Silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a promising material for next-generation power semiconductor materials, due to its high thermal conductivity and high critical electric field (~3 MV/cm) with a wide bandgap of 3.3 eV. This permits SiC devices to operate at lower on-resistance and higher breakdown voltage. However, to improve device performance, advanced research is still needed to reduce point defects in the SiC epitaxial layer. This work investigated the electrical characteristics and defect properties using DLTS analysis. Four deep level defects generated by the implantation process and during epitaxial layer growth were detected. Trap parameters such as energy level, capture-cross section, trap density were obtained from an Arrhenius plot. To investigate the impact of defects on the device, a 2D TCAD simulation was conducted using the same device structure, and the extracted defect parameters were added to confirm electrical characteristics. The degradation of device performance such as an increase in on-resistance by adding trap parameters was confirmed.

현대의 방탄 장갑은 우수한 관통 저항성을 갖추어야할 뿐만 아니라 군인과 군용차량의 기동성이 확보되어야 하기 때문에 경량화가 중요한 개발 요소가 되었다. 이종 적층 평판 구조의 방탄 장갑의 방탄 성능은 동일 중량 대비 구성 재료의 배열에 따라 달라진다. 본 논 문에서는 케블라, 초고분자량 폴리에틸렌 그리고 에바 폼으로 구성된 방탄 장갑의 적층 배열에 따른 방탄 성능을 분석한다. 구성 재료 의 두께가 5mm와 6.5mm인 두 가지 경우에서 6가지 적층 배열에 대하여 7.62 × 51mm NATO 탄환의 M80 탄을 856m/s의 속도로 충돌 시키는 피탄 해석을 수행하였다. 방탄 성능을 평가하기 위해 이종 적층 평판을 관통한 발사체의 잔류 속도와 잔류 에너지를 측정하였 다. 시뮬레이션 결과를 통해 케블라, 초고분자량 폴리에틸렌, 에바 폼의 배열 순서를 갖는 적층 구조가 동일 중량에 대해 가장 우수한 방탄 성능을 가짐을 확인하였다.

최근 인터넷은 데이터와 사람, 사물을 연결할 뿐만 아니라 장소와 저작권을 상호 연결하기 시작했다. 실제 로 현실과 가상세계의 경계가 사용자가 더 이상 알아차릴 수 없을 정도로 점점 희미해지고 있다. 사람들이 일상생활을 가상으로 수행할 수 있기 때문에 현실 세계의 경험은 더 이상 불필요 할지도 모른다. 본 논문은 메타버스의 기본 개념 및 기술의 심층적인 이해를 제공하는 것을 목적으로 메타버스의 발전에 대한 연구를 진행하였다. 현재 가장 대표적인 메타버스 플랫폼에 대한 설명과 분석을 통해 메타버스의 장점, 단점, 유저 와 메타버스 플랫폼 사업자가 해결해야 할 문제점에 대해서 연구하였다. 본 논문은 메타버스의 발전과 함께 메타버스가 해결해야할 문제와 기회 그리고 메타버스의 미래에 대해 연구를 목표로 한다.

본 연구는 기계학습을 통한 수량예측모델을 이용하여 이상기상에 따른 WCM의 DMY 피해량을 산출하기 위한 목적으로 수행하였다. 수량예측모델은 WCM 데이터 및 기상 데이터를 수집 후 가공하여 8가지 기계학습을 통해 제작하였으며 실험지역은 경기도로 선정하였다. 수량예측모델은 기계학습 기법 중 정확성이 가장 높은 DeepCrossing (R2=0.5442, RMSE=0.1769) 기법을 통해 제작하였다. 피해량은 정상기상 및 이상기상의 DMY 예측값 간 차이로 산출하였다. 정상기상에서 WCM의 DMY 예측값은 지역에 따라 차이가 있으나 15,003~17,517 kg/ha 범위로 나타났다. 이상기온, 이상강수량 및 이상풍속에서 WCM의 DMY 예측 값은 지역 및 각 이상기상 수준에 따라 차이가 있었으며 각각 14,947~17,571 kg/ha, 14,986~17,525 kg/ha 및 14,920~17,557 kg/ha 범위로 나타났다. 이상기온, 이상강수량 및 이상풍속에서 WCM의 피해량은 각각 –68~89 kg/ha, -17~17 kg/ha 및 – 112~121 kg/ha 범위로 피해로 판단할 수 없는 수준이었다. WCM의 정확한 피해량을 산출하기 위해서는 수량예측모델에 이용하는 이상기상 데이터 수의 증가가 필요하다.

