• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.790-800
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• 2017

As men get older, total testosterone levels decline gradually, and concentrations of free and bioavailable testosterone decline sharply with each decade beyond their 30s. Andropause or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is defined as a decrease in sexual satisfaction or decline in general well-being accompanied by low levels of testosterone in older men. This male climacteric is characterized by nervousness, reduced potency, decreased libido, irritability, fatigue, depression, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and hot flushes. Cirsium japonicum (CJ) is used as a traditional medicine for hemorrhage, blood congestion, and inflammation in Korea. However, there is no report on the efficacy of CJ treatment for TDS. In this study, we observed the mitigating effect of CJ extract (CE) and fermented CJ extract (FCE) on symptoms of TDS. In elderly male rats, total and testosterone levels, hind limbs muscles, forced swimming time, and total and motile sperm counts significantly increased after daily intake of CE and FCE for 6 weeks. In contrast, sex hormone binding globulin, retroperitoneal fat, total serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in CE and FCE groups. However, there was no difference in prostate specific antigen, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels among all groups, which means CE and FCE did not have putative adverse effects. In a cell experiment, we also observed that CE and FCE enhanced expression of genes related to testosterone biosynthesis but reduced genes involved in testosterone conversion. On the whole, these positive effects on TDS were greater in FCE compared to CE. Thus, these results suggest the potential of FCE as a promising natural product for recovering testosterone levels and alleviating TDS.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2001

Sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) have been known to be Ca$^{2+}$-dependent events. Sperm capacitation accompanies with cholesterol efflux fiom plasma membrane, that eventually stimulates AR. However, whether the AR mediated by cholesterol efflux is Ca$^{2+}$ dependent has not been verified yet. Recently, methyl beta cyclodextrin (MBCD) was found to evoke AR by stimulating the cholesterol efflux fiom sperm membrane. In the present study, we examined the requirement of Ca$^{2+}$ in the MBCD-induced AR. During incubation of sperm in the bicarbonate buffered media MBCD increased AR in a dose-dependent manner regardless of the Ca$^{2+}$ presence. In the presence of low molar concentration of Ca$^{2+}$ (100 ${\mu}$M), MBCD-induced AR was slightly increased compared to Ca$^{2+}$-free condition. In the absence of Ca$^{2+}$ supplement, spontaneous AR was slightly increased during the incubation but inhibited by 100 ${\mu}$M EGTA. MBCD potentiated AR even the presence of EGTA. However, EGTA attenuated MBCD-induced AR, suagesting the functional involvement of intracellular Ca$^{2+}$ in the MBCD-induced AR. Taken together, it was suggested that cholesterol efflux from the sperm plasma membrane was sufficient for induction of AR even in the absence of extracellular Ca$^{2+}$and that a condition permissive for mobilization of intracellular Ca$^{2+}$ is important for MBCD-induced AR.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2003

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different freezing and thawing rates on the viability, motility and acrosomal changes of frozen canine spermatozoa. The ejaculated semen was extended with Tris-egg yolk buffer containing 8% glycerol and equilibrated for 60 min after cooled to 4$^{\circ}C$ for 58 min. The straws were cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at different distance(6, 10 and 17 cm, respectively) from the liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) to achieve temperature rate of 3, 8.9 and 19$^{\circ}C$ /min. Thawing of the straws was performed in a water bath fur 2 min at 37$^{\circ}C$ and 55$^{\circ}C$ , respectively. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess their viability and acrosome content, spermatozoa were stained with a vital stain and Fluorescence conjugated lectin Pisum Savitum Agglutinin (FITC/PAS), respectively. Concentration of the ejaculated fresh semen was normal range of 3.44 $\times$ 10$^{8}$ /ml. Freezing temperature were reduced to -110, -70 and -35$^{\circ}C$, as higher distance from liquid nitrogen, 6, 10 and 17 cm, respectively. Freezing at 3$^{\circ}C$/min in distance of 17 cm from liquid nitrogen yielded better motility, viability and rate of intact acrosome than 8.9 or 19$^{\circ}C$/min and the optimal thawing was 37$^{\circ}C$ for 2 min.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.997-1001
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• 2009

