• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.249-268
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• 2005

Drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in the metabolism, elimination and detoxification of xenobiotics and drugs introduced into the human body. Most of the tissues and organs in our body are well equipped with diverse and various DMEs including phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes and phase III transporters, which are present in abundance either at the basal unstimulated level, and/or are inducible at elevated level after exposure to xenobiotics. Recently, many important advances have been made in the mechanisms that regulate the expression of these drug metabolism genes. Various nuclear receptors including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), orphan nuclear receptors, and nuclear factor-erythoroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) have been shown to be the key mediators of drug-induced changes in phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes as well as phase III transporters involved in efflux mechanisms. For instance, the expression of CYP1 genes can be induced by AhR, which dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) , in response to many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). Similarly, the steroid family of orphan nuclear receptors, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), both heterodimerize with the ret-inoid X receptor (RXR), are shown to transcriptionally activate the promoters of CYP2B and CYP3A gene expression by xenobiotics such as phenobarbital-like compounds (CAR) and dexamethasone and rifampin-type of agents (PXR). The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), which is one of the first characterized members of the nuclear hormone receptor, also dimerizes with RXR and has been shown to be activated by lipid lowering agent fib rate-type of compounds leading to transcriptional activation of the promoters on CYP4A gene. CYP7A was recognized as the first target gene of the liver X receptor (LXR), in which the elimination of cholesterol depends on CYP7A. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as a bile acid receptor, and its activation results in the inhibition of hepatic acid biosynthesis and increased transport of bile acids from intestinal lumen to the liver, and CYP7A is one of its target genes. The transcriptional activation by these receptors upon binding to the promoters located at the 5-flanking region of these GYP genes generally leads to the induction of their mRNA gene expression. The physiological and the pharmacological implications of common partner of RXR for CAR, PXR, PPAR, LXR and FXR receptors largely remain unknown and are under intense investigations. For the phase II DMEs, phase II gene inducers such as the phenolic compounds butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), green tea polyphenol (GTP), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and the isothiocyanates (PEITC, sul­foraphane) generally appear to be electrophiles. They generally possess electrophilic-medi­ated stress response, resulting in the activation of bZIP transcription factors Nrf2 which dimerizes with Mafs and binds to the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE) promoter, which is located in many phase II DMEs as well as many cellular defensive enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with the subsequent induction of the expression of these genes. Phase III transporters, for example, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2) are expressed in many tissues such as the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain, and play crucial roles in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. The orphan nuclear receptors PXR and GAR have been shown to be involved in the regulation of these transporters. Along with phase I and phase II enzyme induction, pretreatment with several kinds of inducers has been shown to alter the expression of phase III transporters, and alter the excretion of xenobiotics, which implies that phase III transporters may also be similarly regulated in a coordinated fashion, and provides an important mean to protect the body from xenobiotics insults. It appears that in general, exposure to phase I, phase II and phase III gene inducers may trigger cellular 'stress' response leading to the increase in their gene expression, which ultimately enhance the elimination and clearance of these xenobiotics and/or other 'cellular stresses' including harmful reactive intermediates such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), so that the body will remove the 'stress' expeditiously. Consequently, this homeostatic response of the body plays a central role in the protection of the body against 'environmental' insults such as those elicited by exposure to xenobiotics.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.547-557
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• 1996

Background : An excessive accumulation of neutrophils in lung tissue has been known to play an important role in mediating the tissue injury among the adult respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis by releasing toxic oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes. Therefore, it is important to understand a possible mechanism of neutrophil accumulation in lung tissue. In many species, exposure to hyperoxic stimuli can cause changes of lung tissues very similar to human adult respiratory distress syndrome and neutrophils are also functioning as the main effector cells in hyperoxic lung injury. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether neutrophils function as a key effector cell and to study the nature of possible neutrophil chemotactic factors found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the hyperoxia exposed rats. Methods : We exposed the rats to the more than 95% oxygen for 24, 48, 60 arid 72 hours and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) was performed. Neutrophil chemotactic activity was measured from the BAT- fluid of each experimental groups. We also evaluated the molecular weight of neutrophil chemotactic tractors using fast performance liquid chromatography and characterized the substances by dialyzer membrane and heat treatment. Results : 1) The neutrophil proportions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid began to rise from 48 hours after oxygen exposure, and continued to be significantly increased with exposure times. 2) chemotactic index for neutrophils in lung lavages from rats exposed to hyperoxia was significantly higher in 48 hours group than in control group, and was significantly increased with exposure time. 3) No deaths occured until after 48 hours of exposure. However, mortality rates were increased to 33.3 % in 60 hours group and 81.3 % in 72 fours group. 4) Gel filtration using fast performance liquid chromatography disclosed two peaks of neutrophil chemotactic activity in molecular weight of 104,000 and 12,000 daltons. 5) Chemotactic indices of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly deceased when bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was treated with heat ($56^{\circ}C$ for 30 min or $100^{\circ}C$ for 10 min) or dialyzed (dialyzer membrane molecular weight cut off : 12,000 daltons). Conclusion : These results suggested that the generation of neutrophil chemotactic factor and subsequent neutrophil influx into the lungs are playing an important roles in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury. Neutrophil chemotactic factor in the lung lavage fluids consisted of several distinct components having different molecular weight and different physical characteristics.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.26-27
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• 2018

With entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol to promote the fair sharing of the benefits of accessing and utilizing genetic resources, much support has been given to research on the development of biomaterials and products using domestic natural resources. Conservation and resource-saving of native species became very important through Nagoya Protocol enactment. The trend of cosmetic industry has been shifing from use synthetic chemicals to natural biomaterials, due to the safety regulations on new materials, ban on animal experiments, and expansion of cosmeceuticals range. In addition, functional cosmetic range has been expanded from whitening, wrinkle improvement, and ultraviolet shielding, to hair loss, hair loss alleviation, acne relaxation, and moisturizing of atopic skin, thus causing the activation of research about field of efficacy evaluation on natural biomaterials and commercialization. Chungbuk province is fostering the bio industry as a key industry for regional economic growth. For this purpose, Osong Biotechnology Complex/Ochang Science Industrial Complex in middle area, Jecheon biovalley in northern region, and Chungju Enterprise city have been established, thus playing a pivotal role in Bio innovative cluster in Korea. In particular, it was established the osong cosmetics clinical research support center to develop the cosmetics industry in chungbuk, thereby supporting clinical trials, efficacy evaluations, overseas certification, and overseas market entry in order to advance into the global market. In addition, oriental plants such as astragalus propinquus, schisandra chinensis, eucommia, alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus and biancaea sappan are being actively studied as global cosmetic ingredients through the promotion of various national research and development projects using natural materials in chungbuk province. The chungbuk natural product industry is expected to grow further throughout cosmetics industry development in the future, as companies and research institutes are actively promoting the secure index of effective material in natural products and effective material commercialization.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.57-65
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• 2016

Maeul-soop(Village forest) is a key element of Korean traditional village landscape historically and culturally. However, a number of Maeul-soops have been lost or declined due to various influences since the modern age. For this Maeul-soop that has a variety of conservation values including historical, cultural and ecological ones, attention and efforts for a systematic conservation and restoration of Maeul-soop are needed. The purpose of the present study is to provide information on ecological restoration and sustainable use and management of Maeul-soops based on component plant species, habitat and location characteristics of 499 Maeul-soops spread throughout Korea. Major six categories of threat factors to Maeul-soop ecosystem were identified and the influence of each factor was evaluated. For the evaluation of weight by threat factors for the influence on the vulnerability of Maeul-soop ecosystem, more three-dimensional analysis was conducted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis method. In the results of evaluation using AHP analysis method, reduction of area, among six categories, was spotted as the biggest threat to existence of Maeul-soops. Next, changes in topography and soil environment were considered as a threat factor of qualitative changes in Maeul-soop ecosystem. Influence of vegetation structure and its qualitative changes on the loss or decline of Masul-soop was evaluated to be lower than that of changes in habitat. Based on weight of each factor, the figures were converted with 100 points being the highest score and the evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soop was conducted with the converted figures. In the result of evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soops, grade III showed the highest frequency and a normal distribution was formed from low grade to high grade. 38 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade I which showed high naturality and 10 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade V as their maintenance was threatened. Also in the results of evaluation of vulnerability of each Maeul-soop, restoration of Maeul-soop's own area was found as top priority to guarantee the sustainability of Maeul-soops. It was confirmed that there was a need to prepare a national level ecological response strategy for each vulnerability factor of Maeul-soop, which was important national ecological resources.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.63-84
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• 2022

