• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.133-147
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• 2004

Environmental quality(water and sediment) was analyzed in the tidal flat of Saemangum of Jeonbuk Province, the west coast of Korea, using the 101 sediment samples and 69 water samples collected in September 4~13, 2001. Major water quality parameters with the means of 69 surface water samples are as follows; $25.51{\pm}0.68^{\circ}C$ for water temperature, $29.88{\pm}5.01$ for salinity, $1.40{\pm}0.78mg/L$ for COD, $0.352{\pm}0.417mg/L$ for DIN, and $0.027{\pm}0.023mg/L$ for phosphate, respectively. Higher values were found at the subestuary of Dongjin and Mangyung River, and lower values at the Saemangum embayment and Gomso Bay. There was a significant negative correlation between salinity and the other water quality parameters(p<0.0001) such as COD, nutrients, SS and N/P. This correlation suggested that the major pollution sources be from terrestrial inputs through tributaries in this area. Principal component analysis clearly revealed a spatial variation of water quality; stations with higher values of nutrients and COD located subestuary of tributaries. 14 sediment quality parameters including 8 trace metals were measured using the 101 surface sediment samples. Average values for the parameters are as follows; Al $2.28{\pm}0.92%$, Cd $0.61{\pm}0.27ppm$, Cu $8.95{\pm}4.06ppm$, Fe $1.19{\pm}0.37%$, Mn $182.31{\pm}77.45ppm$, Ni $10.83{\pm}4.97ppm$, Pb $15.20{\pm}4.35ppm$, Zn $41.34{\pm}34.62ppm$, COD $2.68{\pm}1.85mg/g\;dry$, AVS $0.04{\pm}0.08mg/g\;dry$, IL $1.29{\pm}1.08%$, water content $24.11{\pm}4.49%$, TN $0.02{\pm}0.02%$, TC $0.22{\pm}0.30%$. Spatial variations of sediment quality were not clear as water quality. Some higher values were found at the subestuary of Gum River and lower values at the other area. There was a significant positive correlation between the heavy metal concentrations and organic materials within the sediment(p<0.05). Enrichment factors showed the ranges of 1~2 for most of the metals in the sediment except zinc(1~6), indicating no serious exogenous input of heavy metals in the study area. Also, the heavy metal concentrations in the sediment were within the ranges found at the natural marine environments.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.68-75
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of yogurt containing spirulina. Yogurt base was prepared from skim milk added with $0.25{\sim}1%(w/v)$ spirulina powder and fermented with lactic acid bacteria (S. thermophilus : L. bulgaricus = 1 : 1) at $40^{\circ}C$ for 12 hr. Kiwi puree and oligosaccharides were then added. The addition of 1% spirulina powder stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria, which showed the highest viable cell count ($3.4{\times}10^9$ CFU/mL), and increased the titratable acidity (1.10%). The viscosity range of the yogurt was 6,000 to 9,000 cP, and the sugar content of the yogurt was around 18 $^{\circ}Brix$. The antioxidant activities were determined using the DPPH method, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the yogurt containing spirulina was higher than that of the control. The sensory evaluation scores for appearance, odor, taste, overall acceptability and buying intention were higher in the yogurt containing 0.25% spirulina than in the other groups. The amount of macronutrients in the yogurt containing spirulina was higher than that in the control. In addition, the amounts of micronutrients in the yogurt containing spirulina was significantly increased. According to these results, the optimum concentration of spirulina powder is around 0.25%.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.107-114
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• 1993

Most of voltage operated $Ca^{2+}$ channels can be divided into three types (T-, N-, and L-type), according to the electrical and pharmacological properties. Their distribution is closely related to cell specific functions. Properties of the voltage activated $Ca^{2+}$ current in mouse eggs were examined to classify channel types and to deduce the function by using whole cell voltage clamp technique. $Ca^{2+}$ currents appeared below -40 mV and reached a maximum at -15 mV (half maximum was -31 mV), then decayed rapidly (inactivation time constant ${\tau}=28.2{\pm}9.59$ ms at -10 mV within 50 ms after the onset of step depolarization. Activation and inactivation of the $Ca^{2+}$ channel was steeply dependent on voltage, in a relatively low range of $-70\;mV{\sim}-10 mV,$ half maximum of activation was -31 mV and that of inactivation was -39 mV, respectively. This current was not decreased significantly by nifedipine, a specific dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker in the range of $1\;{\mu}M\;to\;100{\mu}M.$ The inhibitory effect of $Ni^{2+}\;on\;Ca^{2+}$ current was greater than that of $Cd^{2+}.$ The conductance of $Ba^{2+}$ through the channel was equal to or lower than that of $Ca^{2+}$ These results implied that $Ca^{2+}$ current activated at a lower voltage in the mouse egg is carried via a $Ca^{2+}$ channel with similar properties that of the T-type channel.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of chemical amendments on reducing bioavailable fraction of heavy metals in soil along with ecotoxicological effect on earthworms, Eisenia fetida. Three different chemical amendments, lime (L), steel slag (SS), and acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS), were applied with varied application ratio (1, 3, 5%). Heavy metal contaminated soil was mixed with chemical amedments and earthworms, Eisenia fetida, were cultivated for 28 days. Bioavailable fraction of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) extracted with 0.1N HCl was monitored and also, mortality, growth, and metal concentration in earthworm were assessed. Result showed that all three amendments had high efficiency to reduce bioavailable fraction of heavy metals in soil. In particular, lime showed the highest reduction rate of Cu (63.9-87.7%), Pb (7.90-24.65%), and Zn (40.83-77.60%) among three amendments. No mortality of earthworm was observed during experimental period except 3% and 5% AMDS treatment indicating that application of chemical amendments is safe in terms of ecotoxicological aspect. However, no positive correlation was observed between reduction of bioavaialble fraction of heavy metals in soil and earthworms. Overall, application of chemical amendments in agricultural field can be adapted for reducing bioavailable fraction of heavy metals and detoxification in soil.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.3629-3634
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• 2013

