• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2010

Recognizing a basal group in a taxon is one of the most important factors involved in understanding the evolutionary history of that group of life. Many botanists have suggested a sister to all other angiosperms to understand the origin and rapid diversification of angiosperms based on morphological and fossil evidence. Recent technical advances in molecular biology and the accumulation of molecular phylogenetic data have provided evidence of the extant basal-most angiosperm which is a sister to all other angiosperms. Although it is still arguable, most plant taxonomists agree that Amborella trichopoda Baill., a species (monotypic genus and monotypic family) distributed in New Caledonia, is a sister to all other extant angiosperms based on evidence from the following molecular approaches: 1) classical phylogenetic analyses based on multiple genes (or DNA regions), 2) analyses of a tree network of duplicated gene families, and 3) gene-structural evidence. As an alternative hypothesis with relatively minor evidence, some researchers have also suggested that Amborella and Nymphaeaceae form a clade that is a sister to all other angiosperms. Debate regarding the basal-most angiosperms is still ongoing and is currently one of the hot issues in plant evolutionary biology. We expect that sequencing of the whole genome of Amborella as an evolutionary model plant and subsequent studies based on this genome sequence will provide information regarding the origin and rapid diversification of angiosperms, which is Darwin's so called abominable mystery.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.37C no.12
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• pp.1318-1327
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• 2012

With the recent increased risk of livestock disease spread and human infection, livestock disease control has become very important. Consequently, there has been an increased attention on an implantable real-time monitoring and traceability system for individual cattle. Therefore, we have developed a robust monitoring and traceability system based on an implantable MFAN/RFID sensor tag. Our design combines the MFAN technology that is capable of robust wireless communication within cattle sheds and the 900MHz RFID technology that is capable of wireless communication without battery. In MFAN/RFID implantable sensor tag monitoring system, UHF sensor tag is implanted under the skin and accurately monitors the body temperature and biological changes without being affected by external environment. In order to acquire power needed by the tag, we install a MFAN/RFID tranceiver on the neck of cattle. The MFAN coordinator passes through the MFAN node and the RFID-reader-combined MFAN/RFID transceiver and transmits/receives the data and power for the sensor tag. The data stored in the MFAN coordinator is transmitted via the internet to the livestock history monitoring system, where it is stored and managed. By developing this system, we hope to alleviate the problems related to livestock disease control.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.101-113
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• 2011

Objectives : Trend of R&D of herbal medicine for dementia treatment was examined based on the quantitative information analysis for establishing the national strategy of research on dementia treatment with oriental medicine. Methods : Definition was made to clarify the technology for development of herbal medicine for dementia treatment. Based on the initial keyword provided by experts in the field, queries were compounded to conduct search in the search engines of WoS and DWPI. The raw data (papers or patents) extracted from the initial search were examined by expert-review before objects of analysis were determined. Then, the accumulated data was analyzed in terms of year, country and organization, which led to examination of the trend of R&D. And the research performance evaluation for dementia treatment technologies was also made in terms of country, organization and researcher based on the forward citation analysis. The international cooperation intensity was examined on the basis of analysis of network by researcher before analysis results were put together to select lead researchers. Results : According to the quantitative information analysis of 1,330 articles that were selected as analysis objects, the number of papers on natural products research for dementia treatment has increased by around 4.6 times in recent five years. This indicates that the intensive studies have been underway recently. It was found to be the US that had the highest level in research filed of herbal medicine for dementia treatment and the highest capacity of international cooperation for that purpose. On the contrary, Korea had the share of papers at 5.1%, the number of countries in cooperation research at 8, and the article quality index at 0.40, showing that the qualitative level was insufficient, compared to the quantitative outcome. In particular, Korea was found to have no intensity of international cooperation among researchers. In case of patent, the results of information analysis of 305 patents selected as analysis objects demonstrated that China had the highest share while Korea had the very low frequency of patent application quantitatively. Conclusions : In this study, the research to develop herbal medicine for dementia treatment has recently drawn much attention that has spread around the globe. Therefore, these results suggest establishing the strategy to develop technology for dementia treatment with oriental medicine in the future based on quantitative information analysis.

