• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.999-1006
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• 2020

The suppression of neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells, well known as the main immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are considered a key target for improving the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Teleogryllus emma is widely consumed around the world for its broad-spectrum therapeutic effect. In a previous work, we performed transcriptome analysis on T. emma in order to obtain the diversity and activity of its antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are found in a variety of species, from microorganisms to mammals. They have received much attention as candidates oftherapeutic drugs for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Teleogryllusine (VKWKRLNNNKVLQKIYFVKI-NH₂) derived from T. emma on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced BV-2 microglia cells. Teleogryllusine significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production without cytotoxicity, and reducing pro-inflammatory enzymes expression such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, Telegryllusine also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) through down-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. These results suggest that T. emma-derived Teleogryllusine could be a good source of functional substances that prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.983-989
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• 2020

The balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts is key to bone health. An imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts leads to various bone-related disorders, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteopetrosis. However, the bone-resorption inhibitor drugs that are currently used may cause side effects. Natural substances have recently received much attention as therapeutic drugs for the treatment of bone health. This study was designed to determine the effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae ethanol extract (TME) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. To measure the effect of TME on osteoclast differentiation, RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL with or without TME for 5 days. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was significantly inhibited by treatment of TME without cytotoxicity up to 2 mg/ml. In addition, TME effectively suppressed expression of osteoclast differentiation-related marker genes and proteins such as TRAP, NFATc1, and c-Src. TME also significantly inhibited the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway without affecting ERK and JNK signaling in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Consequently, we conclude that TME suppresses osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenic genes expression through the p38 MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggest that TME and its bioactive components are potential therapeutics for bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.53
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• pp.63-79
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• 2017

Defence Security Command is the only military intelligence and investigation agency which is in charge of safeguarding military information and investigating specific crimes such as subversion and disloyalty in military. While the presidential security provided by Defence Security Command, along with Presidential Security Service(PSS) and the police, forms one of three pillars sustaining presidential security, its works and activities have been rarely known to the public due to the military confidentiality. This study looks into some data specialized into the presidential security among works of Defense Security Command by using various resources such as biographies of key people, media reports, and public materials. It reviews the presidential security works in a historical sense that the works have developed and changed in accordance with the historical changes of Defense Security Command, which was rooted in Counter-Intelligence Corps (Teukmubudae in Korean) in 1948 and leads to the present. The study findings are as follows. First, when the Korean War broke out in 1950 and since then the South Korea was under the threat of the North Korean armed forces and left wing forces, Counter-Intelligence Corps(Bangcheopdudae in Korean) took the lead in presidential security more than the police who was in charge of it. Secondly, even after the Presidential Security Office has founded in 1963, the role of the military on presidential security has been extended by changing its titles from Counter-Intelligence Corps to Army Security corps to Armed Forces Security Command. It has developed their provision of presidential security based on the experience at the president Rhee regime when they could successfully guard the president Rhee and the important government members. Third, since the re-establishment into Defence Security Command in 1990, it has added more security services and strengthened its legal basis. With the excellent expertise, it played a pivotal role in the G20 and other state-level events. After the establishment of the Moon Jaeinin government, its function has been reduced or abolished by the National Defense Reform Act. However, the presidential security field has been strengthening by improving security capabilities through reinforcing the organization. This strengthening of the security capacity is not only effective in coping with the current confrontation situation with the hostile North Korean regime, but also is important and necessary in conducting constant monitoring of the military movement and security-threat factors within military during the national security events.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2002

In DNA level, genetic study of Angelica species was firstly conducted to discriminate the bolting-resistant or low bolting variety, so called as Manchu, from other Korea collected lines and also this technuque was applied to identify the origin of commercial dried materials obtained from current oriental medicinal market. By RAPD analysis with 72 primers including sixty of 10-mers and twelve of 20-mers, respectively, three primers, which were related to the bolting resistant traits of Angelica gigas, were identified. Comparing the RAPD bands, URP04 primer showed the 1.7 kb specific band, which seemed to be related to delaying bolting traits, since it was observed only in Jinbu elite lines but not in others. On the other hand, since 1.2 kb band amplified by OPD11 was observed in other collected lines but not in Manchu var. and Jinbu line, this primer also could be considered as a selection marker for identifying bolting resistant or delaying bolting traits. In the same manner, since OPP09 did not show 1 kb major band but produced 0.8 kb and 1.2 kb bands in Manchu var., these three bands amplified by the primer could be considered one of the important key specifying Manchu var. related with the trait of Angelica gigas. OPC02 primer showed the same band patterns in all Korean collected lines, but not in other foreign introduced lines, such as A. sinensis from China, and A. acutiloba from Japan. Since these four RAPD primers, OPD11, OPP09, URP04, and OPC02 showed the specific polymorphisms in Angelica species, thus, these were useful to discriminate the three Angelica species, A. gigas, A. sinensis, and A. acutiloba.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.192-197
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• 2006

