• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.828-834
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• 2023

The cDNA that encodes transmembrane protein 258 (Tmem258) was cloned from Gryllus bimaculatus and named GbTmem258. This protein comprises 80 amino acids, has no N-glycosylation site, and contains five potential phosphorylation sites at two serines, two threonines, and one tyrosine. The predicted molecular mass of GbTmem258 is 9.06 kDa, and its theoretical isoelectric point is 5.5. The tertiary structure of GbTmem258 was predicted using the available secondary structure information, which suggests the presence of alpha helices (52.5%), random coils (22.5%), extended strands (16.25%), and beta turns (8.75%). Homology analysis revealed that GbTmem258 exhibits high similarity at the amino-acid level to Tmem258 found in other species. The effect of starvation and refeeding on GbTmem258 mRNA expression was also examined in this study. It was found that GbTmem258 mRNA expression in the hindgut progressively increased throughout the starvation period, peaking at almost 1.5 times the control level after six days of starvation. However, refeeding for one to two days after the six-day starvation period restored GbTmem258 mRNA expression to the control level. In fat body, GbTmem258 mRNA expression was almost 3-fold higher during starvation compared to the control level. Refeeding for one to two days after the six-day fast resulted in a decline in the expression to about a 2.5-fold increase over the control level. Throughout the starving and refeeding periods, no other tissues showed any discernible alterations in GbTmem258 mRNA expression.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.523-541
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• 2023

As accessibility to 3D printers increases, there is a growing frequency of exposure to chemicals associated with 3D printing. However, research on the toxicity and harmfulness of chemicals generated by 3D printing is insufficient, and the performance of toxicity prediction using in silico techniques is limited due to missing molecular structure data. In this study, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model based on data-centric AI approach was developed to predict the toxicity of new 3D printing materials by imputing missing values in molecular descriptors. First, MissForest algorithm was utilized to impute missing values in molecular descriptors of hazardous 3D printing materials. Then, based on four different machine learning models (decision tree, random forest, XGBoost, SVM), a machine learning (ML)-based QSAR model was developed to predict the bioconcentration factor (Log BCF), octanol-air partition coefficient (Log Koa), and partition coefficient (Log P). Furthermore, the reliability of the data-centric QSAR model was validated through the Tree-SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) method, which is one of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques. The proposed imputation method based on the MissForest enlarged approximately 2.5 times more molecular structure data compared to the existing data. Based on the imputed dataset of molecular descriptor, the developed data-centric QSAR model achieved approximately 73%, 76% and 92% of prediction performance for Log BCF, Log Koa, and Log P, respectively. Lastly, Tree-SHAP analysis demonstrated that the data-centric-based QSAR model achieved high prediction performance for toxicity information by identifying key molecular descriptors highly correlated with toxicity indices. Therefore, the proposed QSAR model based on the data-centric XAI approach can be extended to predict the toxicity of potential pollutants in emerging printing chemicals, chemical process, semiconductor or display process.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.293-301
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of seasonal differences and crating densities on the behavior, surface temperature, and respiration rate of broilers during transportation. A total of 600 broilers aged 35 days were divided into 10 treatment groups based on five crating densities (10.3, 11.5, 12.8, 14.1, 15.4 birds/m²) with two seasons (i.e. summer and winter) to give six replicates. Broilers were allocated to the crates (1.00 m × 0.78 m × 0.26 m) in a randomized design. The transportation distance was 20 km for 40 minutes (average 30-50 km/h) during the early morning. The results revealed that standing behavior of broilers during transportation was shown more frequently (P<0.05) in winter. Moreover, sitting behavior was significantly shown (P<0.05) more at densities of 14.1 birds/m² and 15.4 birds/m² compared to other treatments. Standing behavior was significantly shown more (P<0.05) in winter and lower crating density. Changes in broilers surface temperature after transportation were higher (P<0.05) in summer. However, surface temperature after transportation was not affected (P>0.05) by crating density, and interaction between seasonal differences and crating density. Respiration rate was higher (P<0.05) in summer. But there were no effects (P>0.05) on respiration rate based on crating density, and interaction between seasonal differences and crating density. Based on the results of the present study, broilers transportation is recommended in winter rather than summer to minimize the climatic stress, but further research is required to identify proper crating densities to improve the broilers welfare during transportation.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.303-310
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• 2023

