• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.87-101
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• 2022

This study analyzed changes in the vegetation structure of 16 permanent plots (experimental and control) installed in Wando Arboretum in 1996 to monitor the long-term change process of evergreen broad-leaved forests in warm temperate. Especially, this study discusses the effects of trial treatment (selection cutting and plant introduction), introduced as a restoration technique in 1996, on vegetation development. In communities dominated by Quercus acuta in the canopy (permanent plots 1 through 3), this species's mean important percentage (MIP) decreased, and the evergreen broad-leaved species was introduced from outside increased, likely to change the vegetation structure in the future. The expansion of the evergreen broad-leaved species group was also confirmed in Q. acuta-deciduous broad-leaved forests (permanent plots 5 and 7) and Pinus densifloraforests (permanent plots 9 and 10). In the experimental plots where thinning was carried out, the zoochory (the dispersal of seeds by birds), Cinnamomum yabunikkei, Neolitsea sericea, Machilus thunbergii, etc., and the expansion of the influence of evergreen broad-leaved species were remarkable, so it is considered to have effectively promoted the vegetation development in warm temperate forests. Although evergreen broad-leaved species were planted in the experimental plot to change vegetation structure, it seems the effect on the change was weak due to the small amount of planting. Compared to other vegetation types, the change in the vegetative structure of the pine forest to an evergreen broad-leaved forest was clear due to the decline of P. densiflora and P. thunbergii.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.515-524
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• 2022

To effectively collect, manage, and share the maritime traffic information, it is necessary to identify the technology trends concerning this particular information and analyze its current status and problems. Therefore, this study observes the domestic and foreign technology trends involving maritime traffic information while analyzing and summarizing the current status and problems in collecting, managing, and sharing it. According to the data analysis, the problems in the collecting stage are difficulties in collecting visual information from long-distance radars, CCTVs, and cameras in areas outside the LTE network coverage. Notably, this explains the challenges in detecting smuggling ships entering the territorial waters through the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the early stage. The problems in the management stage include difficult reductions and expansions of maritime traffic information caused by the lack of flexibility in storage spaces mostly constructed by the maritime transportation system. Additionally, it is challenging to deal with system failure with system redundancy and backup as a countermeasure. Furthermore, the problems in the sharing stage show that it is difficult to share information with external operating organizations since the internal network is mainly used to share maritime transportation information. If at all through the government cloud via platforms such as LRIT and SASS, it often fails to effectively provide various S/W applications that help use maritime big data. Therefore, it is suggested that collecting equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites should be constructed to expand collecting areas in the collecting stage. In the management and sharing stages, the introduction and construction of private clouds are suggested, considering the operational administration and information disclosure of each maritime transportation system. Through these efforts, an enhancement of the expertise and security of clouds is expected.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.24_2
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• pp.117-164
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• 2015