• Journal of Biomedical and Translational Research
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.116-124
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• 2018

Korean Native Pig (KNP) has a uniform black coat color, excellent meat quality, white colored fat, solid fat structure and good marbling. However, its growth performance is low, while the western origin Yorkshire pig has high growth performance. To take advantage of the unique performance of the two pig breeds, we raised crossbreeds (KNP ${\times}$ Yorkshire to make use of the heterotic effect. We then analyzed the liver transcriptome as it plays an important role in fat metabolism. We sampled at two stages: 10 weeks and at 26 weeks. The stages were chosen to correspond to the change in feeding system. A total of 16 pigs (8 from each stage) were sampled and RNA sequencing was performed. The reads were mapped to the reference genome and differential expression analysis was performed with edgeR package. A total of 324 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed (${\left|log2FC\right|}$ > 1 & q < 0.01), out of which 180 genes were up-regulated and 144 genes were down-regulated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the samples clustered according to stages. Functional annotation of significant DEGs (differentially expressed genes) showed that GO terms such as DNA replication, cell division, protein phosphorylation, regulation of signal transduction by p53 class mediator, ribosome, focal adhesion, DNA helicase activity, protein kinase activity etc. were enriched. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the DEGs functioned in cell cycle, Ras signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway etc. Twenty-nine transcripts were also part of the DEGs, these were predominantly Cys2His2-like fold group (C2H2) family of zinc fingers. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that there were three highly interconnected clusters, suggesting an enrichment of genes with similar biological function. This study presents the first report of liver tissue specific gene regulation in a cross-bred Korean pig.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.79-90
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• 2021

Landscape composition and structure are important factors determining biological diversity including pests and natural enemires in agricultural ecosystem. This study was conducted to indentify effect of landscape composition on occurrence of lepidopteran pest population in Geochang, Gyoungdnam. For this, orchard characteristics and management practices were surveyed in 80 conventional apple orchards in Geochang, Korea, along with the monitoring of pest population densities. The landscape features of each surveyed orchard also obtained by extracting information from the public-service map. Grapholita molesta was the most dominat and damaging pest followed by Phyllonorycter ringoniella and Carposina sasakii in trap catches. Adoxophyes paraorana occurrences were low. Farmers spray insecticides and fungicides ap. 12.4 times per year respectively while acaricides were sprayed 2.4 times. Major landscape features such as surrounding apple orchard or paddy field did not influence the pest populations but presence of plum, peach, wild peach, graph, and even abandoned orchards significantly resulted in higher pest population mostly on G. molesta. C. sasakii population was higher in orchards with grape, peach, and P. ringoniella with peach, grape, abandoned orchards and jujube. Results highlight the need of landscape management not only for the rural amenity but also for increasing functional diversity of agroecosystem as well as reducing pest population.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2021

Background: Asthma is an incurable hyper-responsive disease of the pulmonary system that is caused by various allergens, including indoor and outdoor stimulators. According to the Global Asthma Network, 339 million people suffered from asthma in 2018, with particularly severe forms in children. Numerous treatments for asthma are available; however, they are frequently associated with adverse effects such as growth retardation, neurological disorders (e.g., catatonia, poor concentration, and insomnia), and physiological disorders (e.g., immunosuppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis). Methods: Korean Red Ginseng has long been used to treat numerous diseases in many countries, and we investigated the anti-asthmatic effects and mechanisms of action of Korean Red Ginseng. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to 6 treatment groups: control, ovalbumin-induced asthma group, dexamethasone treatment group, and 3 groups treated with Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGWE) at 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Anti-asthmatic effects of KRGWE were assessed based on biological changes, such as white blood cell counts and differential counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum IgE levels, and histopathological changes in the lungs, and by examining anti-asthmatic mechanisms, such as the cytokines associated with Th1, Th2, and Treg cells and inflammation pathways. Results: KRGWE affected ovalbumin-induced changes, such as increased white blood cell counts, increased IgE levels, and morphological changes (mucous hypersecretion, epithelial cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration) by downregulating cytokines such as IL-12, IL-4, and IL-6 via GATA-3 inactivation and suppression of inflammation via NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE₂ pathways. Conclusion: KRGWE is a promising drug for asthma treatment.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.54 no.spc1
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• pp.1053-1060
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• 2021

Current water quality monitoring systems in Korea carried based on in-situ grab sample analysis. It is difficult to improve the current water quality monitoring system, i.e. shorter sampling period or increasing sampling points, because the current systems are both cost- and labor-intensive. One possible way to improve the current water quality monitoring system is to adopt a modeling approach. In this study, a modeling technique was introduced to support the current water quality monitoring system, and an artificial neural network model, the computational tool which mimics the biological processes of human brain, was applied to predict water quality of the river. The approach tried to predict concentrations of Total coliform at the outlet of the river and this showed, somewhat, poor estimations since concentrations of Total coliform were rapidly fluctuated. The approach, however, could forecast whether concentrations of Total coliform would exceed the water quality standard or not. As results, modeling approaches is expected to assist the current water quality monitoring system if the approach is applied to judge whether water quality factors could exceed the water quality standards or not and this would help proper water resource managements.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.108-117
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• 2023