The current study was conducted to compare the effect of crossbred on the body weight and laying performance of Korean native chicken from hatch to week 40. A total of 873 one-day-old chicks were divided into twelve crossbreds (i.e., CFCK, CFYC, CFYD, CKCF, CKYC, CKYD, YCYD, YCCF, YCCK, YDCF, YDCK, and YDYC) and commercial layer (Hy-Line Brown) were obtained as a counterpart in the study. All the birds are raised in battery cages (76 × 61 × 46 cm³) and then raised until 14 weeks and subsequently moved to layer battery cages (60 × 25 × 45 cm³) and raised until 16 weeks. The body weight and viability were measured biweekly from hatching to week 16. The week of 16, body weight range was about 1,010.24 to 1,411.77 g. The body weight of specific crossbreeds (i.e., CKCF, YCYD, and YDYC) was found to be comparable to that of Hy-Line Brown). The viability hatch to week 14 range was about 55 to 100% and however week 14 to 16 range was 80 to 100%. The crossbred (i.e., CKCF) recorded superior (P<0.05) viability throughout the whole experiment period, even compared with Hy-Line Brown (100% vs 96%). Our results are indicating that crossbreds Korean native chicken including CKCF, and YDYC has the potential to enhance key features of laying hens during the growing phase like optimal body weight and higher viability.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.203-212
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• 2023

This study conducted a diallel-crossbreeding test using four Korean native chicken parent stock lines (YC, YD, CK, and CF) to develop a native commercial layer with high egg-laying performance. A total of 312 chickens in six combinations were examined for various traits, including livability, body weight, age at first egg-laying, hen-day, and hen-housed egg production, egg weight, and egg quality, from hatching to 60 weeks of age. The results showed that the average survival rate was 77.1±18.8% with the YDYC combination having the highest survival rate along with excellent specific combining ability. The YDYC combination exhibited significantly higher body weight compared to the other combinations (P<0.01). The average age at first egg-laying was 121.3±2.5 days, with no significant difference between the combinations. The average hen-day egg production was 74.0±6.4%, and the hen-housed egg production was 181.4±33.8 eggs with the YDCF and YCCK combinations demonstrating the highest laying performance, while the YDYC and CKCF combinations had the lowest (P<0.05). Laying performance was more influenced by specific combining ability than general combining ability. The eggs from the YDYC combination were significantly lighter and had the darkest shell color (P<0.01), whereas the YDCF combination exhibited the thickest eggshells. There was no difference in internal egg quality among combinations, except the YDCF combination had the darkest yolk color. Overall, we concluded that the YCCK combination, characterized by high laying performance and livability, and the YDCF combination with high laying performance and good egg quality are the most desirable combinations for Korean native commercial layers.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1036-1045
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• 2023

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the insidious loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, represents a significant and growing healthcare challenge, impacting the mobility and quality of life of aging populations worldwide. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of soybean leaf extract (SL) for dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced muscle atrophy in vitro and in an in vivo model. In vitro experiments showed that SL significantly alleviated Dexa-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotube cells, as evidenced by preserved myotube morphology, density, and size. Moreover, SL treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), key factors regulating muscle atrophy. In a Dexa-induced atrophy mouse model, SL administration significantly inhibited Dexa-induced weight loss and muscle wasting, preserving the mass of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles. Furthermore, mice treated with SL exhibited significant improvements in muscle function compared to their counterparts suffering from Dexa-induced muscle atrophy, as evidenced by a notable increase in grip strength and extended endurance on treadmill tests. Moreover, SL suppressed the expression of muscle atrophy-related proteins in skeletal muscle, highlighting its protective role against Dexa-induced muscle atrophy. These results suggest that SL has potential as a natural treatment for muscle-wasting conditions, such as sarcopenia.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.213-229
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of beak trimming and crossbreeding-combinations on the productive performance and stress response levels of Korean native chickens. The study divided 248 individuals from six crossbreeding-combinations into two groups: one underwent beak trimming, and the other did not. The survival rate, body weight, egg production rate, egg quality, feather damage score, HSP-70 gene expression level, H/L ratio, and intracellular DNA damage rate were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the beak-trimmed group had significantly higher survival rates and hen-housed egg production compared to the non-beak-trimmed group (P<0.05). Feather damage and DNA damage rates were significantly lower in the beak-trimmed group (P<0.05). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the two groups in adult body weight, hen-day egg production, egg quality, HSP-70 gene expression level, and H/L ratio. Among the crossbreeding-combinations, there were significant differences in survival rate, body weight, feather damage score, egg quality, and DNA damage rate (P<0.05), while egg production rate, HSP-70 gene expression level, and H/L ratio showed no significant differences. There was an interaction between beak trimming and crossbreeding-combinations in some traits. In conclusion, beak trimming in Korean native chickens has a positive impact on productive performance, and in terms of stress response, beak trimming may not act as a stress factor or may even reduce stress after the growing period. Furthermore, there were differences in productive performance and stress response levels among crossbreeding-combinations, but the effects of beak trimming were similar across these combinations.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.231-240
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• 2023

