The transportation of spent nuclear fuel between management stages is expected, and the transportation workers may be exposed to radiation. When transporting spent nuclear fuel, the ALARA principle must be observed for the workers. The objective of this study is to assess a radiation dose for workers transporting spent nuclear fuel using metal overpacks. For this objective, the cask to be handled was selected and the radiation source term was set. Then, the radiation exposure scenario for the transportation workers was defined. Finally, the dose rates for each location of operation were assessed using Monte Carlo simulations, and collective doses were derived for each operation considering the radiation exposure scenario. Each worker performed 11 operations to transport spent nuclear fuel to other facilities and was exposed to a total of 1.138 man-mSv. The operation of removing the bottom shield ring resulted in the highest radiation exposure at 0.503 man-mSv. In contrast, the operation of installing the impact limiter resulted in the lowest radiation exposure at 0.0009 man-mSv. The results of this study can be used to strengthen radiation protection measures for workers transporting spent nuclear fuel in dry storage facilities using metal overpacks.

Because intact FMDV particles (146S) are often unstable in vitro, stabilizing foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) antigens remains a key challenge in studying viral charateristics. Therefore, finding optimal condition to stabilize the FMDV is essential. In this study, we investigated formulations and potentials of several stabilizers such as appropriate buffer, excipients, and storage conditions to enhance the stability of 146S. Inactivated FMDV O-Jincheon (O-JC) was dissolved in various buffer formulations, and stored at 4℃ for two months to evaluate quantity of 146S at every 2-week interval. Among phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Tris buffered saline (TBS), HEPES buffered saline (HBS), and MOPS buffered saline (MBS), PBS showed more effective 146S stabilization that showed 1.3-1.6 fold higher 146S fraction than TBS, HBS, and MBS after storage for 2 weeks. However, constant dissociations of 146S were observed in all formulations at 8 weeks. Compared with other FMDVs, A22 Iraq and SAT-1, in PBS, O-JC proved to be the least stable in PBS. A variety of excipients including carbohydrate, sugar alcohol, cryo-protectant were tested for the capability in protecting O-JC from dissociation. By adding 4-8% sucrose, more than 60% of 146S fractions were maintained at 8 weeks, those were at least 1.8 fold higher than the PBS-only control. Addition of 1% β-cyclodextrin showed synergistic enhancement in O-JC stability. As the results of this study, it could be suggested that the PBS-based buffer together with 4-8% sucrose + 2% sorbitol or 2% sucrose + 2% sorbitol + 1% β-cyclodextrin could help the better stability of the O-JC in vaccine preparation.

Background: Hanwoo cattle farmers aim to improve calf production and reproductive efficiency. Recovery of the reproductive tract postpartum is a critical factor influencing the postpartum period and conception of breeding cows. This study aimed to precisely analyze the recovery process of the reproductive tract in primiparous Hanwoo postpartum and to establish recovery criteria. Methods: Ten primiparous Hanwoo cows were used in this study. After parturition, estrus was examined daily using visual observations and estrus detection patches. Ovarian recovery, cervical diameter, and uterine horn diameter were examined using ultrasonography four times per week. Results: The analysis revealed that the first estrus occurred at 19.1 ± 6.5 days postpartum, the first ovulation at 27.1 ± 4.5 days, and the first normal estrus cycle at 39.2 ± 6.4 days. The ovulation rate during the first estrus was 40%. A normal estrus cycle occurred in 11.1% of patients at the first ovulation. The cervix diameter recovered to 42.0 ± 3.5 mm and the uterine horn diameter to 34.4 ± 7.1 mm by 24 days postpartum, with the difference in uterine horn diameter recovering to 2.6 ± 1.2 mm by 31 days postpartum. Conclusions: This study can aid in determining the optimal breeding time for postpartum primiparous Hanwoo cow and provide foundational data for Hanwoo breeding studies.

In this work, we investigated the photo-degradation performance of MnO2-SiC fiber-TiO2 (MnO2-SiC-TiO2) ternary nanocomposite according to visible light excitation utilizing methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) as standard dyes. The photocatalytic physicochemical characteristics of this ternary nanocomposite were described by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tunneling electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), photocurrent and cyclic voltammogram (CV) test. Photolysis studies of the synthesized MnO2-SiC-TiO2 composite were conducted using standard dyes of MB and MO under UV light irradiation. The experiments revealed that the MnO2-SiC-TiO2 exhibits the greatest photocatalytic dye degradation performance of around 20 % with MB, and of around 10 % with MO, respectively, within 120 min. Furthermore, MnO2-SiC-TiO2 showed good stability against photocatalytic degradation. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite was indicated by the adequate photocatalytic reaction process. These research results show the practical application potential of SiC fibers and the performance of a photocatalyst composite that combines these fibers with metal oxides.

