• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.198-202
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• 2018

In this work, we have investigated the effect of a 30-min thermal anneal at $550^{\circ}C$ on the electrical characteristics of neutron-irradiated 4H-SiC MOSFETs. Thermal annealing can recover the on/off characteristics of neutron-irradiated 4H-SiC MOSFETs. After thermal annealing, the interface-trap density decreased and the effective mobility increased in terms of the on-characteristics. This finding could be due to the improvement of the interfacial state from thermal annealing and the reduction in Coulomb scattering due to the reduction in interface traps. Additionally, in terms of the off-characteristics, the thermal annealing resulted in the recovery of the breakdown voltage and leakage current. After the thermal annealing, the number of positive trapped charges at the MOSFET interface was decreased.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2015

Osteoporosis induces a bone mineral density loss due to imbalance of bone homeostasis that is achieved by osteoclasts (which are involved in bone resorption) and osteoblasts (which are involved in bone formation). Thus, this study was performed to evaluate the effects of hot water extract of the Achyranthes bidentata Blume (ABB) and Panax ginseng (Gin) on osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation. In this study, there was no cytotoxicity by ABB, 50 and $100{\mu}g/ml$ of Gin significantly decreased cell viability of RANKL-induced osteoclast in RAW264.7 cell (p < 0.01). But, it was $50{\mu}g/ml$ of ABB and Gin mixtures increased due to protective action of ABB. Furthermore, Gin contained groups (Gin, ABB and Gin mixtures) were inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and increased in osteoblast differentiation activity. Gin clearly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by decreased calcitonin and TRAP (p < 0.01). Also, these extracts significantly increased calcium accumulation formation of osteoblastic differentiation reagents-induced osteoblast in MC3T3-E1 cell (p < 0.05). These results suggest that ABB and Gin mixtures may be a potential as drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.463-468
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• 2019

The electrical and interfacial properties of $HfO_2/Al_2O_3$ and $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ dielectrics on AlN/p-Ge interface prepared by thermal atomic layer deposition are investigated by capacitance-voltage(C-V) and current-voltage(I-V) measurements. In the C-V measurements, humps related to mid-gap states are observed when the ac frequency is below 100 kHz, revealing lower mid-gap states for the $HfO_2/Al_2O_3$ sample. Higher frequency dispersion in the inversion region is observed for the $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ sample, indicating the presence of slow interface states A higher interface trap density calculated from the high-low frequency method is observed for the $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ sample. The parallel conductance method, applied to the accumulation region, shows border traps at 0.3~0.32 eV for the $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ sample, which are not observed for the $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ sample. I-V measurements show a reduction of leakage current of about three orders of magnitude for the $HfO_2/Al_2O_3$ sample. Using the Fowler-Nordheim emission, the barrier height is calculated and found to be about 1.08 eV for the $HfO_2/Al_2O_3$ sample. Based on these results, it is suggested that $HfO_2/Al_2O_3$ is a better dielectric stack than $Al_2O_3/HfO_2$ on AlN/p-Ge interface.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.129-134
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• 2020

Understanding charge trapping at the interface between conjugated semiconductor and polymer dielectric basically gives insight into the development of long-term stable organic field-effect transistors (OFET). Here, the charge transport properties of OFETs using polymer dielectric with various molecular weights (MWs) have been investigated. The conjugated semiconductor, pentacene exhibited morphology and crystallinity, insensitive to MWs of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dielectric. Consequently, transfer curves and field-effect mobilities of as-prepared devices are independent of MWs. Under bias stress in humid environment, however, the drain current decay as well as transfer curve shift are found to increase as the MW of PMMA decreases (MW effect). The charge trapping induced by MW effect is irreversible, that is, the localized charges are difficult to be delocalized. The MW effect is caused by the variation in the density of polymer chain ends in the PMMA: the free volumes at the PMMA chain ends act as charge trap sites, corresponding to drain current decay depending on MWs of PMMA.

• International Journal of Molecular Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.913-926
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• 2019

Leonurus sibiricus L. (LS) is a medicinal plant used in East Asia, Europe and the USA. LS is primarily used in the treatment of gynecological diseases, and recent studies have demonstrated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time that LS may promote osteoblast differentiation and suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro, and that it inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in a mouse model. LS was observed to promote the osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and upregulate the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), a key gene involved in osteoblast differentiation. This resulted in the induction of the expression of various osteogenic genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteonectin (OSN), osteopontin (OPN), type I collagen (COL1) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). LS was also observed to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos were inhibited following LS treatment. NFATc1 and c-Fos are key markers of osteoclast differentiation that inhibit receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. As a result, LS suppressed the expression of osteoclast-associated genes, such as matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), cathepsin K (Ctsk), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), osteoclast-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor (OSCAR), c-src, c-myc, osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) and ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit d2 (ATP6v0d2). Consistent with the in vitro results, LS inhibited the reduction in bone mineral density and the bone volume/total volume ratio in a mouse model of LPS-induced osteoporosis. These results suggest that LS may be a valuable agent for the treatment of osteoporosis and additional bone metabolic diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.1-14
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• 2024