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious, and immunosuppressive disease in young chickens, and causes considerable economic losses to the poultry industry. More than 30 years ago, an antigenic variant IBDV (avIBDV) was reported in chicken farms in the United States. Recently, a novel avIBDV exhibited clear differences in molecular characteristics compared with previous variant strains. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of recently isolated avIBDV strains in Korea. Strains of avIBDV were confirmed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and were propagated in 10-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs through chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) inoculation. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses of hypervariable regions VP2 gene revealed that the strains originated from two different avIBDV lineages (G2a and G2d). In our results, we confirmed the co-existence and prevalence of avIBDV genogroup G2a and G2d in chicken farms. It is necessary to study the protective efficacy of current vaccines against avIBDVs.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.107-145
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• 2004

This study examines factors that influence delinquency among adolescents under probation using indigenous psychological analysis, focusing specifically on parent-child relationship. A total 268 adolescents under probation and their parents and 251 high school students and their parents participated in the two studies. In the first study, qualitative results indicate that both groups of adolescents were most likely to trust their parents than any other person and reason for their trust is reported to be based on blood relationship. Similarly, majority of parents of both groups reported trusting their children because of the blood relationship. Parents hope that their children will be sincere a person and will be able to maintain harmonious social relationship. Parents of adolescents under probation were more likely to report disobedience as being most problematic, whereas parents of high school students were more likely report providing social and financial support for their children's education as being the most difficult. In the second study, structured questionnaires were administered to the four groups and the following set of results were obtained. First, in terms of family background, the socio-economic status of adolescents under probation was lower, they are less likely to live with both parents or natural parents, and more likely to have ran away from home than high school students. Second, adolescents under probation are less likely to trust their parents and more likely to view their parents as being hostile. Third, parents of adolescents under probation were less likely to trust their children, more likely to view their relationship as being conflictual and hostile, and feel that they had to sacrifice for their children when compared with parents of high school students. Implications of these results for parent-child relationship and delinquency are discussed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.496-509
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the general characteristics, chronic diseases, health behavior, mental health, and nutritional status of young-old women based on their vitality. Methods: This study used data from the 2019 and 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The subjects were 1,113 young-old women aged 65 to 74 years old. The health-related quality of life concept with an 8-item questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. Subjects were categorized into 4 groups (always, often, sometimes, never) based on their vitality. General characteristics, chronic diseases, health behavior, dietary behavior, food intake, and nutrient intake were compared among the groups. Results: Age, education level, household income, employment, fruit intake, dietary supplements, abundance of food, and nutrition labeling recognition were associated with the vitality of the subjects. Young-old women with arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis displayed lower vitality. Moreover, subjective health status, exercise, activity restrictions, and average daily sitting hours were related to vitality, while no significant difference was found in vitality between smoking and drinking. In terms of mental health factors, higher vitality was associated with 6-8 hours of sleep, lower stress levels, and reduced depression. The high-vitality group exhibited a higher intake of potatoes, starch, mushrooms, fruits, meat, milk, animal oils, and beverages than the low-vitality group. Additionally, the group with higher levels of vitality showed a higher intake of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, sugars, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and riboflavin. Conclusion: This study suggests that the vitality of young-old women is related to socioeconomic factors, health behavior, mental health, and food intake. To maintain a vibrant lifestyle in elderly women, it is necessary to have social and economic stability, prevent arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, maintain mental health, and have a balanced diet.