• Carbon letters
• /
• v.24
• /
• pp.90-96
• /
• 2017

We demonstrated the sensitivity of optically active single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a diameter below 1 nm that were homogeneously dispersed in cement composites under a mechanical load. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was selected as the dispersing agent to achieve a homogeneous dispersion of SWCNTs in an aqueous solution, and the dispersion state of the SWCNTs were characterized using various optical tools. It was found that the addition of a large amount of DNA prohibited the structural evolution of calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate. Based on the in-situ Raman and X-ray diffraction studies, it was evident that hydrophilic functional groups within the DNA strongly retarded the hydration reaction. The optimum amount of DNA with respect to the cement was found to be 0.05 wt%. The strong Raman signals coming from the SWCNTs entrapped in the cement composites enabled us to understand their dispersion state within the cement as well as their interfacial interaction. The G and G' bands of the SWCNTs sensitively varied under mechanical compression. Our results indicate that an extremely small amount of SWCNTs can be used as an optical strain sensor if they are homogeneously dispersed within cement composites.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.102-108
• /
• 2010

The effects of foliar spray of calcium hydroxide ($Ca(OH)_2$) during fruit growth period was investigated by changes of the shoot growth and fruit quality in 'Daewol' peach (Prunus persica). Since foliar spray of $Ca(OH)_2$ 1, 2, 5, and 10 $g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ at 7 day-intervals after fruit thinning, shoot growth was remarkably decreased compared with control group. An average SPAD value of fifth leaf from proximal part of the shoot was higher as 42.1 specific color difference sensor value (SCDSV) of $Ca(OH)_2$ foliar spraying treatments than 40.9 SCDSV of control group. Photosynthesis rates were also significantly increased by treating $Ca(OH)_2$ of higher concentration. Among fruit characteristics affecting quality, fruit weight was increased depending on concentration of $Ca(OH)_2$ treatment. The soluble solids content was lowest in control group (8.78 $^{\circ}Brix$) compare with higher concentrations of $Ca(OH)_2$ foliar spraying treatment in each 9.17, 9.22, 9.71, 10.58 $^{\circ}Brix$. The acidity and anthocyanin contents were no significant differences among treatment, but firmness of pericarp and flesh of fruits was significantly increased by $Ca(OH)_2$ foliar spray treatment. As a results of morphological observation of leaf, thickness of palisade parenchyma was thinner in control group (63.5 ${\mu}m$) than those of each 86.5, 87.5, 93.6, 107.4 ${\mu}m$ in $Ca(OH)_2$ foliar spraying treatment. Higher $Ca(OH)_2$ foliar spray also increased the thickness of cell wall of epidermis and hypodermis in 'Daewol' fruit.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.309-316
• /
• 2017

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a non-selective cation channel with modest permeability to calcium ions. It is involved in intracellular calcium signaling and is therefore important in processes such as thermal sensation, skin barrier formation, and wound healing. TRPV3 was initially proposed as a warm temperature sensor. It is activated by synthetic small-molecule chemicals and plant-derived natural compounds such as camphor and eugenol. Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (SC) has diverse pharmacological properties including antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. It is extensively used as an oriental herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, we investigated whether SC fruit extracts and seed oil, as well as four compounds isolated from the fruit can activate the TRPV3 channel. By performing whole-cell patch clamp recording in HEK293T cells overexpressing TRPV3, we found that the methanolic extract of SC fruit has an agonistic effect on the TRPV3 channel. Furthermore, electrophysiological analysis revealed that ${\gamma}$-schisandrin, one of the isolated compounds, activated TRPV3 at a concentration of $30{\mu}M$. In addition, ${\gamma}$-schisandrin (${\sim}100{\mu}M$) increased cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations by approximately 20% in response to TRPV3 activation. This is the first report to indicate that SC extract and ${\gamma}$-schisandrin can modulate the TRPV3 channel. This report also suggests a mechanism by which ${\gamma}$-schisandrin acts as a therapeutic agent against TRPV3-related diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.47-55
• /
• 2008

