• Environmental Sciences Bulletin of The Korean Environmental Sciences Society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 1997

The effect of various supplies of lead singly and in combination with aluminium on growth and chlorophyll biosynthesis was investigated in 7-day-old Vigna angularis seedlings. Expose to 50 uM Pb or more drastically reduced root elongation rate. Significant depressions in root growth was observed within 1 day and no recovery of growth was seen over the duration of treatment period. Root elongation decreased depending on the Pb concentrations. Root growth inhibition was stronger than shoot growth inhibition. The initiation of lateral roots appeared to be more sensitive to Pb than the growth of main roots. Inhibition of root and shoot elongation by Pb was lessened by combined exposure of Pb and Al, suggesting that the presence of Al reverse the inhibitory effect of Pb alone. With the histochemical sodium rhodizonate method the rate of Pb uptake was dependent on the Pb concentration and exposure time of the roots to Pb salts. Pb was first deposited on the root surface and then translocated radially in the root cap cells. During a longer Pb administration (up to 72 h) Pb penetration was nonuniform, with accumulation within the cortex or endodermis. There was drastic reduction in chlorophyll content by Pb. The Pb inhibition of chlorophyll synthesis was concentration dependent. $\delta-Aminolevulinic$ acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity exhibited distinct inhibition from control. Reduction in chlorophyll content was accompanied by proportional changes in ALAD activity. Chlorophyll content and ALAD activity were less affected by combined exposure of Pb and Al, suggesting that Al has a protective effect against the inhibiting action of Pb on photosynthetic activity.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.135-143
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• 2014

Exopeptidase active fractions from the hepatopancreas of the Argentina shortfin squid Illex argentinus, were obtained with acetone (AC 30-40%), ammonium sulfate (AS 60-70% saturation), anion exchange chromatography (AE-II, 0.2 M NaCl) and gel filtration chromatography (GF-I, 30-50 kDa) fractionation methods. A bitter peptide solution that has a bitterness equivalent to that of 2% glycylphenylalanine and prepared by tryptic hydrolysis of milk casein, was treated with the exopeptidase active fractions. The GF-I fraction was the best based on aminopeptidase activity (35.3 U/mg), percentage of recovery (30.7%) and a sensory evaluation (1.7). The amount of released amino acids increased as incubation time increased, and the bitterness of the enzyme reaction mixtures decreased. Incubation with the GF-I fraction for 24 h resulted in the hydrolysis of several peptides as revealed by the reverse-phase high performance liguid chromatography profile, with three peaks (3, 5 and 6) decreasing in area (%) and three peaks (1, 2 and 4) increasing in area (%). Therefore, the GF-I fraction appeared to be ideally suited to reduce bitterness in protein hydrolysates by catalyzing the hydrolysis of bitter peptides.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.1886-1900
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• 2018

This paper proposes a confronting feedback control structure and controllers for positive output elementary super lift Luo converters (POESLLCs) working in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The POESLLC offers the merits like high voltage transfer gain, good efficiency, and minimized coil current and capacitor voltage ripples. The POESLLC working in DCM holds the value of not having right half pole zero (RHPZ) in their control to output transfer function unlike continuous conduction mode (CCM). Also the DCM bestows superlative dynamic response, eliminates the reverse recovery troubles of diode and retains the stability. The proposed control structure involves two controllers respectively to control the voltage (outer) loop and the current (inner) loop to confront the time-varying ON/OFF characteristics of variable structured systems (VSSs) like POESLLC. This study involves two different combination of feedback controllers viz. the proportional integral controller (PIC) plus sliding mode controller (SMC) and the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) plus SMC. The state space averaging modeling of POESLLC in DCM is reviewed first, then design of PIC, FLC and SMC are detailed. The performance of developed controller combinations is studied at different working states of the POESLLC system by MATLAB-Simulink implementation. Further the experimental corroboration is done through implementation of the developed controllers in PIC 16F877A processor. The prototype uses IRF250 MOSFET, IR2110 driver and UF5408 diodes. The results reassured the proficiency of designed FLC plus SMC combination over its counterpart PIC plus SMC.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.404-416
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• 2017

Objective : Functional and neural tissue recovery has been reported in many animal studies conducted with stem cells. However, the combined effect of cytokines and stem cells has not yet been adequately researched. Here, we analyzed the additive effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) infusion in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Methods : Four days after intrathecal infusion tubes implantation in Sprague-Dawley rats, SCI was induced with an infinite horizon impactor. In the Sham group (n=5), phosphate-buffered saline was injected 3, 7, and 14 days after SCI. GCSF, ADSCs, and ADSCs with GCSF were injected at the same time in the GCSF (n=8), ADSC (n=8), and ADSC+GCSF groups (n=7), respectively. Results : The ADSC and ADSC+GCSF groups, but not the GCSF group, showed significantly higher Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores than the Sham group during 8 weeks (p<0.01), but no significant difference between the ADSC and ADSC+GCSF groups. In the ladder rung test, all four groups were significantly different from each other, with the ADSC+GCSF group showing the best improvement (p<0.01). On immunofluorescent staining (GAP43, MAP2), western blotting (GAP43), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (GAP43, nerve growth factor), the ADSC and ADSC+GCSF groups showed higher levels than the Sham and GCSF groups. Conclusion : Our analyses suggest that the combination of GCSF and ADSCs infusions in acute SCI in the rat does not have a significant additive effect. Hence, when combination agents for SCI stem cell therapy are considered, molecules other than GCSF, or modifications to the methodology, should be investigated.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.2019-2027
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• 2017

