• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2023.05a
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• pp.361-361
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• 2023

본 연구에서는 기후변화가 다목적 댐의 수자원 관리에 미치는 영향을 분석하기 위해, 기후변화 시나리오를 기반으로 강우-유출과 저수지 운영 모형을 연계 모의하고, 갈수 시 물 공급과 홍수라는 두가지 상반된 위험 요소를 동시에 분석하는 방법론을 제안하고, 국내 댐 유역에 대해 적용성을 평가한다. 기후변화 시나리오로는 공통사회경제경로(Shared Socio-economic Pathway; SSP) 중 SSP2-4.5와 SSP5-8.5를 선택하고, 편이보정 후 2015-2100년의 미래 기후 자료를 구축한다. 수문과정의 불확실성을 고려하기 위해, GR4J, IHACRES, TAU 등 세가지 집중형 수문 모형으로 댐 유입량을 모의하고, 저수지의 물 공급 및 홍수 조절을 고려한 저수지 운영 모의를 수행하고, 기간별 이수안전도와 홍수위험도를 산정한다. 적용 유역으로는 다목적 댐인 합천댐과 섬진강댐의 상류유역을 선택하여, 제안된 방법론의 적정성을 평가한다. 초기 분석 결과, 먼 미래(2081-2100년) 기간에 대해 이수안전도 보다 홍수위험도의 변화가 컸으며, 근 미래의 변화는 먼 미래 보다 상대적으로 적고 뚜렷한 경향을 찾기 어려웠다. 본 연구에서는 다중 수문모형을 활용한 댐 유입량 모의불확실성 개선 방안과 미래 기후에 대한 이수안전도 및 홍수위험도 분석 결과의 함의에 대해 중점적으로 토의한다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.9
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• pp.3388-3400
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• 2023

Detailed analysis of the neutron pathway through matter inside the nuclear reactor core is exceedingly needed for safety and economic considerations. Due to the constant development of high-performance computing technologies, neutronics analysis using computer codes became more effective and efficient to perform sophisticated neutronics calculations. In this work, a commercial pressurized water reactor (PWR) presented by Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) Core Physics Benchmark are modeled and simulated using a high-fidelity simulation of OpenMC code in terms of criticality and fuel pin power distribution. Various problems have been selected from VERA benchmark ranging from a simple two-dimension (2D) pin cell problem to a complex three dimension (3D) full core problem. The development of the code capabilities for reactor physics methods has been implemented to investigate the accuracy and performance of the OpenMC code against VERA SCALE codes. The results of OpenMC code exhibit excellent agreement with VERA results with maximum Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of less than 0.04% and 1.3% for the criticality eigenvalues and pin power distributions, respectively. This demonstrates the successful utilization of the OpenMC code as a simulation tool for a whole core analysis. Further works are undergoing on the accuracy of OpenMC simulations for the impact of different fuel types and burnup levels and the analysis of the transient behavior and coupled thermal hydraulic feedback.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.5.1-5.13
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• 2023

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative aerobic diplococcus bacterium that primarily causes sexually transmitted infections through direct human sexual contact. It is a major public health threat due to its impact on reproductive health, the widespread presence of antimicrobial resistance, and the lack of a vaccine. In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach and performed subtractive genomic methods to identify potential drug targets against the core proteome of N. gonorrhoeae (12 strains). In total, 12,300 protein sequences were retrieved, and paralogous proteins were removed using CD-HIT. The remaining sequences were analyzed for non-homology against the human proteome and gut microbiota, and screened for broad-spectrum analysis, druggability, and anti-target analysis. The proteins were also characterized for unique interactions between the host and pathogen through metabolic pathway analysis. Based on the subtractive genomic approach and subcellular localization, we identified one cytoplasmic protein, 2Fe-2S iron-sulfur cluster binding domain-containing protein (NGFG RS03485), as a potential drug target. This protein could be further exploited for drug development to create new medications and therapeutic agents for the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae infections.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.1268-1280
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• 2023