Otters, designated as Class I endangered wildlife due to population declines resulting from urban development and stream burial, have seen increased appearances in freshwater environments since the nationwide ban on stream filling in 2020 and the implementation of urban stream restoration projects. There is a pressing need for scientific and strategic conservation measures for otters, an umbrella and vulnerable species in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, this study predicts potential otter habitats using the species distribution model MaxEnt, focusing on Hwangguji Stream in Suwon, and proposes conservation strategies. Otter signs were surveyed over three years from 2019 to 2021 with citizen scientists, serving as presence data for the model. The model's outcomes were enhanced by analyzing 'river nature map' as a boundary. MaxEnt compared the performance of 60 combinations of feature classes and regularization multipliers to prevent model complexity and overfitting. Additionally, unmanned sensor cameras observed otter density for model validation, confirming correlations with the species distribution model results. The 'LQ-5.0' parameter combination showed the highest explanatory power with an AUC of 0.853. The model indicated that the 'adjacent land use' variable accounted for 31.5% of the explanation, with a preference for areas around cultivated lands. Otters were found to prefer shelter rates of 10-30% in riparian forests within 2 km of bridges. Higher otter densities observed by unmanned sensors correlated with increasing model values. Based on these results, the study suggests three conservation strategies: establishing stable buffer zones to enhance ecological connectivity, improving water quality against non-point source pollution, and raising public awareness. The study provides a scientific basis for potential otter habitat management, effective conservation through governance linking local governments, sustainable biodiversity goals, and civil organizations.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.139-150
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• 1985

In order to determine the seasonal prevalence and population density of vector mosquitoes in Kyungpook Province, a survey based on average numbers of female mosquito per trap-night, were carried out during the period from May to November in 1984. Among the 34, 571 mosquitoes collected in Kyungsan county in animal shelters and human dwellings by light traps, approximately 45.0 per cent were Culex tritaeniorhynchus, 34.0 per cent Culex pipiens pallens, and 19.0 per cent Anopheles sinensis. By comparison, distribution of mosquito species in Ankang town, in which Japanese encephalitis had been reported in the past, were quite different and A. sinensis was the most abundant species, being constituted in 75.8 per cent, followed by C. tritaeniorhynchus(23.2 per cent), and C. pipiens pallens(O.6 per cent). In the general pattern of seasonal prevalence, C. tritaeniorhynchus first appeared in mid-June, and trapped in large numbers during the periods from mid-August to early September, showing a simple sharply pointed one-peaked curve, while C. pipiens pallens was found to be active through almost the entire season showing irregular curves with several peaks. The trend of seasonal distribution of A. sinensis was similar to that of C. tritaeniorhynchus, but the earliest dates of appearance and disappearance differed from that of C. tritaeniorhynchus. The results of hourly catches of mosquitoes by human baited traps have clearly shown the differences in the biting rhythm among the vector mosquitoes of this Province, such as the facts that C. tritaeniorhynchus and A. sinensis are rather constantly active all through a night with more or less inconspicuous peaks twice a night, while C. pipiens pallens exhibits an irregular curve, and the numbers of A. vexans nipponii, C. vagans and Armigeres subalbatus are very small and are not sufficient for estimating the biting rhythm. Four genera and fourteen species of larval mosquitoes collected from eighteen kinds of habitats which classified according to the categories followed by Bates (1949). The main breeding sites contributing to peak C. tritaeniorhynchus adult densities in this surveyed areas were evidently ricefields, ground pools, puddles and swamps and marshes, etc. Summarizing the results, this study indicated that the highest population density of C. tritaeniorhynchus was encountered in late August and early September, showing a simple sharply pointed one-peaked curve.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.7
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• pp.5-13
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• 1969

