• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.260-267
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• 2006

SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber; 25 wt% of solid contents) nanocomposites reinforced with OLS(organically modified layered silicates) were manufactured via the latex method. Two types of OLS are prepared, i.e. dodecylamine (primary amine) modified montmorillonite (DA-MMT) and N, N-dimethyldodecylamine (tertiary amino) modified MMT (DDA-MMT). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the layer distance of OLS and the morphology of the nanocomposites. SBR nanocomposites reinforced with ternary phase filler (carbon black/silica/OLS) systems also manufactured. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was performed on these composites to determine the loss factor (tan $\delta$) over a range of temperature($-20^{\circ}C{\sim}80^{\circ}C$). The results showed that there was significant changes on the values or tan $\delta$ with the addition of small amount of the OLS. By increasing the contents of OLS, the values of tan $\delta$ at $0^{\circ}C$ increased but those of tan $\delta$ at $60^{\circ}C$ decreased with increasing OLS contents.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.281-295
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• 2021

In this study, the direct amination of ethanol was performed over impregnated Ni on SiO2-Al2O3 mixed oxide catalysts prepared by varying Si/(Si + Al) molar ratio to 30 mol%. To characterize the physico-chemical properties of the catalysts used, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, temperature-programmed desorption of iso-propyl alcohol (IPA-TPD), temperature-programmed desorption of ethanol (EtOH-TPD), temperature-programmed reduction with H2 (H2-TPR), H2-chemisorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. The acidic property was continuously increased until Si/(Si + Al) = 30 mol% in SiO2-Al2O3 mixed oxides used. The dispersion of Ni metal and surface area, acid characteristics of the supported Ni catalyst have a complex effect on the catalytic reaction activity. The low reduction temperature of nickel oxide and acidic properties were beneficial to the formation of acetonitrile. In terms of conversion of ethanol, Ni/SiO2-Al2O3 catalyst with a molar ratio of 10 mol% Si/(Si+Al) showed the highest activity and a volcanic curve based on it. The tendency of results were consistent in the metal dispersion and catalytic activity.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2021

A thermally conductive 200 ㎛ thick polyimide-based film was made from a polyamic acid (PAA) precursor containing graphene prepared from graphite rod using an electrostatic discharge method in order to improve the thermal conductivity and expand the applicability of polyimide (PI) film. Properties of graphene produced by electrostatic discharge were measured by Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As a result of Raman spectrum and XPS analyses of as-prepared graphene, the ID/IG ratio was 0.138 and C/O value was 24.91 which are excellent structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, thermal conductivities of polyimide films increased exponentially according to graphene contents but when the graphene content exceeded 40%, the polyimide film could not maintain its shape. The thermal conductivity of carbonized PI film made from PAA containing 40 wt% of graphene was 51 W/mK which is greatly enhanced from the pristine carbonized PI film (1.9 W/mK). This result could be originated from superior properties of graphene prepared from the electrostatic discharge method.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.64-69
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that induces symptoms such as a decrease in motor function and cognitive impairment. Increases in the aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta protein ($A{\beta}$) in the brain may be closely correlated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effects of an adzuki bean extract on the aggregation of $A{\beta}$ were examined; moreover, the anti-Alzheimer's activity of the adzuki extract was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, we undertook thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the effect of an adzuki bean extract on $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregation. To evaluate the effects of the adzuki extract on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in vivo, $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing Drosophila were used. In these flies, overexpression of $A{\beta}_{42}$ induced the formation of $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregates in the brain, decreased motor function, and resulted in cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Based on the results obtained by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM, the adzuki bean extract inhibited the formation of $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. When $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing flies were fed regular medium containing adzuki extract, the $A{\beta}_{42}$ level in the brain was significantly lower than that in the group fed regular medium only. Furthermore, suppression of the decrease in motor function, suppression of cognitive impairment, and improvement in lifespan were observed in $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing flies fed regular medium with adzuki extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the delaying effects of an adzuki bean extract on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide useful information for identifying novel prevention treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.138-147
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• 2019

Purpose: Several studies have shown that the oral cavity is a secondary location for Helicobacter pylori colonization and that H. pylori is associated with the severity of periodontitis. This study investigated whether H. pylori had an effect on the periodontium. We established an invasion model of a standard strain of H. pylori in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs), and evaluated the effects of H. pylori on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Methods: Different concentrations of H. pylori were used to infect hPDLFs, with 6 hours of co-culture. The multiplicity of infection in the low- and high-concentration groups was 10:1 and 100:1, respectively. The Cell Counting Kit-8 method and Ki-67 immunofluorescence were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blots were used to detect cell cycle progression. In the high-concentration group, the invasion of H. pylori was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: It was found that H. pylori invaded the fibroblasts, with cytoplasmic localization. Analyses of cell proliferation and flow cytometry showed that H. pylori inhibited the proliferation of periodontal fibroblasts by causing G2 phase arrest. The inhibition of proliferation and G2 phase arrest were more obvious in the high-concentration group. In the low-concentration group, the G2 phase regulatory factors cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cell division cycle 25C (Cdc25C) were upregulated, while cyclin B1 was inhibited. However, in the high-concentration group, cyclin B1 was upregulated and CDK1 was inhibited. Furthermore, the deactivated states of tyrosine phosphorylation of CDK1 (CDK1-Y15) and serine phosphorylation of Cdc25C (Cdc25C-S216) were upregulated after H. pylori infection. Conclusions: In our model, H. pylori inhibited the proliferation of hPDLFs and exerted an invasive effect, causing G2 phase arrest via the Cdc25C/CDK1/cyclin B1 signaling cascade. Its inhibitory effect on proliferation was stronger in the high-concentration group.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2011