The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop the sensory lexicons of milk marketed in Korea, 2) to investigate the effects of pasteurization and milk composition on the sensory qualities of milk, and 3) to evaluate the correlation between descriptive analysis and the electronic nose method. Electronic nose and descriptive analyses were conducted to analyze the sensory characteristics of 14 milk samples. The 14 samples were provided from 4 manufacturers with different pasteurization methods, and varied in fat, calcium, and lactose content. Twenty-six sensory lexicons were developed to describe the sensory characteristics of the samples. The low temperature, long-time processed milk had a distinctive 'bi-rim' flavor regardless of the milk composition. The lactose-free milks were sweet, and the low-fat milks had relatively low intensities for most flavor attributes. The electronic nose method successfully grouped the milk samples primarily based on their composition, but grouped them weakly by pasteurization method.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.301-309
• /
• 2006

The main purpose of this study is to derive a regression equation that predicts the individual differences in activity energy expenditure (AEE) using accelerometer during different types of activity. Two subject groups were recruited separately in time: One is a homogeneous group of 94 healthy young adults with age ranged from $20\sim35$ yrs. The other subject group has a broad spectrum of physical characteristics in terms of age and fat ratio. 226 adolescents and adults of age ranged from $12\sim57$ yrs and fat ratio from $4.1\sim39.7%$ were in the second group. The wireless 3-axis accelerometers were developed and carefully fixed at the waist belt level. Simultaneously the total calorie expenditure was measured by gas analyzer. Each subject performed walking and running at speeds of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 km/hr. A generalized sensor-independent regression equation for AEE was derived. The regression equation was developed fur walking and running. The regression coefficients were predicted as functions of physical factors-age, gender, height, and weight with multivariable regression analysis. The generalized calorie estimation equation predicts AEE with correlation coefficient of 0.96 and the average accuracy of the accumulated calorie was $89.6{\pm}7.9%$.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) niobate-based nanosheets have attracted attention as high-k dielectric materials. We synthesized strontiumsubstituted calcium niobate ($Ca_{0.8}Sr_{1.2}Nb_3O_{10}$) nanosheets by a two-step cation exchange process from $KCa_{0.8}Sr_{1.2}Nb_3O_{10}$ ceramic. The $K^+$ ions were exchanged with $H^+$ ions, and then H+ ions were exchanged with tetrabutylammonium ($TBA^+$) cations. The $Ca_{0.8}Sr_{1.2}Nb_3O_{10}$ nanosheets were then exfoliated, decreasing the electrostatic interaction between each niobate layer. Furthermore, $Ca_2Nb_3O_{10}$ nanosheets were synthesized in same process for comparison. Each exfoliated nanosheet shows a single-crystal phase and has a lateral size of over 100 nm. The nanosheets were deposited on a $Pt/Ti/SiO_2/Si$ substrate by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method at 40 V, followed by ultraviolet irradiation of the films in order to remove the remaining $TBA^+$ ions. The $Ca_{0.8}Sr_{1.2}Nb_3O_{10}$ thin film exhibited twice the dielectric permittivity (~60) and lower dielectric loss than $Ca_2Nb_3O_{10}$ thin films.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.43 no.11
• /
• pp.909-920
• /
• 2020

Cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_c) change dynamically in response to inducers, repressors, and physiological conditions, and aberrant [Ca²⁺]_c concentration regulation is associated with cancer, heart failure, and diabetes. Therefore, [Ca²⁺]_c is considered as a good indicator of physiological and pathological cellular responses, and is a crucial biomarker for drug discovery. A genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) was recently developed to measure [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models. GECI have some advantages over chemically synthesized indicators, although they also have some drawbacks such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low positive signal, delayed response, artifactual responses due to protein overexpression, and expensive detection equipment. Here, we developed an indicator based on interactions between Ca²⁺-loaded calmodulin and target proteins, and generated an innovative GECI sensor using split nano-luciferase (Nluc) fragments to detect changes in [Ca²⁺]_c. Stimulation-dependent luciferase activities were optimized by combining large and small subunits of Nluc binary technology (NanoBiT, LgBiT:SmBiT) fusion proteins and regulating the receptor expression levels. We constructed the binary [Ca²⁺]_c sensors using a multicistronic expression system in a single vector linked via the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), and examined the detection efficiencies. Promoter optimization studies indicated that promoter-dependent protein expression levels were crucial to optimize SNR and sensitivity. This novel [Ca²⁺]_c assay has high SNR and sensitivity, is easy to use, suitable for high-throughput assays, and may be useful to detect [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.33-44
• /
• 2001

