Immune priming is an increased immunity after prior exposure to a specific pathogen as a kind of adaptive immunity and occurs in insects. However, its underlying mechanism is elusive in insects. Immune priming was detected in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. Prior infection with a heat-killed pathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus hominickii, increased survival upon the second infection of the live bacteria compared to larvae without pre-exposure. Plasma collected from larvae with the prior infection significantly up-regulated cellular and humoral immune responses compared to the similar treatment without prior exposure. However, when the active plasma exhibiting immune priming was heat-treated, it lost the priming activity, suggesting a presence of protein factor(s) in the immune priming. Lipocalin is a lipid carrier protein and is well known in vertebrates for diverse physiological functions including immunity. An apolipoprotein D3 (ApoD3) is known to be a lipocalin functioning in immune priming in a mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. A homologous ApoD3 (Se-ApoD3) was identified in S. exigua. Se-ApoD3 was expressed in all developmental stages and larvae, it was highly expressed in hemocytes. RNA interference (RNAi) of Se-ApoD3 expression was performed by injecting its specific dsRNA. The larvae treated with the RNAi were impaired in cellular and humoral immune responses. Furthermore, the plasma collected from RNAi-treated larvae lost the immune priming even at the prior exposure. These suggest that Se-ApoD3 mediates the immune priming in S. exigua.

The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a crucial role in insect immunity and development by metabolizing oxylipins such as EpOMEs and EETs. This study investigates sEH's involvement in insect antiviral response against Autographacalifornicanuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) infection. Viral infection assays were performed on Plutellaxylostellaand Marucavitrata, utilizing occlusion bodies (OB, via feeding) and budded virus (BV, through injection). Insect mortality was monitored every 12 h for up to 7 days. Our findings demonstrated a dose-dependent impact of both virus forms (OB and BV) on insects. Additionally, the sEH inhibitor, AUDA (12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido) dodecanoic acid), was employed alongside the virus. The results indicated that combining AUDA with the virus increased insect mortality. Furthermore, fluorescence assays revealed the gradual movement of the virus from the gut to hemolymph and fat body. AUDA was observed to expedite virus infection. Moreover, sEH expression rapidly increased along with the viral infection in Spodoptera exigua. RNA interference of sEH expression enhanced the viral virulence against S.exigua. These suggest that EpOMEs play crucial roles in immune resolution against viral infection in insects.

Eicosanoids represent a category of oxygenated C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions in insects. These compounds are synthesized from phospholipids through the enzymatic activity of phospholipaseA2 (PLA2). In this study, we investigated four PLA2 genes encoded in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, with a focus on understanding their specific functions through a variety of experimental approaches. Among the four PLA2s identified, Fo-PLA2A and Fo-PLA2B fall under the category of Ca2+-independent cellular PLA2 (iPLA2), while Fo-PLA2C and Fo-PLA2D are classified a secretory PLA2 (sPLA2). Enzyme activity assays showed that all developmental stages of the thrips exhibited significant activity against both types of PLA2 substrates (arachidonic acid (AA) and non-AA), albeit with variations in enzyme kinetics across different developmental stages. Further examination revealed that all four PLA2 genes were expressed in every developmental stage. Fo-PLA2B and Fo-PLA2C displayed higher expression levels in larvae, while Fo-PLA2A and Fo-PLA2D were predominantly expressed in female and male adults, respectively. These findings support the hypothesis that PLA2s likely serve specific functions during distinct developmental stages. Our results indicated that PLA2s play pivotal roles in mediating various physiological processes such as immunity, development, and reproduction. So, the differential expression of certain PLA2s in various stages suggests that each PLA2 may have a specific role during different stages. Additionally we conducted flouorescens in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to localize PLA2 transcripts in different tissues, shedding light on their specific functions within these tissues. In summary, the four identified PLA2s are associated with distinct catalytic activities and exhibit differential expressions across developmental stages and tissues, collectively contributing to various physiological processes.

