• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1437-1444
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• 2017

Sargassum macrocarpum is a widely distributed marine brown algae found in the North Pacific. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of an ethanol extract of S. macrocarpum (EESM). First, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of EESM in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. EESM treatment suppressed nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) production and inhibited the expressions of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and interleukin-1 beta ($IL-1{\beta}$), was decreased in a dose dependent manner. Investigation of the signaling pathways of nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) revealed suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation from the cytosol to nucleus by EESM treatment. The phosphorylation of the Akt and ERK proteins was also inhibited by EESM treatment. EESM treatment also stimulated the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme and its upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). These results suggest that EESM has anti-inflammatory activity and could have potential uses in the field of nutraceuticals.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.199-207
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• 2016

This study was conducted to develop a forest fire occurrence model using meteorological characteristics for practical forecasting of forest fire danger rate by reflecting the climate change for the time period of 2000yrs. Forest fire in South Korea is highly influenced by humidity, wind speed, temperature, and precipitation. To effectively forecast forest fire occurrence, we developed a forest fire danger rating model using weather factors associated with forest fire in 2000yrs. Forest fire occurrence patterns were investigated statistically to develop a forest fire danger rating index using times series weather data sets collected from 76 meteorological observation centers. The data sets were used for 11 years from 2000 to 2010. Development of the national forest fire occurrence probability model used a logistic regression analysis with forest fire occurrence data and meteorological variables. Nine probability models for individual nine provinces including Jeju Island have been developed. The results of the statistical analysis show that the logistic models (p<0.05) strongly depends on the effective and relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and rainfall. The results of verification showed that the probability of randomly selected fires ranges from 0.687 to 0.981, which represent a relatively high accuracy of the developed model. These findings may be beneficial to the policy makers in South Korea for the prevention of forest fires.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.610-620
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• 2003

Background : 3p deletion has been shown to be the most frequently occurring change in lung cancers, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene in this region. Recent attention has focused on a candidate 3p14.2 tumor suppressor gene, FHIT. Therefore, the association of the expression of FHIT, with apoptosis, cell proliferation cycle and the clinicopathological features, including survival, were investigated Materials and Methods : 83 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, who underwent curative operation, between Jan. 1996 and Aug. 2000, at the Wonkwang university hospital, were analyzed. The expression of the FHIT was identified by immunohistochemical staining, and rate of apoptosis and cell proliferation cycle by flow cytometry. Results : 43% (36/83) of patients exhibited no FHIT expression. The rates of FHIT loss were 52% (28/54), 22% (5/23), 50% (3/6); 30% (11/37), 48% (16/33), 69% (9/13); 54% (30/56) and 22% (6/27), in squamous cell cancers, adenocarcinomas, large cell cancers, TNM stages I, II and III, smokers and non-smokers, respectively. All the differences in FHIT loss rates, according to the histopathology, TNM stages and smoking habits, were statistically significant. The median survival time and 2-year survival rate of the FHIT(-) group were 24 months and 44%, and those of the FHIT(+) group were 25 months and 51% (p>0.05), respectively. The apoptotic rate of the FHIT(-) and FHIT(+) groups were 50.72 (${\pm}13.93$) and 59.38 (${\pm}14.33$)%, respectively (p=0.01). The S- and G1-phase fractions of the FHIT(-) and FHIT(+) groups were 13.93 (${\pm}7.35$) and $51.50({\pm}23.15$)% and 15.65(${\pm}6.59$) and 54.16 (${\pm}20.25$)%, respectively (p>0.05). Conclusion : The loss of FHIT expression was increased to a greater extent with advancing TNM stage, smoking habits and squamous cell cancer compared to the adenocarcinomas. However, no survival differences were found according to the expression of FHIT. The apoptotic rate of the FHIT(+) group was greater than in the FHIT(-) group, but differences in the S- and G1-phase fractions, according to the expression of the FHIT, were not found.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.1552-1563
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• 2016

