• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.131-137
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• 2014

To investigate the solute pattern of salt marsh plants in Suncheon Bay in Korea, plants and soil samples were collected at three sites from July to September 2011. The soil pH around the investigated species was weakly alkaline, 6.9-8.1. The total ion and Cl- content of site 1 gradually increased, while those of site 2 and site 3 were lowest in August and highest in September. The exchangeable $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$ and $K^+$ in the soil were relatively constant during the study period, but the soil exchangeable $Na^+$ content was variable. Carex scabrifolia and Phragmites communis had constant leaf water content and very high concentrations of soluble carbohydrates during the study period. However, Suaeda malacosperma and S. japonica had high leaf water content and constant very low soluble carbohydrate concentrations. Carex scabrifolia accumulated similar amounts of $Na^+$ and $K^+$ ions in its leaves. Phragmites communis contained a high concentration of $K^+$ ions. Suada japonica and S. malacosperma had more $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$ ions than $K^+$ ions in their leaves. Suaeda japonica had higher levels of glycine betaine in its leaves under saline conditions than C. scabrifolia and P. communis. Consequently, the physiological characteristics of salt marsh chenopodiaceous plants (S. japonica and S. malacosperma) were the high storage capacity for inorganic ions (especially alkali cations and chloride) and accumulation of glycine betaine, but monocotyledonous plant species (C. scabrifolia and P. communis) showed high $K^+$concentrations, efficient regulation of ionic uptake, and accumulation of soluble carbohydrates. These characteristics might enable salt marsh plants to grow in saline habitats.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 2015

Background: Korean Red Ginseng has been used as a traditional oriental medicine to treat illness and to promote health for several thousand years in Eastern Asia. It is widely accepted that ginseng saponins, ginsenosides, are the major active ingredients responsible for Korean Red Ginseng's therapeutic activity against many kinds of illness. Although the crude saponin fraction (CSF) displayed antiplatelet activity, the molecular mechanism of its action remains to be elucidated. Methods: The platelet aggregation was induced by collagen, the ligand of integrin ${\alpha}_{II}{\beta}_I$ and glycoprotein VI. The crude saponin's effects on granule secretion [e.g., calcium ion mobilization and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release] were determined. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 MAPK, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt was analyzed by immunoblotting. In addition, the activation of integrin ${\alpha}_{II}b{\beta}_{III}$ was examined by fluorocytometry. Results: CSF strongly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner. It also markedly suppressed $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization in collagen-stimulated platelets. Immunoblotting assay revealed that CSF significantly suppressed ERK1/2, p38, JNK, PI3K, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, our fraction strongly inhibited the fibrinogen binding to integrin ${\alpha}_{IIb}{\beta}_3$. Conclusion: Our present data suggest that CSF may have a strong antiplatelet property and it can be considered as a candidate with therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders involving abnormal platelet function.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 1997

Precipitation samples were collected by the wet- only event sampling method from Seoul during September 1991 to April 1995. These samples were analyzed for the concentrations of the major ionic components (N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ , N $O_2$$^{[-10]}$ , S $O_4$$^{2-}$, C $l^{[-10]}$ , $F^{[-10]}$ , N $a^{＋}$, $K^{+}$, $Ca^{2＋}$, $Mg^{2＋}$, and N $H_4$$^{＋}$), pH, and electric conductivity. During the study period, a total of 182 samples were collected, but only 163 samples were used for the data analysis via quality assurance of precipitation chemistry data. The volume-weighted pH was found to be 4.7. The major acidifying species from our precipitation studies were identified to be non-seasalt sulfate (84$\pm$9 $\mu$eq/L) and nitrate (24$\pm$2 $\mu$eq/L) except for chloride. Because the Cl/Na ratio in the precipitation was close to the ratio in seawater. If all of the non-seasalt sulfate and nitrate were in the form of sulfuric and nitric acids, the mean pH in the precipitation could have been as low as 3.7 lower than the computed value. Consequently, the difference between two pH values indicate that the acidity of precipitation was neutralized by alkaline species. The equivalent concentration ratio of sulfate to nitrate was 3.5, indicating that sulfuric and nitric acids can comprise 78％ and 22％ of the precipitation acidity, respectively. Analysis of temporal trend in the measured acidity and ionic components were also performed using the linear regression method. The precipitation acidity generally showed a significantly decreasing trend, which was compatible with the pattern of the ratio (N $H_4$$^{＋}$＋C $a^{2＋}$)/ (nss-S $O_4$$^{2-}$＋N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ ).).