In this study, an improved method for the quantitative analysis of ginkgolic acids (GAs) in Ginkgo biloba leaf extract was developed. The samples were extracted with a mixture of chloroform and 50 % ethanol, after which the chloroform extract was dried and reconstituted in methanol. GAs with 13:0, 15:1, and 17:1 in the extract were successfully separated within 40 min and determined with high throughput performance using an online column-switching HPLC method using an SP column C8 SG80 ($4.6{\times}150mm$, $5{\mu}m$) and a Cadenza 5CD C18 column ($4.6{\times}150mm$, $3{\mu}m$). The developed HPLC method was validated for Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. The validation parameters were specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and limits of detection and quantitation (LODs and LOQs, respectively). It was found that all of the calibration curves showed good linearity ($r^2$ > 0.9993) within the tested ranges. The LODs and LOQs were all lower than $0.04{\mu}g/mL$. The established method was found to be simple, rapid, and high throughput for the quantitative analysis of GAs in ten commercial Ginkgo biloba leaf extract and dietary supplements. The samples were also analyzed in LC-electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) - multiple-ion reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to confirm the identification results that were obtained by the column switching HPLC-DAD method. The developed method is considered to be suitable for the routine quality control and safety assurance of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.196-202
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• 2016

Background: Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), a main component of the root of Panax ginseng, exhibits anti-inflammation functions and decreases infarct size in many injuries and ischemia diseases such as focal cerebral ischemia. M1 Macrophages are regarded as one of the key inflammatory cells having functions for disease progression. Methods: To investigate the effect of GSRd on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and macrophage functional status, and their regulatory role on mouse polarized macrophages in vitro, GSRd (10-100 mg/kg) and vehicle were applied to mice 30 min before renal IRI modeling. Renal functions were reflected by blood serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen level and histopathological examination. M1 polarized macrophages infiltration was identified by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence staining with $CD11b^+$, $iNOS^+$/interleukin-12/tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ labeling. For the in vitro study, GSRd ($10-100{\mu}g/mL$) and vehicle were added in the culture medium of M1 macrophages to assess their regulatory function on polarization phenotype. Results: In vivo data showed a protective role of GSRd at 50 mg/kg on Day 3. Serum level of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen significantly dropped compared with other groups. Reduced renal tissue damage and M1 macrophage infiltration showed on hematoxylin-eosin staining and flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining confirmed this improvement. With GSRd administration, in vitro cultured M1 macrophages secreted less inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$. Furthermore, macrophage polarization-related pancake-like morphology gradually changed along with increasing concentration of GSRd in the medium. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that GSRd possess a protective function against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via downregulating M1 macrophage polarization.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.7
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• pp.208-215
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• 2017

Purpose: Activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) present on circulating monocytes in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) can lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and interleukin-10 (IL-10). We aimed to determine the association of the frequency of circulating TLR2+/ CD14+ monocytes (FTLR2%) with the outcomes of KD, as well as to compare FTLR2% to the usefulness of sIL-10. Methods: The FTLR2% in patients with KD was measured by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 (sIL-10) were determined in 31 patients with KD before the initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and in 21 febrile controls by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were classified as having coronary artery lesions (CALs) based on the maximal internal diameters of the proximal right coronary artery and proximal left anterior descending coronary artery one month after the initial diagnosis. Results: We found that FTLR2% greater than 92.62% predicted CALs with 80% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity, whereas FTLR2% more than 94.61% predicted IVIG resistance with 66.7% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. Moreover, sIL-10 more than 15.52 pg/mL predicted CALs and IVIG resistance with 40% and 66.7% sensitivity, respectively, and 73.7% and 76.2% specificity, respectively. Conclusion: We showed that measuring FTLR2% before the initial treatment could be useful in predicting CAL development with better sensitivity than sIL-10 and with results comparable to sIL-10 results for the prediction of IVIG resistance in patients with KD. However, further studies are necessary to validate FTLR2% as a marker of prognosis and severity of KD.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Conference
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• 2001.12a
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• pp.52-60
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• 2001