The paper presents several satellite models and satellite image decomposition methods for inaccessible area where ground control points can hardly acquired in conventional ways. First, 10 different satellite sensor models, which were extended from collinearity condition equations, were developed and then behavior of each sensor model was investigated. Secondly, satellite images were decomposed and also pseudo images were generated. The satellite sensor model extended from collinearity equations was represented by the six exterior orientation parameters in $1^{st}$, $2^{nd}$ and $3^{rd}$ order function of satellite image row. Among them, the rotational angle parameters such as $\omega$(omega) and $\Phi$(phi) correlated highly with positional parameters could be assigned to constant values. For inaccessible area, satellite images were decomposed, which means that two consecutive images were combined as one image, The combined image consists of one satellite image with ground control points and the other without ground control points. In addition, a pseudo image which is an imaginary image, was prepared from one satellite image with ground control points and the other without ground control points. In other words, the pseudo image is an arbitrary image bridging two consecutive images. For the experiments, SPOT satellite images exposed to the similar area in different pass were used. Conclusively, it was found that 10 different satellite sensor models and 5 different decomposed methods delivered different levels of accuracy. Among them, the satellite camera model with 1st order function of image row for positional orientation parameters and rotational angle parameter of kappa, and constant rotational angle parameter omega and phi provided the best 60m maximum error at check point with pseudo images arrangement.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.129-137
• /
• 2009

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) plays pivotal roles as an intracellular second messenger in response to a variety of stimuli, including light, abiotic. and biotic stresses and hormones. $Ca^{2+}$ sensor is $Ca^{2+}$-binding protein known to function in transducing signals by activating specific targets and pathways. Among $Ca^{2+}$-binding proteins, calmodulin (CaM) has been well reported to regulate the activity of down-stream target proteins in plants and animals. Especially plants possess multiple CaM genes and many CaM target proteins, including unique protein kinases and transcription factors. Thus, plants are possible to perceive different signals from their surroundings and adapt to the changing environment. However, the function of most of CaM or CaM-related proteins have been remained uncharacterized and unknown. Hence, a better understanding of the function of these proteins will help in deciphering their roles in plant growth, development and response to environmental stimuli. This review focuses on $Ca^{2+}$-CaM messenger system, CaM-associated proteins and their role in responses to external stimuli of both abiotic and biotic stresses in plants.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.53-58
• /
• 2009

Calcium signals can be transduced by binding calmodulin (CaM), a $Ca^{2+}$ sensor in eukaryotes, is known to be involved in the regulation of diverse cellular functions. We isolated a CaM-binding protein 63 kD (AtCBP63) from the pathogen-treated Arabidopsis cDNA expression library. Recently, AtCBP63 was identified as a CaM bining protein. The CaM binding domain of AtCBP63 was reported to be located in its N-terminal region, In this study, however, we showed that ACaM2 could specifically bind to second CaM-binding domain (CaMBD) of AtCBP63 at the C-terminal region. The specific binding of CaM to CaM binding domain was confirmed by a gel mobility shift assay, a split ubiquitin assay, site-directed mutagenesis, and a competition assay using a $Ca^{2+}$/CaM-dependent enzyme. The gene expression of AtCBP63 was induced by pathogens and pathogens related second messengers. This result suggests that a CaM binding protein, AtCBP63, may play role in pathogen defense signaling pathway.