Enhanced N-type Semiconducting Performance of Asymmetric Monochlorinated Isoindigo-based Semiregioregular Polymers under Dynamic Forces.

The asymmetric monochlorination strategy not only effectively addresses the steric issues in conventional dichlorination but also enables the development of promising acceptor units and semiregioregular polymers. Herein, monochlorinated isoindigo (1CIID) is successfully designed and synthesized by selectively introducing single chlorine (Cl) atoms. Furthermore, the 1CIID copolymerizes with two donor counterparts, centrosymmetric 2,2'-bithiophene (2T) and axisymmetric 4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole (DTBT), forming two polymers, P1CIID-2T and P1CIID-DTBT. These polymers exhibit notable differences in backbone linearity and dipole moments, influenced by the symmetry of their donor counterparts. In particular, P1CIID-2T, which contains a centrosymmetric 2T unit, demonstrates a linear backbone and a significant dipole moment of 10.20 D. These properties contribute to the favorable film morphology of P1CIID-2T, characterized by highly ordered crystallinity in the presence of fifth-order (500) X-ray diffraction peaks. Notably, P1CIID-2T exhibits a significant improvement in molecular alignment under dynamic force, resulting in over 8-fold improvement in the performance of organic field-effect transistor (OFET) devices, with superior electron mobility up to 1.22 cm2 V-1 s-1. This study represents the first synthesis of asymmetric monochlorinated isoindigo-based conjugated polymers, highlighting the potential of asymmetric monochlorination for developing n-type semiconducting polymers. Moreover, our findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between the molecular structure and properties.

First record of the genus Pseudaeginella Mayer, 1890 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidae) with a new species from Korean waters.

A new species of the genus Pseudaeginella Mayer, 1890 belonging to the family Caprellidae Leach, 1814 was collected from the South Sea in Korea. Pseudaeginellacarinaspinosasp. nov. is morphologically similar to related congeners belonging to the genera Paradeutella Mayer, 1890 and Pseudaeginella, in having dorsal projections on pereonites, triarticulate mandibular palp, small or absent molar, and uniarticulate pereopods 3 and 4. However, this new species is distinguished from its congeners by the position and size of dorsal projection. This is the first record of Pseudaeginella from the Northwest Pacific region, including Korea, and a key to species of the genus Pseudaeginella is also provided.

Physiological Response of the Freshwater Mussel Unio douglasiae in Microcystis aeruginosa Bloom Waters.

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of different environments on the filtering rate (FR), mortality, and biodeposition (BD) of the freshwater mussel Unio douglasiae in bloom waters containing the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The mean FR of 19 selected individuals (shell length, 5.0-9.8 cm) was 0.30 ± 0.03 L g-1 h-1 (range = 0.24-0.35 L g-1 h-1). Shell length was strongly correlated with both net and gross BD of mussels (P < 0.0001). The mean FR was higher in river water (0.405 ± 0.052 L g-1 h-1) than in lake water (0.304 ± 0.051 L g-1 h-1). In contrast, the BD of mussels was higher in RW (0.671 ± 0.609 mg g-1 h-1) than in LW (0.275 ± 0.027 mg g-1 h-1). For algal species, the FR of mussels ranged from 0.114 ± 0.024 to 0.553 ± 0.019 L g-1 h-1. The FR of U. douglasiae was higher in river water (mainly diatoms), whereas BD was higher in lake water (mainly Microcystis). U. douglasiae did not prefer toxic M. aeruginosa, which was significantly accumulated in pseudofaeces and faeces. The maximum FR of U. douglasiae in algal bloom water was recorded at a water temperature of 25°C and water depth of 50 cm. Moreover, the in situ mortality of U. douglasiae was strongly affected by water temperature and nitrogen concentration. Overall, U. douglasiae can enhance water quality in eutrophic areas by removing dominant cyanobacteria, although its removal efficiency depends on environmental parameters and site of introduction.

Two new species of the genus Paradexamine (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Dexaminidae) from Korean Waters.

Two dexaminid amphipod species belonging to the genus Paradexamine were collected from Korean waters. After observation and identification compared with related congeners, these two species are revealed to be new to science. In comparative identification, one of the new species, P.acuta sp. nov. is similar to P.houtete in having an acutely rounded lobe and posteroventrally pointed coxa 7. However, this new species is distinguished from P.houtete in having a larger number of medial setae on the propodus of gnathopod 1 and a rounded basis of pereopod 6. This new species is also very similar to P.marlie s.l. Hirayama from Japanese waters, and P.marlie s.l. might be re-established or synonymized with P.acuta sp. nov. in the future. The other new species, P.rotundogena sp. nov. is similar to P.tafunsaka in having a rounded eye lobe; however, it is distinguished from P.tafunsaka in having an elongate carpus on gnathopod 2 and the differently shaped basis of pereopod 7. A key to the five Korean species of Paradexamine, including the two new species, is also provided.

