• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.99 no.5
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• pp.711-719
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• 2010

We investigated physiological responses and phytoextraction ability of Pinus thunbergii in cadmium contaminated soil as part of our efforts in identifying plant materials for the restoration and revegetation of forest soil contaminated by heavy metals. Thirty seedlings (ten per treatment) were assigned to three treatments (control, 0.3 and 0.6 mM $CdSO_4$ solution) at first year experiment. At second year, ten seedlings per treatment treated with Cd during the first year experiment were divided by two groups (no Cd-treated and consecutive Cd-treated group). At first experiment, photosynthetic pigment content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities have significantly reduced by Cd application, and the reduction rate was increased much higher as the rate of Cd application increased. On the other hand, thiol and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly increased at the application of 0.6 mM of Cd. At the second year experiment, a general increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid content was observed with Cd treatment while SOD and GR activities showed a relative reduction compared to the control. Similar to the first year measurement, thiol and MDA contents also increased considerably due to Cd treatment. At harvest, dry matter was significantly reduced by Cd treatment especially at the rate of 0.6 mM Cd, but dry yield of P. thunbergii treated with 0.3 mM Cd was less affected and it was comparable with the control seedling. Cadmium concentration in seedling tissues increased with increasing Cd application rate while Cd uptake was higher in seedlings supplied with 0.3 mM Cd, which could be ascribed to their high dry matter. Overall, our study has demonstrated the unique physiological response of P. thunbergii to Cd-prolonged exposure by showing that the changes in photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidative enzyme activities were dependent on the concentration and duration of treatment. In addition, our results have demonstrated the potential of P. thunbergii to withstand up to 0.3 mM Cd (equivalent to cumulative Cd concentration of 134.4 to 268 mg $kg^{-1}$) without showing growth reduction, hence it might be used for phytoremediation of Cd contaminated areas.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.251-257
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• 2012

Human body communication means transmitting and receiving data through human body medium or through free space along with the human body skin. Electric field distribution around the human body between the transmitter and the receiver were calculated at five different frequencies with 5 MHz interval between 10 MHz and 30 MHz. Commercial electromagnetic simulation tool was used for the calculation of E-field distributions applying the Korean standard male model including 29 different kinds of human tissues. After calculating specific absorption rate(SAR) values on back of the hand, it was compared with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection(ICNIRP) human protection guideline. While conductivities(${\sigma}$) and relative permittivities(${\varepsilon}_r$) of the human tissues for each frequency were input as the analyzing parameters, electric field intensities near both hands were integrated along the integral line between the nearby electrodes for the calculation of the transmitting and receiving voltages whose ratio was defined as channel loss. The calculated channel losses were about ($75{\pm}1$) dB and showed nearly flat response all through the evaluated frequencies.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 2017

Many people in Korea suffer from a fear of dental treatments; however, only a few studies have focused on this population. This study assessed the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its interventions in reducing dental anxiety, especially when administered by trained dental staff. Using case studies, the authors analyzed the content of each session and examined the process of reducing dental anxiety. First, the authors observed that the results of both dental fear scale and subjective unit of disturbance decreased significantly with changes in cognitive distortions related to dental anxiety and that rapid improvements were noted after two therapy sessions. Second, the study reported that practicing relaxation (deep-breathing) and muscle relaxation techniques; using hand signals to indicate anxiety or discomfort; establishing an empathic relationship with the therapist; making an anxiety list; and graded insensitive and exposure along with rehearsal, were effective in coping with dental anxiety and in changing negative thoughts towards the dentist. Third, a simple cognitive behavioral intervention can be effective in reducing dental anxiety. In summary, a short-term, five-session psychological intervention with CBT produced a sustained decrease in the symptoms of dental anxiety, allowing the patients to receive the required procedures. The authors discussed the study limitations and the implication of their results on future research.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.449-457
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• 2015

