• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
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• 1994.09a
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• pp.29-39
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• 1994

Serious issues about the changes in the environmental conditions on earth associated with human activities have arisen, and the interest in these problems has increased. It is urgent to determine how the expansion of terrestrial UV-B radiation due to the stratospheric ozone depletion influences living matters. In this connection, we have been investigating the effects of UV-B radiation on the growth of rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.). We report here some physiological and genetic aspects of resistance to inhibitory effects of UV-B radiation on growth of rice cultivars as described below. Elevated UV radiation containing large amount of UV-B and a small amount of UV-C inhibited the development of plant height, the photosynthetic rate and the chlorophyll content in rice plants in a phytotron. Similar results were obtained in experiments, in which elevated UV-V radiation. Similar results were obtained in experiments, in which elevated UV-B radiation (transmission down to 290 nm) was applied instead of UV-B radiation containing a small amount of UV-C. The inhibitory effects of UV radiation was alleviated by the elevated CO2 atmospheric environment or by the exposure to the high irradiance visible radiation. The latter suggested the possibility that the resistance to the effects of UV radiation was either due to a lower sensitivity to UV radiation or to a greater ability to recover from the injury caused by UV radiation through the exposure to visible radiation. The examination of cultivar differences in the resistance to UV radiation-caused injuries among 198 rice cultivars belonging to 5 Asian rice ecotypes (aus, aman, boro, bulu and tjeleh) from the Bengal region and Indonesia and to Japanese lowland and upland rice groups showed the following: Various cultivars having different sensitivities to the effects of UV radiation were involved in the same ecotype and the same group, and that the Japanese lowland rice group and the boro ecotype were more resistant. Among Japanese lowland rice cultivars, Sasanishiki (one of the leading varieties in Japan) exhibited more resistance to UV rakiation, while Norin 1 showed less resistance, although these two cultivars are closely related. It was thus indicated that the resistance to the inhibitory effects of UV radiation of rice cultivars is not simply due to the difference in the geographical situation where rice cultuvars are cultivated. Form the genetic analysis of resistance to the inhibitory effects of UV radiation on growth of rice using F2 plants generated by reciprocally crossing Sasanishiki and Norin 1 and F3 lines generated by self-fertilizing F2 plants, it was evident that the resistance to the inhibitory of elebated UV radiation in these rice plants was controlled by recessive polygenes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2023

Peroxidasin (PXDN), a multidomain heme peroxidase containing extracellular matrix (ECM) motifs, as well as a catalytic domain, catalyzes the sulfilimine crosslink of collagen IV (Col IV) to reinforce Col IV scaffolds. We previously reported that PXDN is required for endothelial cell (EC) survival and growth signaling through sulfilimine crosslink-dependent matrix assembly. In this study, we examined whether peroxidase activity is required for PXDN function in ECs. First, we constructed a mutant PXDN by point mutation of two highly conserved amino acids, Q823 and D826, which are present in the active site of the peroxidase domain. After isolation of HEK293 clones highly expressing the mutant protein, conditioned medium (CM) was obtained after incubating the cells in serum-free medium for 24 hours and then analyzed by Western blot analysis under nonreducing conditions. The results revealed that the mutant PXDN formed a trimer and that it was cleaved by proprotein convertase-like wild-type (WT) PXDN. However, peroxidase activity was not detected in the CM containing the mutant PXDN, in contrast to that of WT PXDN. In addition, the sulfilimine crosslink ability of the mutant PXDN was lost. Moreover, the CM containing the mutant PXDN failed to promote the growth of PXDN-depleted ECs, unlike the CM containing WT PXDN. These results suggest that the peroxidase activity of PXDN affects EC growth by forming a sulfilimine crosslink.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.sup1
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• pp.113-125
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• 2022

In the current years, it has now become necessary to establish standards for micronutrient intake based on scientific evidence. This review discusses issues related to the development of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRI) for magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), and future research directions. Following issues were encountered when establishing the KDRI for these minerals. First, characteristics of Korean subjects need to be applied to estimate nutrient requirements. When calculating the estimated average requirement (EAR), the KDRI used the results of balance studies for Mg absorption and factorial analysis for Zn, which is defined as the minimum amount to offset endogenous losses for Zn and Mg. For Cu, a combination of indicators, such as depletion/repletion studies, were applied, wherein all reference values were based on data obtained from other countries. Second, there was a limitation in that it was difficult to determine whether reference values of Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes in the 2020 KDRI were achievable. This might be due to the lack of representative previous studies on intakes of these nutrients, and an insufficient database for Mg, Zn, and Cu contents in foods. This lack of database for mineral content in food poses a problem when evaluating the appropriateness of intake. Third, data was insufficient to assess the adequacy of Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes from supplements when calculating reference values, considering the rise in both demand and intake of mineral supplements. Mg is more likely to be consumed as a multi-nutrient supplement in combination with other minerals than as a single supplement. Moreover, Zn-Cu interactions in the body need to be considered when determining the reference intake values of Zn and Cu. It is recommended to discuss these issues present in the 2020 KDRI development for Mg, Zn, and Cu intakes in a systematic way, and to find relevant solutions.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.12-18
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• 2023

