• Advances in nano research
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.629-638
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• 2022

This work shows the impregnation of scents using a graphene sponge (GS). This was functionalized by the modified Hummers method, pursuing to add different functional groups. It is proposed to achieve the release and seek to control it through electrical potential applied to the graphene sponge with essential oils. The graphene sponge was functionalized and steeped with two kinds of oil. The electrochemical study demonstrates the variation in the electrochemical behaviour of the functionalized graphene sponge without and impregnated with oil. The release of the oil and its aromatic scents was carried out by applying an electrical potential of 30 V, with a release rate of 1.86 mg/min. The heating of the sample that causes the release of oil, associated with the electrical resistance of the system, reaches temperatures of about 150℃. The essential oils, graphene sponge, surfactant, graphene sponge with essential oils, graphene sponge recuperated after applying electric potential, graphene sponge recovered by temperature and dipropylene glycol (DPG) were characterized using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), digital microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2023

Compelling evidence has demonstrated the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) during lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Herein, we explored a novel circRNA, circ_0129047, and detailed its mechanism of action. The expression of circ 0129047, microRNA-665 (miR-665), and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type B (PTPRB) in LUAD tissues and cells was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Cell Counting Kit8 and colony formation assays were conducted to detect LUAD cell proliferation, and western blotting was performed to quantify apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl2 and Bax). Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to validate the predicted interaction between miR-665 and circ_0129047 or PTPRB. A xenograft assay was used for the in vivo experiments. Circ_0129047 and PTPRB were downregulated in LUAD tissues and cells, whereas miR-665 expression was upregulated. Overexpression of circ_0129047 suppresses LUAD growth in vivo and in vitro. Circ_0129047 is the target of miR-665, and the miR-665 mimic ablated the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic phenotypes of LUAD cells by circ_0129047 augmentation. MiR-665 targets the 3'UTR of PTPRB and downregulates PTPRB expression. PTPRB overexpression offsets the pro-proliferative potential of miR-665 in LUAD cells. Circ_0129047 sequestered miR-665 and upregulated PTPRB expression, thereby reducing LUAD progression, suggesting a promising approach for preventing LUAD.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.291-296
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• 2008

Amniotic membrane (AM) has been used in various medical application such as biomaterials and it has a biocompatibility and wound healing effects. In this studies, we made AM sponge that was homogenized with AM and then lyophilized. And osteoinduction efficacy of AM sponge was evaluated with collagen sponge by mesenchymal stem cell culture and implantation in nude mouse. As a result of this study, adhesion and proliferation of MSC cells on AM sponge and collagen sponge were not different, but AM sponge was more superior to collagen sponge for induction of collagen secretion and calcium adhesion in matrix in vivo. Besides, AM sponges were more positive stained than collagen sponge about osteocalcin and osteonectin. As a results of this study, there is possibility of doing that AM could increase osteoinduction.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.377-382
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• 2013

The bacterial community structures of the marine sponge, Dactylospongia metachromia, collected from Chuuk of Micronesia on February 2012, were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The DGGE fingerprints of two individuals of D. metachromia, CH607 and CH840 showed the same band patterns. The sequences derived from DGGE bands revealed 93~100% similarities with known bacterial species in the public database and high similarity with uncultured bacterial clones. The bacterial community structures of both D. metachromia sponges (CH607, CH840) were composed of 6 phyla, 8 classes: Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Spirochaetes. DGGE fingerprint - based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the bacterial community profiles were identical in two individuals of the same sponge species collected from the same geographical location.

• Carbon letters
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• v.22
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• pp.1-13
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• 2017

Porous materials play a vital role in science and technology. The ability to control their pore structures at the atomic, molecular, and nanometer scales enable interactions with atoms, ions and molecules to occur throughout the bulk of the material, for practical applications. Three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon-based materials (e.g., graphene aerogels/hydrogels, sponges and foams) made of graphene or graphene oxide-based networks have attracted considerable attention because they offer low density, high porosity, large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity and stable mechanical properties. Water pollution and associated environmental issues have become a hot topic in recent years. Rapid industrialization has led to a massive increase in the amount of wastewater that industries discharge into the environment. Water pollution is caused by oil spills, heavy metals, dyes, and organic compounds released by industry, as well as via unpredictable accidents. In addition, water pollution is also caused by radionuclides released by nuclear disasters or leakage. This review presents an overview of the state-of-the-art synthesis methodologies of 3D porous graphene materials and highlights their synthesis for environmental applications. The various synthetic methods used to prepare these 3D materials are discussed, particularly template-free self-assembly methods, and template-directed methods. Some key results are summarized, where 3D graphene materials have been used for the adsorption of dyes, heavy metals, and radioactive materials from polluted environments.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.273-282
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• 2007