Background: Despite its anticancer activity, cisplatin exhibits severe testicular toxicity when used in chemotherapy. Owing to its wide application in cancer therapy, the reduction of damage to normal tissue is of imminent clinical need. In this study, we evaluated the effects of catechin hydrate, a natural flavon-3-ol phytochemical, on cisplatin-induced testicular injury. Methods: Type 2 mouse spermatogonia (GC-1 spg cells) were treated with 0-100 μM catechin and cisplatin. Cell survival was estimated using a cell proliferation assay and Ki-67 immunostaining. Apoptosis was assessed via flow cytometry with the Dead Cell Apoptosis assay. To determine the antioxidant effects of catechin hydrate, Nrf2 expression was measured using qPCR and CellROX staining. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by analyzing the gene and protein expression levels of iNOS and COX2 using qPCR and immunoblotting. Results: The 100 μM catechin hydrate treatment did not affect healthy GC-1 spg cells but, prevented cisplatin-induced GC-1 spg cell death via the regulation of anti-oxidants and inflammation-related molecules. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells, cleaved-caspase 3 level, and BAX gene expression levels were significantly reduced by catechin hydrate treatment in a cisplatin-induced GC-1 spg cell death model. In addition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory marker genes, including Nrf2 , iNOS, and COX2 were significantly downregulated by catechin hydrate treatment in cisplatintreated GC-1 cells. Conclusions: Our study contributes to the opportunity to reintroduce cisplatin into systemic anticancer treatment, with reduced testicular toxicity and restored fertility.

Background: This study focused on reproductive traits in Hanwoo cattle, specifically the environmental factors affecting gestation length and birth weight. Methods: The records of 1,540 cows calved at the Hanwoo Research Institute from 2015 to 2023 were examined. This study analyzed two populations, linebreeding Hanwoo (LBH) and general Hanwoo (GH), with all cows undergoing estrus synchronization and artificial insemination. The R software was used to compare the differences between the two populations and analyze the environmental factors affecting each trait. Results: The results showed that the average gestation length for LBH was 283.28 ± 5.93 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the GH, which had an average of 285.63 ± 6.21 days (p < 0.001). The average birth weight of LBH calves was 25.10 ± 3.69 kg, significantly lighter than GH calves, which weighed 27.26 ± 4.11 kg on average (p < 0.001). Analysis of environmental factors revealed significant differences in the gestation length of LBH based on dam parity, year, and season of calving. However, no significant differences were observed based on calf sex. For LBH, birth weight showed significant differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and sex of the calf, but not the season of calving. In GH, gestation length varied with dam parity and calving season, but not with calving year or calf sex. The GH birth weight showed differences based on dam parity, year of calving, and calf sex, but not the season of calving. Conclusions: Reproductive traits in the Hanwoo cattle industry are economically vital but are heavily influenced by environmental factors due to their low heritability. An accurate evaluation of the genetic potential of these traits requires an analysis of the environmental factors affecting them. The results of this study serve as foundational data for predicting the potential for genetic improvement in the gestation length and birth weight of Hanwoo cattle.

Recently, it is demonstrate that the invertebrates have a immune memory, called Immune priming (IP). It was partially studied that the IP is mainly regulated by epigenetic modification. Here, to understand the IP on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) production, we investigated larval mortality and time-dependent expression patterns of AMP genes in T. molitor larvae challenged with E. coli (two-times injection with a one-month interval). Interestingly, the results indicate that the higher and faster expression levels of most AMP genes were detected compared to the non-primed T. molitor larvae. Our results may used to improve the understanding of mechanisms of invertebrate immune memory.

먹노린재 합성집합페로몬 후보물질 12종에 대한 유인력을 평가하였다. 페로몬 방출기는 4구 후각계 (Olfacomter)를 사용하였고 4개의 진공관에 각각 후보물질을 투입 후 진공 유압 방식으로 방출하여 포집기에 유인되는 먹노린재의 개채수를 측정하는 방법으로 검정하였다. 4구 후각계 페로몬 평가 방법은 기존 Y-관 후각 계의 문제점인 양방향 선택성과 공간 한정성을 개선하여 평가의 정확성을 향상시켰다. 유인력 평가 결과 12종의 유인제 후보물질 중 Trans-2-Decenal이 먹노린재 실험개체에 대하여 100% 유인력을 보였다. 또한, 선별된 Trans-2-Decenal의 먹노린재 유인력에 대한 유효농도 시험을 진행 한 결과, 50%의 농도에서 유인력이 가장 높았 다. 본 연구를 통해서 선별된 Trans-2 Decenal은 기존의 노린재과에 대한 페로몬 트랩에 비해 먹노린재에 대한 유인 효과가 높을 것으로 사료되었다. 이에 따라, Trans-2 Decenal을 기반으로 한 페로몬 트랩이 상용화된다면 추후의 먹노린재 방제 효과가 높아질 것으로 기대된다.

