• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 2021

Objectives : This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a complex mixture of natural substances of ginseng and baeknyeoncho on the arthritic rats. Methods : In vitro experiments were conducted to ensure the stability of the complex. After setting toxicity and concentration by MTT assay, the antioxidant effect was measured through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of the complex, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were measured in LPS-treated macrophage cell lines (RAW264.7). We injected monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) 50 μl (60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats to induce osteoarthritis. The rats were divided into three groups (normal (n=5), control (n=5), and OR (n=5) group). The control group consumed 2 mg/kg of physiological saline once a day for 4 weeks, and the OR group was mixed at a concentration of 416.5 mg/kg of Baengnyeoncho (O) and 208.25 mg/kg of red ginseng (R) and ingested 1 mL each 5 days a week. Results : This complex increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rate. The complex decreased NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of macrophages. In the OR group, the secretion of cytokine in serum was decreased. In histopathological examination, the joint tissue of the composite showed less damage to the synovial membrane, cartilage, and fibrous tissue than the control group. Conclusions : As a result of this study, natural complexes have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cartilage protection effects. Therefore, we expect the complex to be effective in treating osteoarthritis.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.144-150
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• 2002

Indian mallow is characterized by the rapid growth and high harvest of the fibrous materials. This study was carried out to investigate the sheet properties of Hanji using Indian mallow, made by different pulping methods, such as alkali and sulfomethylated pulpings and different stock compositions, various mixing ratios of bast fiber, woody core and whole stalk fibers. The results from this study were summarized as follows. The length and width of the bast fibers were 1.40-430 mm(av. 235 mm), and 9.2-26.4 ㎛(av.18.3 ㎛), respectively. The cell wall thickness was 4.0-115 ㎛(av. 7.7 ㎛). Runkel ratio, flexibility coefficient and fiber length/fiber width ratio were 1.38, 0.42 and 128 respectively. Bast fiber and whole stalk were cooked by alkali and sulfomethylated methods. Sulfomethylated pulping resulted in superior pulp in terms of yield and quality as compared with those of alkali pulping. The pulp yields of bast fiber was higher than those of whole stalk

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2009

Objectives : To determine the discriminative criteria for Atractylodes rhizomes, the experiment of externalinternal characteristics and physicochemical pattern analysis were performed. Methods : External characteristics was observed using stereoscope. The sectioned materials which were covered with parffin were stained by Ju's method. Physicochemical patterns were analyzed using HPLC/DAD. Results : 1. External shape of original plant : Atractylodes maaocephala and A. japonica had relatively long petioles and 3-5 parted leaves. A. macrocephala had big purple flowers whereas A. japonica had relatively small white flowers and pinnate bracts. A. lancea had sessile leaves and white flowers, and the end parts of degenerated stamens were bent. 2. External shape of herbal medicine: A. macrocephala which was fist-shaped rhizome had pa-pillate processes and the cross section was light gray and sulcate. A. japonica and A. lancea were connected-beady or tubercular rhizomes, and the cross sections were both yellow-colored white. However, the cross section of A. japonica was fibrous, the width of cortex was narro-wer than that of stele, and radial shape in cortex was rare, whereas the width of cortex in A. lancea was similar to that of stele in size, and radial shape in cortex was obvious. 3. Internal shape of herbal medicine: A. macrocephala and A. lancea did not have lignified fascicles in cortex. However, the vascular bundles and vessels of A. macrocephala were wedge shaped and radial arrangement, and vascular bundles were densely populated in stele whereas those of A. lancea were repeatedly arranged and thinly extended to cortex. A. japonica had lignified fascicles in cortex and the width of vascular bundles was conspicuously thick with narrow intervals. 4. Physicochemical pattern analysis : A. macrocephala and A. lancea contained atractylenolide I and atractylenolide Ill whereas A. japonica contained atractylenolide I, atractylenolide Ill. diacetyl-atractylodiol, compound-4, compound-5. The three species of Atractylodes rhizomes showed different chromatogram patterns. Conclusions : The results could be used as discriminative criteria for Atractylodes rhizomes and as fundamental materials to researches of further pattern analysis and biological reaction.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 2023

