• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.616-626
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• 2002

Background : The present study was performed to further improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of NFkB, a major transcriptional factor involved in the inflammatory response in the lung, by particulate matter in lung epithelial cells with an aerodynamic diameter of less than $2.5{\mu}m$(PM2.5). Materials and Methods : Immediate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), with the PM2.5 induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), $I{\kappa}B$ degradation and $NF{\kappa}B$-dependent transcriptional activity, in 549 cells, were monitored. Addition, we also examined the effect of the iNOS inhibitor, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine hydrochloride (L-NIL), on the PM2.5-induced $NF{\kappa}B$ activation in A549 cells. Results : The rapid degradation of $I{\kappa}B$ and the increase of transcriptional activity of the $NF{\kappa}B$-dependent promotor were observed in A549 cells exposed to PM2.5. The immediate production of ROS in response to PM2.5 in A549 cells was not clearly detected, although immediate responses were observed in RAW264.7 cells. A 549 cells, cultured in the presence of PM2.5, produced an increase in NO, which was noticeably significant after 15 min of exposure with the expression of iNOS mRNA. The addition of L-NIL, an iNOS inhibitor, significantly inhibited the PM2.5-induced $I{\kappa}B$ degradation and the increase of the $NF{\kappa}B$-dependent transcriptional activity. Conclusion : These results suggest that PM2.5 stimulates the immediate production of RNS, leading to the activation of $NF{\kappa}B$ in the pulmonary epithelium.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.161-167
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• 2015

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] grows well in harsh environmental conditions, and is cultivated as one of the top seven food crops in the world. Recently, sweetpotato is drawing interest from people as a healthy food because it is high in dietary fiber, vitamins, carotenoids and overall nutrition value. However, few studies have been conducted on sweetpotato genome sequencing in spite of its importance. This review is aimed at increasing the efficiency of sweetpotato genome sequencing research as well as establishing a base for gene utilization in order to control useful traits. Recently, animal and plant genome sequencing projects increased significantly. However, sweetpotato genome sequencing has not been performed due to polyploidy and heterogeneity problems in its genome. Meanwhile research on its transcriptome has been conducted actively. Recently, a draft of the diploid sweetpotato genome was reported in 2015 by Japanese researchers. In addition, the Korea-China-Japan Trilateral Research Association of Sweetpotato (TRAS) has conducted research on gene map construction and genome sequencing of the hexaploid sweetpotato Xushu 18 since 2014. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the 'sweetpotato genomic sequencing to develop genomic tools for Sub-Sahara Africa breeding program'. The chloroplast genome sequence acquired during sweetpotato genome sequencing is used in evolutionary analyses. In this review, the trend of research in the sweetpotato genome sequencing was analyzed. Research trend analysis like this will provide researchers working toward sweetpotato productivity and nutrient improvement with information on the status of sweetpotato genome research. This will contribute to solving world food, energy and environmental problems.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2005

Tidal flats have been regarded to carry out transformation and removal of land-derived organic matter, and this purifying capability of organic matter by tidal flats is one of very important reasons for their conservation. However, integral biogeochemical studies on production and decomposition of organic matter by benthic microbes in tidal flats have been absent in Korea, although the information is indispensable to quantification of the purifying capability. Our major goals in this multidisciplinary research were to understand major biogeochemical processes and rates mediated by diverse groups of microbes dominating material cycles in the tidal flats, and to assess the contribution of benthic microbes to removal of organic matter and nutrients in the tidal flats. Our study sites were Ganghwa and Incheon north-port tidal flats that had been regarded as naturally well reserved and organically polluted, respectively. Our research group measured over 3 years primary production, biomass and community structure of primary producers, abundance and production of bacteria, enzyme activities, distribution of protozoa and protozoan grazing rates, rates of denitrification and sulfate reduction, early sediment diagenesis, primary production and respiration based on oxygen microelectrode. We analyzed major features of each biogeochemical process and their interactions. The results are compiled in the following articles in this special issue: An (2005), Hwang and Cho (2005), Mok et at. (2005), Na and Lee (2005), Yang et at. (2005), and Yoo and Choi (2005).