Echinacoside (ECH) is a naturally occurring phenylethanoid glycoside, isolated from Echinacea angustifolia, and this study aimed to analyze its effect on thermogenesis and its interaction with dopaminergic receptors 1 and 5 (DRD1 and DRD5) in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes and mice models. We employed RT-PCR, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, a staining method, and an assay kit to determine its impact. ECH showed a substantial increase in browning signals in vitro and a decrease in adipogenic signals in vivo. Additionally, analysis of the iWAT showed that the key genes involved in beiging, mitochondrial biogenesis, and ATP-dependent thermogenesis were upregulated while adipogenesis and lipogenesis genes were downregulated. OXPHOS complexes, Ca²⁺ signaling proteins as well as intracellular Ca²⁺ levelswere also upregulated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes following ECH treatment. This was collectively explained by mechanistic studies which showed that ECH mediated the beiging process via the DRD1/5-cAMP-PKA and subsequent downstream molecules, whereas it co-mediated the α1-AR-signaling thermogenesis via the DRD1/5/SERCA2b/RyR2/CKmt pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Animal experiments revealed that there was a 12.28% reduction in body weight gain after the ECH treatment for six weeks. The effects of ECH treatment on adipose tissue can offer more insights into the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1056-1069
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Grifola frondosa, commonly referred to as the maitake mushroom, has been studied extensively to explore its potential health benefits. However, its anti-inflammatory effects in skin disorders have not been sufficiently elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory role of the ethanol extract of G. frondosa in atopic dermatitis (AD) using in vivo and in vitro models. MATERIALS/METHODS: We investigated its impact on skin and spleen inflammatory responses in Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)/1-chloro-2,4 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in a mouse model. Additionally, we determined the immunosuppressive response and mechanism of G. frondosa by inducing atopic-like immune reactions in keratinocytes through tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ stimulation. RESULTS: Our study revealed that G. frondosa ameliorates clinical symptoms in an AD-like mouse model. These effects contributed to the suppression of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 immune responses in the skin and spleen, leading to protection against cutaneous inflammation. Furthermore, G. frondosa inhibited the production of antibodies immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG2a in the serum of AD mice. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of G. frondosa on inflammatory cytokines in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated AD-like keratinocytes was associated with the suppression of MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) pathway activation. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of G. frondosa as a novel therapeutic agent for AD treatment and prevention.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.417-422
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• 2024

Persistent lymphocele of the groin is a complication of groin surgery that can severely impact the quality of life. The restoration of the interrupted lymphatic pathway is considered by many authors the ideal treatment to prevent a recurrence. However, multiple aspiration procedures and surgical revisions can compromise the availability of local veins needed for a lymphovenular bypass surgery. In addition, surgical debridement of a long-standing lymphocele can generate extensive dead space and contour deformity. A flap delivering additional venules for trans-flap lymphovenular anastomoses (LVAs) can overcome both problems by providing soft tissue and competent veins harvested outside the zone of injury. A successful case of severe groin lymphocele treated with trans-flap LVAs from an abdominal-based flap is presented. The patient was referred to us for a recurrent lymphocele developed in the right groin after lipoma excision that persisted despite multiple surgical attempts. After the identification of patent and draining inguinal lymphatic vessels, a pinch test was used to design a mini-abdominoplasty superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. The superficial veins of the cranial incision were identified and anastomosed to the lymphatic vessels after the pedicled flap harvested and insetted in the groin. The early restoration of lymphatic drainage and the optimal aesthetic outcome supports the combined approach offered by trans-flap LVAs as a valuable therapeutic option for severe and persistent lymphocele.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2024.07a
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• pp.1204-1211
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• 2024

This study focuses on a scheme for accepting migrant workers at Japanese construction sites and its impact on the industry. Recently, a severe shortage in the construction workforce has made the industry accept migrant workers through "Technical Intern Training (TIT)" program and "Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)" system in Japan. A new status of residence, SSW has been created to accept foreign nationals who work in jobs that require considerable knowledge of or experience in specified industry fields, and construction is one of them. However, many SSWs had already been working in Japan as TIT trainees, implying that the TIT program was the practical pathway to becoming a SSW. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively understand the operational realities of the Japanese TIT program in construction companies. Data were collected using a literature survey and semi-structured interviews. The literature survey was a macro perspective, mainly about analyzing the statistical data on the Japanese government, with the status of residence, profession, and nationality, to ensure the transition and full picture of migrant workers in Japan. By contrast, interview surveys focused on micro situations such as the challenges faced by companies that accept migrant workers. This study showed that workforce shortages had lasted for more than 30 years and were still a chronic issue and that migrant workers were indispensable in the construction industry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.6
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• pp.400-407
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• 2011