Present system of seed potato production in Korea has several weak points and consequently has difficulties in covering annual shortage of 60,000 tons of seed potatoes. The author has an opinion that this so called 'High land system' of seed potato production adopted by the Government should be replaced by the 'Coastal area system' which is proposed by the author and has many advantages over present 'High land system'(2). In coastal areas where enormous acreage of rice paddies are spread, mostly around the villages. the primary host plants of the vectors are found. Therefore, the only source of aphid vectors are limited to the villages. The farmer's houses scattered more sparsely also have minor importance. In the previous paper(2), the author reported that the aphid vector populations were lower in the coastalareas than at Taegwanryong where the Alpine Experiment Station for the production. of seed potatoes is located. However, the number to vectors at Okku showed rather high density, where the trap was placed at the distance of 200 m from a village where peach and Hibiscus trees, the primary hosts of Myzus pesrsicae and Aphis gossypii were grown. To clarify the flight distance from the source of the aphid vectors, a trial was carried out in the Kwanghwal area, Kimje-gun, Cholla-pukto. on the western coast. 13 traps were placed at four directions and the distances between the traps were 250 m. (Fig. I) The traps 'Were operated from June 21 to October 31. The results are shown in Table 1. A total of some 70 species of aphids were found, including 5 speceis of potato virus vectors. The vectors are as follows: I. Myzus persicae (Sulzer) 2. Aphis gossypii Glover 3. Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) 4. Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) 5. Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette) Out of a total of 12,797 aphids, 5,187$(48\%)$ vectors were found. The trap catches at the 13 locations are shown in Fig. 2 and the numbers of the vectors at each location for each vector, except Macro-siphoniella sanborni. of which only a single individual was caught, are shown in Fig. 3-6. Number of vectors at C (3,279) (Centre of the village) is considerably higher than that at Suwon (763); however, EI. SI. WI and NI. where the distanecs from Care 250 m, showed lower numbers of vectors than that at Taegwanryong (347). The number of vectors at NI was rather than at the other 3 locations at the distance of 250m from the village. This was because C was in the southern part of the village. Consequently NI was much closer to the village than the other 3 locations of the same distance from C. Numbers of catches of the most important vector. Myzus persicae, are shown in Fig.3. The distribution pattern is typical except $S-2\;and\;W_3$, where several farmer's houses were found. If only the rice paddies were found in these locations. the numbers of the vectors would be small as the distances increase. Numbers of catches of the other 3 vectors are shown in Fig. 4-6. From these results. the author has drawn the following conclusions: 1. The aphid vector sources at the rice paddy belt in the western coast are the villages. 2. The vector densities at the locations where the distances are 250 m from the centre of the village are lower than that at Taegwanryong. 3. The vector densities become gradually lower as the distances from the centre of village increase. However. depending on the host plant situation at each location, the vector densities are variable. These minor sources of aphid vectors may be eliminated so that seed potatoes can be grown. 4. Thus. under the direction of specialists, fields suitable for seed potato production can be found in the coastal areas.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.40-49
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• 2004

An ecological study on a sea urchin population, Strongylocentrotus nudus, a key role species in recovery of macroalgal bed, was conducted in Hosan, Samcheok area on the east coast of Korea. Three experimental plots, namely, AMB (artificially-restored macroalgal bed), BG (barren grounds) and NMB (natural macroalgal bed) were established after a pilot survey in June 2002. Distribution and abundance, grazing rates, predation pressure and predator guilds on S. nudus were estimated in three plots bimonthly from Aug. to Dec., 2002. Abundance of S. nudus was lowest, but median test diameter of the urchin was highest (Kruskal-Wallis test, p-value, p<0.001 in Aug. and p=0.003 in Oct.) in NMB In-situ grazing rate of S. nudus estimated by enclosure cage experiment in NMB was about 12 times higher in Aug. (160.0 mg seaweed/g sea urchin/day) than in Oct. (13.8). Predation intensity measured by tethering experiment was higher in NMB. Most of the predators on S. nudus were invertebrates and no fish predators were found. Predator guilds identified by the fish trap experiment using live or dead sea urchins included who]ks Neptunea arthritica, starfish Asterina pectinifera, hermit crabs Pagurus of. samuelis, Paguristes barbatus, brown shawl crabs Atergatis integerrimus and crabs Actaea subglobosa. High predation pressure on S. nudus in natural macroalgal beds was the likely cause of its low density. Elevated sea urchin density and the consequent lasting deforestation of macroalgae in barren grounds demonstrate the importance of predation pressure on sea urchins.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.10
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• pp.1244-1250
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• 2008

This study was carried out investigate the effects of chungkukjang added with onion (OC) and chungkukjang (C) on the lipid and antioxidant metabolisms of hypercholesterolemic rats. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups after 1-week adaptation period and were fed a normal diet, high fat-cholesterol diet (HC), HC-OC or HC-C for 8 weeks, respectively. The supplementation of HC-OC and HC-C groups significantly reduced hepatic total cholesterol and AST activity. HC-C group increased high density lipoprotein, while decreasing low density lipoprotein and AI compared with HC-OC group. Conjugated dienes of HC-C group was significantly lower than those of HC-OC group. $H_2O_2$ induced DNA damage reduced significantly in HC-OC and HC-C groups compared with high fat-cholesterol diet group. $H_2O_2$ induced DNA damage exhibited significant positive correlations with hepatic total cholesterol, AST and CD. These results suggested that supplementation of chungkukjang or chungkukjang added with onion might be helpful in preventing lipid oxidation and leukocytic DNA damage. However, the health beneficial effect has not improved by the addtion of onion in chungkukjang.