A new species of the genus Opisa Boeck, 1876 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Opisidae) and a new record for Opisatakafuminakanoi from the East Sea, South Korea.

Two species of the opisid genus Opisa have been collected from the East Sea of South Korea, one of them described as Opisaparvimana sp. nov.. The new species, O.parvimana sp. nov. is similar to O.odontochela; however, it can be clearly distinguished from this species because it has 12 blunt robust setae in the palm of gnathopod 1. The other collected species, Opisatakafuminakanoi Narahara-Nakano, Kakui & Tomikawa, 2016 is previously known from Japanese waters (southeast of Akkeshi Bay, Hokkaido). Both species are illustrated and compared to related species. A key to Opisa species is also provided.

Three new species of the genus Bodotria (Crustacea: Cumacea: Bodotriidae) from the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Three new species of Cumacea belonging to the genus Bodotria were collected from the Yellow Sea in Korea. Among them, Bodotria (Bodotria) hwanghaensis sp. nov. and Bodotria (Bodotria) pseudomaculosa sp. nov. share the dorso-lateral carina on the carapace and uniarticulated uropod endopod with other Korean Bodotria species. In contrast, the last one, Bodotria (Atlantobodotria) incarinata sp. nov. lacks the dorso-lateral carina on the carapace and has a biarticulated uropod endopod. The new species B. (A.) incarinata sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Bodotria species by the combination of carapace without dorso-lateral carina or ridge, dorso-median carina marked over whole length of carapace, antero-lateral corner of carapace rounded, antennal notch shallow, maxilliped 3 merus and carpus dilated, pereopod 1 carpus not dilated, and pereopod 2 basis with plumose seta. The new species B. (B.) hwanghaensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Bodotria species by the combination of carapace almost ovoid in dorsal view, carapace lower edge of mid-lateral depression forming a faint ridge, pereopod 1 carpus not dilated, and pereopod 2 basis without plumose seta. The new species B. (B.) pseudomaculosa sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Bodotria species by the combination of carapace surface covered with coarse squamosa-reticulate patterning formed by large, shallow pits, carapace lower edge of mid-lateral depression forming an angular ridge, pereopod 1 carpus little dilated, and pereopod 2 basis with plumose seta. We described with full illustrations, including mouthparts for the three new species. Also, a key to the Korean Bodotria species is provided.

Two new species of the genus Microlysias (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Tryphosidae) from Korean Waters.

Two new species of the genus Microlysias Stebbing, 1918 belonging to the family Tryphosidae Lowry Stoddard, 1997 were collected from shallow Korean waters. The two new species are described as Microlysias rectangulatus and M. triangulus. The new species M. rectangulatus sp. nov. is similar to M. xenokeras, M. soela, and Orchomenella japonica. However, the new species can be distinguished from these species by having a subrectangular peduncular article 5 of antenna 2 and an elongated article 1 of the mandibular palp, nearly equal to palp article 3. M. triangulus sp. nov. is similar to M. xenokeras and M. soela. However, this species is characterized by the triangular shaped peduncular article 5 of antenna 2 and the slender propodus of gnathopod 1. These species are illustrated and compared to related species.

Iphinoe indenticulata sp. nov. (Crustacea: Cumacea: Bodotriidae), a new Korean cumacean.

A new species of Cumacea belonging to the genus Iphinoe Bate was collected from the Yellow Sea in Korea. The new speices Iphinoe indenticulata sp. nov. resembles I. sagamiensis Gamô, 1962 in the shape of carapace and the type of setae on the uropod peduncle. However, the new species is distinguished from congeners by having only setules on dorso-median carina of carapace. Also, the number of setae of uropodal peduncle and endopod is different from the I. sagamiensis. The new species is described with full illustration including mouthparts. A key to the Korean Iphinoe species is also provided.

Bodotria paraspinifera sp. nov. (Crustacea: Cumacea: Bodotriidae), a new Korean cumacean.

This study on Korean cumaceans is based on the specimens collected from Geomun Island in Korea. The one species of the Genus Bodotria (Bodotriidae) is identified as new species, Bodotria paraspinifera sp. nov., which is similar to B. spinifera Gamô, 1986 in having the spinulose on body, dorso-lateral carina of carapace well-developed, carapace almost rectangular in dorsal view, carpus of pereopod 1 dilated, pereopod 2 without ischium, and uropod endopod uniarticulate. However, shape of carapace anterior portion, spinulose distribution pattern, and setae patterns and segment ratios of appendages are characteristics which serve to distinguish the new species from B. spinifera. Herein we described with full illustration containing information of the mouthparts for the new species. Also, a key to the Korean Bodotria species is provided.

