• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.210-218
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• 2018

Background: Soil respiration (Rs) is a major factor of the absorption and accumulation of carbon through photosynthesis in the ecosystem carbon cycle. This directly affects the amount of net ecosystem productivity, which affects the stability and sustainability of the ecosystem. Understanding the characteristics of Rs is indispensable to scientifically understand the carbon cycle of ecosystems. It is very important to study Rs characteristics through analysis of environmental factors closely related to Rs. Rs is affected by various environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, litter supply, organic matter content, dominant plant species, and soil disturbance. This study was conducted to analyze the effects of micro-topographical differences on Rs in forest vegetation by measuring the Rs on the ridge and southern slope sites of the broadly established Quercus mongolica forest in the central Korean area. Method: Rs, Ts, and soil moisture data were collected at the southern slope and ridge of the Q. mongolica forest in the Mt. Jeombong area in order to investigate the effects of topographical differences on Rs. Rs was collected by the closed chamber method, and data collection was performed from May 2011 to October 2013, except Winter seasons from November to April or May. For collecting the raw data of Rs in the field, acrylic collars were placed at the ridge and southern slope of the forest. The accumulated surface litter and the soil organic matter content (SOMC) were measured to a 5 cm depth. Based on these data, the Rs characteristics of the slope and ridge were analyzed. Results: Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation pattern in both the ridge and southern slope sites. In addition, Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation with high and low Ts changes. The average Rs measurements for the two sites, except for the Winter periods that were not measured, were $550.1\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the ridge site and $289.4\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the southern slope, a difference of 52.6%. There was no significant difference in the Rs difference between slopes except for the first half of 2013, and both sites showed a tendency to increase exponentially as Ts increased. In addition, although the correlation is low, the difference in Rs between sites tended to increase as Ts increased. SMC showed a large fluctuation at the southern slope site relative to the ridge site, as while it was very low in 2013, it was high in 2011 and 2012. The accumulated litter of the soil surface and the SOMC at the depth range of 0~5 cm were $874g\;m^{-2}$ and 23.3% at the ridge site, and $396g\;m^{-2}$ and 19.9% at the southern slope site. Conclusions: In this study, Rs was measured for the ridge and southern slope sites, which have two different results where the surface litter layer is disturbed by strong winds. The southern slope site shows that the litter layer formed in autumn due to strong winds almost disappeared, and while in the ridge site, it became thick due to the transfer of litter from the southern slope site. The mean Rs was about two times higher in the ridge site compared to that in the southern slope site. The Rs difference seems to be due to the difference in the amount of litter accumulated on the soil surface. As a result, the litter layer supplied to the soil surface is disturbed due to the micro-topographical difference, as the slope and the change of the community structure due to the plant season cause heterogeneity of the litter layer development, which in turn affects SMC and Rs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce and understand these micro-topographical features and mechanisms when quantifying and analyzing the Rs of an ecosystem.

• Journal of Climate Change Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.71-81
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• 2014

Using the Eddy Covariance technique, we analyzed seasonal variation in net ecosystem $CO_2$ exchange (NEE) and investigated the effects of environmental factors and aboveground biomass of rice on the $CO_2$ fluxes in a rice-barley double cropping paddy field of Gimje, Korea. Quality control and gap-filling were conducted before this investigation of the effects. The results have been showed that NEE, gross primary production (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Re) during the rice growing period were -215.6, 763.9, and $548.3g\;C\;m^{-2}$, respectively. Relation between NEE and net radiation (Rn) could be described by a quadratic equation, and about 65 % of variation in NEE was explained by changes in Rn. On the other hand, an exponential function relating Re to soil temperature accounted for approximately 43 % of variation in Re under the flooded condition of paddy field. Aboveground biomass showed significant linear relationships with NEE ($r^2=0.93$), GPP ($r^2=0.96$), and Re ($r^2=0.95$), respectively.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.596-606
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• 2019

The study investigated the physiochemical properties and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the sea tangle (Saccharina japonica) in a water extract before (STWE) and after (STFL) fermentation with Lactobacillus brevis. The pH values of STWE and STFL were 6.18 and 4.16, and the sugar contents were $8.50^{\circ}Brix$ and $7.40^{\circ}Brix$, respectively. The main free amino acids of STWE and STFL were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and alanine, and the ${\gamma}$-amino butyric acid (GABA) content was increased by fermentation. The total polyphenol contents of STWE and STFL were 498.29 and 615.77 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ml, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of STWE and STFL were markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner, and revealed about 89.89% and 96.94% activities, respectively, at 10% concentration (p<0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of STWE and STFL were also markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the activity of STFL was significantly increased when compared with STWE (p<0.05). The anti-inflammatory activity was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. STWE and STFL decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which had levels of about 189.90% and 174.69% at 1% concentration, respectively (p<0.05). The contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were decreased more by addition of STFL than by addition of STWE. The STWE and STFL showed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and these activities were increased by fermentation. Therefore, sea tangle extracts can be used as functional food materials.

• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.318-325
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• 2017

Alcoholic steatosis is a fundamental metabolic disorder and may precede the onset of more severe forms of alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we isolated enzymatichydrolysate from Semisulcospira libertine by alcalase hydrolysis and investigated the protective effect of Semisulcospira libertine hydrolysate on liver injury induced by alcohol in the mouse model of chronic and binge ethanol feeding (NIAAA). In an in vitro study, the hydrolysate protects HepG2 cells from ethanol toxicity. Liver damage was assessed by histopathological examination, as well as by quantitating activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). After the administration of S. libertina hydrolysate, fat accumulation and infiltration of inflammatory cells in liver tissues were significantly decreased in the NIAAA mouse model. The elevated levels of serum AST, ALT, and ALP activities, along with the lipid contents of a damaged liver, were recovered in experimental mice administrated with S. libertina hydrolysate, suggesting its role in blood enzyme activation and lipid content restoration within damaged liver tissues. Moreover, treatment with S. libertine hydrolysate reduced the expression rate of cyclooxygenase (COX-2), interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, and IL-6, which accelerate inflammation and induces tissue damage. All data showed that S. libertine hydrolysate has a preventive role against alcohol-induced liver damages by improving the activities of blood enzymes and modulating the expression of inflammation factor, suggesting S. libertine hydrolysate could be a commercially potential material for the restoration of hepatotoxicity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1273-1280
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• 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly population, and damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells due to oxidative stress contributes to the development of AMD. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer is one of the most widely used herbal medicines for the treatment of various diseases in Asian countries. Although recent studies indicated that treatment with G. uralensis can protect cells from oxidative stress, its mechanisms in RPE cells remain unknown. We evaluated the effect of a G. uralensis ethanol extract (GU) on $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative injury in ARPE-19 RPE cells. The GU pretreatment attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by $H_2O_2$, which was associated with induced expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). GU also suppressed $H_2O_2$-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. The inhibitory effect of GU on $H_2O_2$-induced apoptosis was associated with the protection of caspase-3 activation. Overall, GU appeared to protect RPE cells from oxidative injury by inhibiting DNA damage and reducing apoptosis. Further studies are needed to determine the regulation of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression, but our results suggest the possibility of using GU to reduce the risk of AMD.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.204-211
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• 2022

To produce a high quality crop, light is an essential environmental factor in greenhouse cultivation. In the winter season, solar radiation is weak than other season. Therefore, using supplemental light during a low radiation period can increase the crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to select the economical supplemental light source for greenhouse cultivation in pepper during the low radiation period. The green pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Super Cheongyang') was transplanted on 5 September 2019. Supplemental lighting treatment was conducted from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2020. RB LED (red and blue LED, red:blue = 7:3), W LED (white LED, R:G:B = 5:3:2), and HPS (high-pressure sodium lamp) were used as the supplemental light source. Non-treatment was used as the control. The plant height, SPAD, and number of nodes of pepper plants have no significant differences by supplemental light sources. However, the number of ramifications plants was the greatest in RB LED light source. Moreover, supplemental lighting increased photosynthesis of the pepper plant, and especially, the RB LED had the highest photosynthesis rate during supplemental lighting period. Also, the yield of pepper increased in the supplemental lighting treatment than in the control, and the RB LED had the greatest yield than other light sources. The electricity consumption was the highest in W LED and the lowest in HPS light. Through the economic analysis, the RB LED had high economic efficiency. In conclusion, these results suggest that using RB LED for supplemental light source during low radiation in pepper greenhouse increase the yield and economic feasibility.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.318-323
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• 2020

Purpose: To examine the relationship between total fat infiltration (TFI) rate, which quantifies the reduction of muscles around the spine and is an important factor for sarcopenia, and the factors affecting osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Materials and Methods: Patients treated for osteoporotic compression fractures of the lumber spine from January 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, this study included ninety-eight patients who were 1) diagnosed with osteoporosis with a bone mineral density (BMD) T score of less than 2.5 g/cm², 2) received vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for lumbar fractures, 3) involved one segment of the lumbar spine, and 4) were followed-up for more than one year. The TFI rate confirmed by analyzing magnetic resonance imagings with the Image J program was studied. Based on this, the relationship between the TFI of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles and the factors of osteoporosis were analyzed. Results: The mean TFI of the multifidus and erector spinae was 14.66±10.16. The spine BMD showed a positive correlation with the hip BMD, but a negative correlation with the TFI. A positive correlation was observed between the hip BMD and body mass index. In addition, vitamin D was positively correlated with both the hip and spine BMD but negatively correlated with the TFI rate. Conclusion: Muscle growth helps treat osteoporosis, and can prevent fractures that occur frequently in osteoporosis patients. Increasing the vitamin intake can also slow the progression of muscle atrophy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.965-972
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• 2022