GIS 기반의 HEC-HMS를 이용하여 유량자료가 있는 소하천인 정자천 유역을 대상으로 장기 강우 유출 분석을 하였다. 일반적으로 홍수량 산정은 단기해석으로 분석하나 평 갈수기와 홍수기 때의 하천 유황이 다르기 때문에 매개변수가 불일치할 것이라 생각되고, 이에 대한 보정이 필요한지 판단이 필요하다. 이를 위해 장기 연속모의를 통하여 매개변수의 보정 필요성을 검토하였다. 연구는 수치지도를 조합하여 ARC-VIEW로부터 Map파일 및 Basin파일을 생성하였고, 토지이용도와 토양도를 ARC-VIEW를 이용하여 CN value를 추출하였다. 계산조건중 손실량 산정방법은 SCS Curve Number법으로 하였고, 단위도 방법은 Clark UH법, 하도추적방법은 Muskingum방법, 기저유량산정방법은 Constant monthly로 설정하였다. 유역면적, 도달시간자료, 저류상수 값 등의 추출은 GIS기법을 이용하여 추출하였다. HEC-HMS의 장기 연속모의(Continuous Simulation)로 얻어진 Element Graph를 보면 대략적인 형태가 일치하나 2006년도에 대한 모의에서는 홍수기의 결과만 일치하는 것으로 보이고, 2007년도에 대한 모의에서는 평 갈수기와 홍수기의 그래프 형태가 유사하게 나타났다. 실측 유량보다 유량 값이 약간 크게 산출되어 홍수량 산정에서 볼 때 안정성에 무리가 없다고 판단되지만, 평 갈수기 기간에서 볼 때 연마다 하천의 매개변수가 일치하지 않는다고 생각되며, 홍수 후 유역의 변화로 매개변수가 변화한 것이라 생각된다. 향후 정자천유역의 보다 많은 강우사상과 실측유량을 통해 HEC-HMS의 유출량을 비교 분석하면 보다 더 정확한 해석이 가능할 것이며, 홍수가 빈번한 지역의 경우 유수지의 검토와 저수지의 시간당 방류량을 알 수 있다면 오차의 범위를 줄일 수 있다고 생각된다. 더 나아가 우리나라에 적합한 매개변수와 GIS 프로그램이 개발된다면 보다 쉽고 정확한 해석이 가능할 것이라고 생각된다.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.89-99
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• 2009

To investigate the morphological characteristics of spermatozoa of the grey red-blacked vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus) belongings to the subfamily Cricetinae, subgenus Clethrionomys were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The sperm head of C. rufocanus was an ax or hatchet in shape with a curved single dorsal hook. The total length of C. regulus sperm was 95.8 ${\mu}m$. The length of sperm head was 7.8 ${\mu}m$, and the tail (88.0 ${\mu}m$) consisted of four major segments: the neck (1.0 ${\mu}m$), middle piece (22.0 ${\mu}m$), and principal piece plus end piece (65.0 ${\mu}m$), respectively. The segmented columns were about 10~12 in number. The number of gyres of mitochondria ranged from about 170 to 178. The post-nuclear cap occupied about a half of nucleus. The equatorial segment is located between the post-nuclear cap segment and acrosomal cap on the nuclear surface. Nos. 1, 5 and 6 of the outer dense fibers were larger than the others. A fibrous sheath and longitudinal column of the principal piece were in evidence, but the fibrous sheath was not seen at the end piece. In conclusion, the morphological structures of sperm head and tail may be useful information to patterning of sperm evolution and classifying of species.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.47-51
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• 2006

Experiments were performed to find out the physico-chemical properties of milt and sperm motility in various storage conditions using starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus). The average sperm concentration and spermatocrit in stripped milt were $6.00{\pm}0.98{\times}10^8/mL\;and\;72{\pm}5$, respectively. The osmolality and pH were $337{\pm}9mmol/kg$ and $7.7{\pm}0.1$, respectively. The sperm of starry flounder was preserved with artificial seminal plasma (ASP), Stein's solution (SS) and marine fish Ringer's solution (MFRS) at $0^{\circ}C,\;2^{\circ}C,\;and\;4^{\circ}C$. The most effective condition for cold storage was SS at $0^{\circ}C$, and the preserved sperm remained motile for 30 days.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.101-109
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• 1998

Spermatogenesis and reproductive cycle of the razor clam, solen grandis, were investigated monthly by histological and cytological observations. Samples were collected from natural intertidal population at Oshik-do, Kunsan, Korea, for one year, beginning from January to December, 1993. solen grandis is dioecious. Morphological structures of the spermatozoon of this species ar esimilar to those of other bivalve spermatozoa having a primitive type; i.e., a small head, a cap-shaped acrosome and a short mid-piece with four mitochondria surrounding axial filament. The head of spermatozoon is approximately 2 \mu m in length and sperm tail is about 20 \mu m long. The axoneme of tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of peripheral microtubules at the periphery and a pair of central microtubules at the center. Four spherical mitochondria form the paranucleus. Spawning occures once a year between early June and July, and the main spawning was observed in July when seawater temperature reaches above 20 \circ C. The reproductive cycle of male razor clam can be divieded into fivesuccessive stages; early active (December to january), late active (January to march), mature (March to early August), partially spawned (June to July), and spent/inactive stage (August to December).