To examine the cognitive function of onion (Allium cepa L.) beverages (odourless and fortified), we analyzed in vitro neuronal cell protection against $H_2O_2$-induced cytotoxicity and performed in vivo tests on amyloid beta ($A{\beta}$)-induced cognitive dysfunction. Cellular oxidative stress and cell viability were evaluated by DCF-DA assay and MTT assay. These results show that fortified beverage resulted in better neuronal cell protection than odourless beverage at lower concentration ($0{\sim}100{\mu}g/mL$). Fortified beverage also showed more excellent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ($IC_{50}$: 4.20 mg/mL) than odourless beverage. The cognitive functions of odourless beverage and fortified beverage in $A{\beta}$-induced neurotoxicity were assessed by Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. The results show improved cognitive function in both groups treated with beverages. After in vivo tests, cholinergic activities were determined based on AChE inhibition and acetylcholine levels, and antioxidant activities were measured as SOD, oxidized glutathione (GSH)/total GSH ratio, and MDA levels in mouse brain tissue. In a Q-TOF UPLC/MS system, main compounds were analyzed as follows: odourless beverage (five types of sugars and three types of phenolics) and fortified beverages (six types of phenolics and two types of steroidal saponins).

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2011

Purpose: Sharing genetic information with family members is important for cancer awareness and prevention. The purpose of this study is to examine disclosure patterns of positive BRCA genetic test results to patients' relatives. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 probands who had positive BRCA genetic test results from the Korean Hereditary Breast Cancer Study participated in our study. Subjects were asked whether they had disclosed their genetic test results to first-, second-, and third-degree relatives. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with positive result sharing with close and distant relatives. Results: In total, 99 respondents (93.4%) informed at least one at-risk relative of the test result, and they all reported that they had disclosed their genetic test result to a first-degree relative. Communication of test results to other relatives occurred significantly less often, with only 31 of 99 subjects (31.3%) sharing their results with second- or third-degree relatives. In the results of univariate analyses, disclosure of genetic test results to more distant relatives was associated with marital status and months since post-test counseling. The reasons for communication were to provide information about the BRCArelated cancer risk and to recommend the genetic test. Conclusion: Most individuals with the BRCA mutation share their test results with first-degree family members; however, these results reach more distant relatives significantly less often. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage patients' communication with extended family members through systematic genetic counseling.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.638-644
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• 2006

Backgrounds: This study investigated whether or not a polymorphism in the gene encoding the surfactant protein A(SP-A) has any bearing on the individual susceptibility to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) in a genetically homogenous Korean population. Methods: The genotypes of 19 COPD patients and 20 healthy neonates as controls were tested using a polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for the SP-A gene. Results: The specific frequencies of the 6A2 and 6A18 alleles of SP-A1 and the 1A2 allele of SP-A2 were much higher in the COPD group than control group (p<0.05). However, the frequencies of the 6A3 and 6A4 alleles of SP-A1 and the 1A0 allele of SP-A2 in the COPD group were significantly lower than the control group. In the COPD group, the frequencies of the +50 locus genotypes GG of SP-A1 and the +9 locus genotypes CC of SP-A2 were 85.0% and 60.6%, respectively, and 19.7% and 24.8% in the control group, respectively. The frequencies of the polymorphic genotypes or alleles showed a statistically significant difference between the COPD group and the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: A genetic polymorphism in SP-A is associated with the development of COPD in the Korean population.

• The KIPS Transactions:PartB
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• v.10B no.3
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• pp.281-286
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• 2003

A large number of features are collected for problem solving in real life, but to utilize ail the features collected would be difficult. It is not so easy to collect of correct data about all features. In case it takes advantage of all collected data to learn, complicated learning model is created and good performance result can't get. Also exist interrelationships or hierarchical relations among the features. We can reduce feature's number analyzing relation among the features using heuristic knowledge or statistical method. Heuristic technique refers to learning through repetitive trial and errors and experience. Experts can approach to relevant problem domain through opinion collection process by experience. These properties can be utilized to reduce the number of feature used in learning. Experts generate a new feature (highly abstract) using raw data. This paper describes machine learning model that reduce the number of features used in learning using heuristic function and use abstracted feature by neural network's input value. We have applied this model to the win/lose prediction in pro-baseball games. The result shows the model mixing two techniques not only reduces the complexity of the neural network model but also significantly improves the classification accuracy than when neural network and heuristic model are used separately.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.483-490
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• 2009

