• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.290-295
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• 2011

This study was carried out to investigate the quality of soil, irrigation water, and status of agrochemicals application in relation to good agriculture practices system in the major cultivation area of Disocorea batatas. The concentrations of heavy metals as Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in soils and irrigation waters were lower than those of standard level for Environmental Conservation Act of Soil and Water in Korea. The dominant weed have been appeared Digitaria sanguinalis and Portulaca oleraceamite. The dominant insect pests and plant pathogens have been appeared aphid and anthracnose. Average yearly application of pesticide was 2 to 4 times for herbicide and 4 to 6 times for plant pathogens and insect pests. In order to safety production of medicinal crops could be achieved by proper cultivation management such as minimum application of agro-chemicals, effective use of by-product fertilizer, and technology development of organic farming.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.82-88
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• 2014

Yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne.) has long been used as a health food and oriental folk medicine because of its nutritional fortification, tonic, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectorant effects. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to be implicated in a range of diseases, may be important progenitors of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory effect of yam on antioxidant status and inflammatory conditions during azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. We measured the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), hemolysate antioxidant enzyme activities, colonic mucosal antioxidant enzyme gene expression, and colonic mucosal inflammatory mediator gene expression. The feeding of yam prior to carcinogenesis significantly inhibited AOM-induced colonic ACF formation. In yam-administered rats, erythrocyte levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were increased and colonic mucosal gene expression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, and GPx were up-regulated compared to the AOM group. Colonic mucosal gene expression of inflammatory mediators (i.e., nuclear factor kappaB, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1beta) was suppressed by the yam-supplemented diet. These results suggest that yam could be very useful for the prevention of colon cancer, as they enhance the antioxidant defense system and modulate inflammatory mediators.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.244-247
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• 2006

Neuronal cell death significantly contributes to neuronal loss in neurological injury and disease. Typically, neuronal loss or destruction upon exposure to neurotoxins, oxidative stress, or DNA damage causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we attempted to determine whether ginsenoside Rg3 from red ginseng has a neuroprotective effect via an anti-apoptotic role induced by S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) at the molecular level. We also investigated the antioxidant effect of Rg3 using a metal-catalyzed reaction with $Cu^{2+}/H_2O_2$. Our results showed that Rg3 ($40-100\;{\mu}g/mL$) protected SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells under cytotoxic conditions and effectively protected DNA from fragmentation. In the signal pathway, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were kept at an inactivated status when pretreated with Rg3 in all ranges. In particular, the important upstream p-Akt signal pathway was increased in a dose-dependent manner, which indicates that Rg3 may contribute to cell survival. We also found that oxidative stress can be mitigated by Rg3. Therefore, we have concluded that Rg3 plays a certain role in neurodegenerative pathogenesis via an anti apoptotic, antioxidative effect.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.147-154
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• 2005

A survey for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) status was undertaken in three different industrially polluted sites at Uyyakondan channel of Senthanneerpuram area in Trichy, India. The soils and the effluents were acidic, and contained higher Zn (621 to 711 ppm) than the other heavy metals, such as Cu, Pb, and Ni. Eighteen plant species were collected from the rhizosphere soils, and 13 species were positive for VAM colonization. Fifteen VAM fungal species were isolated from the plant species. The number of VAM fungal spores from the soils ranged from 45 to 640 per 100 g of soil. There was a significant correlation observed between the number of spores and percentage root colonization, as exemplified by Acalypha indica (45 and 20%, respectively) and Paspalum vaginatum (640 and 98%, respectively). Hostspecific and site-specific associations were observed in site 2; particular VAM species, Gigaspora gigantea and Glomus fasciculatum, were specific to particular host plants, Phyllanthus maderaspatensis and A. indica, respectively, even though Eclipta prostrata and Physalis minima were maximally associated with 8 VAM species. G. fasciculatum was found in 11 plant species and predominant VAM species. These results led us to conclude that VAM fungi are associated with a majority of the plants in the industrial polluted sites and support the plants to survive in the acidic soils, polluted with heavy metals of the industrial effluents.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.08a
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• pp.70-70
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• 2011

