• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.975-984
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• 2021

Objective: Inbreeding depression of reproduction is a major concern in the conservation of native chicken genetic resources. Here, based on the successful development of strongly inbred (Sinb) and weakly inbred (Winb) Langshan chickens, we aimed to evaluate inbreeding effects on reproductive traits and identify candidate genes involved in inbreeding depression of reproduction in Langshan chickens. Methods: A two-sample t-test was performed to estimate the differences in phenotypic values of reproductive traits between Sinb and Winb chicken groups. Three healthy chickens with reproductive trait values around the group mean values were selected from each of the groups. Differences in ovarian and hypothalamus transcriptomes between the two groups of chickens were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Results: The Sinb chicken group showed an obvious inbreeding depression in reproduction, especially for traits of age at the first egg and egg number at 300 days (p<0.01). Furthermore, 68 and 618 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the hypothalamus and ovary between the two chicken groups, respectively. In the hypothalamus, DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to vitamin metabolism, signal transduction and development of the reproductive system, such as the riboflavin metabolism, Wnt signaling pathway, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, including stimulated by retinoic acid 6, serpin family F member 1, secreted frizzled related protein 2, Wnt family member 6, and frizzled class receptor 4 genes. In the ovary, DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways associated with basic metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycosaminoglycan degradation. A series of key DEGs involved in folate biosynthesis (gamma-glutamyl hydrolase, guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1), oocyte meiosis and ovarian function (cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1, structural maintenance of chromosomes 1B, and speedy/RINGO cell cycle regulator family member A), spermatogenesis and male fertility (prostaglandin D2 synthase 21 kDa), Mov10 RISC complex RNA helicase like 1, and deuterosome assembly protein 1) were identified, and these may play important roles in inbreeding depression in reproduction. Conclusion: The results improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression in chicken reproduction and provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of species resources.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.125-134
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• 2019

Background: Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats. Methods: Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60-70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-${\alpha}$), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

• 한국지하수토양환경학회지:지하수토양환경
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.90-103
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• 2018

Although fluoride is an essential trace element, ingestion of excessive amount of fluoride could have detrimental effect on human health. Generally, the bioavailability of fluoride in soils was low, but it could be harmful to the environment depending on the soil properties. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the concentration distribution, and fate and transport characteristics of fluoride to establish a resonable management strategy for fluoride pollution. This study was conducted to evaluate nationwide fluoride distribution in soils in Korea, as well as its fate and transport characteristics. The average background concentration was 204.5 (15.3~504.8) mg/kg, which is lower than the values of foreign soils. For the three regions of different land use, the average concentration was 229.6 mg/kg in region 1, 195.7 mg/kg in region 2, and 273.4 mg/kg in region 3. The concentration of fluoride was the highest in soils from Youngnam block within tectonic structure derived from metamorphic rocks. The results of sequential extraction to access F bioavailability showed fluoride in soils mainly existed as a residual form, which suggests the bioavailability of fluoride was relatively low. Soil properties such as soil pH, CEC, and clay content were found to affect F bioavailability of soil.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.494-502
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Reducing the number of adipocytes by inducing apoptosis of mature adipocytes as well as suppressing differentiation of preadipocytes plays an important role in preventing obesity. This study examines the anti-adipogenic and pro-apoptotic effect of red pepper seed water extract (RPS) prepared at $4^{\circ}C$ (RPS4) in 3T3-L1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: Effect of RPS4 or its fractions on lipid accumulation was determined in 3T3-L1 cells using oil red O (ORO) staining. The expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and adipogenic associated proteins [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-${\gamma}$ ($PPAR-{\gamma}$), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins ${\alpha}$ (C/EBP ${\alpha}$), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC)] were measured in 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. Apoptosis and the expression of Akt and Bcl-2 family proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), Bcl-2 like protein 4 (Bax), Bal-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak)] were measured in mature 3T3-L1 cells treated with RPS4. RESULTS: Treatment of RPS4 ($0-75{\mu}g/mL$) or its fractions ($0-50{\mu}g/mL$) for 24 h did not have an apparent cytotoxicity on pre and mature 3T3-L1 cells. RPS4 significantly suppressed differentiation and cellular lipid accumulation by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and reducing the expression of $PPAR-{\gamma}$, C/EBP ${\alpha}$, SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC. In addition, all fractions except ethyl acetate fraction significantly suppressed cellular lipid accumulation. RPS4 induced the apoptosis of mature adipocytes by hypophosphorylating Akt, increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak, Bax, and Bad, and reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and p-Bad. CONCLUSIONS: These finding suggest that RPS4 can reduce the numbers as well as the size of adipocytes and might useful for preventing and treating obesity.