• BMB Reports
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 1997

Extracellular phospholipase $A_2$ activity has been detected in urine of patients with acute pyelonephritis (APN). This enzyme required micromolar $Ca^{2+}$ ion for its maximum activity and showed a broad range of pH (4.5~10) optimum. Urine enzyme hydrolyzed phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) more effectively than phosphatidylcholine (PC). $PLA_2$ activity in the urine of patients with APN was about 5-fold higher than that of healthy individuals. When urine was subjected to heparinSepharose column chromatography, phospholipase $A_2$ activity was detected in both heparin-non-binding and binding fractions. Both phospholipase $A_2$ activities were sensitive less than a micromolar calcium concentration and did not react with anti-human 14-kDa group II phospholipase $A_2$ monoclonal antibody, HP-l. These findings suggest that two kinds of novel extracellular phospholipase $A_2$. which may not belong to the 14-kDa group II phospholipase $A_2$ family, exist in the urine of patients with APN.

• Journal of Korea Soil Environment Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 1997

The change of industrial structure has brought the sharp declination of mine products, and has made many mines closed, which results in environmental pollution by untreated acid mine drainage(AMD). AMD with low pH and high concentration of heavy metals could severely destroy the ecosystem. Many researches have been carried out for the treatment of AMD. In this study, we have treated AMD with oak compost, mushroom compost, sludge cake and cow manure which usually used in AMD treatment systems, and compared the capability of each organic matter. Cow manure and oak compost have been most effective among 4 organic materials. Oak compost removed the heavy metals by ion exchange between Ca-rich particles and soluble heavy metal ions. It also captured the heavy metals using bound functional groups like -OH and -COO-. Sulfate reducing bacteria existing in the cow manure removed effectively heavy metals by producing metal sulfide compound. Therefore, it is effective to use both organic materials in mixture on the treatment of AMD.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.112-127
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• 1997

The purpose of this study is to get optimum operating factors of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor by introducing methods that make it to reduce inhibition possible in each process wastewater treatment. The used substrates, concentrated corn starch liquid (CSL) wastewater, modified starch, filtering and decoloring wastewater, ion refining wastewater, and mixed wastewater including modified starch and not including modified starch, are generated from molasses process. The seeding sludge is the digested sludge that had been applied to molasses wastewater. Batch test to reduce the inhibition factors that might be existed in each wastewater was examined. Based on the this test, the optimum operating factors according to alkalinity and pH variation was studied through the continuous test using three 5.5 L UASB reactor. The first reactor added $NaHCO_3$ to control alkalinity. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) reduced to 8 hours and the organic loading rate increased gradually. The second reactor changed the pH of influent from 7.0 to 6.0 using NaOH. The third reactor was operated without changes to compare the above two reactors. As the result, the inhibition in concentrated CSL wastewater was removed by adding iron (II). When trace metals were added to mixed wastewater not including modified starch, the digestability by gas production rate increased to more fifty percentage than mixed wastewater that was not adding the trace metals. The reason that the inhibition did not decreased in spite of adding trace metals and nutrients was influenced by high concentration generated during the acid fermentation. The UASB reactors using the mixed wastewater with the most effective performance were operated as 500 mg/L as $CaCO_3$ alkalinity and 6.0 pH at steady state, and at this time, the gas production rates were 283 and 311mL gas/g $COD_{added}$. The COD removal rates were 84.7 and 86.3%, respectively.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.1201-1207
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• 2020

This study explored whether MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x) could remove radioactive Cs⁺ from model nuclear wastewater. Various adsorption tests were performed and the physical aspects of the interaction were investigated. We varied the MXene dosage, Cs⁺ initial concentration, solution pH, solution temperature and exposure time. MXene adsorption exhibited very fast kinetics, based on the fact that equilibrium was achieved within 1 h. MXene exhibited an outstanding adsorption capacity (148 mg g^-1) at adsorbent and adsorbate concentrations of 5 and 2 mg L^-1, respectively, at neutral pH condition (i.e., pH 7). We explored Cs⁺ adsorption by MXene in the presence of four different ions (NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂ and MgCl₂) and three different organic acids (sodium oleate, oxalic acid, and citric acid). The Cs⁺ removal rate changed in the presence of these components; adsorption of Cs⁺ by MXene thus involved ion exchange, supported by both Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We confirmed that MXene was re-usable for at least four cycles. MXene is cost-effective and practical when used to adsorb radionuclides (e.g., Cs⁺) in nuclear wastewater.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.3223-3228
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• 2011