고자리꽃파리는 양파 및 마늘 등 백합과 Allium 속에 속하는 농작물에 중요한 해충으로 전 세계적으로 온대지역에 서 경제적 해충으로 취급하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 기존 자료를 바탕으로 월동번데기의 성충으로 우화모델를 작성하 고 포장 실측자료와 비교하여 평가하였다. 월동번데기 발육모형으로 선형과 비선형모형을 작성하고 발육기간 분포 모형과 결합하여 예찰모형을 작성하였다. 비선형발육모형 작성시 3-매개변수 락틴모형 적용뿐만 아니라 4-매개변 수 모형의 마지막 변수 값을 선형모형의 절편값으로 대체하여 저온에서 선형성이 강화도록 변형시켰다. 성충우화 50% 예측에서 일일평균온도를 이용하는 경우 적산온도 모형을 비롯하여 발육률 적산모형(선형식 및 비선형식) 모두 실측치와 큰 차이가 있었다. 시간별온도를 입력값으로 한 경우 3-매개변수 모형을 제외한 사인곡선 적산온도 모형, 선형 발육률 적산모형, 4-매개변수 비선형 발육률 적산모형의 평균편차는 3일과 차이가 없었다. 최종적으로 선형모형 및 4-매개변수 비선형모형을 바탕으로 시간별온도자료를 이용한 발육률 적산모형은 선발하였다. 그 결과 선형 발육률 적산모형이 두 포장적합 집단(1984, 1987)에서 실측일과 편차가 3일과 차이가 없었다. 비선형 발육률 적산모형은 1984년 적합은 0.8일 편차로 정확하였으나 1987년 집단에서 평균편차가 6.5일로 다소 증가하였다.

본 연구는 검거세미밤나방(Agrotis ipsilon) 성페로몬 트랩에 혼재하여 유살되는 은무늬밤나방아과 형태적 분류와 동정법 수립을 위해, 날개 무늬의 형태계측학 분석을 실시하였다. 은무늬밤나방아과 개체는 2023년 11월 부터 12월까지 제주도 애월읍 일대에서 채집되었으며, 콩 해충으로 알려진 콩은무늬밤나방(Ctenoplusia agnata) 을 비롯하여, 다양한 농작물을 가해하는 것으로 알려진 붉은금무늬밤나방(Chrysodeixis eriosoma)의 수컷 성충이 포획되었다. 앞날개의 형태 및 무늬를 가지고 현장에서 쉽게 동정할 수 있는 형태적 특징을 도출하기 위하여, 각 성충 개체의 앞날개를 잘라 현미경 카메라로 촬영하고, 앞날개의 내횡선, 아외연선, 반점 크기 등 15개의 형질 을 측정하였다. 또한 각 형질 간의 상관관계를 분석하였으며 빈도분포를 통하여 두 종간 분리되는 형질을 파악하 였다. 최종적으로 다변량 분석법을 적용하여 두 집단이 어떻게 군집을 이루는지 분석하고, 날개형태만으로 붉은 금무늬밤나방과 콩은무늬밤나방을 구분할 수 있는 방안을 제시하였다.

Radioactive iodine-129, a byproduct of nuclear fission in nuclear power plants, presents significant environmental and health risks due to its high solubility in water and volatility. Iodine-129, with its half-life of 1.57×1017 years, necessitates safe management and disposal. Therefore, safely capturing and managing I-129 during spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, various glass waste forms containing silver iodide have been developed, such as borosilicate, silver phosphate, silver vanadate, and silver tellurite glasses. These glasses effectively immobilize iodine, but the high cost of silver raises affordability concerns. This study introduces CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms for iodine immobilization, a novel approach. The cost-effectiveness of copper, in contrast to silver, makes it an attractive alternative. The CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms were synthesized with varying CuI content (x) in (1-x)(0.3Cu2O·0.7TeO2) glass matrices. Xray diffraction (XRD) confirmed amorphous structures, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) quantified composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy provided insights into structural properties. Durability assessments using a 7-day product consistency test (PCT-A) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed compliance with U.S. glass regulations, making CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glasses a promising choice for iodine immobilization in radioactive waste.