• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.813-819
• /
• 2019

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) induces severe respiratory impairment with a reported mortality rate of ~36% in humans. The absence of clinically available MERS-CoV vaccines and treatments to date has resulted in uncontrolled incidence and propagation of the virus. In vaccine design, fusion with the IgG Fc domain is reported to increase the immunogenicity of various vaccine antigens. However, limited reports have documented the potential negative effects of Fc fusion on vaccine antigens. To determine whether Fc fusion affects the immunogenicity of MERS-CoV antigen, we constructed a Fcassociated MERS-CoV spike protein (eS770-Fc, 110 kDa), whereby human IgG4 Fc domain was fused to MERS-CoV spike protein (eS770) via a Gly/Pro linker using baculovirus as the expression system. For comparative analyses, two eS770 proteins lacking the IgG4 Fc domain were generated using the IdeS protease ($eS770-{\Delta}Fc$) or His tag attachment (eS770-His) and the immunogenicity of the above constructs were examined following intramuscular immunization in mice. Contrary to expectations, non-Fc spike proteins ($eS770-{\Delta}Fc$, eS770-His; 90 kDa) showed higher immunogenicity than the Fc fusion protein (eS770-Fc). Moreover, unlike non-Fc spike proteins, eS770-Fc immunization did not elicit neutralizing antibodies against MERS-CoV. The lower immunogenicity of Fc-fused eS770 was related to alterations in the structural conformation of the spike protein. Taken together, our results indicate that IgG Fc fusion reduces the immunogenicity of eS770 by interfering with the proper folding structure.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.265-275
• /
• 2021

Objective: The study developed mushroom stalk residues as feed additives in the broiler diet for improving the growth performance and immunity of broilers as well as to increase the value of mushroom stalk residues. Methods: In total, 300 ROSS 308 broilers were randomly allocated into fifteen pens with five dietary treatments: i) control, basal diet; ii) CMWM, supplemented with 1% Cordyceps militaris waster medium (CM); iii) CMPE, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue (PE); iv) CMPS, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus sajorcaju stalk residue (PS); v) CMFV, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Fammulina velutipes stalk residue (FV). Results: The chemical analysis results showed that CM extracts, PE extracts, PS extracts, and FV extracts contain functional components such as polysaccharides and phenols and have both 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate scavenging and Ferrous scavenging capacities. The group CMWM saw increased body weight gain and feed conversion rate and the promotion of jejunum villus growth, but there is no significant difference in the intestinal bacteria phase. Antioxidant genes in the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)- antioxidant responsive element pathway among the groups are significantly higher than that of the control group, especially in group CMWM. Conclusion: The mushroom stalk residues have antioxidant functional components, can improve the intestinal health and body weight gain of chickens, and can activate the antioxidant pathway of Nrf2 to increase the heme oxygenase-1 expression. The treatment with 1% CM was the most promising as a feed additive.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.5-14
• /
• 2011

The most common problem encountered in domestic tunnel construction sites are solving public resentments caused by damage to adjacent structures and buildings. The most effective excavation method in rock tunnelling is the drilling and blasting, which is the main cause of vibration resulting in the public resentments. In this study, numerical analysis is conducted to compare the vibration reduction effect of line drilling and pre-splitting methods. Furthermore, the numerical simulations are verified and the results are quantified. Finally, various combinations of explosives used in controlled blasting are used and the vibration reduction effects are evaluated, thereby proving the applicability of the controlled blasting for reduction of vibration in tunnelling.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.545-555
• /
• 2020

This paper presented efficient transceiver structure using sub-band processing for underwater communication in terms of covertness and performance improvement. In aspect of covertness, encrypted coded-bits are divided into groups, and center frequency and sub band are determined by coded-bits of each group. Therefore, as center frequencies are changed randomly, it maintain the covertness effectively. In aspect of performance improvement, the performance of underwater communication mainly depends on multi-path propagation characteristics, Doppler-spread, and frame synchronization. Accordingly, in order to overcome these effects, non-coherent energy detector and turbo equalization method are employed in receiver side. Furthermore, optimal frame synchronization was proposed. Through the simulation and lake experiment, performance analysis was conducted. Especially in the lake experiment, as a result of applying optimal frame synchronization method to receiver structure, errors are corrected in most frames.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.646-655
• /
• 2022

Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), one of the most prevalent viruses in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a non-enveloped, rod-shaped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus classified in the genus Tobamovirus. The supernatants of five bacterial cultures (Pseudomonas putida [PP], Bacillus licheniformis [BLI], P. fluorescens [PF], Serratia marcescens [SER], and B. amyloliquifaciens [BA]) were analyzed to find novel antiviral agents to PMMoV in chili pepper. Foliar spraying with supernatants (1:1, v/v) obtained from Luria-Bertani broth cultures of PP, BLI, PF, SER, and BA inhibited PMMoV infection of chili pepper if applied before the PMMoV inoculation. Double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that treatments of five supernatants resulted in 51-66% reductions in PMMoV accumulation in the treated chili pepper. To identify key compounds in supernatants of PP, BLI, PF, SER, and BA, the supernatants were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 24 different types of compounds were identified from the supernatants of PP, BLI, PF, SER, and BA. The compounds vary from supernatants of one bacterial culture to another which includes simple compounds-alkanes, ketones, alcohols, and an aromatic ring containing compounds. The compounds triggered the inhibitory effect on PMMoV propagation in chili pepper plants. In conclusion, the cultures could be used to further conduct tissue culture and field trial experiments as potential bio-control agents.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.5-17
• /
• 2007

Various field setup and filtering criteria have been suggested to avoid the near field effects in surface wave methods. Unlike other surface wave methods HWAW method uses the near field component positively. It is possible by using maximum energy point based on time-frequency map and inversion method to consider receiver locations from the source point and body wave component. To verify the HWAW method in the near field numerical study was performed and the wave propagation in the stratified soil media was simulated due to a surface point load. All of five representative soil models were used. The experimental dispersion curves, determined by HWAW method at the various receiver distances in the region of near field, all coincided well with the theoretical dispersion curves determined by 3D forward modeling (Kausel's method). Consequently, it was considered that the HWAW method can provide reliable $V_s$ profiles effectively in the near field.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.85 no.4
• /
• pp.485-500
• /
• 2023

The non-linear static analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using the three-dimensional (3D) finite element method is a time-consuming and challenging task. Moreover, this type of analysis encounters numerical problems such as the lack of convergence of results in the stages of growth and propagation of cracks in the structure. The time integration analysis along with the mass scaling (MS) technique is usually used to overcome these limitations. Despite the use of this method in the 3D finite element analysis of RC structures, a comprehensive study has not been conducted so far to assess the effects of the MS method on the accuracy of results. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the MS method in the non-linear quasi-static finite element analysis of RC structures. To this aim, different types of RC structures were simulated using the finite element approach based on the implicit time integration method and the mass scaling technique. The influences of effective parameters of the MS method (i.e., the allowable values of increase in the mass of the RC structure, the relationship between the duration of the applied load and fundamental vibration period of the RC structure, and the pattern of applied loads) on the accuracy of the simulated results were investigated. The accuracy of numerical simulation results has been evaluated through comparison with existing experimental data. The results of this study show that the achievement of accurate structural responses in the implicit time integration analyses using the MS method involves the appropriate selection of the effective parameters of the MS method.

• Advances in nano research
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.467-484
• /
• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.37-44
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Currently, research on environmental conditions and finishing materials for medical facilities with proven antiviral performance is poor in Korea. Through this study, we have explored environmental characteristics and finishing materials that can be used to control cross-infection when constructing medical facilities. Methods: Experiments in overseas papers related to antiviral effects of environmental conditions, spatial compartments, and interior finishes have been analyzed. Results: The higher the temperature, the higher the humidity, and the higher the illuminance of sunlight, the lower the viability of the corona-virus. The proliferation of viruses was suppressed on the surface of the copper alloy. Materials such as brushed steel are the ones that maintain the strongest viability. Among the characteristics of the surface, survival and propagation power differ depending on whether it is porous or hydrophilic. In the case of infection ward actually operated in Italy, the presence of airborne viruses in contaminated and non-contaminated spaces differed significantly. Corona-virus has been identified in reachable parts such as door handles and medical shelves in quasi-contaminated spaces, which are spaces between contaminated and non-contaminated spaces, but the corona-virus has not been identified in cases of out-of-touch walls. Implications: It is necessary to evaluate the performance by testing the construction finishing materials of infection control facilities according to domestic conditions.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2008

To overcome the mid frequency limitation of geometrical acoustic techniques, the phased geometrical method was suggested by introducing the phase information into the sound propagation from the source. By virtue of phase information, the phased tracing method has a definite benefit in taking the interference phenomenon at mid frequencies into account. Still, this analysis technique has suffered from difficulties in dealing with low frequency phenomena, so called, wave nature of sound. At low frequencies, diffraction at corners, edges, and obstacles can cause errors in simulating the transfer function and the impulse response. Due to the use of real valued absorption coefficient, simulated results have shown a discrepancy with measured data. Thus, incorrect phase of the reflection characteristic of a wall should be corrected. In this work, the uniform theory of diffraction was integrated into the phased beam tracing method (PBTM) and the result was compared to the ordinary PBTM. By changing the phase of the reflection coefficient, effects of phase information were investigated. Incorporating such error compensation methods, the acoustic prediction by PBTM can be further extended to low frequency range with improved accuracy in the room acoustic field.