Recently, cabbage kimchi has occasionally been associated with the foodborne diseases of enteric viruses such as human norovirus (HuNoV). This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between microbial/physicochemical properties and persistence of HuNoV in experimentally contaminated cabbage kimchi fermented and stored at $4^{\circ}C$ or $10^{\circ}C$ for 28 days. Changes in organic acid content, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acidity, pH, and salinity were analyzed. The recovery of structurally intact HuNoV was examined for up to 28 days post-inoculation, using a NoV GII.4 monoclonal antibody-conjugated immuno-magnetic separation method combined with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. On day 0, LAB loads were $4.70log_{10}$ colony forming units/g and HuNoV GII.4 titers were $2.57log_{10}\;genomic\;copies/{\mu}l$, at both temperatures. After 28 days, intact HuNoV titers decreased to 1.58 ($4^{\circ}C$) and $1.04(10^{\circ}C)log_{10}\;genomic\;copies/{\mu}l$, whereas the LAB density increased. This correlated with a gradual increase in lactic acid and acetic acid at both temperatures. Our findings support a statistical correlation between changes in physicochemical properties and the recovery of structurally intact HuNoV GII.4. Moreover, we determined that the production of organic acid and low pH could affect HuNoV GII.4 titers in cabbage kimchi during fermentation. However, HuNoV GII.4 was not completely eliminated by microbial/physicochemical factors during fermentation, although HuNoV GII.4 was reduced. Based on this, we speculate that the persistence of HuNoV GII.4 may be affected by the continually changing conditions during kimchi fermentation.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.505-512
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• 2018

Purpose: Many reconstruction methods have been attempted after an en-bloc resection of the proximal humerus. In particular, the introduction of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has made a breakthrough in the functional recovery of the shoulder. Nevertheless, RSA has limitations when the humeral bone stock loss is significant. In addition, it is unclear if RSA is effective in patients showing failure with non-operative treatment of a proximal humeral tumor. Materials and Methods: A reconstruction was performed using an overlapping allograft-RSA composite for 11 patients with a failed proximal humeral construct. Delayed RSA was performed on 6 patients with failed non-operative treatment. The pre- and postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score and the complications were addressed. Results: Overlapping allograft-RSA composite afforded a stable construct in 11 failed proximal humeral reconstructions and the patient's chief complaints were resolved. The mean time to the union of overlapped allograft-host junction was 5.5 months. Average preoperative MSTS score of 20.3 point increased to 25.7 point, postoperatively. Four of the six patients who had RSA within 4 years from the index operation showed arm elevation of more than $90^{\circ}$ whereas the remaining 5 patients showed some disability. The complications include one case each of dislocation and aseptic infection, which were resolved by changing the polyethylene liner and scar revision, respectively. None of the 6 patients who underwent delayed RSA after the failure of non-operative treatment showed arm elevation more than $90^{\circ}$. Conclusion: An overlapping allograft-RSA composite is a simple and reliable reconstructive modality in patients with massive bone loss. In patients with metastatic cancer necessitating a surgical resection at presentation, early conversion to RSA is recommended to secure functional recovery.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.97-108
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• 1996

A new type of passive samplers were designed and produced by authors. After evaluating the quality of activated carbon by measuring recovery rate of organic vapors and steadiness of sampling rate, activated carbon with 30 - 35 mesh produced by Company S in Korea was selected. In each passive sampler, an amount of 400 mg of the activated carbon was filled in 25-mm cassette and covered by fixed screen (or wire screen with 100 mesh). In addition to the fixed screen, a wind screen (or wire screen with 300 mesh) was also attached at outer face. The sampling rate of the new Korean passive samplers was estimated Conclusions obtained in the study are as follows. 1. Sampling rates of the newly developed Korean passive samplers were affected by sampling time. For n-hexane, sampling rates of 15- and 60-minute samples were 70.92 and 37.45 ml/min, respectively. Sampling rate of both 200- and 450-minute samples was 25.96 ml/min. It is concluded that, when passive samplers are used for measuring organic vapors, samples be collected longer than 60 minutes. 2. Sampling rate of the passive samplers was also affected by airborne concentration of organic vapors. Lower sampling rates were determined at level of 1/2 threshold limit values (TLVs) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). It is recommended that sampling rate of the passive samplers be obtained at site by measuring concentrations using both the NIOSH Method and passive samplers simultaneously. 3. When the passive samplers, which collected organic vapors, were exposed to clean air for five hours, there was no significant loss of organic vapors due to reverse diffusion. 4. When samples were stored at room temperature ($21.8{\pm}0.7^{\circ}C$) and refrigerator ($3.8{\pm}0.7^{\circ}C$), there was no significant difference in the accuracy of results. For trichloroethylene and n-hexane, accuracies were within 25 % at both temperatures until seven days. However, poor accuracy exceeding 25 % was indicated in toluene from the first day. It is recommended that samples be stored at freezing temperature below $0^{\circ}C$. 5. Sampling efficiency was significantly affected by direction of the passive samplers. Results of samplers facing wind and down, respectively, were compared. Lower amount of organic vapors were collected when the sampler was oriented down. It is recommended that, when air velocity is low in plants, the passive samplers be oriented to the wind. However, when air velocity is high, the passive samplers be oriented down.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.11-22
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• 2013