Religion is not fixed and permanent and is constantly transforming and changing phenomenon. But in some religions, religious culture happens that emphasize the original and authentic teaching of the founder and removes the other accumulations among the accumulated religious tradition. So some religious communities advocate the original teaching of the founder and insist that they are the orthodox and the others are heresy and make the theory of true transmission etc. Jongtonglon(宗統論) of Daesoonjinrihoe(大巡眞理會) looks similar to the theory of true transmission on the surface. The aim of this paper is the contribution to the understanding of Daesoon thought and the religious culture of Daesoonjinrihoe by studying the characteristics of Jongtonglon. I want to highlight on the characteristics of Jongtonglon by comparing it to Bubmaeklon(法脈論) of Korean Buddhism. Bubmaek(法脈) of Korean Buddhism is well showed in the constitution of Jogaejong(曺溪宗) that represents Korean Buddhism. The constitution says that Jogaejong considers SakyaMuni the main Buddha and Doyi (道義) the founder of Jogaejong and BojoJinul(普照知訥)·TaegoBou (太古普愚) the restorer of tradition and also says that Jogaejong succeedes Cheongheo(淸虛) and Buhyu(浮休). Between SakyaMuni and Doyi, there are several monks of Seocheon(西天)-28Choseol (祖說) and China-6Choseol(祖說). Jinul is highly praised for enhancing the atmosphere of performance of Jogaejong and Bou was regarded as the founder of Jogaejong since late Joseon dynasty. In modern times there were conflicts between Bojojongjoseol(普照宗祖說) and Taegojongjoseol(太古宗祖說), but today's Bubmaek(法脈) of Korean Buddhism was erected after the conflicts was controled. Jongtong of Daesoonjinrihoe was erected by Jo Jengsan(趙鼎山) Doju(道主) who was received Heaven's will through divine revelation. Dojeon(都典) succeeded Jongtong by Doju's will and he didn't say a word when he went to Heaven. So the succession of Jongtong is ended. The first characteristic of Jongtonglon of Daesoonjinrihoe is that the succession of Jongtong was decided by Heaven and has been expected from long ago. The second, Jongtonglon has the sacred characteristic which is not shown in Bubmaeklon. The third, the distinction between Yeonwun(淵源) and Yeonun(緣運) is not appeared in Bubmaeklon. The fourth, Jongtonglon has more anti-syncretic feature than Bubmaeklon. The fifth, Yeonun(緣運) and Bubmaeklon are different in that feature. As Jongtonglon occupies a prominent place in Daesoonjinrihoe, the understanding of it can contribute to grasp the doctrine and culture of Daesoonjinrihoe.

• 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 Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.15-24
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• 2007

Two kinds of temperature monitoring technology have been introduced in this study, which can measure coincidently temperatures at many points along a single length of cable. One is to use a thermal sensor cable comprizing of addressable thermal sensors. The other is to use an optic fiber sensor with Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system. The differences between two technologies can be summarized as follows: A thermal sensor cable has a concept of "point sensing" that can measure temperature only at a predefined position. The accuracy and resolution of temperature measurement are up to the capability of the individual thermal sensor. On the other hand, an optic fiber sensor has a concept of "distributed sensing" because temperature is measured practically at all points along the fiber optic cable by analysing the intensity of Raman back-scattering when a laser pulse travels along the fiber. Thus, the temperature resolution depends on the measuring distance, measuring time and spatial resolution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of two different temperature monitoring techniques in technical and economical sense. To this end, diverse experiments with two techniques were performed and two techniques are applied under the same condition. Considering the results, the thermal sensor cable will be well applicable to the assessment of groundwater flow, geothermal distribution and grouting efficiency within about loom distance, and the optic fiber sensor will be suitable for long distance such as pipe line inspection, tunnel fire detection and power line monitoring etc.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.84-95
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• 2022

Objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the controlled distraction-compression technique using an expandable titanium cage (ETC) in posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK). Methods : We retrospectively studied and collected data on 20 patients with PTK. From January 2014 to December 2017, the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC was consecutively performed in 20 patients with PTK of the thoracolumbar zone (range, 36-82 years). Among them, nine were males and 11 were females and the mean age was 61.5 years. The patients were followed regularly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and the last follow-up was more than 2 years after surgery. Results : The mean follow-up period was 27.3±7.3 months (range, 14-48). The average operation time was 286.8±33.1 minutes (range, 225-365). The preoperative regional kyphotic angle (RKA) ranged from 35.6° to 70.6° with an average of 47.5°±8.1°. The immediate postoperative mean RKA was 5.9°±3.8° (86.2% correction rate, p=0.000), and at the last follow-up more than 2 years later, the mean RKA was 9.2°±4.9° (80.2% correction rate, p=0.000). The preoperative mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 49.1°±9.2° and was corrected to an average of 8.8°±5.3° immediately after surgery (p=0.000). At the last follow-up, a correction of 11.9°±6.3° was obtained (p=0.000). The preoperative mean back visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.9±0.8 and at the last follow-up, the VAS score was improved to a mean of 2.3±1.0 with a 70.9% correction rate (p=0.000). The preoperative mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 32.3±6.9 (64.6%) and the last follow-up ODI score was improved to a mean of 6.85±2.9 (3.7%) with a 78.8% correction rate (p=0.000). The overall complication was 15%, with two of distal junctional fractures and one of proximal junctional kyphosis and screw loosening. However, there were no complications directly related to the operation. Conclusion : Posterior vertebral column resection through the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC showed safe and good results in terms of complications, and clinical and radiologic outcomes in PTK. However, to further evaluate the efficacy of this surgical procedure, more patients need long-term follow-up and there is a need to apply it to other diseases.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.74
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• pp.189-208
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• 2023