Objectives: In Korea, the system of management of medical waste largely relies on the incineration method. Our study aimed to identify any regional imbalances between the generation and treatment of medical waste, and provide reference data for future policy in Korea. Methods: We analyzed data on the amount of medical waste from 2,000 hospitals in 2012, 2013, and 2014 obtained from the Korea Environment Corporation. In the Arc GIS program (version 10.2.3), the addresses of hospitals and incinerators were transformed into map coordinates. The amount of waste generated by each hospital and the amount incinerated were represented by density and size of a triangle symbol, respectively. Results: As of 2014, the total amount of medical waste from the top 2,000 hospitals was 136,073 tons, out of which about half (49%) was generated in the capital area. Eleven incineration companies (three in the capital area, two in the Chungcheong Provinces area, one in the Jeolla Provinces area, and five in the Gyeongsang Provinces area) treated this waste. For the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, about 60% of the medical waste generated from the hospitals in the capital area was treated within the capital area and about 40% was transported to other areas, especially the Gyeongsang Provinces area, for treatment. On the other hand, about 90% of the medical waste incinerated in the capital area originated from the capital area. Conclusion: Our results suggest a spatial imbalance between the generation and treatment of medical waste in Korea and warrants multilateral policies, including the expansion of on-site treatment, strengthening regulation of the containment of medical wastes, promoting reductions in medical waste and more.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.133-138
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• 1998

Choanal atresia may be membrane or bony, unilateral or bilateral. Approximately 90% of the choanal atresia are bony type. Unilateral choanal atresia often eludes the diagnosis because of the absence of subjective symptoms in the neonatal period. However, bilateral choanal atresia presents at birth with cyclic respiratory distress aggravated by feedings. So complete bilateral choanal atresia is considered as a neonatal emergency. Examinations for the diagnosis of chonal atresia include 1) attempt at passing a rubber catheter or probe through the patient s nose, 2) mirror examination of the nasopharynx, 3) digital examination of the nasopharynx, 4) X-ray examination after installation of radiopaque materal into the nasal cavity. But, computed tomography has become accepted method for evaluation of choanal atresia. Surgical repair of choanal atresia is accomplished via transnasal or transpalatal approach. Advantages of the transpalatal approach are improved exposure and the preservation of mucosal flap along the newly formed apertures. On the other hand, the transpalatal approach carries the risk of injury to the greater palatine neurovascular complex, and requires longer operative time. After careful physical and radiographic examinations, we accomplished the surgical repair of the complete bony bilateral choanal atresia via transpalatal approach without complications.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.29 no.12 s.148
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• pp.1527-1534
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• 2005

In order to clarify the characteristics of the thermo-physiological responses of the child and to understand the influence of the country where the child has grown up on the responses, the thermo-physiological responses of the Japanese children(J group) and the Korean children(K group) were examined. The subject wearing shorts was exposed first to a thermo neutral room$(Ta=28.5^{\circ}C)$ for 1 hour, then transferred to a cold$(Ta=22^{\circ}C)$ or a hot$(Ta=37^{\circ}C)$ room for 1 hour. The experiment was done in the climate chamber of Bunka Women's University in the summer of 1997 for Japan, and in the climate chamber in the Keimyung University in the summer of 1998 for Korea. The subjects consisted of 5 boys and 5 girls aged 7-9 years in Japan and 4 boys and 4 girls aged 7-9 years in Korea. As a result: 1) The rectal temperature increased slightly with a rise in air temperature. K group showed a slightly higher rectal temperature. 2) The skin temperature of the hand and foot decreased conspicuously during cold exposure. It was more in the K group than in the J group. 3) Relative local sweat rates were similar in the two groups at $22^{\circ}C\;and\;28.5^{\circ}C$, while they were considerably different at $37^{\circ}C$. Even perspiration was observed over the whole body in the J group but the perspiration was large in the trunk and low in the extremity in the K group. 4) The heart rate was higher in the J group than in the K group but it increased with the rise of the air temperature in both groups.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.328-333
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• 1983

Due to fast industrialization and reduced agricultural population, there has been increased farm mechanization to reduce the labor requirement. In rice production, mechanical transplanting has been increasingly popular due to the heavy labor requirement in hand transplanting and development of convenient transplanters. For mechanical transplanting, rice seedlings is grown in boxes with limited soils under super dense population, thus short period of exposure to unfavorable temperature and poor water management would cause severe damage to rice seedlings such as seedling damping off and the similar physiological disorders. Several chemicals were evaluated for their effectiveness to control the disease and disorders, and other effects as plant growth stimulants. 3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-a soil fungicide, Metalozyl-a fungicide which controls mildew, SF 8002-the composite of above two chemicals, and Isoprothiolane-a fungicide which controls rice blast were found to be effective controling seedling damping off and similar physiological disorders, and improvement of physiological characteristics of the seedlings such as the amount of bleeding sap, rooting ability, negative geotrophism, and regrowth after cutting. The results indicated that the chemicals will be very effective raising healthy seedlings even under unfavorable environments by the improvement of physiological activities of seedlings and preventing seedling damping off and the similar physiological disorders.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2012