Eocuma orbiculatum sp. nov. (Crustacea, Cumacea, Bodotriidae) from Korean waters.

A new species of Cumacea belonging to the genus Eocuma Marcusen was collected from the South Sea of Korea. This new species resembles E. amakusense Gamô, E. hilgendorfi Marcusen, and E. latum Calman in having a pair of well-developed dorso-lateral carinae on the flat carapace and similar setae pattern on the telson. The new species, however, is easily distinguished from its congeners by the pattern of dorso-lateral carina and lacking lateral horns on the carapace. The adult male of this new species is fully described. A key to the Korean Eocuma species is also provided.

A new Gammarus species (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Gammaridae) from Northwestern Islands, South Korea.

A new species, Gammarus baengnyeongensis sp. nov., belonging to the family Gammaridae Leach, 1814 was collected from the Baengnyeongdo and Daecheongdo islands in South Korea. This new species is characterized by the flagellum of antenna 2 with calceoli, and the length ratio of outer ramus to inner ramus of uropod 3. Descriptions of diagnostic characteristics of the species are provided in the text. We performed statistical analysis to confirm the significance of morphological differences of interspecies. Additionally, we compare the new species to related species by the partial sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene. Genetic distances between the new species and closely related species rated from 29.1-40.8%, which highly supports Gammarus baengnyeongensis sp. nov. as a valid species. In this study, we add one new Gammarus species in Korean waters.

Associations of Breastfeeding Duration and Reproductive Factors with Sarcopenia in Elderly Korean Women: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that breastfeeding has a positive effect on long-term obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to examine maternal bone health, muscle mass, and obesity based on breastfeeding duration. METHODS: This study was based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011. We selected 2,027 elderly women by screening survey participants with a history of delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and obesity among four breastfeeding groups. RESULTS: The OR of sarcopenia significantly decreased with increasing breastfeeding duration (OR, 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.65; P for trend <0.001), whereas the OR of obesity significantly increased with increasing breastfeeding duration (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.43-4.60; P for trend=0.009) after adjusting for potential confounding variables. We also found a positive correlation between the duration since last delivery and sarcopenia. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a negative correlation between prolonged breastfeeding and the prevalence of sarcopenia, and a positive correlation between prolonged breastfeeding and the prevalence of obesity. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between breastfeeding and sarcopenia in the future.

Use of Hypnotics and Risk of Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: Previous observational epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent results on the relationship between hypnotics use and risk of cancer. To determine the association between hypnotics use and risk of cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of available literature. METHODS: We searched databases PubMed, EMBASE, and the bibliographies of relevant articles to locate additional publications in February 2016. Three evaluators independently reviewed and selected eligible studies based on pre-determined selection criteria. RESULTS: A total of six observational epidemiological studies including three case-control studies and three cohort studies, which involved 1,830,434 participants (202,629 hypnotics users and 1,627,805 non-users), were included in the final analyses. In a random-effects meta-analysis, compared with non-use of hypnotics, the odds ratio for overall hypnotics use was 1.29 for various cancers (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.53). Subgroup meta-analyses by various factors such as study design, type of case-control study, study region, and methodological quality of study revealed consistent findings. CONCLUSION: Our findings from a meta-analysis of low-biased epidemiological studies suggested evidence linking the use of hypnotics to an increased risk of cancers. The results should be cautiously interpreted because of considerable heterogeneity with a high I square value.

Use of hypnotics and the risk of or mortality from heart disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Background/Aims: Some observational epidemiologic studies have reported conflicting results on the relationship between hypnotics use and the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease. We investigated these associations using a meta-analysis of available literatures. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed and EMBASE, along with the bibliographies of relevant articles to find additional publications in February 2016. RESULTS: Of 495 articles satisfying our initial criteria, two case-control studies and six cohort studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analyses. Compared with never having used any kind of hypnotics, the odds ratio for overall use was 0.84 for risk of or mortality from heart disease (95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 0.89) in a random-effects meta-analysis of all eight studies. With respect to the geographical region, use of hypnotics was associated with a decreased risk or mortality of heart disease in Asia but not in Western countries. Among various types of sleep medications, zolpidem showed a decreased risk (-29%) of developing or dying from heart disease, but benzodiazepines were related with an increased risk (80%) of or mortality from heart disease. Conclusions: The current meta-analysis of observational epidemiological studies suggested an evidence of association between hypnotics use and a decreased risk of heart disease.

The family Hyalidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitroidea) from Korean waters. 2. Genus Protohyale Bousfield & Hendrycks, 2002.