Purpose : Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is a key cytokine for controlling vascular permeability and angiogenesis, which is one of the major findings in airway remodeling. However, it is not well known if it is associated with acute lower respiratory tract disease such as lobar pneumonia. The aim of this study is to compare serum VEGF levels in patients with asthma according to its severity and duration of cough, and to compare its levels with children with lobar pneumonia. Methods : Using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the serum VEGF levels were measured in 16 mild asthmatics, 14 moderate to severe asthmatics, six children with lobar pneumonia, and 22 control subjects. The asthmatics were also classified into three groups according to the duration of cough. Serum VEGF levels were compared in each group. Results : Serum VEGF levels were significantly increased in the children with moderate to severe asthma and lobar pneumonia compared to the children with mild asthma and control subjects. Serum VEGF levels were higher in children with chronic coughs of more than two weeks than in children with coughs lasting less than two weeks. Serum levels of VEGF showed positive correlations with blood platelet and white blood cell counts. Conclusion : VEGF increased according to the severity of asthma and duration of cough in children with asthma. It may play an important role not only in chronic airway inflammation, but also in the acute inflammation in children with lower respiratory tract disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.307-313
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• 2010

Purpose : Results of the Korea National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children, which was launched in November 2007, were evaluated for future research and policy development. Methods : Data from a total of 2,729,340 cases were analyzed. Five visiting ages, such as 4, 9, 18, 30, and 60 months, were included. Several parameters such as stunting, obesity, and positive rate of developmental screening were also analyzed. Telephone survey was performed in 1,035 users. For the provider survey, 262 doctors participated in our study. Results : The overall participation rate of users was 35.3%. This participation rate showed a decrement tendency to old age and low income. Only 6.9% of users participated in oral screening. Health screening was performed mainly in private clinics (82.6%). The recall rate of 4 months program users at the age of 9 months was 57.3%. The positive rate of screening was 3.1%, and was higher in the low-income group. By telephone survey, users reported that questionnaires were not difficult (94%) and overall satisfaction was good (73%). Longer duration of counseling was related with more satisfied users. Counseling and health education were helpful to users (73.2%). Doctors agreed that this program was helpful to children (98.5%). Conclusion : Korea National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children was launched successfully. Participation rate should be improved, and a quality control program needs to be developed. More intensive support following this program for children of low-income families may lead to effective interventions in controlling health inequality. Periodic update of guidelines is also needed.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.151-167
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• 2016

Conventional social science typically regards the idea of a 'mountain' as part of 'nature' and a physical environment existing separately from, or prior to, human society and culture. However, in Korea, which is 70% mountainous land, the 'mountain' is part of a unique 'social nature'. This research develops the idea that in this context the mountain is a social nature and a cultural landscape which are tied heavily to the idea of travel. The article interrogates why the scenic beauties of Mt. Kumgang have been perceived and conveyed through multiple generations since the Chosun Dynasty period. Focusing on Mt. Kumgang, this article illustrates how strongly people have held dreams of mountain travel, for the whole life-time. Travel writings(or accounts of trips to the mountain) and artwork have played a particularly important role in creating Mt. Kumgang's reputation as the most beautiful mountain in the country. At the same time, the access to the mountain was often a dangerous adventure, with many travelers facing hunger and extreme physical challenges. As portrayed in writings and artwork, the overall effect of these dynamics was the creation of a socionatural place of striking beauty that even seemed to have mystical or magical fantasy. According to Confucian ideals, full appreciation of nature and its beauty was key to understanding the logics of the universe and to achieving a high moral standard, which contributed to decide to leave for the mountain as well. The essays, poems, and paintings of Mt. Kumgang since the Chosun Dynasty period that portrayed the mountain's beauty collectively served to produce the mountain as a socionatural landscape engendered with potent place-myths, important historical meaning, and strong aesthetic associations. Thus, the travel to the mountain seemed never completed over until travelers had completed various artistic representations to record and to memorize what they'd done and seen in Mt. Kumgang, which had been performed for the strong purpose of social sharing of the real the mountain's beauties and itinerary.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.271-278
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• 2004