In 2018, the demand for silver (referred to as Ag) in the electrical and electronics sector was 249 million tons. The demand stood at 81 million tons in the solar module production sector. Currently, due to the rapid increase in solar module installation, the demand for silver is increasing drastically in Korea. However, Korea's natural metal resources and reserves are insufficient in comparison to their consumption, and the domestic silver ore self-sufficiency rate was as low as 2.2% as of 2021. This implies that a recycling technology is necessary to recover valuable metal resources contained in the waste plating solution generated in the metal industry. Therefore, this study compared and analyzed, the results of the impact evaluation through life cycle assessment according to an improvement in the process of recovery of valuable metals in the waste plating solution. The process improvement resulted in reducing GWP (Global Warming Potential) and ADP(Abiotic Depletion Potential) by 50% and 67%, respectively. The GWP of electricity and industrial water was reduced by 98% and 93%, respectively, which significantly contributed to the minimization of energy and water consumption. Thus, the improvement in recycling technology has a high potential to reduce chemical and energy use and improve resource productivity in the urban mining industry.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2021

Objective: Muscle depletion in patients undergoing liver transplantation affects the recipients' prognosis and therefore cannot be overlooked. We aimed to evaluate whether changes in muscle and fat mass during the preoperative period are associated with prognosis after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Materials and Methods: This study included 72 patients who underwent DDLT and serial computed tomography (CT) scans. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated using the muscle and fat area in CT performed 1 year prior to surgery (1 yr Pre-LT), just before surgery (Pre-LT), and after transplantation (Post-LT). Simple aspects of serial changes in muscle and fat mass were analyzed during three measurement time points. The rate of preoperative changes in body composition parameters were calculated (preoperative ΔSMI [%] = [SMI at Pre-LT - SMI at 1 yr Pre-LT] / SMI at Pre-LT x 100; preoperative ΔFMI [%] = [FMI at Pre-LT - FMI at 1 yr Pre-LT] / FMI at Pre-LT x 100) and assessed for correlation with patient survival. Results: SMI significantly decreased during the preoperative period (mean preoperative ΔSMI, -13.04%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, preoperative ΔSMI (p = 0.016) and model for end-stage liver disease score (p = 0.011) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The mean survival time for patients with a threshold decrease in the preoperative ΔSMI (≤ -30%) was significantly shorter than for other patients (p = 0.007). Preoperative ΔFMI was not a prognostic factor but FMI increased during the postoperative period (p = 0.009) in all patients. Conclusion: A large reduction in preoperative SMI was significantly associated with reduced survival after DDLT. Therefore, changes in muscle mass during the preoperative period can be considered as a prognostic factor for survival after DDLT.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-82
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• 2024

Objective : Saengkankunbi-tang (SKT) is used as a traditional Korean herbal formula for treatment of liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SKT plus Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKE) against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-mediated acute liver damage in mice. Methods : The cyto-protective effects of SKT + EKE were determined by MTT assay, western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. In mice, blood biochemistry and western blot were assessed in CCl₄-induced acute hepatic damage. The animal groups included vehicle-treated control, CCl₄, SKT (200 mg/kg/day), EKE (100 mg/kg/day), SKT (200 mg/kg/day) + EKE (100 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day). Results : In HepG2 cells, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly suppressed cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron and reduced the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly prevented the increase in H₂O₂ production, GSH depletion, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential induced by AA + iron. In CCl₄-induced liver damage mice, the administration of SKT + EKE prevented the liver damage by inhibition of hepatocyte damage and expression of apoptosis proteins in liver. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo assay, SKT + EKE showed significant effect compare with SKT alone or EKE alone in all parameters. Conclusions : These results indicated that SKT + EKE could protect against oxidative stress-induced liver damage, and SKT + EKE is more effective than SKT alone or EKE alone.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.371-379
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• 2024

Background: Sutureless valves are widely used in aortic valve replacement surgery, with Perceval valves and Intuity valves being particularly prominent. However, concerns have been raised about postoperative thrombocytopenia with Perceval valves (Corcym, UK). We conducted a comparative analysis with the Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, USA), and assessed how thrombocytopenia affected patient and transfusion outcomes. Methods: Among 595 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement from June 2016 to March 2023, sutureless valves were used in 53 (Perceval: n=23; Intuity: n=30). Platelet counts were monitored during hospitalization and outpatient visits. Daily platelet count changes were compared between groups, and the results from patients who underwent procedures using Carpentier Edwards Perimount Magna valves were used as a reference group. Results: Compared to the Intuity group, the Perceval group showed a significantly higher amount of platelet transfusion (5.48±1.64 packs vs. 0.60±0.44 packs, p=0.008). During the postoperative period, severe thrombocytopenia (<50,000/μL) was significantly more prevalent in the Perceval group (56.5%, n=13) than in the Intuity group (6.7%, n=2). After initial postoperative depletion, daily platelet counts increased, with significant differences observed in the extent of improvement between the Perceval and Intuity groups (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in early mortality or the incidence of neurological complications between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The severity of postoperative thrombocytopenia differed significantly between the Perceval and Intuity valves. The Perceval group showed a significantly higher prevalence of severe thrombocytopenia and higher platelet transfusion volumes. However, thrombocytopenia gradually recovered during the postoperative period in both groups, and the early outcomes were similar in both groups.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.56-67
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• 2006

Trends of variation in groundwater levels, electrical conductivities and water temperatures obtained from the national groundwater monitoring stations (95 shallow and 169 deep wells) of Korea were evaluated. For the analysis, both parametric (linear regression) and non-parametric (Mann-Kendall test, Sen's test) methods were adopted. Results of linear regression analysis indicated that about 50% of the monitoring wells showed increasing trends of groundwater levels, electrical conductivities, and water temperatures and the others showed decreasing trends. However, the non-parametric analyses with monthly median values revealed that $14.8{\sim}20.0%$ of water levels were decreased, $24.2{\sim}36.9%$ of electrical conductivities were increased, and $27.4{\sim}32.5%$ of water temperatures were increased at a confidence level of 99%. Highly proportions of increasing or decreasing trends were unexpected and they resulted from the relatively short term of data collection (maximum 6 years). Meanwhile, the investigation of groundwater around the national groundwater monitoring stations showed that the decreasing or increasing trends of water levels, electrical conductivities, themselves, didn't indicate directly groundwater hazards such as groundwater depletion or groundwater contamination. Both the values and variation rates (slopes) of water level, electrical conductivity and temperature in the longer period are considered simultaneously. This study is the first comprehensive work in analyzing trends of groundwater data obtained from the national groundwater monitoring stations. Based on this study, the periodical and regular analysis of groundwater data is essentially required to grasp the overall variational trend of groundwater resources in the country.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1135-1146
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• 2015

This thesis aims to improve the safety of bicycle traffic for activating the use of bicycle, main means of non-powered and non-carbon transportation in order to cope with worldwide crisis such as climate change and energy depletion and to implement sustainable traffic system. In this regard, I analyzed the problem of bicycle roads currently installed and operated, and developed the bicycle accident forecasting model. Following are the processes for this. First, this study presented the current status of bicycle road in Korea as well as accident data, collect the data on bicycle traffic accidents generated throughout the country for recent 3 years (2009~2011) and analyzed the features of bicycle traffic accidents based on the data. Second, this study selected the variable affecting the number of bicycle accidents through accident feature analysis of bicycle accidents at Jeollanam-do, and developed accident forecast model using the multiple regression analysis of 'SPSS Statistics 21'. At this time, the number of accidents due to extension per road types (crossing, crosswalk, other single road) was used. To verify the accident forecast model deduced, this study used the data on bicycle accident generated in Gwangju, 2011, and compared the prediction value with actual number of accidents. As a result, it was found out that reliability of accident forecast model was secured through reconciling with actual number of cases except certain data. Third, this study carried out field survey on the bicycle road as well as questionnaire on satisfaction of bicycle road and use of bicycle for analysis of bicycle road problems, and presented safety improvement measures for the problems deduced as well as bicycle activation plans. This study is considered to serve as the fundamental data for planning and reorganizing of bicycle road in the future, and expected to improve safety of bicycle users and to promote activation of bicycle use as the means of transportation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.826-832
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• 2015

This study describes the effects of activated charcoal on the removal of salts, detergents, and pigments from protein extracts of ginseng leaves and roots. Incubation of protein extracts with 5% (w/v) activated charcoal (100-400 mesh) for 30 min at 4℃ almost removed the salts and detergents including NP-40 as can be observed on SDS-PAGE. In addition, analysis of chlorophyll content showed significant depletion of chlorophyll (~33%) after activated charcoal treatment, suggesting potential effect of activated charcoal on removal of pigments too along with the salts and detergents. 2-DE analysis of activated charcoal treated protein samples showed better resolution of proteins, further indicating the efficacy of activated charcoal in clearing of protein samples. In case of root proteins, although not major differences were observed on SDS-PAGE, 2-DE gels showed better resolution of spots after charcoal treatment. In addition, both Hierarchical clustering (HCL) and Principle component analysis (PCA) clearly separated acetone sample from rest of the samples. Phenol and AC-phenol samples almost overlapped each other suggesting no major differences between these samples. Overall, these results showed that activated charcoal can be used in a simple manner to remove the salts, detergents and pigments from the protein extracts of various plant tissues.