Five species of the genus Protohyale belonging to the family Hyalidae were collected from shallow coastal waters of Korea. Prior to our study, only two species, P. (Boreohyale) pumila (Hiwatari & Kajihara, 1981) and P. (B.) triangulata (Hiwatari, 2003) had been reported from Korea. One of the collected species, Protohyale (B.) magnaocularis is identified as a new species. The morphology of the eyes, antenna 1, gnathopod 2, uropods and telson are the major characteristics which differentiate P. (B.) magnaocularis sp. nov. from its congeners. The remaining two species, P. (B.) kajiharai (Hiwatari, 2003) and P. (B.) latimana (Hiwatari, 2003) are recorded for the first time from Korea. Protohyale (B.) kajiharai, P. (B.) latimana and P. (B.) magnaocularis sp. nov. are fully described and illustrated. A key to the species of Protohyale (B.) from Korea is also provided.

Bodotria jejuensis sp. nov. (Crustacea, Cumacea, Bodotriidae), a new Korean cumacean.

A new species of Cumacea belonging to the genus Bodotria Goodsir, 1843 was collected from the Jeju-do Island, Korea. The new speices, Bodotria jejuensis sp. nov. is similar to B. similis Calman, 1907, B. rugosa Gamô, 1963, B. carinata Gamô, 1964, and B. biplicata Gamô, 1964 in having a pitted carapace, prominent dorso-lateral carina, and unarticulated endopod of uropod. However, longish elliptical shape of carapace, well-developed dorso-lateral carina and distinct lateral ridge are the major characteristics which serve to distinguish the new species from its congeners. The new species is fully illustrated and extensively compared with related species. A key to the Korean Bodotria species is also provided.

Experimental study of fry-drying and melting system for industrial wastewater sludge.

In South Korea, ocean dumping of organic sludges has been prohibited by the London Convention and by Korean regulations. Therefore, the Government of South Korea has sought an alternative process for the disposal of organic sludges. Recently, the combined fry-drying and melting system has been recognized as an efficient way to utilize the energy content of organic industrial sludge. Three kinds of fry-dried industrial sludges (obtained from industrial sites DG, DJ and GM), which had average heating value of 20,470kJ/kg and less than 5% water content, were tested. Unlike sewage sludge, industrial sludge contains high concentrations of heavy metals and thus cannot be directly utilized as refuse-derived fuel. The dried sludges were melted in a furnace and then rapidly cooled to form vitrified slags; the vitrification of SiO2 securely encapsulates hazardous heavy metals within the crystalline structure of the slag. To evaluate the hazard of vitrified slag, the heavy metal elution concentration was analyzed. Following vitrification, Hg, Cd, Cr(+6), HCN and Pb concentrations were not detectable, whereas Cu concentration decreased from 26.78mg/L to 0.42mg/L in DJ sludge, from 27.10mg/L to 0.13mg/L in DG and from 49.47mg/L to 0.047mg/L in GM sludge.

Lampropsdonghaensis sp. n. (Crustacea, Cumacea, Lampropidae), a new species from Korean waters.

A new species of Cumacea belonging to the genus Lamprops Sars was collected from the East Sea of Korea. This new species resembles Lampropscomatus Zimmer, Lampropscarinatus Hart, Lampropsflavus Harada, Lampropspumilio Zimmer, Lampropstomalesi Gladfelter, and Lampropsobfuscatus (Gladfelter) in lacking lateral oblique ridges on the carapace and lateral setae on the telson. The new species, however, is distinguished from its congeners by having a dorsal concave groove and a lateral rounded depressed area on pereonite 2. The new species is fully illustrated and compared with related species. A key to the world Lamprops species lacking lateral ridges on the carapace is also provided.

A new species of Monoliropus Mayer, 1903 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidae) from Korean waters.

A new species of the genus Monoliropus belonging to the family Caprellidae was collected from the Yellow Sea, Korea. The new species differs from Monoliropusagilis Mayer, 1903, Monoliropuskazemii Momtazi & Sari, 2013, and Triprotellaamica Arimoto, 1970 as follows: 1) gnathopod 1 subrectangular; 2) pereonites 2-3 with acute triangular processes anterolaterally; 3) mandibular palp, apical article with four simple setae subdistally. The new species is fully illustrated and extensively compared with related species. This is the first record of the genus Monoliropus from Korean waters. A key to Monoliropus species is also given.

The family Hyalidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitroidea) from Korean waters. 1. Genus Ptilohyale Bousfield & Hendrycks, 2002.

Two species of the genus Ptilohyale were collected from shallow coastal waters of Korea. One species is identified as a new species: Ptilohyale brevicrus sp. nov. The morphology of gnathopod 2, pereopods, uropods and mandible are the major characteristics which differentiate the new species from its congeners. The remaining species, P. barbicornis (Hiwatari & Kajihara, 1981) is recorded for the first time from Korea. Both species are fully described and illustrated. A key to the family Hyalidae and species of Ptilohyale from Korea is also provided.