In this study, coffee waste was recycled into nitrogen-doped porous carbon fibers as an active material for high-energy EDLC (Electric Double Layer Capacitors). The coffee waste was mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone and dissolved into dimethylformamide. The mixture was then electrospun to fabricate coffee waste-derived nanofibers (Bare-CWNF), and carbonization process was followed under a nitrogen atmosphere at 900℃. Similar to Bare-CWNF, the as-synthesized carbonized coffee waste-derived nanofibers (Carbonized-CWNF) maintained its fibrous form while preserving the composition of nitrogen. The electrochemical performance was analyzed for carbonized coffee waste (Carbonized-CW)-, carbonized PAN-derived nanofibers (Carbonized-PNF)-, and Carbonized-CWNF-based electrodes in the operating voltage window of -1.0-0.0V, Among the electrodes, Carbonized-CWNF-based electrodes exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 123.8F g^-1 at 1A g^-1 owing to presence of nitrogen and porous structure. As a result, nitrogen-contained porous carbon fibers synthesized from coffee waste showed excellent electrochemical performance as electrodes for high-energy EDLC. The experimental designed in this study successfully demonstrated the recycling of the coffee waste, one of the plant-based biomass that causes the environmental pollution into high-energy materials, also, attaining the ecofriendliness.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.231-240
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• 2023

In this research, our goal was to explore the potential use of cement mortar augmented with liquid red mud. To facilitate this, we neutralized liquid red mud(LR) - exhibiting a pH of 10-12 - using sulfuric acid to yield sulfuric acid neutralized red mud(SR). We then evaluated the flow, setting time, and compressive strength of the cement mortar combined with liquid red mud, while also performing a thorough examination of its chemical properties through X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The flow tests indicated a decrease in flow values for both MS-LR and MS-SR in comparison to the Plain. Analogously, the setting time for MS-LR and MS-SR was found to be abbreviated when juxtaposed with the Plain. With regards to compressive strength, MS-LR demonstrated a surge in strength at the 1-day mark, while MS-SR displayed a diminution at the 1-day and 3-day timepoints compared to the Plain. XRD analysis illustrated that after 28 days, the XRD patterns of Plain and MS-SR bore significant resemblance, though a new peak was detected in MS-LR. SEM imagery highlighted that the microstructures of Plain and MS-SR were alike, but MS-LR manifested a distinct microstructure, characterized by a finely fibrous formation. Based on these observations, we infer that the replacement of cement mortar with liquid red mud neutralized with sulfuric acid contributes to a noticeable enhancement in strength, thereby verifying its suitability for this application.

• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.126-131
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• 2023

Growing environmental concerns regarding pollution caused by conventional plastics have increased interest in biodegradable polymers as alternative materials. The purpose of this study is to develop a 100% biodegradable nanocomposite material by introducing organic nucleating agents into the biodegradable and thermoplastic resin, poly(lactic acid), to improve its properties. Accordingly, cellulose nanofibers, an eco-friendly material, were adopted as a substitute for inorganic nucleating agents. To achieve a uniform dispersion of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) within PLA, the aqueous solution of nanofibers was lyophilized to maintain their fibrous shape. Then, they were subjected to primary mixing using a twin-screw extruder. Test specimens with double mixing were then produced by injection molding. Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to confirm the reinforced physical properties, and it was found that the addition of 1 wt% CNFs acted as a reinforcing material and nucleating agent, reducing the cold crystallization temperature by approximately 14℃ and increasing the degree of crystallization. This study provides an environmentally friendly alternative for developing plastic materials with enhanced properties, which can contribute to a sustainable future without consuming inorganic nucleating agents. It serves as a basis for developing 100% biodegradable green nanocomposites.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.402-417
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• 2023

Objective: Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound-healing response and the final common pathway of chronic inflammatory injury. This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract (RW) and silymarin in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis model. Methods: The liver fibrosis mouse model was established through the intraperitoneal injection of TAA (1 week 100 mg/kg, 2-3 weeks 200 mg/kg, 4-8 weeks 400 mg/kg) three times per week for eight weeks. Animal experiments were conducted in five groups; Normal, Control (TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice), Sily (silymarin 50 mg/kg), RSL (RW 50 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg), and RSH (RW 100 mg/kg+silymarin 50 mg/kg). Biochemical analyses were measured in serum, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and ammonia levels. Liver inflammatory cytokines and fibrous biomarkers were measured by Western blot analysis, and liver histopathology was evaluated through tissue staining. Results: A significant decrease in the liver function markers AST and ALT and a reduction in ammonia and total bilirubin were observed in the group treated with RSL and RSH. Measurement of reactive oxygen species and MDA revealed a significant decrease in the RSL and RSH administration group compared to the TAA induction group. The expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins, such as transforming growth factor β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I alpha 1, was likewise significantly decreased. All drug-administered groups had increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 but a decreasing tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. RSL and RSH exerted a significant upregulation of NADPH oxidase 2, p22^phox, and p47^phox, which are oxidative stress-related factors. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase 2 and interleukin-1β were markedly suppressed through the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation. Conclusions: The administration of RW and silymarin suppressed the NADPH oxidase factor protein level and showed a tendency to reduce inflammation-related enzymes. These results suggest that the combined administration of RW and silymarin improves acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.137-150
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• 1985