The present study was aimed to estimate the effect of ensiling period and bacterial inoculants on chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics on rye silage harvested at delayed stage. Rye (Secale cereale L.) was harvested after 20 days of heading stage (29.4% dry matter, DM). The harvested rye forage was applied with different inoculants following: applications of distilled water (CON), Lactobacillus brevis (LBB), Leuconostoc holzapfelii (LCH), or mixture of LBB and LCH at 1:1 ratio (MIX). Each forage was ensiled into 20 L mini bucket silo (5 kg) for 50 (E50D) and 100 (E100D) days in triplicates. The E50D silages had higher in vitro digestibilities of DM (IVDMD, p<0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD, p=0.013), and lactate (p=0.009), and acetate (p=0.011) than those of E100D, but lower pH, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and yeast. By inoculant application, LCH had highest IVDMD and IVNDFD (p<0.05), while MIX had highest lactate and lowest pH (p<0.05). The CON and LCH in E50D had highest LAB and yeast (p<0.05), whereas LBB in E100D had lowest (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that LCH application improved the nutrient digesbility (IVDMD and IVNDFD) of lignified rye silage, and longer ensiling period for 100 days enhanced the fermentation characteristics of silage compared to ensiling for 50 days.

Cryopreservation of bovine embryos is used to efficiently implant surrogate mothers. It has been widely accepted that high lipid content in the oocyte interrupts its survival during freeze-thaw cycles. Serum component in the culture medium is thought to increase the embryo`s lipid contents. Conversely, L-carnitine stimulates lipid metabolism by transporting long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. Objective of this study was to analyze the effect of L-carnitine supplementation in IVM medium and defined IVC medium on the development, lipid contents and the cryosurvival of bovine IVF embryos. 0.0, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 mM L-carnitine was supplemented in IVM medium, respectively (IVM-LC 0.0, LC 1.5, LC 3.0 and LC 6.0). Development rate from the 2cell to the morula stages was higher in IVM-LC 3.0 groups than those of IVM-LC 6.0 (p<0.05). But there were no significant differences among the other groups in the blastocyst rates and lipid content results. When 0.0, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 mM L-carnitine were supplemented in IVC medium (IVC-LC 0.0, LC 1.5, LC 3.0 and LC 6.0), development competence was not significantly different between those embryos. Lipid contents of embryos treated L-carnitine (IVC-LC 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0) were significantly lower than embryos of non-treated group. L-carnitine was supplemented 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 mM during IVM and 3.0 mM during IVC (LC 0.0 - 3.0, LC 1.5 – 3.0, LC 3.0 – 3.0, LC 6.0 – 3.0) and cryosurvival of blastocysts confirmed after freezing-thawing. There were no significant differences on development, but LC 3.0 – 3.0 was significantly lower lipid contents than other groups. And LC 3.0 – 3.0 had better survival rates and hatched rates of blastocysts than LC 0.0 – 0.0. In conclusion, supplementation of L-carnitine in defined IVC medium decreases lipid contents. And L-carnitine supplementation improves cryosurvival and developmental ability of bovine IVF embryos.

