• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.43-57
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• 2022

Advances in measurement techniques have reduced measurement costs and enhanced safety resulting in less uncertainty. For example, an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) based suspended sediment concentration (SSC) measurement technique is being accepted as an alternative to the conventional data collection method. In Korean rivers, horizontal ADCPs (H-ADCPs) are mounted on the automatic discharge monitoring stations, where SSC can be measured using the backscatter of ADCPs. However, automatic discharge monitoring stations and sediment monitoring stations do not always coincide which hinders the application of the new techniques that are not feasible to some stations. This work presents and analyzes H-ADCP-SSC models for 9 discharge monitoring stations in Korean rivers. In application of the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to sediment-related variables (catchment area, particle size distributions of suspended sediment and bed material, water discharge-sediment discharge curves) from 44 sediment monitoring stations, it is revealed that those characteristics can distinguish sediment monitoring stations regionally. Linking the two results, we propose a protocol determining the H-ADCP-SSC model where no H-ADCP-SSC model is available.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.628-635
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• 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. Methods: A total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. Results: Overall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4⁺ T-helper cells, CD19⁺ B-cells, and CD4⁺ and CD25⁺ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. Conclusion: Overall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.67-81
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• 2021

Grouting is used for reinforcement and waterproofing of soft ground to increase its bearing capacity, reduce the impacts of rising or lowering groundwater levels, and reduce subsidence due to vibration and general causes. This study investigated the enhancement of grout strength and hardening time by the addition of reinforcing fibers, and the development of non-cement grouting materials from blast furnace slag. An experiment was performed to measure the increase in grout strength resulting from the addition of 0.5% increments of aramid and carbon reinforcing fibers. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of grout increases with increasing content of reinforcing fiber. Comparison of three admixtures of finely powdered blast furnace slag and 10%, 20%, and 30% calcium hydroxide stimulating agent showed that the uniaxial compressive strength of the mixture increases with increasing content of alkaline stimulant; however, the strength was lower than for 100% pure cement. The reaction of calcium hydroxide with blast furnace slag powder, which increases the strength of the grout, is more effective if injected as a solution rather than a powder.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.63-69
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of present study was to investigate the vasorelaxant activities and mechanisms of action of the ethanol extract of P. yedoensis leaf (PYL) on isolated rat aortic rings. Methods : Dried P. yedoensis leaves were extracted 3 times with 100% ethanol for 3 h in a reflux apparatus. Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers containing 10 ml Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution. The rings were maintained at $37^{\circ}C$ and aerated with a mixture of 95% $O_2$ and 5% $CO_2$. Changes in their tension were recorded via isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system. Results : PYL relaxed the contraction of aortic rings induced by phenylephrine (PE, 1 ${\mu}M$) or KCl (60 mM) in a concentration dependent manner. However, the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-denuded aortic rings were lower than endothelium-intact aortic rings. And the vasorelaxant effects of PYL on endothelium-intact aortic rings were reduced by pre-treatment with $N{\omega}$-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 ${\mu}M$), methylene blue (10 ${\mu}M$), 1-H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-${\alpha}$]-quinoxalin-1-one (10 ${\mu}M$), tetraethylammonium (5 mM). In addition, PYL inhibited the contraction induced by extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted by PE or KCl in $Ca^{2+}$-free K-H solution. Conclusions : These results suggest that PYL exerts its vasorelaxant effects via the activation of Nitric Oxide (NO) formation by means of L-arginine and NO-cGMP pathways and via the blockage of receptor operated calcium channels, voltage dependent calcium channels and calcium-activated potassium channels.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.267-276
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• 2023

The main purpose of the current research is to develop an efficient two variables trigonometric shear deformation beam theory to investigate the buckling behavior of symmetric and non-symmetric functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) beam resting on an elastic foundation with various boundary conditions. The proposed theory obviates the use to shear correction factors as it satisfies the parabolic variation of through-thickness shear stress distribution. The composite beam is made of a polymeric matrix reinforced by aligned and distributed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with different patterns of reinforcement. The material properties of the FG-CNTRC beam are estimated by using the rule of mixture. The governing equilibrium equations are solved by using new analytical solutions based on the Galerkin method. The robustness and accuracy of the proposed analytical model are demonstrated by comparing its results with those available by other researchers in the existing literature. Moreover, a comprehensive parametric study is presented and discussed in detail to show the effects of CNTs volume fraction, distribution patterns of CNTs, boundary conditions, length-to-thickness ratio, and spring constant factors on the buckling response of FG-CNTRC beam. Some new referential results are reported for the first time, which will serve as a benchmark for future research.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.183-202
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• 2013