Background: There were a few studies which were conducted to know about the behavior of the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients. The aims of this study was to explore the behaviour of COPD patients, such as awareness and impact of disease, the pathway of visiting doctors, and the treatment pattern and preference. Methods: A face-to-face interview of 300 subjects with COPD was conducted. Results: The most concerned symptom which made the respondents to visit the hospital was 'breathlessness' (78%). Only 58% of them knew the exact diagnosis. Seventy-three percent of them visited the hospital 'once a month' or 'once every 2 month'. They have made 12.8 prescheduled visits to the hospital in the past 1 year. Unscheduled visits and hospital stay figured to two in the past year. Only 11% of respondents felt they were currently in good health. 'Severe' and 'very severe' COPD patients perceived their health to be in a worse condition than 'mild' and 'moderate' COPD patients. When conditions worsened, 42% of patients were hospitalized. The most common prescription treatment was a fixed combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ${\beta}2$ agonists (48%), followed by a long acting anticholinergics (38%). Conclusion: Over forty percent of the patients didn't know exactly about their condition. Most of them had a negative attitude toward their current health status. Doctors need to know more about COPD patients in terms of their attitude toward the disease, impact of the disease, interaction with healthcare professionals and treatment related problems.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.291-302
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• 2017

The research was carried out in order to find climate factors which determine the distribution of Eurya japonica, and the potential habitats (PHs) under the current climate and climate change scenario by using species distribution models (SDMs). Four climate factors; the warmth index (WI), the minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC), summer precipitation (PRS), and winter precipitaion (PRW) : were used as independent variables for the model. Seventeen general circulation models under RCP (Representative concentration pathway) 8.5 scenarios were used as future climate scenarios for the 2050s (2040~2069) and 2080s (2070~2099). Highly accurate SDMs were obtained for E. japonica. The model of distribution for E. japonica constructed by SDMs showed that minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC) is a major climate factor in determining the distribution of E. japonica. The area above the $-5.7^{\circ}C$ of TMC revealed high occurrence probability of the E. japonica. Future PHs for E. japonica were projected to increase respectively by 2.5 times, 3.4 times of current PHs under 2050s and 2080s. It is expected that the potential of E. japonica habitats is expanded gradually. E. japonica is applicable as indicator species for monitoring in the Korean Peninsula. E. japonica is necessary to be monitored of potential habitats.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.567-577
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• 2015

Climate and land use changes have impact on availability water resource by hydrologic cycle change. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hydrologic behavior by the future potential climate and land use changes in Anseongcheon watershed ($371.1km^2$) using SWAT model. For climate change scenario, the HadGEM-RA (the Hadley Centre Global Environment Model version 3-Regional Atmosphere model) RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios from Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) were used. The mean temperature increased up to $4.2^{\circ}C$ and the precipitation showed maximum 21.2% increase for 2080s RCP 8.5 scenario comparing with the baseline (1990-2010). For the land use change scenario, the Conservation of Land Use its Effects at Small regional extent (CLUE-s) model was applied for 3 scenarios (logarithmic, linear, exponential) according to urban growth. The 2100 urban area of the watershed was predicted by 9.4%, 20.7%, and 35% respectively for each scenario. As the climate change impact, the evapotranspiration (ET) and streamflow (ST) showed maximum change of 20.6% in 2080s RCP 8.5 and 25.7% in 2080s RCP 4.5 respectively. As the land use change impact, the ET and ST showed maximum change of 3.7% in 2080s logarithmic and 2.9% in 2080s linear urban growth respectively. By the both climate and land use change impacts, the ET and ST changed 19.2% in 2040s RCP 8.5 and exponential scenarios and 36.1% in 2080s RCP 4.5 and linear scenarios respectively. The results of the research are expected to understand the changing water resources of watershed quantitatively by hydrological environment condition change in the future.