The early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD/ FAD), the less common type of Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently affects a vast number of individuals worldwide. This type is being inherited as an autosomal dominant fashion. Missense mutations on Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Presenilins 1 and 2 (PSEN1 & PSEN2) are known as major genetic factors in FAD. Conversely, missense mutations on microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) are also thought to involve. Up to date, several triple-transgenic animal models with muted forms of the human APP, PSENs and MAPT have been reported. Compared to other animals, canines are more emotional and their disease signs can be easily diagnosed. This attempt was to develop a triple transgenic canine model for the AD. We have obtained the coding sequences of APP, PSEN1 and MAPT from Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center DNA resource core at HMS and incorporated several common AD mutations. The transgenic construct is composed of hNSE (ENO2) promoter-driven three AD genes fused together with modified 2A sequences. It was transfected into the canine fetal fibroblasts which were then used to perform somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The viable transgenic embryos were obtained after in vitro culture and the GFP was detected. In this study, we have successfully produced viable triple transgenic canine cloned embryos using SCNT technique. These transgenic canine embryos will be further developed into canines with FAD. The transgenic canines will be a good candidate in the AD research field.

Stainless steel is being used in various industries such as automobile and aerospace for its cheap manufacturing cost and excellent mechanical properties. However, stainless steel failed to stably protect a specimen with a Cr2O3 protective layer at temperatures above 1000 ℃. Thus, improving the high temperature flame resistance of the specimen through additional surface coating was needed. In this study, multilayer coatings of YSZ and Al2O3 were performed on SUS 304 specimens using pack cementation coatings and thermal plasma spray. The multilayer coated specimen showed enhanced thermal properties due to the coated layers. The microstructures and phase stability are discussed together with flame conditions at 1350 ℃.

Oocyte is the central factor in the bi-directional communication axis in the ovarian follicles. It controls the cumulus or granulosa cells to perform functions which are beneficial for its own development via secreting paracrine growth factors, including GDF9 and BMP15. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the recombinant GDF9 and BMP15 are able to promote meiotic resumption and cumulus expansion of canine COCs during IVM, as well as to demonstrate the actions of GDF9 and BMP15 in regulating the expression of connexin transcripts in the ovarian granulosa cells. As results, GDF9 and BMP15 significantly improved the meiotic resumption rate and cumulus expansion by activating ERK1/2 signaling. Treatments with GDF9 significantly improved the expression of CyclinB1 but inhibited the expression of Cx43 transcripts. In addition, cumulus expansion genes (MAPK1, Ptgs2, Tnfaip6 and Ptx3) were differentially improved by GDF9 and BMP15. In the ovarian granulosa cells, GDF9 suppressed the expression of Cx43 transcripts by binding ALK4/5/7 receptors and activation Smad2/3 signaling, whereas, BMP15 stimulated the expression of Cx43 transcripts by binding ALK2/3/6 receptors and activating Smad1/5/8 signaling. In conclusion, by regulating functions of granulosa/cumulus cells, oocyte has the potential to enhance the growth and maturation of itself.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is the technique which generates embryos by transferring diploid nucleus into an enucleated oocyte, it has produced specific animals successfully in a variety of species. However, the developmental capacity of SCNT embryos is still relatively lower than that of embryos produced in vivo. Oocyte is a kind of lipid rich cells, its quality limits the efficiency of embryo production. L-carnitine is a co-enzyme facilitating the transportation of long chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondria membrane where fatty acids are used for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via beta-oxidation. It also has antioxidant actions which may protect mitochondrial membranes and DNA against damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Whether L-carnitine is functional in bovine SCNT embryos are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of L-carnitine on oocyte maturation and developmental competence of subsequent SCNT embryos. L-carnitine was supplemented during IVM, then intracellular ROS and GSH levels, mitochondrial activity, gene expression of COCs were analyzed at the end of IVM. SCNT embryos were produced subsequently, apoptosis detection and gene expression evaluation were performed in blastocysts. In the results, treatments with 1.5 mM and 3 mM L-carnitine significantly improved maturation rates (P<0.05). Treatments with 3 mM L-carnitine effectively induced improvement in nuclear maturation, intracellular GSH levels and mitochondrial activity, as well as a reduction in intracellular ROS levels (P<0.05). mRNA levels of CPT1A, ACAA1, ACAA2, AREG, EREG, SOD1, GPX4, GLUT1 and CDC2 transcripts were effectively up-regulated by 3 mM L-carnitine treatments (P < 0.05). Similarly, 3mM L-carnitine induced an increase in blastocyst developmental rates and an improvement in blastocyst quality (P<0.05). Our study indicates that L-carnitine treatment during IVM improves oocyte nuclear maturation and subsequent SCNT embryo development.

The mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been investigated as a source of stem cell therapy to replace and treat damaged cells. Human endometrial epithelial and stromal cells was isolated from hysterectomy tissue and the direct evidence of stem/progenitor cells in the human endometrium was identified. Endometrium derived stem cells (EnMSCs) are known to have a high proliferative ability, genetic stability, lack of tumorigenicity and low immnunogenicity during long-term cultivation. Here, we aimed to identify MSC in canine endometrium and characterize its potential to differentiate into decidua cells. EnMSCs were isolated from thrown-away spayed uterus of adult canine depending on their estrus cycle, and identified by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry with MSC specific markers. We then characterized the ability of EnMSCs by the doubling-time analysis, colony-forming units and MSC differentiation assays. Isolated EnMSCs expressed stem cell specific genes (Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, MCAM, Endoglin, Susd2 and IGTB) and MSC surface markers (CD90, CD44 and CD117). EnMSCs are also differentiated into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic cells morphologically under modified conditions with the expression of lineage specific genetic markers. EnMSCs showed higher proliferation ability than canine amniotic fluid derived MSCs which were used as a positive control. EnMSCs were cultured at low density (10, 20, cells/cm2) and initiated to form small colonies of loosely-arranged cells and gradually formed large colonies of densely-packed cells which underwent self-renewal with high proliferative potential which is similar to the clonogenicity feature of human endometrium-derived stem cells. EnMSCs were then induced to differentiate into decidua cells with 0.5 mM dbcAMP. After 14 days, EnMSCs changed their morphology into the elongated and rounded shape. The induced decidual cells expressed PRL and IGFBP1 which are typically expressed in decidua cells. In conclusion, we successfully isolated and characterized MSC in the canine endometrium which differentiated into decidua cells. These results showed that endometrium may be a promising source of stem cells, and furthermore raise the possibility of canine EnMSCs as a novel hypothetical decidualisation model of infertility associated with decidualisation insufficiency and implantation failure.

Oocyte is the central factor in the bi-directional communication axis in the ovarian follicles. It controls the cumulus or granulosa cells to perform functions which are beneficial for its own development via secreting paracrine growth factors, including GDF9 and BMP15. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the recombinant GDF9 and BMP15 are able to promote meiotic resumption and cumulus expansion of canine COCs during IVM, as well as to demonstrate the actions of GDF9 and BMP15 in regulating the expression of connexin transcripts in the ovarian granulosa cells. As results, GDF9 and BMP15 significantly improved the meiotic resumption rate and cumulus expansion by activating ERK1/2 signaling. Treatments with GDF9 significantly improved the expression of CyclinB1 but inhibited the expression of Cx43 transcripts. In addition, cumulus expansion genes (MAPK1, Ptgs2, Tnfaip6 and Ptx3) were differentially improved by GDF9 and BMP15. In the ovarian granulosa cells, GDF9 suppressed the expression of Cx43 transcripts by binding ALK4/5/7 receptors and activation Smad2/3 signaling, whereas, BMP15 stimulated the expression of Cx43 transcripts by binding ALK2/3/6 receptors and activating Smad1/5/8 signaling. In conclusion, by regulating functions of granulosa/cumulus cells, oocyte has the potential to enhance the growth and maturation of itself.