Purpose: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mild to moderate myopia patients to evaluate the benefit of taking a nutrient supplement containing anthocyanoside oligomers for improving nocturnal visiual function and/or clinical symptoms. Methods: The subjects included have refractive error between -lD(Diopters) $\~$-8D in both eyes, symptoms of decreased night vision and asthenopia based on the scoring result of a pre-structured questionnaire, and abnormal results of mesopic contrast sensitivity(MCS) screening test showing abnormal curve of contrast sensitivity in the middle and high frequency level, between 6.0 and 30.0 CPD(Cycles per degree) at mesopic condition(-2$\~$0 log cd/$m^2$). Total 60 people who qualified the criteria above were enrolled and the subjects were instructed to take the investigational product (anthocyanoside or placebo) twice daily for a 4 week period. The enrolled subjects were investigated for nocturnal vision performance by MCS and clinical symptoms at their first visit and re-evaluated at post-intervention (4 weeks later). MCS was measured and improvement of contrast threshold level according to each CPD was calculated by subtracting initial values from final values. Age, refractive error, and MCS were compared between the placebo and anthocyanoside. Results: After 4 weeks of drug administration 22 of the anthocyanoside group showed symptom improvement compared to 1 of the placebo group (p=0.000). Contrast sensitivity levels according to each CPD before and after drug treatment showed significant improvement in the anthocyanoside group but not in the placebo group. Mean MCS change of anthocyanoside group is 2.41$\pm$1.91 which showed significant improvement compared to -0.40$\pm$2.47 of the placebo group(p=0.000). MCS changes of anthocyanoside group showed significant improvement compared to placebo group in all levels of CPD(p<0.05). During our investigation none of the subjects complained of specific side effects related to anthocyanoside use. Conclusion: Our results show that under careful selection of people with significant symptoms and definite MCS abnormalities, anthocyanoside oligomers may improve the subjective symptoms and objective MCS results.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2005

Samples of water, soil, and sediment were taken from 10 streams near Andong, Korea in May 2004. To assess the degree of environmental pollution of each stream, chemical pollutants such as total notrogen (T-N), total phosphorus (T-P), chemical oxygen demand (COD), heavy metals, organophosphorus pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, and dioxin-like PCB congeners were analyzed by standard process tests or U.S. EPA methods. In addition, biomarkers originated from insect immune systems of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, were used to analysis of the environmental samples. Except Waya-chun stream showing T-N content of 9.12 mg/L, most streams were contaminated with relatively low levels of overall pollutants in terms of T-N, T-P, and COD, compared to their acceptable environmental levels designated by the Ministry of Environment. Contents of Pb and Cd in samples of each stream were much lower than environmentally permissible levels. However, several times higherconcentrations of Pb and Cd were found in locations at Mi-chun, Kilan-chun, and Hyunha-chun streams, in comparison with other streams. Diazinon, parathion, and phenthoate compounds among organophosphorus pesticides were detected as concentrations of 0.19, 0.40, and $1.13\;{\mu}g/g$, respectively, from soil sample collected in the vicinity of Mi-chun stream. On the other hand, 16 organochlorine pesticides and 12 dioxin-like PCB congeners, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals, selected in this study were not found above the limit of detection. Biomarker analyses using insect immune responses indicated that Waya-chun stream was suspected as exposure to environmental pollutants. Limitation and compensation of both environmental analysis techniques are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.197-203
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• 2001

An ubiquitous bacterium, Pseudomonar cepacia KH410 was isolated from fresh water plant root and identified. Adsorption of heavy metals of lead, cadmium and copper by this strain was investigated. Optimal conditions foradsorption was 1.0 dry g-biomass, at pH 4.0 and temperature of $40^{\circ}C$. Adsorption equilibrium reached max-imum after 120 min in 1000 mg/l metal solutions. The adsorption capacity (K) of lead was 5.6 times higher thancadmium and 4.0 times higher than that of copper. Adsorption of lead was applicable for Langmuir modelwhereas Freundlich model for cadmium and copper, respectively. Adsorption strength (1/n) of heavy metal ionswere in the order of lead>copper>cadmium. Uptake capacity of lead, cadmium and copper by dried cell was83.2,42.0,65.2 mg/g-biomass, respectively. Effective desorption was induced 0.1 M HCI for lead and 0.1 $HNO_3$ for cadmium and copper. Pretreatment to increase ion strength was the most effective with 0.1 M KOH.Uptake by immobilized cell was 77.8,58.5,71.2 mg/g-biomass for lead, cadmium and copper, respectively. Theimmobilized cell was more effective than ion exchange resin on removal of heavy metals in solution containinglight metals.