• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.592-604
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• 1999

The steady state and dynamic characteristics of large cell area MCFC stacks were analyzed to solve the problems such as temperature difference generated in stacks and pressure difference between anode and cathode. Manipulated variables (current density, duel utilization rate, oxidant utilization rate) and controlled variables (temperature difference, anode and cathode pressure difference) which had an important effect on the MCFC stack performance were determined using operation results of two types of MCFC stacks (5kW (3,000 $\textrm{cm}^2$, 20 ea). 3kW (6,000 $\textrm{cm}^2$, 5ea)). The stability and transfer function representing system dynamics were obtained by steady state gain rate which showed the relative change between MVs and CVs. The transfer function was a 3$\times$3 matrix and a typical first order system without time delay. The optimal operating condition of large cell area MCFC stacks could be determined by analyzing dynamic characteristics. In case of a 5 kW MCFC stack, pressurized operation with recycle flow should be used to control the outlet temperature less than 68$0^{\circ}C$ and to control the MCFC system effectively. MIMO control or decoupler should be used to remove the interaction between MVs and CVs. This result will be used as important data in determining the control structure design and operation mode of large cell area MCFC systems in the future.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.1044-1062
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• 2017

The construction project of the Kijang research reactor (KJRR), which is the second research reactor in Korea, has been launched. The KJRR was designed to use, for the first time, U-Mo fuel. Plate-type U-7 wt.% Mo/Al-5 wt.% Si, referred to as U-7Mo/Ale5Si, dispersion fuel with a uranium loading of $8.0gU/cm^3$, was selected to achieve higher fuel efficiency and performance than are possible when using $U_3Si_2/Al$ dispersion fuel. To qualify the U-Mo fuel in terms of plate geometry, the first miniplates [HANARO Miniplate (HAMP-1)], containing U-7Mo/Al-5Si dispersion fuel ($8gU/cm^3$), were fabricated at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and recently irradiated at HANARO. The PIE (Post-irradiation Examination) results of the HAMP-1 irradiation test were analyzed in depth in order to verify the safe in-pile performance of the U-7Mo/Al-5Si dispersion fuel under the KJRR irradiation conditions. Nondestructive analyses included visual inspection, gamma spectrometric mapping, and two-dimensional measurements of the plate thickness and oxide thickness. Destructive PIE work was also carried out, focusing on characterization of the microstructural behavior using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Electron probe microanalysis was also used to measure the elemental concentrations in the interaction layer formed between the U-Mo kernels and the matrix. A blistering threshold test and a bending test were performed on the irradiated HAMP-1 miniplates that were saved from the destructive tests. Swelling evaluation of the U-Mo fuel was also conducted using two methods: plate thickness measurement and meat thickness measurement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.159-172
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• 2021

This study is an action study that plans a instructional strategy for improving experimental activities and interactions in online science classes and suggests improvement plans based on the results. To this end, from July 7 to September 9, 2020, the 'Earth and the Moon' unit class was conducted for 20 6th grade elementary school students located in G Metropolitan City. For the class, smart devices and alternative experiments were planned in the experimental activity category, and an online chat room and Q&A strategy were planned in the interaction category. Among the collected data, class activity papers, homework assignments, reflection journals, online conversation contents, and Q&A contents were input into the matrix and analyzed by writing analytical texts. As a result of the implementation, smart devices and alternative experiments provided opportunities for exploration, but there was a risk of misconception formation and hindered experimental activities. The online chat room and Q&A provided opportunities for communication and examination and feedback on scientific concepts. Through this action study, the researcher was able to reflect on the class while writing class reflection notes, and suggested the role of smart devices in terms of the effectiveness and efficiency of science classes.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.975-984
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• 2021