• 상하수도학회지
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.503-512
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• 2020

Identifying the water circulation status is one of the indispensable processes for watershed management in an urban area. Recently, various water circulation models have been developed to simulate the water circulation, but it takes a lot of time and cost to make a water circulation model that could adapt the characteristics of the watershed. This paper aims to develop a water circulation state estimation model that could easily calculate the status of water circulation in an urban watershed by using multiple linear regression analysis. The study watershed is a watershed in Seoul that applied the impermeable area ratio in 1962 and 2000. And, It was divided into 73 watersheds in order to consider changes in water circulation status according to the urban characteristic factors. The input data of the SHER(Similar Hydrologic Element Response) model, a water circulation model, were used as data for the urban characteristic factors of each watershed. A total of seven factors were considered as urban characteristic factors. Those factors included annual precipitation, watershed area, average land-surface slope, impervious surface ratio, coefficient of saturated permeability, hydraulic gradient of groundwater surface, and length of contact line with downstream block. With significance probabilities (or p-values) of 0.05 and below, all five models showed significant results in estimating the water circulation status such as the surface runoff rate and the evapotranspiration rate. The model that was applied all seven urban characteristics factors, can calculate the most similar results such as the existing water circulation model. The water circulation estimation model developed in this study is not only useful to simply estimate the water circulation status of ungauged watersheds but can also provide data for parameter calibration and validation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.408-419
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• 2021

Background: The decreased renal function is known to be associated with biological aging, of which the main pathological features are chronic inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis. In previous studies, we reported that total saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) can availably protect acute myocardial ischemia. We proposed that SPJs might have similar protective effects for aging-associated renal interstitial fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the overall effect of SPJs on renal fibrosis. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) aging rats were given SPJs by gavage beginning from 18 months old, at 10 mg/kg/d and 60 mg/kg/d, up to 24 months old. After the experiment, changes in morphology, function and fibrosis of their kidneys were detected. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and cystatin C (Cys C) were assayed with ELISA kits. The levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), inflammatory factors and changes of oxidative stress parameters were examined. Results: After SPJs treatment, SD rats showed significantly histopathological changes in kidneys accompanied by decreased renal fibrosis and increased renal function; As compared with those in 3-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in 24-month group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the 24-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in the SPJ-H group were significantly decreased. While ECM was reduced and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling were decreased; the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was down-regulated with reduced inflammatory factors; meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling was aggrandized. Conclusion: These results suggest that SPJs treatment can improve age-associated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad, NFκB signaling pathways and activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways and that SPJs can be a potentially valuable anti-renal fibrosis drug.

• 헤리티지:역사와 과학
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• 제55권2호
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• pp.186-197
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• 2022

여주 신륵사 대장각기비는 불경을 만들어 보관하던 곳인 대장각의 조성에 관한 기록이 적힌 고려시대의 비석이다. 비신은 변색이 일어나고 수십 개의 균열이 발생하였으며 부분적으로 결실되어 명문이 일부 훼손된 상태로 오랫동안 유지되어 왔다. 석조유산에 적용할 수 있는 비파괴분석법을 활용하여 대장각기비의 재질조사, 휴대용 X-선 형광분석, 초음파 물성진단을 실시하였다. 재질조사 결과, 비신은 담회색 결정질 석회암으로, 받침석, 지지석, 옥개석은 중조립질 흑운모화강암으로 구성되어 있음을 확인하였다. 대장각기비의 변색오염물은 휴대용 X-선 형광분석 결과 철(Fe)이 원인물질로 판단되었다. 분포양상으로 미루어 비신과 개석 사이에 철을 함유한 물질이 산화되어 흘러내리고 이후 생물이나 유기질 오염물이 부착되면서 황색과 흑색 오염물을 형성한 것으로 해석된다. 초음파 물성진단 결과, 신선한 암석(FR)부터 완전히 풍화된 암석(CW)까지 다양한 풍화도를 보였고 평균 풍화도지수는 3등급(보통)으로 산출되었다. 균열이 집중적으로 나타난 지점은 완전히 풍화된 단계(CW)로 판정되었고, 비신 상부와 하부에 분포하는 일부 균열은 위험도가 매우 높은 것으로 확인되었다. 균열에 대해서는 향후 거동 모니터링과 보강대책 수립이 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