In 2022, research for native prokaryotic species in Korea reported 10 unrecorded bacterial strains affiliated to phyla Actinomycetota, Bacillota, and Pseudomonadota. The strains formed monophyletic clades with the most closely related species (with ≥98.7% sequence similarity) in the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Among them, four species of the phylum Actinomycetota, two species of the phylum Bacillota, and four species of the phylum Pseudomonadota have not been reported in Korea, suggesting unrecorded species in Korea. Information on strains such as Gram staining reaction, colony and cell morphology, biochemical characteristics, and isolation sources were provided in the species description.

Extensive research and testing continue to be conducted for the development of vaccines targeting zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis. In this study, the potential of the DapB as a recombinant protein vaccine to effectively combat Brucella abortus 544 infection in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Western blotting assay results showed that recombinant protein DapB reacted with Brucella-positive serum, indicating its potential immunoreactivity. In vivo results showed that the peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cell population significantly increased in the DapB-immunized mice group after the first, second and third blood collection, compared to the control group that received PBS. Additionally, at the fourth blood collection, an increase in CD4+ T cell activation was observed in three vaccination groups compared to PBS negative control group. These results indicate the potential of DapB in stimulating cellular immunity. Fourteen days after infection, the bacterial load in the spleen was evaluated. The reduction in bacterial replication in the spleen by both DapB and RB51 highlights their protective efficacy against Brucella infection. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing effective vaccines against brucellosis and provide valuable insights for further research in this field.

DWI 검사 시 인체 조직 및 병변에 근접한 공기는 영상왜곡을 가중해 병변 감별에 어려움을 준다. 이에 본 연구는 팬텀을 제작하 여 기하학적 왜곡을 줄여주는 SMS RESOLVE DWI를 통해 공기 자화율에 의한 왜곡 변화를 정량화하였다. 팬텀은 원통형으로 내부에 공기가 존재하도록 설계하였다. 제한된 환경 속에서 다양한 자화율에 의해 왜곡이 영상에 구현되도록 팬텀 내부에는 증류수, 젤라틴 외 혼합 물질과 공기를 구분되게 채웠다. 팬텀의 정렬을 다르게 하여 공기 있는 상태 실험을 진행 후, 공기 대신 혼합액 넣은 상태 실험을 같은 방식으로 진행하였고 혼합액 대신 증류수 넣은 상태 실험을 진행하였다. 3T MRI 장비로 T2WI, C DWI, SMS-RESOLVE DWI를 촬영하였고 파이썬 OpenCV로 이미지 유사도를 측정 후 비교 분석하였다. 실험 결과 공기 있는 상태 SMS-RESOLVE DWI b0에서 SSIM 평균 0.898, MSE 평균 0.068로 영상왜곡이 가장 적었다. SMS-RESOLVE DWI의 공기 자화율 왜곡 변화는 b0 기준 SSIM, MSE 모두 –0.033~0.003 이미지 유사도 차이를 보였다. SMS-RESOLVE DWI b1000은 수치상 이미지 유사도 차이가 크지 않거나 감쇄되는 때도 있어서 향후 SNR 보완에 초점을 둔다면 보다 개선된 영상진단 성능을 제공할 것으로 기대되고 오픈 소스 라이브러리를 통해 오차를 최소화한 이미지 처리와 유사도를 분석하는 새로운 시도는 앞으로의 연구 방향에 새 모델을 제시한다.

In the realm of dental prosthesis fabrication, obtaining accurate impressions has historically been a challenging and inefficient process, often hindered by hygiene concerns and patient discomfort. Addressing these limitations, Company D recently introduced a cutting-edge solution by harnessing the potential of intraoral scan images to create 3D dental models. However, the complexity of these scan images, encompassing not only teeth and gums but also the palate, tongue, and other structures, posed a new set of challenges. In response, we propose a sophisticated real-time image segmentation algorithm that selectively extracts pertinent data, specifically focusing on teeth and gums, from oral scan images obtained through Company D's oral scanner for 3D model generation. A key challenge we tackled was the detection of the intricate molar regions, common in dental imaging, which we effectively addressed through intelligent data augmentation for enhanced training. By placing significant emphasis on both accuracy and speed, critical factors for real-time intraoral scanning, our proposed algorithm demonstrated exceptional performance, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 0.91 and an unrivaled FPS of 92.4. Compared to existing algorithms, our solution exhibited superior outcomes when integrated into Company D's oral scanner. This algorithm is scheduled for deployment and commercialization within Company D's intraoral scanner.