This paper shows our experiment is performed to understand the exposure tendency of $^{137}Cs$ according to the height of area and also, to supplement it by considering chemical characters of $^{137}Cs$ exposed to the soil. The samples we use for this experiment are from the general flat area of Yeonggwang county where it has NPPs, the high places of Keumjung & Bulgap mountains, and Naejan mountain where it is quite far from the NPPs. The data from this experiment show that the exposure of $^{137}Cs$ is not harmful since its range is around 252 Bq/kg-dry in most of sampled soils such as from the general flat area, the high place of Keumjung mountain where is 2 km away from the NPPs, the other high place of Bulgap mountain where is about 20 km away from the NPPs, and Naejan mountain where it is far from the NPPs. Not like the general flat area, however, the data show that the higher the area is the more $^{137}Cs$ is exposed. That is, at the top of mountains, the more $^{137}Cs$ is exposed compared to at the bottom area. It is almost $2{\~}6$ times more than the general flat area of Yeonggwang county where it has NPPs. The data also show that the spread of $^{137}Cs$ is deeply related to the geographical(the height of area, rainfall, etc..) factors and chemical factors of soils. As the geographical factors, there are far more chances to be exposed of $^{137}Cs$ at the high area of mountains through the air compared to at lower area and therefore, we can get more high-leveled readings of $^{137}Cs$ at the high area while it is low-leveled ones at the general flat area even if both of them have the same soil conditions. Regarding the chemical factors of soil, it is clarified that the CEC is the key factor. The CEC means the capability of sticking $^{137}Cs$ accumulated into the soil. Hence, the more CEC it has the more high-leveled readings of $^{137}Cs$ we get under the same geographical condition.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2010

The LCC (Liquid Cadmium Cathode) structure to be developed for inhibiting the formation and growth of the uranium dendrite has been known as a key part in the electrowinning process for the simultaneous recovering of uranium and TRU (TRans Uranium) elements from spent fuels. A zinc-gallium (Zn-Ga) experimental system which is able to be functional in aqueous condition and normal temperature has been set up to observe the formation and growth phenomena of the metal dendrites on liquid cathode. The growth of the zinc dendrites on the gallium cathode and the performance of the existing stirrer type and pounder type cathode structure were observed. Although the mechanical strength of the dendrites appeared to be weak in the electrolyte and easily crashed by the various cathode structures, it was difficult to effectively submerge the dendrite into the bottom of the liquid cathode. Based on the results of the aqueous phase experiments, a lab-scale electrowinning experimental apparatus which are applicable to the development of LCC srtucture for the electrowinning process was established and the performance tests of the different types of LCC structure were conducted to prohibit the uranium dendrite growth on LCC surface. The experimental results of the stirrer type LCC structures have shown that they could not effectively remove the uranium dendrites growing at the inner side of the LCC crucible and the performances of the paddle and harrow type LCC structure were similar. Therefore a mesh type LCC structure was developed to push down the uranium dendrites to the bottom of the LCC crucible growing on the LCC surface and at the inner side of the crucible. From the experimental results for the performance test of the mesh type LCC structure, the uranium was recovered over 5 wt% in cadmium without the growth of uranium dendrites. After completion of the experiments, solid precipitates of the bottom of the LCC crucible were identified as an intermetallic compound (UCd11) by the chemical analysis.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.107-121
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• 2010

We conducted a sensitivity test of Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES), in which the influence of biophysical parameters on the simulation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (RE) was investigated for two typical ecosystems in Korea. For this test, we employed the whole-year observation of eddy-covariance fluxes measured in 2006 at two KoFlux sites: (1) a deciduous forest in complex terrain in Gwangneung and (2) a farmland with heterogeneous mosaic patches in Haenam. Our analysis showed that the simulated GPP was most sensitive to the maximum rate of RuBP carboxylation and leaf nitrogen concentration for both ecosystems. RE was sensitive to wood biomass parameter for the deciduous forest in Gwangneung. For the mixed farmland in Haenam, however, RE was most sensitive to the maximum rate of RuBP carboxylation and leaf nitrogen concentration like the simulated GPP. For both sites, the JULES model overestimated both GPP and RE when the default values of input parameters were adopted. Considering the fact that the leaf nitrogen concentration observed at the deciduous forest site was only about 60% of its default value, the significant portion of the model's overestimation can be attributed to such a discrepancy in the input parameters. Our finding demonstrates that the abovementioned key biophysical parameters of the two ecosystems should be evaluated carefully prior to any simulation and interpretation of ecosystem carbon exchange in Korea.