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.247-257
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• 2014

The construction of eight large weirs in the Nakdong River, Korea, caused a decrease in the water flow velocity and several physical changes to the water environment. Here, changes in phyto- and zooplankton communities and water quality in the areas near the eight weirs were investigated from 2011 to 2013, and relationships between phytoplankton abundances and environmental factors were analyzed. Special emphasis was given to the succession patterns in algal abundance based on temperature fluctuations. At the eight weirs, 24 dominant species were found. The most abundant phytoplankton species was Stephanodiscus sp. (39.4% of dominant frequency). Cyanobacteria of the genus Microcystis dominated during the summer, with an dominant frequency of 8.5% and cell abundance ratio of 36.6%. Significant correlations were observed between temperature and abundance of eight of the main dominant species; seven species showed positive correlations with temperature. Stephanodiscus sp., however, showed a negative correlation with temperature (r=-0.26, p<0.01). In addition, this species showed a significant negative correlation with the dominant algal species-Aulacoseira granulata and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, with the zooplankton Copepoda and with Cladocera. On the contrary, seven other dominant species of algae showed significant positive correlations with zooplankton. Thus, we showed that the seasonal succession of plankton communities in the Nakdong River was related to the water temperature changes.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.208-218
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• 1999

Background: Lung cancer-associated hypercalcemia is one of the most disabling and life-threatening paraneoplastic disorders. Humoral hypercalcemia is responsible for most lung cancer-associated hypercalcemia. Patients with hypercalcemia are usually in the advanced stage with obvious bulky tumor and carry a poor prognosis. Materials and Methods: Total 29 patients satisfied the following criteria: histologically proven primary lung cancer, corrected calcium level ${\geq}$ 10.5 mg/dL, and symptoms which could possibly be attributed to hypercalcemia. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the various clinical aspects of hypercalcemia, in relation to cancer stage, histologic cell type, mass size, bone metastasis, performance status, and other possible characteristics. Results: Total 29 lung cancer patients with hypercalcemia were studied, and most of them had squamous cell carcinoma in their histologic finding. The incidence of hypercalcemia was significantly higher between 50 and 69 years of age, and in the advancement of cancer stage. Although serum calcium level showed positive correlation with mass size, performance status, and bone metastasis, it was not significant statistically. Altered consciousness was significantly more frequent in the patients with higher serum calcium level. There were no differences in effectiveness among therapeutic regimens. Hypercalcemia was more frequently in the later stage of disease than during the initial diagnosis of lung cancer. Most of the patients died within 1 month after development of hypercalcemia. Conclusion: We concluded that hypercalcemia in lung cancer is related to extremely poor prognosis, and may be one of the causes of death and should be treated aggressively to prevent sudden deterioration or death.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.494-503
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• 1995

The selection of salt tolerant rice variety needs an effective method in its testing. Salinity of irrigated water, 0.5% at seedling stage, 0.6% at tillering stage, and 0.9% at panicle formation stage were treated to test salt tolerance of rice using 45 cultivars. At tillering stage, salty water irrigation reduced plant height to 22.6% in early maturing rices(EMR), 30.5% in medium maturing rices(MMR), and 20.9% in medium-late maturing rices(MLMR), and also reduced number of tillers to 11.2% in EMR, 36.2% in MMR, and 36.0% in MLMR compared to rices grown in non-salty water irrigation. At panicle formation stage of rice, salty water irrigation affected plant height and tiller numbers that showed varietal differences. As salt tolerant rice cultivars, Daegwangbyeo, Namweonbyeo, Sinseonchalbyeo, Gyehwabyeo, and Daeyabyeo were selected. Jinbubyeo, Donghaebyeo, and Tamjinbyeo were weak in salty water irrigation.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.207-220
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• 2012

There are around 7,500 manure tanks to treat the manures from pigs in Korea. In the tank, there are too much sediments deposited on the base and wall, which causes low efficiency of stock capacity and manure fermentation. In order to minimize sediments and to ferment manure effectively, we developed a 2-fluid jet mixer for mixing sediments in liquid livestock manure tank. For developing the prototype, we tested a factorial experimental system with various nozzles, and simulated CFD models with two kinds of nozzle arrangement. From the results of factorial experiment and CFD simulation, we concluded the dia. ratio of primary : secondary nozzle should be 1:2 and the nozzles should be arranged at the same distances toward to the circumferential direction. With this results, we manufactured a 2-fluid jet mixer which is consists of four 2-phase nozzles, centrifugal slurry pump and root's type air blower. And, we carried out the performance test of the prototype in the round shaped liquid manure tank in the farm. The performance test results showed that the uniformity of TS (Total Solid) and VS (Volatile Solid) was raised from 21.3 g/L, 13.3 g/L In steady state to TS and VS to 23.0 g/L, 14.1 g/L in the mixing operation. Therefore, we could conclude that the prototype of 2-fluid mixer could make the solid material which could be sediments in the tank not to be deposited in the tank and to be contacted to air bubbles which could enhance the efficiency of the fermentation of livestock manure.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2009