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2011

Light microscope, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the fine structure of sperm of the Korea squirrel, Tamias sibiricus. The sperm head of T. sibiricus was paddle in shape. The total length of T. sibiricus sperm was 67.8 ${\mu}m$. The length of sperm head was 7.8 ${\mu}m$, and the tail (60.0 ${\mu}m$) was consisted of four major segments: the neck (1.0 ${\mu}m$), middle (8.0 ${\mu}m$), principal (48.5 ${\mu}m$) and end piece (2.5 ${\mu}m$), respectively. Especially, the length of the middle piece is short, and end piece was very shorter than those of other rodents. The post-nuclear cap was occupied about a fifth of nucleus. The equatorial segment is located between the post-nuclear cap segment and acrosomal cap on the nuclear surface. Nine segmented columns were surrounded by the mitochondria, and numbers of gyres of mitochondria were 26. One segmented column was consisted ten to twelve knobs, and each of segmented column in the neck region connected with the nine outer dense fiber in the middle piece. Numerous satellite-like fibers were scattered around the segmented columns. Nos. 1, 5 and 6 of the outer dense fibers in the middle piece were larger than the others. A fibrous sheath and longitudinal column of the principal piece were in evidence, but the fibrous sheath and longitudinal column was not seen at the end piece. In conclusion, the structural features of sperm head and tail may be useful information to patterns of sperm evolution and classification of species.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.283-290
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• 2012

Cryopreservation induces sublethal damage to the spermatozoa, which leads to their reduced fertile life. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose as antioxidants on the function of the freezing-thawed sperm in Korean Jeju Black Bull. The semen was cryopreserved with tris egg yolk extendercontaining 7% glycerol and treated with 20mM taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose. Frozen-thawed sperms were evaluated for sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and sperm penetration ability. The results were compared to semen cryopreserved in tris egg yolk extender containing 7% glycerol only as control. Frozen-thawed semen evaluation clearlyindicated that the addition of taurine or hypotaurine significantly improved (p<0.05) the motility and viability compared to control spermatozoa. Moreover, in membrane integrity, swollen sperm ratio was significantly increased (p<0.05) in taurine, hypotaurine or trehalose compared to control. In sperm acrosome integrity, F pattern ratio was increased (p<0.05) in hypotaurine among treatments, and AR pattern was significantly lowered (p<0.05) in taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose. In assessed sperm fertilizing ability, taurine, hypotaurine or trehalose significantly improved (p<0.05) the ratio of pronucleus formation and SFI. Finally, compared with the control, addition of taurine, hypotaurine or trehalose as an antioxidant to the freezing extender showed more positive effects on the frozen-thawed spermatozoa. It is concluded that the addition of taurine, hypotaurine, or trehalose to the freezing extender could reduce cryodamage of the Korean Jeju Black Bull spermatozoa.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.95-101
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of amides as a cryoprotectant for semen cryopreservation in Korean Jeju Black Bull. The semen was cryopreserved with extenders containing 5% dimethyl acetamide (DMA), 5% dimethyl formamide (DMF), 5% methyl formamide (MF) or 7% glycerol. Post-thawed sperm were evaluated for sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility was significantly higher (p<0.05) in glycerol and DMF ($64.00%{\pm}9.62$ and $59.00%{\pm}5.48$, respectively) than DMA and MF ($50.00%{\pm}3.24$ and $44.00%{\pm}4.18$, respectively). Sperm viability wassignificantly higher (p<0.05) in glycerol and DMF ($58.25%{\pm}7.35$ and $53.05%{\pm}3.77$, respectively) than others. However, for sperm motility and viability, there were no differences among glycerol and DMF. Also, swelling sperm ratio by hypo-osmetic selling test (HOST) was significantly increased (p<0.05) in glycerol and DMF treatments ($45.12%{\pm}25.08$ and $44.95%{\pm}8.58$, respectively). The percentage of capacitated sperm assessed by CTC staining, F pattern was lower (p<0.05) in DMF than others. B pattern was increased (p<0.05) in DMA, DMF and MF when compared with glycerol. AR pattern ratio was decreased (p<0.05) in glycerol and DMF when compared with DMA and MF. These results suggested that amides performed better and could be used as a cryoprotectant for semen freezing of Korean Jeju Black Bull.