This is a basic study to establish marine activity criteria based on the seakeeping performance of less than 10-tons fishing vessels. These vessels account for approximately 95% of Korea's currently registered fishing vessels, and accidents and loss of life are also occurring during marine activities such as navigation, and fishing. Accordingly, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has set a regulation of vessel traf ic control to restrict the operation of fishing vessels when the high seas watch takes effect, but it is applied equally without criteria according to the ship ton level and wave height; therefore, many differences may exist in ship fluctuations. Because the fluctuation of the ship owing to the wave height can be a factor in marine accidents by reducing the sense of boarding and performance of equipment, the seakeeping performance must be reviewed during waves to secure safe marine activities such as navigation and fishing. However, the review for the fishing vessel of established marine activity criteria based on the seakeeping performance is insufficient. Accordingly, the seakeeping performance was evaluated for a 10-ton class (G/T 9.77 tons) fishing vessel in Korea, and the level of marine activity according to the significant wave height and ship speed was interpreted by applying the operation and survival of the established seakeeping performance criteria. The analysis results indicated that the roll of the ship exceeded the operation criteria from 0.4m and the survival criteria from 2.2m. The pitch of the ship exceeded the operation criteria from 1.7m and did not exceed the survival criteria until 3.0m. However, the rolling exceeding the survival criteria from 2.2m may not be safe. Therefore, fishing vessels with less than 10-tons can leave before the high seas watch takes effect. However, they did not satisfy the criteria for evaluating the performance of the sea in relation to marine activities. Although this study was limitedly evaluated for 10-ton fishing vessels, it is expected to be of great help in preparing marine activity criteria.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.139-144
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of three different photoperiods on growth performance, blood properties, and stress indicators in broiler chicks between 1-7 days after hatching. Two hundred and fifty-two 1-day-old male broiler chicks (57.0±0.12 g) were divided into three treatments, with 4 replicates per treatment and 22 birds per replicate subjected to three different photoperiods of 24L, 22L/2D and 18L/6D. A light-emitting diode bulb served as the light source, with an illuminance of 30 lx. As an experimental diet, a commercial feed based on a corn-soybean meal, with 22% CP and 3,150 kcal/kg ME diet, and water were fed ad libitum. Body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and liver weight ratio showed a statistically significant difference between the 18L/6D and 24L treatments (P<0.05), but with no significant difference between the 22L/2D treatment and either the 24L or 18L/6D treatment. The breast meat ratio was 5.59% in the 18L/6D treatment group, which was lower than that of other treatment groups (P<0.05). The triglyceride levels were highest (P<0.05) in the 18L/6D treatment among treatments, but alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 22L/2D treatment than in the 24L treatment. Levels of cytokines, i.e., Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α did not show a significant difference among the treatments, but corticosterone content was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 24L treatment than in the 18L/6D treatment. In conclusion, 22 hours of lighting is appropriate between 1~7 days after hatching, considering growth performance and the overall health of broiler chicks.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the appropriate levels of crude protein (CP) and phytase in the diet of broiler chicks in order to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus contents in feces while maintaining performance of broilers. Six hundred forty-eight 1-day-old male broilers (41.9±0.91 g) had a total of 3 × 3 complex factor of 3 levels of CP (22%, 21%, 20%) and 3 levels of phytase (1,000, 800, 500 FTU/kg) in the diet. Divided into 9 treatments, 4 replications per treatment, 18 birds per replication, were completely randomly assigned and reared in a metabolic cage for 7 days. Seven-day-old body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) of broilers were significantly lower at CP 20% treatment (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower at CP 21% and phytase 800 FTU/kg treatment (P<0.05). Nitrogen and phosphorus contents in chicken excreta were significantly lower in CP 20% and phytase 500 FTU/kg treatment, respectively (P<0.05). Interactions between CP and phytase in the feed were shown for nitrogen and phosphorus in feces (P<0.05). In conclusion, considering the broiler performance and excretion contents of nitrogen and phosphorus, it is thought that CP and phytase levels of broiler chicks diet can be reduced by 21% and 800 FTU/kg, respectively.