To quantify the presence of mercuric ions in aqueous solution, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of poly(dT) was employed using a light switch compound, $Ru(phen)_2(dppz)^{2+}$ (1) which is reported to intercalate into dsDNA of a right-handed B-form. Addition of mercuric ions induced the dehybridization of poly(dT)${\cdot}$poly(dA) duplexes to form a hairpin structure of poly(dT) at room temperature and the metal-to-ligand charge transfer emission derived from the intercalation of 1 was reduced due to the dehybridization of dsDNA. As the concentration of $Hg^{2+}$ was increased, the emission of 1 progressively decreased. This label-free emission method had a detection limit of 0.2 nM. Other metal ions, such as $K^+$, $Ag^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$, $Ni^{2+}$, $Cu^{2+}$, $Cd^{2+}$, $Cr^{3+}$, $Fe^{3+}$, had no significant effect on reducing emission. This emission method can differentiate matched and mismatched poly(dT) sequences based on the emission intensity of dsDNA.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.616-623
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• 2015

P2 receptors are membrane-bound receptors for extracellular nucleotides such as ATP and UTP. P2 receptors have been classified as ligand-gated ion channels or P2X receptors and G protein-coupled P2Y receptors. Recently, purinergic signaling has begun to attract attention as a potential therapeutic target for a variety of diseases especially associated with gastroenterology. This study determined the ATP and UTP-induced receptor signaling mechanism in feline esophageal contraction. Contraction of dispersed feline esophageal smooth muscle cells was measured by scanning micrometry. Phosphorylation of $MLC_{20}$ was determined by western blot analysis. ATP and UTP elicited maximum esophageal contraction at 30 s and $10{\mu}M$ concentration. Contraction of dispersed cells treated with $10{\mu}M$ ATP was inhibited by nifedipine. However, contraction induced by $0.1{\mu}M$ ATP, $0.1{\mu}M$ UTP and $10{\mu}M$ UTP was decreased by U73122, chelerythrine, ML-9, PTX and $GDP{\beta}S$. Contraction induced by $0.1{\mu}M$ ATP and UTP was inhibited by $G{\alpha}i_3$ or $G{\alpha}q$ antibodies and by $PLC{\beta}_1$ or $PLC{\beta}_3$ antibodies. Phosphorylated $MLC_{20}$ was increased by ATP and UTP treatment. In conclusion, esophageal contraction induced by ATP and UTP was preferentially mediated by P2Y receptors coupled to $G{\alpha}i_3$ and $G{\alpha}q$ proteins, which activate $PLC{\beta}_1$ and $PLC{\beta}_3$. Subsequently, increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and activated PKC triggered stimulation of MLC kinase and inhibition of MLC phosphatase. Finally, increased $pMLC_{20}$ generated esophageal contraction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.434-442
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• 1990

Aspergillus sp. CC-29 ws selected for its strong protease activity among various stains of molds found in soil. It was found that the production of alkaline protease reached to maximum when the wheat bran medium containing glucose as carbon source had been cultured for 4 days. Alkaline proteased was purified 36.10 fold from Aspergillus sp. CC-29 The purification procedures included ammonium sulfate fractunation gel filteration on Sepha-dex G-75 G-150 and DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, The yield of the purified enzyme was 22.40% The purified enzyme was confirmed as a single band by the polyacryla-mide. When the purified enzyme was applied to SDS-PAGE the molecular weight was estima-ted 24000. The optimum pH for the enzyme activity was 9.0 and the optimum temperature was 4$0^{\circ}C$ The reaction of this enzyme followed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with the Km value of 2.10$\times$10-4M with the Vmax of 29.41 $\mu$g/min. The enzyme was reactively stable in alkalic condition and unstable by heat treatment. The activity of alkaline protease was increased by the addition of Ca2+ whereas it was inhibited by Hg2+ Zn2+ at concentration of 1$\times$10-3M.