Background: When particles are absorbed into the human body, they penetrate deep into the lungs and interact with the tissues of the body. Heavy metals in PM_2.5 can cause various diseases. The main source of PM_2.5 emissions in South Korea's atmosphere has been surveyed to be places of business. Objectives: The concentration of heavy metals in PM_2.5 near the Ulsan Industrial Complex was measured and a health risk assessment was performed for residents near the industrial complex for exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5. Methods: Concentrations of heavy metals in PM_2.5 were measured at four measurement sites (Ulsan, Mipo, Onsan, Maegok) near the industrial complexes. Heavy metals were analyzed according to the Air Pollution Monitoring Network Installation and Operation Guidelines presented by the National Institute of Environmental Research. Among them, only five substances (Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Cr⁶⁺) were targeted. The risk assessment was conducted on inhalation exposure for five age groups, and the excess cancer risk and hazard quotient were calculated. Results: In the risk assessment of exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5, As, Cd, and Cr⁶⁺ exceeded the risk tolerance standard of 10^-6 for carcinogenic hazards. The highest hazard levels were observed in Onsan and Mipo industrial complexes. In the case of non-carcinogenic hazards, Mn was identified as exceeding the hazard tolerance of 1, and it showed the highest hazard in the Ulsan Industrial Complex. Conclusions: This study presented a detailed health risk from exposure to heavy metals in PM_2.5 by industrial complexes located in Ulsan among five age groups. It is expected to be utilized as the basis for preparing damage control and industrial emission reduction measures against PM_2.5 exposure at the Ulsan Industrial Complex.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.682-697
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Tibetan tea is a kind of dark tea, due to the inherent complexity of natural products, the chemical composition and beneficial effects of Tibetan tea are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to unravel the composition of Tibetan tea using knowledge-guided multilayer network (KGMN) techniques and explore its potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic mechanisms in mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: The C57BL/6J mice were continuously gavaged with Tibetan tea extract (T group), green tea extract (G group) and ddH2O (H group) for 15 days. The activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mice was detected. Transcriptome sequencing technology was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects of Tibetan tea in mice. Furthermore, the expression levels of liver antioxidant and lipid metabolism related genes in various groups were detected by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. RESULTS: The results showed that a total of 42 flavonoids are provisionally annotated in Tibetan tea using KGMN strategies. Tibetan tea significantly reduced body weight gain and increased T-AOC and SOD activities in mice compared with the H group. Based on the results of transcriptome and qPCR, it was confirmed that Tibetan tea could play a key role in antioxidant and lipid lowering by regulating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism related pathways such as insulin resistance, P53 signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, fatty acid elongation and fatty acid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to use computational tools to deeply explore the composition of Tibetan tea and revealed its potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic mechanisms, and it provides new insights into the composition and bioactivity of Tibetan tea.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.34.1-34.19
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• 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis associated with ageing. Vitamin D has diverse biological effect on bone and cartilage, and observational studies have suggested it potential benefit in OA progression and inflammation process. However, the effect of vitamin D on OA is still contradictory. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in OA. Six-week-old male Wistar rats were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to induce OA. Pain severity, cartilage destruction, and inflammation were measured in MIA-induced OA rats. Autophagy activity and mitochondrial function were also measured. Vitamin-D (1,25(OH)₂D3) and celecoxib were used to treat MIA-induced OA rats and OA chondrocytes. Oral supplementation of vitamin D resulted in significant attenuations in OA pain, inflammation, and cartilage destruction. Interestingly, the expressions of MMP-13, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in synovial tissues were remarkably attenuated by vitamin D treatment, suggesting its potential to attenuate synovitis in OA. Vitamin D treatment in OA chondrocytes resulted in autophagy induction in human OA chondrocytes and increased expression of TFEB, but not LC3B, caspase-1 and -3, in inflamed synovium. Vitamin D and celecoxib showed a synergistic effect on antinociceptive and chondroprotective properties in vivo. Vitamin D showed the chondroprotective and antinociceptive property in OA rats. Autophagy induction by vitamin D treatment may be a promising treatment strategy in OA patients especially presenting vitamin D deficiency. Autophagy promoting strategy may attenuate OA progression through protecting cells from damage and inflammatory cell death.