Objectives: The present investigation aimed at examining if post-cancer treatment with a potentized homeopathic drug, Condurango 30C, which is generally used to treat oesophageal cancer, could also show an ameliorating effect through apoptosis induction on lung cancer induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: Lung cancer was induced after four months by chronic feeding of BaP to rats through gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for one month. After four months, the lung-cancer-bearing rats were treated with Condurango 30C for the next one ($5^{th}$), two ($5^{th}-6^{th}$) and three ($5^{th}-7^{th}$) months, respectively, and were sacrificed at the corresponding time-points. The ameliorating effect, if any, after Condurango 30C treatment for the various periods was evaluated by using protocols such as histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), annexinV-FITC/PI assay, flow cytometry of the apoptosis marker, DNA fragmentation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses of lung tissue samples. Results: Striking recovery of lung tissue to a near normal status was noticed after post-cancerous drug treatment, as evidenced by SEM and histology, especially after one and two months of drug treatment. Data from the annexinV-FITC/PI and DNA fragmentation assays revealed that Condurango 30C could induce apoptosis in cancer cells after post-cancer treatment. A critical analysis of signalling cascade, evidenced through a RT-PCR study, demonstrated up-regulation and down-regulation of different pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, respectively, related to a caspase-3-mediated apoptotic pathway, which was especially discernible after one-month and two-month drug treatments. Correspondingly, Western blot and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the ameliorative potential of Condurango 30C by its ability to down-regulate the elevated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, a hallmark of lung cancer. Conclusion: The overall result validated a positive effect of Condurango 30C in ameliorating lung cancer through caspase-3-mediated apoptosis induction and EGFR down-regulation.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.716-722
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• 2014

Aminopeptidase-active fractions from crude extract of the hepatopancreas of a common squid (Todarodes pacificus) were obtained using acetone (AC; 30-40%) and ammonium sulfate precipitation (AS; 60-70% saturation), anion exchange (AE-II; 0.2 M NaCl) and gel filtration chromatography (GF-I; 30-50 kDa), respectively. The debittering capacity of GF-I fraction based on the aminopeptidase activity (89.2 U/mg), recovery (56.6%) and sensory evaluation (1.0) was better than that of other fractions. Release of amino acids increased as incubation time was increased, and the bitterness of the enzyme reaction mixtures decreased. Incubation with the GF-I fraction for 24 h resulted in the hydrolysis of several peptides, as revealed by reverse-phase HPLC profiles. Peaks 3, 5 and 6 showed the decreased area (%), whereas peaks 1, 2 and 4 showed the increased area. The GF-I fractions were found to be suitable for reducing bitterness in protein hydrolysates by catalyzing the hydrolysis of bitter peptides.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.286-290
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• 2009

The transcription of mRNA of avian influenza virus is regulated temporally during infection. Therefore, the measurement of transcript level in host cells should be performed before viral release from host cells because errors can occur in the analysis of the transcript levels if the viruses released from the infected cells re-infect cells. In this study, the timing of viral release was determined by measuring the level of viral RNA from viruses released from H9N2-infected chicken fibroblast cell line UMNSAH/DF-1 by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The viral genomic RNA was isolated together with mouse total RNA which was added to the collected medium as carrier to monitor the viral RNA recovery and to use its GAPDH as an internal control for normalizing reverse transcription reaction as well as PCR reaction. It was found that viral release of H9N2 in the chicken fibroblast cell line UMNSAH/DF-1 took between 16 and 20 h after infection. We measured all 8 viral mRNA levels. Of the 8 transcripts, 7 species of viral mRNAs (each encoding HA, NA, PB1, PB2, NP, M, NS, respectively) except PA mRNA showed robust amplification, indicating these mRNA can be used as targets for amplification to measure transcript levels. These results altogether suggest that the method in this study can be used for screening antiviral materials against viral RNA polymerase as a therapeutic target.