• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.77-86
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• 2023

In this study, pore-filled ion exchange membranes with low membrane resistance and high hydroxide ion conductivity was developed. To improve alkali durability, a porous substrate made of polytetrafluoroethylene was used, and a copolymer was prepared using monomers 2-(dimethyl amino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and vinyl benzyl chloride (VBC) for pores. divinyl benzene (DVB) was used as the cross-linker, and ion exchange membranes were prepared for each cross-linking agent content to study the effect of the cross-linker content on DMAEMA-DVB and VBC-DMAEMA-DVB copolymers. As a result, chemical stability is improved by using a PTFE material substrate, and productivity can be increased by enabling fast photo polymerization at a low temperature by using a low-pressure UV lamp. To confirm the physical and chemical stability of the ion exchange membrane required for an anion exchange membrane fuel cell, tensile strength, and alkali resistance tests were conducted. As a result, as the cross-linking degree increased, the tensile strength increased by approximately 40 MPa, and finally, through the silver conductivity and alkali resistance tests, it was confirmed that the alkaline stability increased as the cross-linking agent increased.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.105-112
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• 2023

Lycopene, a carotenoid hydrocarbon is known to have effects on reducing cardiovascular risk factors, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Thus, a lot of supplementary foods with lycopene in several dosage forms like soft capsule filled with liquid and hard capsule filled with powder are available in a market. Recently, however, our research group found that the lycopene assay in Supplementary Food Code of South Korea is only valid for oily lycopene preparation. Thus, here, we developed a simple method to determine lycopene in solid preparations for Supplementary Food Code of South Korea using saponification and liquid chromatography with an absorbance detector. The method was validated following Ministry of Food and Drug Safety guidelines. All validation parameters observed in this study were within acceptable criteria of the guidelines (selectivity, linearity of r² ≥ 0.991, lower limit of quantification of 0.0149 mg/mL, accuracy as recovery (R) between 92.70 and 97.18 %, repeatability as relative standard deviation (RSD) values of R between 0.85 and 1.59 %, and reproducibility as the RSD value of interlaboratory R of 3.70 %). Additionally, the practical sample applicability of the validated method was confirmed by accuracy between 98.81 and 101.59 % observed from its lycopene certified reference material (CRM) analyses. Therefore, the present method could contribute to fortify the supplementary food safety management system in South Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.431-446
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• 2023

Samama wood (Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb) Havil) is a fast-growing and lesser-utilized wood species that has inferior properties; therefore, its quality needs to be improved. This research aimed to determine the effect of citric acid impregnation at high curing temperatures on the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of wood. Citric acid solution with 10% concentration (w/w) was impregnated into wood samples by vacuum-pressure method (-0.5 cmHg, 30 min; 0.7 MPa, 3 h), followed by curing process at 140℃, 160℃, and 180℃ of temperature for 1 h. In comparison, the other wood samples were heat treated at the same temperatures and time. The results showed that the increase in curing and heat temperatures for both treatments were directly proportional to the dimensional stability, but inversely proportional to the mechanical properties. Citric acid impregnated had higher density, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties, except for modulus of rupture, than that of heat treatment. The optimum temperature is suggested at 160℃ in both treatments.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.185-195
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• 2024

The Incheon Metro Line 1 Geomdan Extension Phase 1 is the first project in South Korea where both a roadheader and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) are being used together. The shield TBM tunnel section is 1,057 m long, and is mostly composed of rock, including the section beneath the Airport Railroad and the Gyeongin Ara Waterway. A 7.8 m earth pressure balance shield TBM was used for tunnel excavation. The average monthly advance rate for both the North and South tracks is 239.1 m, with a maximum monthly advance rate of 334.5 m. This technical article comprehensively evaluates the productivity of the shield TBM, focusing on the TBM excavation performance. Above all, it aims to provide useful reference material for the successful execution of shield TBM tunnel construction.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.5-12
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• 2024