Spiritual direction is not a product created and developed by an individual, but a historical product that includes the church, believers, society, and the contexts of the times. Among the social changes related to spiritual direction, this study pays attention to monasticism and the Reformation. Focusing on these two social changes, this study analyzes the social dimension of spiritual direction indicated by the occurrence and change of spiritual direction and discusses its meaning. Around the time Christianity was officially recognized by the Roman Empire, monasticism began its long history, and Athanasius spread his ideal of monastic life and at the same time pursued the unity of the church and the monastic movement. Through this process, spiritual disciplines and educational models interacted and changed. During the Reformation period, Protestantism began to form new spiritual education and training. The Catholic Church pursued renewal through new concepts and practices of spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is being formed and recognized as a means of helping the spiritual life of individual Christians. The origin and change of spiritual direction mean that spiritual direction can be understood and applied differently reflecting the contexts and situations due to social interaction. Also, it should not be overlooked that spiritual direction can act as a cause of integration or division of the Korean Protestant churches.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.337-345
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• 2023

Monitoring river microplastics is a challenging task since it is a time-consuming and high-cost process. The use of a physical model to have a better understanding of river microplastics' behaviors can complement the challenging monitoring process. However, there have been very limited studies on modeling river microplastics. In this study, therefore, we evaluated the applicability of one commonly used river water quality model, i.e., the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP), in simulating the microplastic concentration in the river environment. We simulated the microplastic concentration in the Anyangcheon stream using the WASP's biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solid (SS) variables as possible surrogate variables for the microplastics. Simulation analyses indicate that the SS state variable performs better than the BOD state variable to mimic the observed concentrations of microplastics. This is because of the characteristics of each water quality parameter; the BOD variable, a biochemical indicator, is inappropriate for modeling the behaviors of microplastics, which have generally constant biochemical features. In contrast, the SS variable, which has similar physical behaviors, followed the observed patterns of the microplastic concentrations well. To build a more advanced and accurate model for simulating the microplastic concentration, comprehensive and long-term monitoring studies of the river microplastics under different environmental conditions are needed, and the unit of microplastic concentration should be carefully addressed before its modeling application.

• Journal of Advanced Information Technology and Convergence
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.115-125
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• 2019

In this paper, the image is received from the camera and the lane is sensed. There are various ways to detect lanes. Generally, the method of detecting edges uses a lot of the Sobel edge detection and the Canny edge detection. The minimum use of multiplication and division is used when designing for the hardware configuration. The images are tested using a black box image mounted on the vehicle. Because the top of the image of the used the black box is mostly background, the calculation process is excluded. Also, to speed up, YCbCr is calculated from the image and only the data for the desired color, white and yellow lane, is obtained to detect the lane. The median filter is used to remove noise from images. Intermediate filters excel at noise rejection, but they generally take a long time to compare all values. In this paper, by using addition, the time can be shortened by obtaining and using the result value of the median filter. In case of the Sobel edge detection, the speed is faster and noise sensitive compared to the Canny edge detection. These shortcomings are constructed using complementary algorithms. It also organizes and processes data into parallel processing pipelines. To reduce the size of memory, the system does not use memory to store all data at each step, but stores it using four line buffers. Three line buffers perform mask operations, and one line buffer stores new data at the same time as the operation. Through this work, memory can use six times faster the processing speed and about 33% greater quantity than other methods presented in this paper. The target operating frequency is designed so that the system operates at 50MHz. It is possible to use 2157fps for the images of 640by360 size based on the target operating frequency, 540fps for the HD images and 240fps for the Full HD images, which can be used for most images with 30fps as well as 60fps for the images with 60fps. The maximum operating frequency can be used for larger amounts of the frame processing.