Ultrasonography has been used as a basic examination of a medical check up for prevention and diagnostics of diseases. Even the person who has no particular subjective symptoms can have a variety of diseases. Especially fatty liver is found in many cases. In this study, we tested 3582 persons who are in between the ages of 15 to 81 and observed that 1390 persons had fatty liver while 2192 persons are normal. We classified the grade of fatty liver and compared their life styles with the results of liver function test and BMI. The results are as follows. Ratio of the subjects who had a fatty liver is 38.8%. Male and female ratio was 46.2% and 24.2%. On the correlation among the fatty liver, the body mass index and the body fat%, the average value of body mass index and body fat% were significantly higher in the group of the fatty liver than in those of the normal liver. The influence of the related factor and the correlation on the fatty liver was shown that it was more related with the order of age, body mass index, triglyceride, ALT, body fat%, sex, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, and GGT. The result of the ultrasonography carried out for the purpose of regular health check up indicates that even the 38.8% of those who was diagnosed as normal condition could have the fatty liver and have possibility of other diseases. Therefore, if there are any troubles related to liver function and lipid through hematologic examination or when practicing follow-up study with ultrasonography concerning the correlation relation between the body fat% and dietary preference, alcohol consumption and exercise, the ultrasonography is definitely useful for prevention and treatment of diseases.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2005

Purpose: Eosinophilic colitis is a disease characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral eosinophilia, eosinophilic infiltration of the colonic wall. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is not clear and it is considered to be idiopathic. This study aimed to ascertain the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of eosinophilic colitis in early infancy. Methods: We reviewed 6 infants retrospectively, presented with bloody stool in early infancy, who were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis in Pusan National University Hospital between August 2002 and February 2004. Results: Five males and one female were included. The mean age when bloody stool was identified was $79.2{\pm}56.1$ days (10~145 days). All but one infant with atopic dermatitis did not have other allergic diseases. Nobody had a family history of allergic disease. No specific dietary history in infants and their mothers related to food allergy was identified. Peripheral eosinophilia (total WBC count $11,763{\pm}3,498/mm^3$, eosinophils $17.0{\pm}4.3%$, absolute eosinophil count $2,044{\pm}996/mm^3$) was observed in all infants. Colonoscopy in six infants revealed diffuse erythema, congestion and granulation pattern of mucosa in the rectosigmoid colon. Histopathologic findings of colononic biopsies showed chronic inflammation with severe eosinophilic infiltration in the mucosa. Two infants were treated with hydrolyzed casein-based formula and four infants with prednisolone. Gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia resolved completely with prednisolone and partially with a hydrolyzed casein-based formula. Relapse was not observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that there is no evidence of a definite relationship between eosinophilic colitis and food-allergic disorders. Clinical course and prognosis of infantile form of eosinophilic colitis is very favorable and treatment with prednisone was effective.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.43-55
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• 1996

The experiment was performed to evaluate the possibility of utilizing underground sea water for the seed production of tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes. For this purpose, the effects of 6 different salinities (3.5, 7.0, 14.0, 20.0, 27.0, $33.0\%_{\circ}$) were determined based on the hatching rate of fertilized eggs, survival rate and the amount of food consumed by hatched larvae, where as the effects of 3 different salinities (20.0, 27.0, $33.0\%_{\circ}$) were also examined with rearing tiger puffer juvenile ($4.29{\pm}0.50$ cm in total length) for 50 days in the closed recirculating water system. As a results, either the hatching or the survival rate of more than $70.0\%$ were obtained from the fertilized eggs reared at the salinity of 27.0 to $33.0\%_{\circ}$, the early hatched larvae at 27.0 to $33.0\%_{\circ}$, and the 10-day-old larvae at 20 to $33.0\%_{\circ}$. At three different salinities, the survival rate of 20-day- and 30-day-old larvae turned out to be $89.0\%$ and $92.5\%$, respectively. The salinity for maximum food intake thus appeared to be from 27.0 to $33.0\%_{\circ}$. In this condition, 20-day-old hatched larvae consumed $323\~342$ Artemia nauplii and 30-day-old hatched larvae ate $1,559\~1,5791$ A. nauplii. The highest growth rate of fingerlings were observed at the salinity $27\%$ and followed by 33.0 and $20.0\%_{\circ}$, respectively. The relationship between the days of rearing (X) and the total length (Y) of the fingerlings were as follows : $33.0\%_{\circ}$ group : Y=0.107X-2.532 (r=0.982) $27.0\%_{\circ}$ group : Y=0.116X-3.195 (r=0.975) $20.0\%_{\circ}$ group : Y=0.116X-2.693 (r=0.987) The slopes of regression line estimated from $27.0\%_{\circ}$ and $33.0\%_{\circ}$ groups were significantly different from that of $20.0\%_{\circ}$ group.