Currently, a grouting method that minimizes damage to the reservoir embankment by injecting solidification agent at low pressure is commonly used to ensure waterproofing and safety of the embankment, but the use of solidification agents can cause issues, such as a decrease in durability and a lack of clear method for determining the mixing ratio. In this study, when the base ground and solidification agent were stirred and mixed at various weight mixing ratios, the permeability coefficient and strength of the mixture were confirmed through laboratory tests, and the optimal mixing ratio was suggested through analysis of the test results. The specimen for the laboratory test was produced considering the mixing ratio of the solidification agent. The specimen for the permeability coefficient test was tested by producing one each of cohesionless and cohesive soil for a mixing amount of 1.5 kN/m³ of solidification agent, and the permeability test results confirmed that the water barrier performance was secured below the permeability coefficient value required by various design criteria. A total of 24 specimens for the strength test were produced, 3 for each of 5 mixing amounts for cohesive soil and 3 mixing amounts for cohesionless soil. The strength test results showed that the uniaxial compressive strength tends to increase linearly with increasing curing time for both cohesionless soil and cohesive soil when the mixing amount is less than 2.0 kN/m³. Therefore, the optimal mixing ratio applied to the site is determined to be mixing amount of 1.5 kN/m³ and 2.0 kN/m³. Finally, numerical analysis reflecting test results was conducted on design case for improvement projects for aging reservoirs embankment to verify the water barrier performance and safety improvement effects.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.215-229
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• 2023

In this study, non-destructive technologies that can be applied to evaluate the integrity of valve materials, safety against internal pressure caused by corrosion, and the blocking function of large-diameter water valves during operation without requiring specimen collection or manpower entering the inside of the valve were tested to assess the reliability of the technologies and their suitability for field application. The results showed that the condition of the graphite structure inside the valve body can be evaluated directly through the optical microscope in the field without specimen collection for large-diameter water butterfly valves, and the depth of corrosion inside the valve body can be determined by array ultrasound and the tensile strength can be measured by instrumented indentation test. The reliability of each of these non-destructive techniques is high, and they can be widely used to evaluate the condition of steel or cast iron pipes that are significantly smaller in thickness than valves. Evaluation of blocking function of the valves with mixed gas showed that it can be detected even when a very low flow rate of mixed gas passes through the disk along with the water flow. Finally, as a result of evaluating the field applicability of non-destructive technologies for three old butterfly valves installed in the US industrial water pipeline, it was found that it is possible to check the material and determine the suitability of large-diameter water valves without taking samples, and to determine the corrosion state and mechanical strength. In addition, it was possible to evaluate safety through the measurement results, and it is judged that the evaluation of the blocking function using mixed gas will help strengthen preventive response in the event of an accident.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.603-612
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• 1999

Background : It has been documented that brief repetitive periods of ischemia and reperfusion (ischemic preconditioning, IP) enhances the recovery of post-ischemic contractile function and reduces infarct size after a longer period of ischemia. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain this process. Recent studies have suggested that transient increase in the intracellular calcium may have triggered the activation of protein kinase C(PKC); however, there are still many controversies. Accordingly, the author performed the present study to test the hypothesis that preconditioning with high concentration of calcium before sustained subsequent ischemia(calcium preconditioning) mimics IP by PKC activation. Material and Method : The isolated hearts from the New Zealand White rabbits(1.5∼2.0 kg body weight) Method: The isolated hearts from the New Zealand White rabbits(1.5∼2.0 kg body weight) were perfused with Tyrode solution by Langendorff technique. After stabilization of baseline hemodynamics, the hearts were subjected to 45-minute global ischemia followed by a 120-minute reperfusion with IP(IP group, n=13) or without IP(ischemic control, n=10). IP was induced by single episode of 5-minute global ischemia and 10-minute reperfusion. In the Ca2+ preconditioned group, perfusate containing 10(n=10) or 20 mM(n=11) CaCl2 was perfused for 10 minutes after 5-minute ischemia followed by a 45-minute global ischemia and a 120-minute reperfusion. Baseline PKC was measured after 50-minute perfusion without any treatment(n=5). Left ventricular function including developed pressure(LVDP), dP/dt, heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and coronary flow(CF) was measured. Myo car ial cytosolic and membrane PKC activities were measured by 32P-${\gamma}$-ATP incorporation into PKC-specific pepetide. The infarct size was determined using the TTC (tetrazolium salt) staining and planimetry. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) variance(ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. Result: IP increased the functional recovery including LVDP, dP/dt and CF(p<0.05) and lowered the ascending range of LVEDP(p<0.05); it also reduced the infarct size from 38% to 20%(p<0.05). In both of the Ca2+ preconditioned group, functional recovery was not significantly different in comparison with the ischemic control, however, the infarct size was reduced to 19∼23%(p<0.05). In comparison with the baseline(7.31 0.31 nmol/g tissue), the activities of the cytosolic PKC tended to decrease in both the IP and Ca2+ preconditioned groups, particularly in the 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group(4.19 0.39 nmol/g tissue, p<0.01); the activity of membrane PKC was significantly increased in both IP and 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group (p<0.05; 1.84 0.21, 4.00 0.14, and 4.02 0.70 nmol/g tissue in the baseline, IP, and 10 mM Ca2+ preconditioned group, respectively). However, the activity of both PKC fractions were not significantly different between the baseline and the ischemic control. Conclusion: These results indicate that in isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model, calcium preconditioning with high concentration of calcium does not improve post-ischemic functional recovery. However, it does have an effect of limiting(reducing) the infart size by ischemic preconditioning, and this cardioprotective effect, at least in part, may have resulted from the activation of PKC by calcium which acts as a messenger(or trigger) to activate membrane PKC.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.847-853
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• 2002