The prospects of current and coming solar-photovoltaic (PV) technologies are envisioned, arguing this solar-electricity source is beyond a tipping point in the complex worldwide energy outlook. Truly, a revolution in both the technological advancements of solar PV and the deployment of this energy technology is underway; PV is no longer an outlier. The birth of modern photovoltaics (PV) traces only to the mid-1950s, with the Bell Telephone Laboratories' development of an efficient, single-crystal Si solar cell. Since then, Si has dominated the technology and the markets, from space through terrestrial applications. Recently, some significant shift toward technology diversity have taken place. Some focus of this presentation will be directed toward PV R&D and technology advances, with indications of the limitations and relative strengths of crystalline (Si and GaAs) and thin-film (a-Si:H, Si, Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2, CdTe). Recent advances, contributions, industry growth, and technological pathways for transformational now and near-term technologies (Si and primarily thin films) and status and forecasts for next-generation PV (nanotechnologies and non-conventional and "new-physics" approaches) are evaluated. The need for R&D accelerating the now and imminent (evolutionary) technologies balanced with work in mid-term (disruptive) approaches is highlighted. Moreover, technology progress and ownership for next generation solar PV mandates a balanced investment in research on longer-term (the revolution needs revolutionary approaches to sustain itself) technologies (quantum dots, multi-multijunctions, intermediate-band concepts, nanotubes, bio-inspired, thermophotonics, ${\ldots}$ and solar hydrogen) having high-risk, but extremely high performance and cost returns for our next generations of energy consumers. This presentation provides insights to the reasons for PV technology emergence, how these technologies have to be developed (an appreciation of the history of solar PV)-and where we can expect to be by this mid-21st century.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.155-166
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• 2013

A preliminary investigation to establish the status of contamination of trace metals in the Western coast of Ghana was conducted prior to the commercial production of crude oil in the area. The study revealed the presence of heavy metals such as Pb (4.00-79.64 mg/kg), As (8.81-236 mg/kg), Cu (12.86-108.06 mg/kg), V (28.07-953.32 mg/kg), Zn (7.08-264.25 mg/kg), Cr (101.69-1366.62 mg/kg), Ni (42.41-451.43 mg/kg), Mn (16.77-1890.45mg/kg), Br (7.66-142.78 mg/kg), Ti (542.03-19960 mg/kg) and Fe (7472.88-97120 mg/kg) at six sites sampled along the coast. With the exception of Ti and Fe which showed no variation in metal concentration, the rest of the metals varied significantly among the sampled locations. Potential ecological risk of metals particularly of Co, As and Br which exhibited extreme enrichment of the sediments indicates considerable metal pollution in the studied areas. The degree of contamination is of particular concern especially to benthic biota that inhabit this environment for survival.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.280-293
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• 2011

There is currently increased interest in the identification of antioxidant compounds that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no side effects. Plants produce significant amounts of antioxidants to prevent the oxidative stress caused by photons and oxygen, therefore they represent a potential source of new compounds with antioxidant activity. FARFARE FLOS has been frequently used on the respiratory system including bronchitis, phthisis. In this study, the antioxidant activity of extract from FF was studied in vitro methods by measuring the antioxidant activity by TEAC, measuring the scavenging effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) [superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical] and on reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [nitric oxide and peroxynitrite] as well as measuring the inhibitory effect on Cu2+-induced human LDL oxidation. The FF extracts were found to have a potent scavenging activity, as well as an inhibitory effect on LDL oxidation. And this study was designed to evaluate whether FFEA may ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammatory status through the antioxidative mechanism in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with FFEA significantly reduced LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the FF extracts have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro system, which can be used for developing pharmaceutical drug against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.848-858
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• 1995

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin A on the antioxidant status in ethanol-treated rats. Weaning rats were fed a basal diet until they reached about 160-180g body weight. Thereafter, four experimental groups were fed a liquid diet containing 36% ethanol of total calorie and four pair-fed groups were fed isocaloric sucorse instead of ethanol. Additionally, the liquid diet contained adequate amount of ${\beta}-carotene$, retinyl acetate, or 13-cis-retinoic acid except vitamin A deficient diet. The rats were sacrificed after 7 weeks of feedng periods. Significant decrease in hepatic vitamin E content was found in rats treated with chronic ethanol. However, dietary supplementation of retinyl acetate modified the change to some extent. Total vitamin C content of liver increased in vitamin A-deficient or ${\beta}-carotene$ groups with ethanol feeding. The ratio of reduced/oxidized vitamin C increased in the plasma and liver of ${\beta}-carotene$ group with ethanol feeding. Chronic ethanol intake did not change the total glutathione content of rat liver, but increased reduced glutathione(GSH)/oxidized glutathione(GSSG) ratio. This increase in hepatic GSH after chronic ethanol treatment. The changes of Se content in plasma and liver was not consistant. Fe content of liver increased by ethanol treatment, but this increase reduced in rats fed dietary retinyl acetate or 13-cis-retinoic acid. Fe content of plasma increased in vitamin A-deficient and ${\beta}-carotene$ supplemented groups with ethanol intake.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.356-364
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• 1997

To investigate the water quality status of agricultural water source for greenhouse area in Gyeongnam, the surface water quality was examined six times from October in 1995 to March in 1996 at five areas in Gyeongnam. The pH values of surface water were in the range of 6.6${\sim}$9.1 pH in Kimhae and Changnyong areas were out of range in 6.0${\sim}$8.5 which was water quality standard for agriculture. The DO values of surface water were relatively high with average 10.0mg/l in Kimhae, Changnyong, Sacheon and Chinju areas except for Haman area. The BOD values of surface water exceeded water quality standard for agriculture(8.0mg/l) in three sites and one site in Haman and Sacheon, respectively. The COD values of surface water exceeded water quality standard for agriculture(8.0mg/l) in Kimhae, Changnyong and Haman. The ${NH_4}^+-N$ values in surface water of Changnyong and Haman areas were 1.21mg/l and 2.75mg/l, respectively. The average values of $NO_3\;^--N$ in surface water was appropriate for agriculture. The values of $K^+,\;Na^+,\;Mg^{2+},\;Ca^{2+},\;{PO_4}^{3-}$ and $SO_4^{2-}$ in Haman were the highest of those of the others. And Pb was below 0.1mg/l which was water quality standard for agriculture. The average values of Cu, Cd and Zn were below water quality standard for agriculture. Between COD and SS in surface water was positively correlated with r$=0.799^{{\ast}{\ast}}$. BOD in surface water was positively correlated with $NH_4\;^+-N,\;PO_4\;^{3-},\;SS,\;K^+,\;Na^+$ and $Cl^-$. Surface water pollution status of agricultural water source of greenhouse areas in Gyeongnam was in order of Chinju< Sacheon< Kimhae< Changnyong< Haman area.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.70-76
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• 2010

To investigate the ground water quality status for paprika hydroponics for export, its pH, EC (electrical conductivity) and inorganic ion concentrations were analyzed in Gangwan-do (27 samples), Gyeonsangnam-do (77 samples) and Jeollanam-do (54 samples) from November 2008 to September 2009. The average values of several components in ground water were as follows; 7.20 (6.57~7.54) in pH, 0.31 (0.05~0.49) $dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ in EC, 97.81 (35.37~161.11) in $HCO_3$, 5.68 (0.45~15.48) in T-N, 0.67 (0.15~0.70) in P, 2.53 (0.59~6.70) in K, 35.68 (4.15~80.70) in Ca, 7.35 (1.46~14.87) in Mg, 17.89 (3.31~34.82) in Na, 0.01 (0~0.05) in Fe, 0.09 (0~0.51) in Mn, 0.06 (0~0.07) in Zn, and 0.03 (0~0.10) $mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ in Cu, respectively. The values of pH, EC, $HCO_3$, Ca, Mg and Na in ground water were different depending on areas and farms. Frequency rates were 92.6% of pH 5.0~8.0, 89.3% of EC < 0.5 $dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, 69.5% of $HCO_3$ < 100, 97.5% of Na < 30, 88.5% of Ca < 40, 97.5% of Mg < 20, 90.1% of Fe < 0.05, 99.6% of Mn < 0.6, and 98.3% of Zn < 0.5 $mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$, respectively, which can be used for nutrient fertilizers in hydroponics. The percentage of suitable water quality was 46.3% as 70 sites among the all analyzed ions. The pH value showed high significance of correlations with EC, Mg, $HCO_3$, Na, and Fe. Also the EC value showed high positive significance with T-N, K, Ca, Mg, $HCO_3$, Na and Mn.