The purpose of this study is to determine the concepts of heterotopic image and fashion space, and the characteristics of fashion space and images from the perspective of fashion brands and users. This study examines the evolution of fashion space and consumers with it, based on Foucault’s theory of heterotopia, which refers to spaces that blend contradictory features not typically found within a single physical structure. This is accomplished by employing a single case study of Ader Error’s Ader Space, a Seoul-based brand known for its unique approach to presenting and communicating fashion. Based on an analysis of Instagram posts of Ader Error along with the hashtag searches “aderspace” and “adererror”, this study categorizes heterotopia from the perspective of fashion brands into three properties: fashion space as a medium for selling fashion products; fashion space as getaway to hybrid fashion practices; and fashion space as an illusionary place to experience fashion. From the user perspective, the heterotopic image of Ader Space portrayed on Instagram is characterized by the image of fashion products in an extraordinary fashion space, the image of a fashion space beyond space and time, and the image of exposing the hidden and the illusioncompensation of fashion space. This study contributes to a heightened understanding of the evolutionary concept of the fashion space.

The thermoelectric effect, which converts waste heat into electricity, holds promise as a renewable energy technology. Recently, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based alloys are being recognized as important materials for practical applications in the temperature range from room temperature to 500 K. However, conventional sintering processes impose limitations on shape-changeable and tailorable Bi2Te3 materials. To overcome these issues, three-dimensional (3D) printing (additive manufacturing) is being adopted. Although some research results have been reported, relatively few studies on 3D printed thermoelectric materials are being carried out. In this study, we utilize extrusion 3D printing to manufacture n-type Bi1.7Sb0.3Te3 (N-BST). The ink is produced without using organic binders, which could negatively influence its thermoelectric properties. Furthermore, we introduce graphene oxide (GO) at the crystal interface to enhance the electrical properties. The formed N-BST composites exhibit significantly improved electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient as the GO content increases. Therefore, we propose that the combination of the extrusion 3D printing process (Direct Ink Writing, DIW) and the incorporation of GO into N-BST offers a convenient and effective approach for achieving higher thermoelectric efficiency.

Technosignature, previously known as SETI(search for extraterrestrial intelligence), is the scientic evidence of past or present extraterrestrial civilizations. Since NRAO's Project Ozma was performed in 1960, most of the noticeable technosignature searches have been done by radio telescopes, hoping to find strong and narrow bandwidth signals that cannot be explained by known natural processes. Recently, the Breakthrough Listen project has opened a new opportunity for technosignature by utilizing both optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and next-generation radio telescope arrays. In this review, mainly based on NASA Technosignatures Workshop (2018), we review the current trends of technosignature surveys, as well as other possible methods for detecting technosignature. Also, we suggest what the Korean community could contribute the technosignature research, including the new SETI project with Korea VLBI Network (KVN).

Consumers' online reviews have become more powerful in the Internet market. Consumers share reviews, post comments and constantly evaluate products online. In previous studies, the analysis of online reviews mainly focused on purchasing products based on consumers' own use experience, but in innovative products, it was difficult to find an analysis of product acceptor's response to product user reviews. In particular, there is no online review study of VR covered in this study. This study not only quantitatively analyzed online reviews of consumers who purchased VR products on Amazon, an online distribution site, but also qualitatively analyzed them through crawling. This study used Amazon's VR product user review, where purchases were confirmed, to select algorithms that are more likely to be matched by predicting a helpful review and presenting a predictive model. In addition, the online review extracted deep text associated with Helpful and conducted topical modeling. As a result, topics related to 1) experience in use, 2) post-product evaluation, 3) product composition and peripherals, 4) immersion, and 5) comfort were highly acceptable to potential inmates. To enhance the acceptability of innovative products through online reviews, it is not just highlighting the product advantages of VR, but also suggests that the link between smartphones and applications can bring in more potential users. Also, interworking with other peripheral devices (speakers or screens) can be predicted as a way to increase the acceptability of VR products. From a marketing perspective, this study has found targeted topics that help consumers in pioneering the VR market, which will help potential customers create the services they want.