The dorsal skin of Rana temporaria dybowskii Guenther was examined under electron microscope. The results of the fine structures in the xanthophores, iridophores and melanophores were as follows: Xanthophores: Xanthophores were filled with pterinosomes and carotenoid vesicles. Type I pterinosomes had a clear limiting membrane. Type II pterinosomes had the inner fibrous structures. Tyep III pterinosomes were characterized by a few superficial lamellae and type IV pterinosomes by multiple concentric lamellae. Especially typical type II and type III pterinosomes were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. Iridophores: Iridophores were situated between a xanthophore and a melanophore in the outer part of the dermis just below the basement membrane. Iridophores were filled with reflective platelets, each of which is rectangular and convex lens-like in shape. These platelets were closely contiguous and leave no interspace between them. Endoplasmic reticulum and a few mitochondria were observed in the supranuclear cytoplasm. Melanophores: Dermal melanophores contained numerous melanosomes. The dendritic precesses of the melanophore containing the melanin granules extented up the lateral sides of the iridophore. Epidermal melanophores were filled with melanin granules which appered as the same electron density. A few melanin granules were observed in a cornified surface cell.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.44-59
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• 1985

The epithelium of the hindgut in the german cockroach, Blattella germanica Linne, was observed with electron microscope. The epithelium of the ileum, which is located at the anterior hindgut, is composed of a single layer of squamous and cuboidal cells. The liminal surface of the epithelium is lined with the cuticular intima. The epithelial cells contain cell organelles expected to be found in absorptive cells, and some epithelial cells have numerous lamelated crystals, the "spherites". The rectal epithelium of posterior hindgut is composed of rectal pads which are covered with cuticular intima on the luminal side. The rectal pads are composed of columnar absorptive cells and basal cells. The apical plasma membrane of columnar cell is made of microvilli, where mitochondria associated with some of the microvilli. The lateral plasma membrane is highly infolded and space is an uniform width of approximately 200$\\AA$. Well developed mitochondria are found closely associated with the infoldings and this is referred to as the "mitochondrial-scalariform complex". A septate junction is found near the apical zone between the columnar absorptive cells, whereas many desmosomes and intercellular spaces are formed between the columnar cells. Basal cells are bowl-shaped where the convex surface is inlaid into the basal surface of the columnar cells while the concave surface faces the basal lamina. The cytoplasm of the basal cell is electron dense and contains well developed cell organelles. The basal sheath is located between the basal membrane and basal lamina, providing barrier between the epithelium and the hemolymph. The epithelium is surrounded by the subepithelial space and muscles. The subepithelial space, which is composed of fibrous connective tissue, is innervated by many tracheoles and axons.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2021.04a
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• pp.24-24
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• 2021

The Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the major food crops in the tropical or subtropical regions. Recently, clean planting materials of improved cassava cultivars are in high demand. Problems in the propagation of cassava are virus vulnerable and low rates of seed germination. Thus, the study was undertaken to develop an efficient in vitro mass propagation protocol of Manihot esculenta Crantz. So we tried to optimize protocols for mass production from axillary buds of Cassava. Young and actively growing stem segments were excised from adult plants of cassava. Samples were cut into a 3~4 cm nodal segments with axillary buds, and cultivated in the different medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators for 4 weeks. For shoot multiplication, axillary buds approximately 1 cm in length were taken from in vitro derived shoots and subcultured. After 4~6 weeks, the shoot generation rate showed 55.6%. The shoot number and its length was 1.0/explant and 2.3 cm in the most favorable medium composition. The auxin β-indolebutyric acid(IBA) 0~2.0 mg/L was proved to be effective on root development. Plantlets with fibrous roots easily generated tuberous roots in vitro. The tuberous roots were induced only when both kinetin and IBA were used in combination. after 8 weeks, the root generation rate showed 100%. The root number and its length was 17.2/explant and 2.2 cm in the most promising medium composition. Our experiments confirmed that in vitro growth and multiplication of plantlets could depend on its reaction to the different medium composition, and this micropropagation techniques could be a useful system for healthy and vigorous plant production.