoter hypomethylation and higher expression level in hemicastrated mice. Conclusion: Global profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression demonstrated that hemicastration-induced compensatory response maintained normal growth and testicular morphological structure in mice.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.1170-1176
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• 2015

Ginsenosides, the major active component of ginseng, are traditionally used to treat various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and obesity. Among these, compound K (CK), an intestinal bacterial metabolite of the ginsenosides Rb₁, Rb₂, and Rc from Bacteroides JY-6, is reported to inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing cell-cycle arrest or cell death, including apoptosis and necrosis. However, the precise effect of CK on breast cancer cells remains unclear. MCF-7 cells were treated with CK ($0-70{\mu}M$) for 24 or 48 h. Cell proliferation and death were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Changes in downstream signaling molecules involved in cell death, including glycogen synthase kinase $3\beta$ ($GSK3\beta$), $GSK3\beta$, $\beta$-catenin, and cyclin D1, were analyzed by western blot assay. To block $GSK3\beta$ signaling, MCF-7 cells were pretreated with $GSK3\beta$ inhibitors 1 h prior to CK treatment. Cell death and the expression of $\beta$-catenin and cyclin D1 were then examined. CK dose- and time-dependently inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation. Interestingly, CK induced programmed necrosis, but not apoptosis, via the $GSK3\beta$ signaling pathway in MCF-7 cells. CK inhibited $GSK3\beta$ phosphorylation, thereby suppressing the expression of $\beta$-catenin and cyclin D1. Our results suggest that CK induces programmed necrosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via the $GSK3\beta$ signaling pathway.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.119-131
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• 2010

Drought is one of disaster causing factors to produce severe damage in the World because drought is destroyed to the ecosystem as well as to make difficult the economy of the drought area. This study, using Palmer Drought Severity Index carries out correlation analysis with sea surface temperatures. Comparative analysis carries out by calculated Palmer Drought Severity Index and past drought occurrence year. Result of comparative analysis, PDSI indexes were in accord with the past drought. Cluster analysis for correlation analysis carries out using precipitation and temperature that is input datas palmer drought severity index, and the result of cluster analysis was classified as 6. Also, principal component carries out using result of cluster analysis. 14 principal component analyze out through principal component analysis. Using analyzed 14 principal component carries out correlation analysis with sea surface temperature that is delay time from 0month until 11month. Correlation analysis carries out sea surface temperatures and calculated cycle component of the low frequency through Wavelet Transform analysis form principal component. Result of correlation analysis, yang(+) correlation is bigger than yin(-) correlation. It is possible to check similar correlation statistically the area of sea surface temperature with sea surface temperature in the Pacific. Forecasting possibility of the future drought make propose using sea surface temperature.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 1974

The influence, upon male rat's mating behavior, of Korean Panax Ginseng administered for 3 and 5 days was investigated by direct behavioral observation and also by counting the number of copulation plugs the animals deposited. Four쇼-four male albino rats were used. Part of the animals received ginseng for 3 days (ginseng-3 day group, N= 12) or for 5 days(ginseng-5 day group, H=10), while the remaining animals received saline for 3 days (saline-3 day group, N=12) or for 5 days (saline-S day group, N=10). Each animal belonging to the 2 ginseng groups received subcutaneously 0.5 ml/100 g body weight of ginseng alcohol extract solution (4 mg of the ethyl alcohol extract in 1 ml of physiological saline), and each rat belonging to the 2 saline groups received the same amount of saline per day. During the dark period of the light-dark cycle on the next day following the last drug administration, a female rat in the artificial estrus was introduced to each male and the mating behavior was observed for 45 minutes. The observation session was divided into two parts and, in the early part which terminated with the first ejaculation and succeeding intromission, following behavioral measures were taken: mounting latency, intromission latency, inter-intromission period, ejaculatory latency(time from the first intromission until the first ejaculation), occurrence of mounting with intromission, occurrence of mounting without intromission, and postejaculatory interval. Behavioral measures taken in the later part of the session after the first ejaculation were: occurrence of mounting with intromission, occurrence of mounting without intromission, and occurrence of ejaculation. Immediately after the behavioral observation session the experiment turned to measure, for 10 days, the number of copulation plug which each pair of rats deposited. Following results were obtained: 1. After several mountings mounting with intromission, males of the 2 ginseng groups finished the first ejaculation significantly earlier than the corresponding 2 saline groups did. 2. The postejaculatory latency was significantly reduced in the ginseng-5 day group compare with the value of the saline-5 day group and also compared with the value of the ginseng-3 day group. 3. The 2 ginseng groups ejaculated significantly more often in 45 minutes' observation session than the corresponding 2 saline groups did. 4. The number of copulation plug deposited in 10 days by the animals of the 2 ginseng groups. significantly exceeded the number deposited by the corresponding 2 saline group animals. The animals of the ginseng-5 day group deposited copulation plugs significantly more than the animals of the ginseng-3 day group did. It is inferred from the above results that the ginseng facilitates mating behavior of male rats, and that the degree of facilitation may be influenced by the duration of drug administration.