In this work, the effect of surface treatment on mesoporous carbons (MCs) supports was investigated by analyzing surface functional groups. MCs were prepared by a conventional templating method using mesoporous silica (SBA-15) for using catalyst supports in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The MCs were treated with different phosphoric acid ($H_3PO_4$) concentrations i.e., 0, 1, 3, 4, and 5 M at 343 K for 6 h. And then Pt-Ru was deposited onto surface treated MCs (H-MCs) by chemical reduction method. The characteristics of Pt-Ru catalysts deposited onto H-MCs were determined by specific surface area and pore size analyzer, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron, transmission electron microscopy, and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. The electrochemical properties of Pt-Ru/H-MCs catalysts were also analyzed by cyclic voltammetry experiments. From the results of surface analysis, an oxygen functional group was introduced to the surface of carbon supports. From the results, the H4M-MCs carbon supports surface treated with 4 M $H_3PO_4$ led to uniform dispersion of Pt-Ru onto H4M-MCs, resulting in enhancing the electro-catalytic activity of Pt-Ru catalysts.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.179-186
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• 2021

In this study, we attempted to comparatively analyze the structural characteristics of soot generated from marine engines to review the possibility of recycling crankcase soot by classifying it as exhaust soot and crankcase soot. The annealing procedure was performed in an argon gas atmosphere at 2,000℃ and 2,700℃, and Raman spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy(HRTEM) were used to analyze the structural properties of the samples. Furthermore, digital image processing techniques were utilized to quantitatively analyze the acquired HRTEM images. The Raman analysis demonstrated a relatively high G/D ratio in the exhaust soot and annealing conditions at 2,700℃. In the HRTEM images, both soot were able to identify similar forms of graphite nanostructures, but there were limitations in that they could not quantitatively derive differences in the degree of graphite depending on the type of soot and annealing temperature. Thus, digital image processing quantitatively analyzed the length and tortuosity of the fringe of the HRTEM image, which is consistent with the Raman analysis. This meant that the exhaust soot had a more graphite structure than the crankcase soot, and that annealing at a higher temperature improved the graphite structure. This study confirmed that both the crankcase soot and exhaust soot can be recycled as a graphite materials.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.293-300
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• 2021

We investigate the effect of phosphorous content on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe_83.2Si_5.33-0.33xB_10.67-0.67xP_xCu_0.8 (x = 1-4 at.%) nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys. The simultaneous addition of Cu and P to nanocrystalline alloys reportedly decreases the nanocrystalline size significantly, to 10-20 nm. In the P-containing nanocrystalline alloy, P atoms are distributed in an amorphous residual matrix, which suppresses grain growth, increases permeability, and decreases coercivity. In this study, nanocrystalline ribbons with a composition of Fe_83.2Si_5.33-0.33xB_10.67-0.67xP_xCu_0.8 (x = 1-4 at.%) are fabricated by rapid quenching melt-spinning and thermal annealing. It is demonstrated that the addition of a small amount of P to the alloy improves the glass-forming ability and increases the resistance to undesirable Fe_x(B,P) crystallization. Among the alloys investigated in this work, an Fe_83.2Si₅B₁₀P₁Cu_0.8 nanocrystalline ribbon annealed at 460℃ exhibits excellent soft-magnetic properties including low coercivity, low core loss, and high saturation magnetization. The uniform nanocrystallization of the Fe_83.2Si₅B₁₀P₁Cu_0.8 alloy is confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2021

Backgroud: Ginsenoside compound K (GK) is a major metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides and has remarkable anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. This work used an ionic cross-linking method to entrap GK within O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) nanoparticles (Nps) to form GK-loaded OCMC Nps (GK-OCMC Nps), which enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of GK. Methods: The GK-OCMC Nps were characterized using several physicochemical techniques, including x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and particle size analysis via dynamic light scattering. GK was released from GK-OCMC Nps and was conducted using the dialysis bag diffusion method. The effects of GK and GK-OCMC Nps on PC3 cell viability were measured by using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Fluorescent technology based on Cy5.5-labeled probes was used to explore the cellular uptake of GK-OCMC Nps. Results: The GK-OCMC NPs had a suitable particle size and zeta potential; they were spherical with good dispersion. In vitro drug release from GK-OCMC NPs was pH dependent. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity study and cellular uptake assays indicated that the GK-OCMC Nps significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of GK toward the PC3 cells. GK-OCMC Nps also significantly promoted the activities of both caspase-3 and caspase-9. Conclusion: GK-OCMC Nps are potential nanocarriers for delivering hydrophobic drugs, thereby enhancing water solubility and permeability and improving the antiproliferative effects of GK.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.159-168
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• 2022

Catalytic activity in ammonia decomposition reaction was studied on Mo-Al nitride obtained through temperature programmed nitridation of calcined Mo-Al mixed oxide prepared by varying the MoO₃ quantity in the range of 10-50 wt%. N₂ sorption analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and H₂-temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the physicochemical properties of the prepared catalyst were performed. After calcination at 600 ℃, the XRD of Mo-Al oxide showed γ-Al₂O₃ and Al₂(MoO₄)₃ phases, and the nitride after nitridation showed an amorphous form. The specific surface area after nitridation by topotactic transformation of MoO₃ to nitride was increased due to the formation of Mo nitride, and the Mo nitride was observed to be supported on γ-Al₂O₃. As for the catalytic activity in the ammonia decomposition reaction, 40 wt% MoO₃ showed the best activity, and as the nitridation time increases, the activity increased, and thus the activation energy decreased.