For an efficient management and utilization of marine biodiversity information, we made an attempt to develop the Korea Marine Biodiversity Information System (KoMBIS), building a species name inventory of Korea marine organisms. The inventory includes 17 organism groups: phytoplankton, zooplankton, algae and halophyte, sponges, cnidarians, rotifers, nematodes, bryozoans, brachiopods, molluscs, echiurans, annelids, arthropods, echinoderms, urochordates and fish. The species names were collected from 37 different references and reviewed for validity by taxonomists, which resulted in 9,798 valid names in addition to 1,845 synonyms. The Korea marine species inventory is the first one of this kind, for previous Korean species name inventories were mostly composed of terrestrial and freshwater organisms. KoMBIS, the information system developed, contains not only the species name but also information on morphological and ecological characteristics such as distribution, DNA barcode, and references. This system is convenient for the inputting of new data and servicing users through the internet, so that management and utilization of the biodiversity information is more efficient. Linking the DNA barcode data with species information provides an objective measure for identification of a species, which accommodates the recommendation of Consortium for the Barcode of Life, and makes the Korea marine biodiversity information compatible with international databases. Considering the frequent exchange of marine organisms internationally via ballast water and such issues as climate change, this information system will be useful in many areas of marine biodiversity.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.183-189
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• 2020

The pregnancy rate in indigenous ewes inseminated with frozen-thawed Suffolk semen following natural and synchronized estrus was determined. The serum Progesterone and Estrogen concentration and vaginal electrical resistance (VER) of ewes at the time of Artificial Insemination (AI) were observed as successful pregnancy determinants. 21 healthy ewes were selected for this experiment during January-April, 2017. 10 ewes were inseminated in natural estrus. Whereas, 11 ewes were inseminated after estrus synchronization using intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Trans-cervical Al (TCAI) was performed in all ewes within 12-16 hours of observed heat. Prostaglandin E₁ analogue impregnated vaginal sponge was used for cervical relaxation 6-8 hours before insemination. Pregnancy was diagnosed through trans-abdominal ultrasonography after 40 days of AI. The pregnancy rate of ewes in synchronized estrus was higher (54.5%) than in natural estrus (30%). Higher serum Progesterone level (0.90 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and significantly (p < 0.001) lower VER (257.78 ± 10.11 ohm) were observed at the time of AI in ewes becoming pregnant. Results suggest that higher Progesterone concentration and lower VER could be considered as pregnancy indicators. Oestrous synchronization could be implemented to increase the pregnancy rate in ewes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.1278-1284
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• 2016

Rhizopus chinensis cells immobilized on loofah (Luffa cylindrica) sponges were used to produce biodiesel via the transesterification of soybean oil. In whole-cell immobilization, loofah sponge is considered to be a superior alternative to conventional biomass carriers because of its biodegradable and renewable properties. During cell cultivation, Rhizopus chinensis mycelia can spontaneously and firmly adhere to the surface of loofah sponge particles. The optimal conditions for processing 9.65 g soybean oil at 40℃ and 180 rpm using a 3:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio were found to be 8% cell addition and 3-10% water content (depending on the oil's weight). Under optimal conditions, an over 90% methyl ester yield was achieved after the first reaction batch. The operational stability of immobilized Rhizopus chinensis cells was assayed utilizing a 1:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, thus resulting in a 16.5-fold increase in half-life when compared with immobilized cells of the widely studied Rhizopus oryzae. These results suggest that transesterification of vegetable oil using Rhizopus chinensis whole cells immobilized onto loofah sponge is an effective approach for biodiesel production.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.401-419
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• 1998

The structure of benthic algal flora and feeding behavior of sea urchins (Anthocidaris crassispina and Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus), were investigated from the eight different locations along the coast of Cheju Island, Korea. Biomass distribution and dominance of the algal communities were studied in relation to the gut contents and population parameters of the sea urchins. As a result, although the largest algal biomass and biological characteristics of sea urchins, such as test diameter, test hight, body weight, gonad weight, etc. This inhdicated that sea urchins would not be dependednt sorely on the abundance of algal foods, and they might feed on other food items. In order to know such a trend with regard to food selectivity, the diets consumed by sea urchins were analyzed, and it was found that they were composed of benthic and drifted algae, various animal components (sponges, bryozoans, crustaceans, and various unidentified capsulated eggs, etc.) and biets turned out to be smaller than might be expected, and it is postulated that sea urchins were not likely to be the major grazing animals for the formation of algal bed and also canopy deterioration, so-called "white incrustation."

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2012

This study was undertaken to develop protective gloves for rose farmers who work on thorny plant in Korea. Prototype of protective gloves was designed and evaluated in terms of thermal comfort and mobility. Gloves were made with arm protectors attached to them, so that they could protect the lower part of arms, and rubber bands were inserted into the arm protectors for them not to slip down. The bending part of each finger was punched in order to give ventilation. Also, the bending parts of the fingers in the upper and lower part of gloves were inserted with sponges and were stitched together in order to enhance gripping movement. According to compared evaluation of the developed gloves and the existing gloves, temperature inside the gloves didn't show any significant differences, but humidity inside the gloves showed significant differences. There were significant differences in terms of comparison of objective mobility, that is, pegboard run-time and grip power, from statistical aspects. In addition, a comparison of subjective discomfort showed significant differences and so the suitability of developed gloves was proved.