We previously published the data that proved the safety of retrograde cerebral perfusion for 120 minutes. At this time, we planned to check the neuron-specific enolase and S100-$\beta$ in serum and urine to assess the possibility of early detection of cerebral injury. Material and Method: We used pigs(Landrace species) weighing 35 kg and performed RCP for 120 minutes. After the weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass, we observed the pigs for another 120 minutes. Systemic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and serum and urine levels of neuron-specific enolose (NSE) and S100$\beta$ protein were checked. Central venous pressure during RCP was maintained in the range of 20 to 25 mmHg. Result: Serum levels of NSE(ng/$m\ell$) were 0.67$\pm$0.18(induction of anesthesia), 0.53$\pm$0.47(soon after CPB), 0.44$\pm$0.27(20min alter CPB), 0.24$\pm$0.09(RCP 20min), 0.37$\pm$0.35(RCP 40min), 0.33$\pm$0.21 (RCP 60min), 0.37$\pm$0.22(RCP 80min), 0.41$\pm$0.23(RCP 100 min), 0.48$\pm$0.26(RCP 120min), 0.42$\pm$0.29(30min after rewarming), 0.35 $\pm$0.32(60min after rewarming, 0.42$\pm$0.37(CPBoff 30min), 0.47$\pm$0.34(CPBOff 60min), 0.47$\pm$0.28(CPBOff 90min), and 0.57$\pm$0.29(CPBOff 120min). There was no statistically significant difference in levels between before and after RCP(ANOVA, p＞0.05). Urine levels of NSE also showed no statistically significant difference in levels between before and after RCP. There was no correlation between urine and serum levels of NSE(Pearson correlation, p＞0.05). Serum levels of S100$\beta$ protein(ng/$m\ell$) during the same time frames were 0.14$\pm$0.08, 0.15$\pm$0.07, 0.22$\pm$0.15, 0.23$\pm$0.07, 0.28$\pm$0.10, 0.40$\pm$0.05, 0.47$\pm$0.03, 0.49$\pm$0.12, 0.43$\pm$0.11, 0.46$\pm$0.15, 0.62$\pm$0.17, 0.77$\pm$0.21, 0.78$\pm$0.23, 0.77$\pm$0.23, and 0.82$\pm$0.33. There was statistically significant difference in levels between before and after RCP(ANOVA, p＜0.05). Urine levels of NSE also showed statistically significant difference in levels between before and after RCP(ANOVA, p＜0.05). There was significant correlation between urine and serum levels of NSE(Pearson correlation, p＜0.05). Conclusion: The author observed the increase in serum and urine levels of S100$\beta$ after 120 minutes of RCP. Significant correlation between serum and urine levels was observed. The results were considered to be the fundamental data that could correlate this study with human-based study.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.531-540
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• 2000