• 한국지반환경공학회 논문집
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• 제23권12호
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• pp.5-15
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• 2022

이중 강-콘크리트 합성말뚝의 설계를 위한 지지력 평가 방법이 정립되지 않아 기존 강관말뚝 설계 지지력식이 활용되고 있다. 그러나 이들 설계식 간 지지력 예측 결과가 상이할 뿐만 아니라 일반적으로 가장 보수적인 결과를 채택하게 된다. 이러한 말뚝 지지력 평가방법은 설계의 신뢰성 및 경제성을 낮추게 된다. 본 논문은 수직하중을 받는 이중 강관 내 콘크리트 채움된 신형식 합성단면(DSCT) 말뚝의 역학적 거동을 수치해석적으로 조사하고, 여러 DSCT 말뚝 조건변화에 따른 연직지지력을 분석하였다. DSCT 말뚝 및 인접지반에 대한 축대칭 유한요소모델을 생성하였고, 이를 활용해 근입깊이, 말뚝 선단 채움재 강성, 말뚝 선단 채움재 높이, 기반암층 종류 변화에 따른 영향을 분석하였다. 또한 해석결과를 말뚝 설계 실무에서 주로 사용하는 선단 지지력 평가식과 비교하여 합성말뚝에 대한 기존 강관말뚝 지지력 산정식의 활용 가능성을 검토하였다.

• 대한치위생과학회지
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.25-33
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• 2022

Background: This study was aimed at investigating factors influencing the selection of dental institutions for implant surgery among young adults (age: 20-64 years) and identifying differences in these factors according to general characteristics. Methods: We conducted an internet survey for approximately 2 months, from April to July 2022, and analyzed data from a total of 128 people. Dental institution selection factors included three items of convenience of transportation, five items of physical environment, three items of image of institution, five items of image of dental staff, five items of dental service, and four items of basic dental elements. The importance score for each item was investigated on a five-point scale. Results: The importance score for each dental institution selection factor was the highest for dental service (4.42 points), followed by basic dental element (4.00 points), physical environment (3.89 points), image of institution (3.81 points), convenience of transportation (3.76 points), and image of dental staff (2.78 points). The importance score for each item was the highest for dentists' technique, followed by cleanliness, reliability, and dentists' attitude. Women had higher average scores for all factors compared to men, with statistical significance in scores for convenience of transportation, physical environment, image of institution, dental service, and basic dental elements (p< 0.05). Conclusion: To attract patients seeking implants to a dental institution, attention should be paid to the patients' institution selection factors. In addition, the environment of a dental institution should be created in such a way that it favors patients' selection factors.

• 자원환경지질
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.799-816
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• 2023

Mineralogical and geochemical studies of shales within the Lower Anambra Basin was conducted to unravel the depositional environment, provenance, maturity, paleo-weathering conditions, and tectonic settings. Mineralogical studies conducted using X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the samples were composed of kaolinite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and illite. KaolinIite is the dominant mineral, constituting approximately 41.5% of the bulk composition, whereas the non-clay minerals are quartz, ilmenite, and sillimanite. Geochemical analysis showed a predominance of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ contents of the shale samples with mean values of 52.29%, 14.09%, and 6.15% for Imo Shale (IS); 52.31%, 16.70%, and 7.39% for Mamu Shale (MS); 43.21%, 21.33%, and 10.36% for Enugu Shale (ES); 53.35%, 15.64%, and 7.17% for Nkporo Shale (NS); and 51.24%, 17.25%, and 7.78% for Agwu Shale (AS). However, the shales were depleted in Na₂O, MgO, K₂O, MnO, TiO₂, CaO, and P₂O₅. The trace element ratios of Ni/Co and Cu/Zn of the shale suggest an oxic depositional environment. The average SiO₂ vs. Al₂O₃ ratio of the shales indicated textural maturity. Compared to the PAAS standard, the shales plot below the PAAS value of 0.85, suggesting a high degree of maturity and intensive chemical weathering, further confirmed on a CIA vs. PIA plot. On log (K₂O/Na₂O) against SiO₂ and tectonic setting discriminant function diagrams, the shales plot mostly in the field of passive continental margin tectonic setting. The discriminant function diagrams as well as Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratio of the shales showed that they were derived from a mixed source (mafic and intermediate igneous rocks).