The demand of ginseng which has attracted many people for a long time has expanded further with great spotlight ; but it has caused anxiety of some safety-sensitive customers due to unavoidable pesticides and its weakness for disease and insect pest. On the other hand, sluggish studies on effective doses of ginseng and red ginseng which is produced and processed after hardship have worsened confusion of customers. Against this backdrop, this study is about to find out measures for safe ginseng cultivation and effective dose of white or red ginseng which are safely produced and reaches meaningful conclusions as follows ; As for a study to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides or to change them into environmentally-friendly products, ginseng cultivation utilizing Lime Sulfur complex might be an alternative. The effects of Lime Sulfur complex are great on ginseng seeding with under 200 times compound KHCO3 and five-year-old ginseng with over 200 times compound using NaHCO3. When using with green materials like Bordeaux mixture, there would be great potential to realize ginseng without pesticide use.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 2023

In this study, coffee waste was recycled into nitrogen-doped porous carbon fibers as an active material for high-energy EDLC (Electric Double Layer Capacitors). The coffee waste was mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone and dissolved into dimethylformamide. The mixture was then electrospun to fabricate coffee waste-derived nanofibers (Bare-CWNF), and carbonization process was followed under a nitrogen atmosphere at 900℃. Similar to Bare-CWNF, the as-synthesized carbonized coffee waste-derived nanofibers (Carbonized-CWNF) maintained its fibrous form while preserving the composition of nitrogen. The electrochemical performance was analyzed for carbonized coffee waste (Carbonized-CW)-, carbonized PAN-derived nanofibers (Carbonized-PNF)-, and Carbonized-CWNF-based electrodes in the operating voltage window of -1.0-0.0V, Among the electrodes, Carbonized-CWNF-based electrodes exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 123.8F g^-1 at 1A g^-1 owing to presence of nitrogen and porous structure. As a result, nitrogen-contained porous carbon fibers synthesized from coffee waste showed excellent electrochemical performance as electrodes for high-energy EDLC. The experimental designed in this study successfully demonstrated the recycling of the coffee waste, one of the plant-based biomass that causes the environmental pollution into high-energy materials, also, attaining the ecofriendliness.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.61-68
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• 2010

A pilot-scale model test was performed to estimate the availability of new material, Fe-loaded zeolite, as the filling material in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) against the contaminated groundwater with both Cd and Cr(VI). Aquifer was simulated by filling up a large scale soil tank with sands, and mobilizing the water flow by the head difference of water level in both ends of the tank. Then, the mixture of concentrated Cd and Cr(VI) solution was injected into the aquifer to form a contaminant plume, and its behavior through Fe-loaded zeolite barrier was monitored. The test results showed that Fe-loaded zeolite barrier successfully treated the contaminant plume containing both Cd and Cr(VI) and that the immobilized contaminants in the barrier were not desorbed or released. The results indicated that the Fe-loaded zeolite could be a promising material in PRBs against the multiple contaminants with different ionic forms like Cr(VI) and Cd.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.41-53
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• 2023

E171, a mixture of titanium dioxide, has been widely used as a food additive due to its whitening effect and low toxicity. However, it has been proven that E171 is no longer safe for public health. So far, there are insufficient studies on the toxic effects of E171 on organisms especially using standardized test methods. In this study, toxicity assessments of E171 to two aquatic species, water flea (Daphnia magna) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), were performed using modified standardized test methods based on the physicochemical properties of E171. The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and turbiscan stability index (TSI) were measured to ensure the dispersion stability of E171 in exposure media during the test period. The EC₅₀ for immobilization of water flea was 141.7 mg L^-1 while zebrafish was not affected until 100 mg L^-1 of E171. Measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities confirmed that E171 induced oxidative stress, leading to the activation of superoxide dismutase and catalase in both water flea and zebrafish, although the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes differed between species. These results suggested the potential risk of E171 to aquatic organisms and provided toxicological insights into the impacts of E171 on the environment.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.323-330
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• 2007

A simple and rapid HPLC method with fluorescence detection(FLD) for quantitation of penciclovir in human plasma using a monolithic column was developed and validated. Penciclovir and ganciclovir(internal standard, I.S.) were separated on a Chromolith column RP-18e ($4.6{\times}100mm$) with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of (A) methanol/50 mM sodium phosphate buffer containing 200 mg/L sodium dodecyl sulfate (3/97, pH 2.5) and (B) methanol/50 mM sodium phosphate buffer containing 200 mg/L sodium dodecyl sulfate (50/50, pH 2.5) at a flow gradient of $1.6{\sim}4.0mL/min$. The retention times of penciclovir and internal standard were less than 4.0 min. Calibration curve was linear ($R^2=0.9994$) over a concentration range of $0.1{\sim}5{\mu}g/mL$. Intra-day precision, accuracy and inter-day precision were 1.36~8.55 %, 92.8~100.0 % and 0.93~5.62 %, respectively with a limit of quantitation at $0.1{\mu}g/mL$. The present HPLC-FLD method is sensitive, precise and accurate. The method described herein has been successfully used for the bioequivalence study of a famciclovir formulation product after oral administration to healthy Korean volunteers.