Metaverse blends the physical and virtual worlds, transforming the customer's shopping experience. This study aims to identify the psychological mechanism in the metaverse environment and the relationship between metaverse experience and consumer happiness. To identify metaverse experiences, both behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were conducted. In a behavioral study, we found that consumers' happiness increased when participants were in an immersive metaverse space. In the fMRI study, we found greater activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and lateral occipital cortex (LOC) regions in the high level of the immersive metaverse and found a positive relationship with consumers' happiness. This paper is the first attempt in marketing to provide an integrative brain map for the metaverse experience. This brain map helps marketers better understand the consumer experience. This study suggests that only in the immersive metaverse space where virtual and physical experiences interact can consumers become one with the virtual space and maximize customer experience values.

목적: 대학생을 대상으로 자외선을 포함한 청색광과 같은 유해광선에 대한 지식과 인식도를 알아보고자 하였다. 방법 : 2023년 4월부터 5월까지 온라인 설문 조사에 응답한 충남지역 대학생 103명을 대상으로 하였다. 설문 은 대상자의 일반적 특성에 관한 문항, 자외선과 청색광 차단렌즈의 착용실태에 대한 문항, 자외선과 청색광에 대 한 지식도 및 인식도 문항, 그리고 차단렌즈 선택을 위한 가이드라인의 요구도 문항으로 구성된 총 15문항의 설문 도구를 사용하였다. 통계분석은 SPSS 18.0을 사용하였다. 결과 : 자외선 차단을 위해 안경이나 콘택트렌즈를 착용하는 비율은 56.3%로 나타났으나 청색광 차단 안경이 나 콘택트렌즈를 사용하는 경우는 35.9%로 상대적으로 낮은 비율로 나타났다. 자외선과 청색광의 유해성에 관한 지식도는 각각 2.58±0.91, 2.44±0.98로 조사되었으며, 자외선과 청색광으로부터 눈 보호가 중요하다고 생각하 는 항목의 평균 점수는 각각 3.49±0.61, 3.35±0.68점으로 조사되어 자외선과 청색광 차단의 중요성에 대한 인 식도는 높은 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 대학생들의 자외선과 청색광에 대한 지식도와 인식도는 높은 수준이었으나 청색광 차단렌즈에 올바른 선택법에 대한 지식은 낮은 수준을 나타냈다. 이에 청색광 차단렌즈의 올바른 선택을 위한 교육 강화와 가이드라 인의 구축이 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

Ammonium (NH4 +) serves as a nitrogen source, but its elevated levels can hinder plant growth and production. Excess NH4 + with α-ketoglutarate is assimilated into glutamate, a precursor of proline and glutathione (GSH). This study aimed to investigate the effects of excessive NH4 + on the regulation of proline and GSH synthesis. Detached leaves from oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) were fed with 0, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mM NH4Cl for 16 h. As the NH4 + concentrations increased, the leaves exhibited progressive wilting and yellowing. Furthermore, total carotenoid and chlorophyll concentrations declined in response to all NH4 + treatments, with the lowest levels observed in 1000 mM NH4 + treatment. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration showed a minor increase at low NH4 + concentration (50 and 100 mM) treatments but a significant increase at high NH4 + (500 and 1000 mM), which was consistent with the localization of H2O2. Amino acid concentrations increased with increasing in NH4 + concentration, while the protein concentration displayed the opposite trend. Proline and cysteine concentrations exhibited a gradual increase in response to increasing NH4 + concentrations. However, GSH concentrations rose only in the 50 mM NH4 + treatment and decreased in the 500 and 1000 mM NH4 + treatments. These results indicate that excessive NH4 + is primarily assimilated into proline, while GSH synthesis is adversely affected.