Baclgrpimd; Recent studies have suggested that the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning(IP) is closely related to glycogen depletion and attenuation of intracellular acidosis. In the present study, the authors tested this hypothesis by perfusion isolated rabbit hearts with glucose(G) is closely related to glycogen depletion and attenuation of intracellular acidosis. In the present study, the authors tested this hypothesis by perfusion isolated rabbit hearts with glucose(G)-free perfusate. Material and Method; Hearts isolated from New Zealand white rabbits(1.5~2.0 kg body weight) were perfused with Tyrode solution by Langendorff technique. After stabilization of baseline hemodynamics, the hearts were subjected to 45 min global ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion with IP(IP group, n=13) or without IP(ischemic control group, n=10). IP was induced by single episode of 5 min global ischemia and 10 min reperfusion. In the G-free preconditioned group(n=12), G depletion was induced by perfusionwith G-free Tyrode solution for 5 min and then perfused with G-containing Tyrode solution for 10 min; and 45 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. Left ventricular functionincluding developed pressure(LVDP), dP/dt, heart rate, left ventricular end-distolic pressure(LVEDP) and coronary flow (CF) were measured. Myocardial cytosolic and membrane PKC activities were measured by 32P-${\gamma}$-ATP incorporation into PKC-specific peptide and PKC isozymes were analyzed by Western blot with monoclonal antibodies. Infarct size was determined by staining with TTC(tetrazolium salt) and planimetry. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Turkey's post-hoc test. Result ; In comparison with the ischemic control group, IP significantly enhanced functional recovery of the left ventricle; in contrast, functional significantly enhanced functional recovery of the left ventricle; in contrast, functional recovery were not significantly different between the G-free preconditioned and the ischemic control groups. However, the infarct size was significantly reduced by IP or G-free preconditioning(39$\pm$2.7% in the ischemic control, 19$\pm$1.2% in the IP, and 15$\pm$3.9% in the G-free preconditioned, p<0.05). Membrane PKC activities were increased significantly after IP (119%), IP and 45 min ischemia(145%), G-free [recpmdotopmomg (150%), and G-free preconditioning and 45 min ischemia(127%); expression of membrane PKC isozymes, $\alpha$ and $\varepsilon$, tended to be increased after IP or G-free preconditioning. Conclusion; These results suggest that in isolated Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model, G-free preconditioning (induced by single episode of 5 min G depletion and 10 min repletion) colud not improve post-ischemic contractile dysfunction(after 45-minute global ischemia); however, it has an infarct size-limiting effect.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.632-643
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• 2004

Background: The Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution has been shown to provide the excellent myocardial protection as a cardioplegia. The HTK solution has relatively low potassium as an arresting agent of myocardium, and low sodium content, and high. concentration of histidine biological buffer which confer a buffering capacity superior to that of blood.. Since HTK solution has an excellent myocardial protective ability, it is reported to protect myocardium from ischemia for a considerable time (120 minutes) with the single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of HTK solution on myocardium when the ischemia is. exceeding 120 minutes at two different temperature (10 to 12$^{\circ}C$, 22 to 24$^{\circ}C$) using the Langendorff apparatus, Material and Method: Hearts from Sprague-Dawley rat, weighing 300 to 340 g, were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at a perfusion pressure of 100 cm $H_2O$. After the stabilization, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and coronary flow were measured. Single dose of HTK solution was infused into the ascending aorta of isolated rat heart and hearts were preserved at four different conditions. In group 1 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia (10∼12$^{\circ}C$) for 2 hours, in group 2 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia (22∼24$^{\circ}C$) for 2 hours, in group 3 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia for 3 hours, and in group 4 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia for 3 hours. After the completion of the preservation, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure, and coronary flow were measured at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes after the initiation of reperfusion to assess the cardiac function. Biopsies were also done and mitochondrial scores were counted in two cases of each group for ultrastructural assessment. Result: The present study showed that the change of heart rate was not different between group 1 and group 2, and group 1 and group 3. The heart rate was significantly decreased at 15 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p<0.05 by ANCOVA). The heart rate was recovered at 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 with no significant difference compared to that of group 1. The decrease of LVDP was significant at 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p < 0.001 by ANCOVA). Coronary flow was significantly decreased at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p < 0.001 by ANCOVA). In ultrastructural assessment, the mean myocardial mitochondrial scores in group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 were 1.02$\pm$0.29, 1.52$\pm$0.26, 1.56$\pm$0.45, 2.22$\pm$0.44 respectively. Conclusion: The HTK solution provided excellent myocardial protection regardless of myocardial temperature for 2 hours. But, when ischemic time exceeded 2 hours, the myocardial hemodynamic function and ultrastructural changes were significantly deteriorated at moderate hypotherma (22∼ 24$^{\circ}C$). This indicates that it is recommended to decrease myocardial temperature when myocardial ischemic time exceeds 2 hours with single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia.