• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.408-419
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside compound K (CK), the main active metabolite in Panax ginseng, has shown good safety and bioavailability in clinical trials and exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic stroke. However, its potential role in the prevention of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ginsenoside CK against cerebral I/R injury. Methods: We used a combination of in vitro and in vivo models, including oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion induced PC12 cell model and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion induced rat model, to mimic I/R injury. Intracellular oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rate were analyzed by Seahorse multifunctional energy metabolism system; ATP production was detected by luciferase method. The number and size of mitochondria were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and MitoTracker probe combined with confocal laser microscopy. The potential mechanisms of ginsenoside CK on mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy were evaluated by RNA interference, pharmacological antagonism combined with co-immunoprecipitation analysis and phenotypic analysis. Results: Ginsenoside CK pretreatment could attenuate mitochondrial translocation of DRP1, mitophagy, mitochondrial apoptosis, and neuronal bioenergy imbalance against cerebral I/R injury in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our data also confirmed that ginsenoside CK administration could reduce the binding affinity of Mul1 and Mfn2 to inhibit the ubiquitination and degradation of Mfn2, thereby elevating the protein level of Mfn2 in cerebral I/R injury. Conclusion: These data provide evidence that ginsenoside CK may be a promising therapeutic agent against cerebral I/R injury via Mul1/Mfn2 mediated mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.644-652
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• 2006

This study was investigated the utilization of pomegranate(P) as coagulants for 새려 manufacture, the quality characteristics and shelf-life on tofu made by P1(fruit juice of pomegranate 1%) and P2(fruit juice of pomegranate 2%) and P3(fruit juice of pomegranate 3%) and P4(fruit juice of pomegranate 4%) and P5(fruit juice of pomegranate 5%) were investigated and compared to G.D.L(C). And also, total microbe and tatal acid of the tofu were determined during storage at $0^{\circ}C^$. The results are summarized as follow P3(493.3g/500ml) compared to C(485g/500ml) showed the highest yield. Turbidity of tofu was increased as the proportion of pomegranate was increased, while pH of tofu was increased as the proportion of pomegranate was decreased. $L^{\ast}^{\ast}^{\ast}$ value of C tofu was highest, $a^{\ast}^{\ast}^{\ast}$ value of tofu was increased as the proportion of pomegranate was increased and $b^{\ast}^{\ast}^{\ast}$ value of C tofu was higher than those of other tofus. The hardness of tofu coagulated with pomegranate showed higher than that of coagulated G.D.L. The cohesiveness of P4, P5 showed higher than C tofu, but those of other tofus showed lower than C tofu. The springiness of tofu showed in the order of P4>P5>P3>P2>P1, gumminess of P5 tofu was highest. The Brittleness of tofu was increased as the proportion of pomegranate increased. The pH value of tofu coagulated with pomegranate increased during storage at $0^{\circ}C^$. During the storage period of tofu, pH and total acid showed a maximum change in C tofu. Generally the total plate counts of bacteria of all tofu increased during storage at $0^{\circ}C^$, and those of tofu with added pomegranate were shown to be lower than C tofu. The results of S.E.M(scanning electron microscopes), the lower hardness showed the more soft and the smaller particle, The particle of C tofu was small and uniformity but the size of P4, P5 tofu showed coarse. In the sensory evaluation of all tofu, sleekness, nutty, chewiness and smoothness, appearance and overall quality was the highest in C tofu. In the sensory evaluation of tofus coagulated with pomegranate. overall quality was the highest in P2.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2023

Purpose. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the shear bond strength between various temporary prostheses resin blocks fabricated by subtractive and additive manufacturing methods bonded to self-curing reline resin. Materials and methods. The experimental groups were divided into 4 groups according to the manufacturing methods of the resin block specimens and each specimen was fabricated by subtractive manufacturing (SM), additive manufacturing stereolithography apparatus manufacturing (AMS), additive manufacturing digital light processing manufacturing (AMD) and conventional self-curing (CON). To bond the resin block specimens and self-curing resin, the reline resin was injected and polymerized into the same location of each resin block using a silicone mold. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine, and the surface of the adhesive interface was examined by scanning electron microscopy. To compare between groups, one-way ANOVA was done followed by Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results. The shear bond strength showed higher values in the order of CON, SM, AMS, and AMD group. There were significant differences between CON and AMS groups, as well as between CON and AMD groups. but there were no significant differences between CON and SM groups (P > .05). There were significant differences between SM and AMD groups, but there were no significant differences between SM and AMS groups. The AMS group was significantly different from the AMD group (P < .001). The most frequent failure mode was mixed failures in CON and AMS groups, and adhesive failures in SM and AMD groups. Conclusion. The shear bond strength of SM group showed lower but not significant bond strength compared to the CON group. The additive manufacturing method groups (AMS and AMD) showed significantly lower bond strength than the CON group, with the AMD group the lowest. There was also a significant difference between the AMD and SM group.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.3
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• pp.188-196
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• 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important crop in Korea, with a per capita consumption of 31.6 kg in 2019. In the southern region, wheat is grown after paddy rice, and it is harvested during the rainy season in mid-June. This timing, in combination with high humidity and untimely rainfall, activates the enzyme alpha-amylase, which breaks down starch in the wheat grains. As a result, sprouted grains have lower quality and value for flour. However, seeds that absorb water before sprouting are expected to maintain better quality. The aim of the study was to identify the critical period during wheat maturation when rainfall has the greatest impact on grain quality, to prevent price declines due to quality deterioration. Two wheat cultivars, Jokyoung and Hwanggeumal, were grown in a speed breeding room, and artificial rainfall was applied at different times after heading (30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 days). The proportion of vitreous grains decreased from 40 to 55 days after heading (DAH). Both cultivars had chalky grain sections from 35 DAH, with Hwanggeumal having a higher proportion of vitreous grains. Starch degradation was observed using FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope) at 40 DAH for Jokyoung and 50 DAH for Hwanggeumal. Color measurements indicated increased L and E values from 40 DAH, with rain treatment at 55 DAH leading to a significant increase in L values for both cultivars. Ash content increased at 45 DAH, whereas SDSS decreased at 35 DAH. Overall, grain quality from 40 DAH until harvest was found to be affected to the greatest extent by direct exposure of the spikes to moisture. Red wheat showed better quality than white wheat. These findings have implications for the cultivation of high-quality wheat and can guide future research efforts in this area.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.3
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• pp.121-133
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to improve weed management systems under varying carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures by evaluating the growth of Acalypha australis and observing the efficacy of four foliar and four soil herbicides, as well as measuring phytotoxicity in soybean crops treated with these herbicides. In both growth chamber and greenhouse conditions, plant height and shoot fresh weight of Acalypha australis increased as temperature increased. The variable to maximum fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm), relative electron transport rate (ETR), plant height, leaf area, and shoot fresh weight of Acalypha australis were higher at carbon dioxide concentrations of 800 ppm than at 400 ppm. The efficacy of a foliar herbicide, glufosinate, on Acalypha australis was lower at 30℃ than at 20℃ and 25℃ in the growth chamber condition and was also lower at 29℃ than at 21℃ and 25℃ in greenhouse conditions. In contrast, mecoprop efficacy on Acalypha australis was lower at 20℃ and 25℃ than at 30℃ in growth chamber conditions and lower at 21℃ and 25℃ than at 29℃ in greenhouse conditions. Glyphosate efficacy was lower at 21℃ than at 25℃ and 29℃ under greenhouse conditions. With soil herbicides, metolachlor and ethalfluraline, efficacies were higher at relatively high temperatures under both growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. However, in the case of linuron, the difference in efficacy was not observed under varying temperatures in both growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. When ¼ of the recommended glyphosate rates were applied to Acalypha australis, efficacy was lower under 800 ppm carbon dioxide concentrations than under 400 ppm. In contrast, when ¼ of the recommended rate of bentazone was applied to Acalypha australis, efficacy was higher under 800 ppm carbon dioxide concentrations than under 400 ppm. Despite application rates, glufosinate efficacy differed insignificantly under different carbon dioxide concentrations. When applied at ¼ of the recommended rate, the efficacy of ethalfuralin was higher under 800 ppm carbon dioxide concentrations than under 400 ppm. However, efficacies of other herbicides were not different despite varying carbon dioxide concentrations. Soybean phytotoxicity in crops treated with the recommended rate and twice the recommended rate of soil herbicides was not significantly different regardless of temperature and carbon dioxide concentrations. Overall, weed efficacy of some herbicides decreased in response to different temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations. Therefore, new weed management methods are required to ensure high rates of weed control in conditions affected by climate change.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of surface sealants on the surface roughness of composite resins. Materials and Methods: The study used microfilled composite resin (Metafil CX, Sun Medical Co.) and hybrid composite resin (Aelite^TM LS posterior, Bisco). Sixty specimens (8 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) of each composite resin type were prepared and divided into 3 groups. Each specimen was ground with 600, 1000, and 2000-grit sandpaper. The Surface roughness (Ra) values were measured using a surface roughness tester (SJ-301, Mytutoyo) before and after surface sealant application. Surface sealants, BisCover^TM LV (Bisco), Optiguard^® (Kerr), and Seal-n-Shine^TM (Pulpdent), were applied to the specimens, as instructed and observed by scanning electron microscope (JSM-7500, JEOL) and atomic force microscope (MultiMode IV, Veeco Instruments). Results: Specimens ground with 600-grit sandpaper coated with surface sealants exhibited significantly lower Ra values than the untreated group (P < 0.05). Specimens ground with 1000 and 2000-grit sandpaper showed statistically no difference. There was no significant difference in surface roughness among BisCover^TM LV, Optiguard^®, and Seal-n-Shine^TM. SEM and AFM revealed remarkably decreased microdefects on the surfaces of composite resins after surface sealant application. Conclusion: Surface sealants can influence surface roughness when applied on the rough surface of composite resins but not on highly polished composite resins.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.280-288
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• 2023

In strawberry farming, most parts of strawberry stems but the fruit have been dumped. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of strawberry stems which are thrown away after farming. For this, strawberry stem extracts were obtained, using hot water and 70% ethanol. First, total polyphenol contents of the hot water and ethanol extract were checked (265.4 ± 0.12 mg TAE/100 g, 503.88 ± 0.2 mg TAE/100 g). For analysis of antioxidant activities, electron donating ability (EDA) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured. Both extracts increased in a dose-dependent fashion, and similar effects with vitamin C (control group) were confirmed. In terms of cell viability of the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems, 'RAW 264.7' was 99% or higher at 500 ㎍/ml. In addition, cell experiments were conducted at 50, 100 and 500 ㎍/ml where cell viability is above 99%. In terms of inhibition of the inflammatory mediator 'nitric oxide (NO)', the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems were 37.9% and 38.8% respectively, confirming the inhibition of NO production. To check anti-inflammatory activities, protein and mRNA expressions of 'iNOS' and 'COX-2' were measured, using RAW 264.7. Compared to the LPS group, the protein expression of the inflammatory mediators was inhibited in the hot water and ethanol extract-treated groups. The above results confirmed that the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems are valuable as natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

Mn-M/Al₂O₃ (M = Cu, Fe, Co, and Ce) catalysts were prepared for simultaneous oxidation of NO, CO, and CH₄, and their oxidation activities were compared. The Mn-Cu/ Al₂O₃ catalyst with the best simultaneous oxidation activity was characterized by XRD, Raman, XPS, and O₂-TPD analysis. The result of XRD indicated that Mn and Cu existed as complex oxides in the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst. Raman and XPS results showed that electron transfer between Mn ions and Cu ions occurred during the formation of the Mn-O-Cu bond in the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The XPS O 1s and O₂-TPD analyses showed that the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst has more adsorbed oxygen species with high mobility than the Mn/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The high simultaneous oxidation activity of the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst is attributed to these results. Gas-phase NO promotes the oxidation reactions of CO and CH₄ in the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst while suppressing the NO oxidation reaction. These results were presumed to be because the oxidized NO was used as an oxidizing agent for CO and CH₄. On the other hand, the oxidation reactions of CO and CH₄ competed on the Mn-Cu/Al₂O₃ catalyst, but the effect was not noticeable because the catalyst activation temperature was different.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2024

Purpose. With the advancement of digital technology, 3D printing is being utilized in the fabrication of denture base. Nevertheless, increasing microbial adhesion to the surface of denture base has been reported as the disadvantage of 3D-printed denture base. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antifungal properties and flexural strength of 3D-printed denture base resin according to the different contents of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Materials and methods. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were mixed with the 3D printing resin at the ratios of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt%. Twenty specimens per each group were printed in the form of cylindrical shape (diameter: 20 mm, height: 3 mm) to evaluate antifungal properties. Ten specimens from each group underwent polishing using autogrinder, while the remaining ten specimens did not. Candida albicans in hyphae form was inoculated onto each specimen, optical density and colony-forming unit were analyzed. The surface of the specimen was observed using scanning electron microscopy. To evaluate the flexural strength, twenty specimens per each group were 3D printed in the form of rectangular prism shape (length: 64 mm, height: 10 mm, width: 3 mm) and three-point bending tests were conducted using universal testing machine according to ISO 20795-1. Results. Colony-forming unit of C.albicans and optical density of culture medium showed no difference between non-polished groups, but decreased in the polished groups at concentration of 1, 1.5, 2 wt% titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Flexural strength increased with titanium dioxide nanoparticle at concentration of 0.5, 1, 1.5 wt%, but decreased at 2 wt% compared to 1.5 wt%. Conclusion. When 1.5 wt% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were added to the 3D-printed denture base resin with polishing, antifungal properties were increased.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2024

In this experiment, Pd-Ag-Cu membrane was manufactured using electroless plating on an α-Al₂O₃ support. Pd, Ag and Cu were each coated on the surface of the support through electroless plating and heat treatment was performed for 18 h at 500℃ in H₂ in the middle of electroless plating to form Pd alloy. The surface of the Pd-Ag-Cu membrane was observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the thickness of the Pd membrane was measured to be 7.82 ㎛ and the thickness of the Pd-Ag-Cu membrane was measured to be 3.54 ㎛. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of a Pd-Ag-Cu alloy with a composition of Pd-78wt%, Ag-8.81wt% and Cu-13.19wt%. The gas permeation experiment was conducted under the conditions of 350~450℃ and 1~4 bar in H₂ single gas and H₂/N₂ mixed gas. The maximum H₂ flux of the hydrogen separation membrane measured in H₂ single gas is 74.16 ml/cm²·min at 450℃ and 4 bar for the Pd membrane and 113.64 ml/cm²·min at 450℃ and 4 bar for the Pd-Ag-Cu membrane. In the case of the separation factor measured in H₂/N₂ mixed gas, separation factors of 2437 and 11032 were measured at 450℃ and 4 bar.