Objective: Inbreeding depression of reproduction is a major concern in the conservation of native chicken genetic resources. Here, based on the successful development of strongly inbred (Sinb) and weakly inbred (Winb) Langshan chickens, we aimed to evaluate inbreeding effects on reproductive traits and identify candidate genes involved in inbreeding depression of reproduction in Langshan chickens. Methods: A two-sample t-test was performed to estimate the differences in phenotypic values of reproductive traits between Sinb and Winb chicken groups. Three healthy chickens with reproductive trait values around the group mean values were selected from each of the groups. Differences in ovarian and hypothalamus transcriptomes between the two groups of chickens were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Results: The Sinb chicken group showed an obvious inbreeding depression in reproduction, especially for traits of age at the first egg and egg number at 300 days (p<0.01). Furthermore, 68 and 618 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the hypothalamus and ovary between the two chicken groups, respectively. In the hypothalamus, DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to vitamin metabolism, signal transduction and development of the reproductive system, such as the riboflavin metabolism, Wnt signaling pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, including stimulated by retinoic acid 6, serpin family F member 1, secreted frizzled related protein 2, Wnt family member 6, and frizzled class receptor 4 genes. In the ovary, DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways associated with basic metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycosaminoglycan degradation. A series of key DEGs involved in folate biosynthesis (gamma-glutamyl hydrolase, guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1), oocyte meiosis and ovarian function (cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1, structural maintenance of chromosomes 1B, and speedy/RINGO cell cycle regulator family member A), spermatogenesis and male fertility (prostaglandin D2 synthase 21 kDa), Mov10 RISC complex RNA helicase like 1, and deuterosome assembly protein 1) were identified, and these may play important roles in inbreeding depression in reproduction. Conclusion: The results improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression in chicken reproduction and provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of species resources.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.39-48
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• 2021

According to International Associating for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition, neuropathic pain is a disorder characterized by dysfunction of the nervous system that, under normal conditions, mediates virulent information to the central nervous system (CNS). This pain can be divided into a disease with provable lesions in the peripheral or central nervous system and states with an incorporeal lesion of any nerves. Both conditions undergo long-term and chronic processes of change, which can eventually develop into chronic pain syndrome, that is, nervous system is inappropriately adapted and difficult to heal. However, the treatment of neuropathic pain itself is incurable from diagnosis to treatment process, and there is still a lack of notable solutions. Recently, several studies have observed the responses of CNS to harmful stimuli using image analysis technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging. These techniques have confirmed that the change in synaptic-plasticity was generated in brain regions which perceive and handle pain information. Furthermore, these techniques helped in understanding the interaction of learning mechanisms and chronic pain, including neuropathic pain. The study aims to describe recent findings that revealed the mechanisms of pathological pain and the structural and functional changes in the brain. Reflecting on the definition of chronic pain and inspecting the latest reports will help develop approaches to alleviate pain.

• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.44-64
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• 2022

This study explored the elementary school teachers' experiences while teaching students with low achievement in science based on the grounded theory. In-depth interviews and analysis were conducted on 13 teachers with experiences in teaching students with low achievement in science within the last three years and more than five years of field experience until the theoretical saturation of data on the teaching experiences for students with low achievement in science. The analysis results were as follows. First, the teaching experiences of elementary school teachers for underachievers in science were classified into 119 concepts, 41 subcategories, and 17 categories. Based on the paradigm model, the categories were structured and presented as causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, action/interaction strategies and consequences based on the central phenomenon of 'difficulty in teaching students with low achievement in science'. Second, the core category of elementary school teachers' teaching underachievers in science was assumed to be 'overcoming difficulties and teaching underachievers in science'. And according to the properties and dimensions of the core category, teachers who teaching students with low achievement in science were divided into four types: 'compromising-', 'overcoming-', 'accepting-', and 'conflicting-reality type'. Third, a conditional matrix was presented to summarize and integrate the results of this study by classifying the teaching experience of elementary school teachers for underachievers in science into educational providers and educational demanders. On the basis of these findings, educational implications for teaching students with low achievement in science were discussed.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.442-455
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• 2022

High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) has been studied as an alternative to low-temperature PEMFC due to its fast activation of electrodes and high resistance to electrode poisoning by carbon monoxide. It is highly required to develop stable PEMs operating at high temperatures even doped by ion-conducting materials for the development of high-performance and durable HT-PEMFC systems. A number of studies have been conducted to develop polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based PEMs for applications in HT-PEMFC due to their high interaction with doped ion-conducting materials and outstanding thermomechanical stability under high-temperature operation. This review focused on the development of PBI-based PEMs showing high performance and durability. Firstly, the characteristic behavior of PBI-based PEMs doped with various ion-conducting materials including phosphoric acid was systematically investigated. And then, a comparison of the physicochemical properties of the PEMs according to the different membrane manufacturing processes was conducted. Secondly, the incorporation of porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate and/or inorganic composites to PBI matrix to improve the membrane performances was studied. Finally, the construction of cross-linked structures into PBI-based PEM systems by polymer blending method was introduced to improve the PEM properties.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.282-295
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• 2023