The aims of this study were to evaluate the removal efficiency for various pollutants in urban storm runoff by a filtration device, and to determine design parameters depending on filter media properties. Appropriate selection of filter media will affect the size and life time of the filtration device. Sets of column tests were performed in order to evaluate the removal efficiency by perlite and a synthetic resin. An investigation of surface properties including CEC (cation exchange capacity) and zeta-potential suggested that the perlite had a superior adsorption capability for cationic pollutants. TCODcr and turbidity were analyzed to investigate the removal characteristic of particulate pollutant. In both columns, the particles in the collected storm runoff was almost completely capture with a small EBCT (empty bed contact time) of 2.5 minutes. Complete clogging at the EBCT of 2.5 minutes occurred after 630 minutes in the perlite column and 810 minutes in the resin column. The removal efficiency of TCODcr and turbidity at the EBCT of 2.5 minutes decreased to below 70% due to an wall effect. The removal efficiency for dissolved pollutant (SCODcr) was negligible due to the insufficient contact time for adsorption. The removal of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was mostly ascribed to the filtration of particles containing metals, since the relationship between CEC and the removal efficiency was not apparent. The result of this study would be valuable for the application of filtration device to control of urban storm runoff.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.301-308
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• 2008

DNA variation of MYL2 intron 5 A345G and ADCYAP1R1 intron 2 A337G were investigated for carcass trait association in finished pigs. Three genotypes(two homozygotes and their heterozygote) were found at 10.6% AA, 45.6% AG and 43.8% GG in MYL2 and 60.5% AA, 34.6% AG, and 22.2% GG for ADCYAP1R1. In finished pig population, individuals containing genotype G- of MYL2 had significantly heavier carcass weight by more than 2.4 kg and thicker backfat thickness by more than 1.3 mm than those of AA homozygous pigs(p<0.05). No significant difference was found in other traits tested in this study such as marbling score, meat color, texture, moisture and separation score(p>0.05). The ADCYAP1R1 intron 2 377GG homozygotes showed coarse texture, i.e., meat quality was inferior than those of AG and AA genotypes, and the moisture level of homozygote AA was higher than those of AG and GG genotypes(p<0.05). The other carcass traits were not significantly associated with ADCYAP1R1 genotypes(p>0.05). The genetic polymorphism of MYL2 and ADCYAP1R1 genes affected the carcass traits in finished pig population. Further studies to explain the association between genetic variations and their phenotypic effects including economic traits in pigs are required including critical mutation in both genes through molecular approaches.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2018

Currently, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is planning to build the Ki-Jang Research Reactor (KJRR) in Ki-Jang, Busan. It is important to safely dispose of low-level radioactive waste from the operation of the reactor. The most efficient way to treat radioactive waste is cement solidification. For a radioactive waste disposal facility, cement solidification is performed based on specific waste acceptance criteria such as compressive strength, free-standing water, immersion and leaching tests. Above all, the leaching test is important to final disposal. The leakage of radioactive waste such as $^{137}Cs$ causes not only regional problems but also serious global ones. The cement solidification method is simple, and cheaper than other solidification methods, but has a lower leaching resistance. Thus, this study was focused on the development of cement solidification for an enhancement of cesium leaching resistance. We used Zeolite and Loess to improve the cesium leaching resistance of KJRR cement solidification containing simulated KJRR liquid waste. Based on an SEM-EDS spectrum analysis, we confirmed that Zeolite and Loess successfully isolated KJRR cement solidification. A leaching test was carried out according to the ANS 16.1 test method. The ANS 16.1 test is performed to analyze cesium ion concentration in leachate of KJRR cement for 90 days. Thus, a leaching test was carried out using simulated KJRR liquid waste containing $3000mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of cesium for 90 days. KJRR cement solidification with Zeolite and Loess led to cesium leaching resistance values that were 27.90% and 21.08% higher than the control values. In addition, in several tests such as free-standing water, compressive strength, immersion, and leaching tests, all KJRR cement solidification met the waste acceptance or satisfied the waste acceptance criteria for final disposal.