While the ability to develop nanomaterials and incorporate them into products is advancing rapidly worldwide, understanding of the potential health safety effects of nanomaterials has proceeded at a much slower pace. Since 2008, Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) started an investigation to prepare "Strategic Action Plan" to evaluate safety and nano risk management associated with foods, drugs, medical devices and cosmetics using nano-scale materials. Although there are some studies related to potential risk of nanomaterials, physical-chemical characterization of nanomaterials is not clear yet and these do not offer enough information due to their limitations. Their uncertainties make it impossible to determine whether nanomaterials are actually hazardous to human. According to the above mention, we have some problems to conduct the human exposure risk assessment currently. On the other hand, uncertainty about safety may lead to polarized public debate and to businesses unwillingness for further nanotechnology investigation. Therefore, the criteria and methods to assess possible adverse effects of nanomaterials have been vigorously taken into consideration by many international organizations: the World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic and Commercial Development and the European Commission. The object of this study was to develop risk assessment principles for safety management of future nanoproducts and also to identify areas of research to strengthen risk assessment for nanomaterials. The research roadmaps which were proposed in this study will be helpful to fill up the current gaps in knowledge relevant nano risk assessment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.324-333
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• 2006

This study was designed to investigate the effect of bone demineralization and tibia lead on blood lead in retired lead workers. Two hundred thirty five(126 females and 109 males) retired lead workers who worked in 4 different lead factories and 101 non-occupationally lead exposed subjects(51 females and 51 males) were recruited from March 2004 to October 2004. Bone mineral density(BMD) was measured at left calcaneous bone area by broadband ultrasound attenuation(BUA) method with QUS-2(Metra Biosystems Inc, USA). The BUA value transformed into T-score by WHO standard conversion criteria. Tibia bone lead was measured for skeletal bone lead with K-xray fluorescence(K-XRF) and blood lead was analyzed with flameless atomic spectrophotometer. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum calcium and iron were also analyzed. In addition, information for smoking and drinking status and basic personal data such as age, gender and lead exposure were also collected using questionnaire inquiry. Blood lead was correlated with tibia lead (r=0.664) and these two variables were negatively correlated with BMD in bivariate analysis. BMD showed significant main effect on the change of blood lead independent to tibia lead without any effect modification of age or gender; the one T-score unit decrease of mineral bone density made $0.43{\mu}g/dl$ increase of blood lead. On the other hand, tibia lead showed effect modification with gender on blood lead; the slope of tibia lead on blood lead in male was steeper than in female and crossed at around zero of tibia lead. In the multiple regression analysis of blood lead and tibia lead on BMD after adjustment of related covariates, only blood lead showed statistically significant effect on BMD. This study confirmed that BMD and blood lead were significantly associated. To verify the causal association of BMD on blood lead and vice versa, further longitudinal studies are needed.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.286-293
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• 2010

Cytokine production is a sensitive indicator for monitoring perturbations of the immune system by xenobiotics in animals and humans. In the present study, we evaluated the changes in $IFN{\gamma}$, IL-5 and $TNF{\alpha}$ mRNA expression after atrazine (ATZ), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or zearalenone (ZEA) exposure in Jurkat cells. The IC50 (concentration for a 50% inhibition of cell proliferation) of PFOA and ZEA after 3 days culture were $226.6\;{\mu}M$ and $52.6\;{\mu}M$, respectively. The effects of ATZ on cytokine expression followed in increasing order of $IFN{\gamma}$>IL-5>$TNF{\alpha}$ at $3\;{\mu}M$ and at the lower concentrations the degree of effects on three cytokines were less clear between the cytokines when compared to control level. PFOA had marked increasing effect in order of $IFN{\gamma}$>$TNF{\alpha}$>IL-5 mRNA expression at IC50, and these patterns were continued at the lower concentrations, IC50/2 and IC50/4. ZEA caused the overexpression of cytokine mRNAs in order of IL-5>$IFN{\gamma}$>$TNF{\alpha}$ at both IC50 and IC50/2, and at IC50/4 the overexpression order was IL-5>$TNF{\alpha}$. On other hand, $IFN{\gamma}$ was less distinct compared to the control. These data indicate that ATZ, PFOA and ZEA caused the overtranscription of $IFN{\gamma}$, IL-5 and $TNF{\alpha}$ mRNA, and the overproduction of these cytokines may eventually lead to immune disorders.