Background: Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) protects tissues from proteases and promotes cell proliferation and healing. SLPI also reduces periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine expression in rat periodontal tissues and osteoblasts. However, little is known of the role of SLPI in the expression of osteoclast regulatory factors from osteoblasts, which are crucial for the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of SLPI on the regulation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts. Methods: Periodontitis was induced in rats using LPS. After each LPS injection, SLPI was injected into the same area. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with antibodies against SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in the periodontal tissue. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the expression levels of SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in LPS- and SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells were also stained with Alizarin Red S. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 were higher while that of RANKL was lower in the LPS/SLPI group relative to those in the LPS group. The mRNA and protein expression of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 was higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells, and RANKL expression was lower. During differentiation, OPG and Runx2 protein levels were higher whereas RANKL levels were lower in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells on days 0, 4, 7, and 10. In addition, mineralization and matrix deposition were higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 on days 7 and 10. SLPI decreased RANKL expression in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts but increased the expression of OPG and Runx2. Conclusion: SLPI can be considered as a regulatory molecule that indirectly regulates osteoclast activation via osteoblasts and promotes osteoblast differentiation.

• Sim-seong Yeon-gu
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.239-268
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• 2023

Humanity has faced destruction(chaos) due to catastrophes (Covid-19, war, earthquake) and awaits a new restoration. For civilizations and individuals, creation or creativity is essential to psychic development. Creativity is the driving force that renews an individual when a new stance and attitude of consciousness or a new adaptation to reality is desperately needed in the depth of the human mind. This article is the result of an exploration of the nature and characteristics of creativity presented by a series of four dreams. First, the definition and form of creativity were explored in the context of religion, mythology, and history of Eastern and Western. While Western mythology refers to creation or creativity originating from God, ancient China viewed creativity as expressed through the interaction of yin and yang, the movement of Tao. In East and West, the form of creation is divided into creation from nothing, creation from matter, and creation through dissolution from the matrix, which psychologically suggests that creativity or creation originates from the unconscious, the seedbed of infinite potential and creative power. Next, with insights from the second dream, the characteristics of creativity were discussed. Creativity occurs through transcendent function and 'going beyond the frame of reference,' that is, 'transgressivity.' Third, the nature of creativity was explored as the creativity of the unconscious aims for regeneration and drives the renewal of Self archetypal images within the collective and individuals. Ultimately, the creativity of the unconscious is the goal of the whole psyche and aims for individuation to become the whole. Realizing the creativity of the unconscious is the fate of humans as the second creator.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: Mechanisms for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify genes and pathways involved in the development of HBV-associated HCC. Methods: The GSE121248 gene dataset, which included 70 HCCs and 37 adjacent liver tissues, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCCs and adjacent liver tissues were identified. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analyses were then performed. Results: Of 134 DEGs identified, 34 were up-regulated and 100 were down-regulated in HCCs. The 34 up-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in nuclear division, organelle fission, spindle and midbody formation, histone kinase activity, and p53 signaling pathway, whereas the 100 down-regulated DEGs were involved in steroid and hormone metabolism, collagen-coated extracellular matrix, oxidoreductase activity, and activity on paired donors, including incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen, monooxygenase activity, and retinol metabolism. Analyses of protein-protein interaction networks with a high degree of connectivity identified significant modules containing 14 hub genes, including ANLN, ASPM, BUB1B, CCNB1, CDK1, CDKN3, ECT2, HMMR, NEK2, PBK, PRC1, RACGAP1, RRM2, and TOP2A, which were mainly associated with nuclear division, organelle fission, spindle formation, protein serine/threonine kinase activity, p53 signaling pathway, and cell cycle. Conclusions: This study identified key genes and carcinogenic pathways that play essential roles in the development of HBV-associated HCC. This may provide important information for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.