One of the ancient nomadic cultures, the Saka is generally regarded as an important intermediary in the ancient Eurasian cultural network. This study is the reinterpretation of the excavations conducted on the Katartobe tombs site of the Saka culture through a joint three-year-long project by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Korea in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Research Institute under the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main discussion of the study deals with the burial rituals performed by the community who built the Katartobe tombs by the comparison and review of the various researches on the Saka tombs based on the archaeological artifacts discovered during excavation. The research has shown that the Saka tribes maintained the tradition of burying domesticated animals, such as horses, with its owner and performed burial rituals which often involved the use of fire. The archaeological remains of the Saka also show that the burial rituals like these formed the key aspect of their cultural heritage. The archaeological discoveries also show that the Saka mourners built wooden cists under a single mound when they needed to bury multiple corpses at once and sustained the practice of excarnation when burying the bodies of those who died in the different periods of time. Some burials included a tomb passage which was used not only for carrying the deceased but also for a separate burial ritual. The main discussion of this study also deals with the remnants of bones of animals buried with their deceased owners in the same kurgan, as well as the animal species and their locations in the kurgan, resulting in the discovery of diverse meanings connected with them. The pottery buried in the tombs were largely ceremonial offering vessels, just like others excavated at nearby Saka tombs and located around the buried corpse's head facing toward the west. The excavation of the tombs also shows that two vessels were arranged at the corners of the coffin where the feet are located, revealing the characteristic features of the burial practices maintained by the tribe who built the Katartobe tombs. It may be too early to come to a definite conclusion on the burial practices of the Saka due to the relative lack of research on the kurgans across Central Asia. Excavations so far show that the kurgans clustered in a single archaeological site tend to display differences as well as uniformities. In conclusion, the ancient Central Asian tombs need more detailed surveys and researches to be able to make strides in an effort to restore the cultural heritage of the ancient Central Asian tribes who played a crucial role in the Eurasian cultural landscape.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.303-313
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• 2020

Rice grain shape is one of the key components of grain yield and market value. An understanding of the genetic basis of the variation in grain shape could be used to improve grain shape. In this study, we developed a total of 265 F₂ individuals derived from a cross between japonica cultivars (Josaeng-jado and Langi) and used this population for quantitative trait locus (QLT) analysis. Correlation analysis was performed to identify relationships between grain traits (GL: grain length, GW: grain width, L/W: ratio of length to width, TGW: 1,000 grain weight). The grain shape was positively correlated with GL and TGW, and negatively correlated with GW. In QTL analysis associated with grain shape, one QTL for GL, qGL5, detected on chromosome 5, explained 20.3% of the phenotypic variation (PV), while two QTLs, qGW5 (PV=36.1) and qGW7 (PV=26.1), for GW were identified on chromosomes 5 and 7, respectively. Evaluation of the effects of each of the QTLs on the grain shape in the population showed a significant difference in the grain size in positive lines compared with the lines without the QTLs. According to the QTL combination of the allelic-types, the grain shape of the tested lines varied from semi-round type to long spindle-shaped type. The results of this study extend our knowledge about the genetic pool governing the diversity of grain shape in japonica cultivars and could be used to improve the grain shape of this species through marker-assisted selective breeding in Korea.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.180-195
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• 2011

A balanced trophic model for Sinjido marine ecosystem was constructed using ECOPATH model and data obtained 1994 in the region. The model integrates available information on biomass and food spectrum, and analyses ecosystem properties, dynamics of the main species populations and the key trophic pathways of the system, and then compares these results with those of other marine environments. The model comprises 17 groups of benthic algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, gastropoda, polychaeta, bivalvia, echinodermata, crustacean, cephalopoda, goby, flatfish, rays and skates, croaker, blenny, conger, flatheads, and detritus. The model shows trophic levels of 1.0~4.0 from primary producers and detritus to top predator as flathead group. The model estimates total biomass(B) of 0.1 $kgWW/m^2$, total net primary production(PP) of 1.6 $kgWW/m^2/yr$, total system throughput(TST) of 3.4 $kgWW/m^2/yr$ and TST's components of consumption 7%, exports 43%, respiratory flows 4% and flows into detritus 46%. The model also calculates PP/TR of 0.012, PP/B of 0.015, omnivory index(OI) of 0.12, Fin's cycling index(FCI) of 0.7%, Fin's mean path length(MPL) of2.11, ascendancy(A) of 4.1 $kgWW/m^2/yr$ bits, development capacity(C) of 8.2 $kgWW/m^2/yr$ bits and A/C of 51%. In particular this study focuses the analysis of mixed trophic impacts and describes the indirect impact of a groupb upon another through mediating one based on 4 types. A large proportion of total export in TST means higher exchange rate in the study region than in semi enclosed basins, which seems by strong tidal currents along the channels between islands, called Sinjido, Choyakdo and Saengildo. Among ecosystem theory and cycling indices, B, TST, PP/TR, FCI, MPL and OI are shown low, indicating the system is not fully mature according to Odum's theory. Additionally, high A/C reveals the maximum capacity of the region is small. To sum up, the study region has high exports of trophic flow and low capacity to develop, and reaches a development stage in the moment. This is a pilot research applied to the Sinjido in terms of trophic flow and food web system such that it may be helpful for comparison and management of the ecosystem in the future.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.354-361
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• 2021

Understanding the phytotoxic mechanism of methyl bromide (MB), an essential fumigant during the quarantine and pre-shipment process, is urgently needed to ensure its proper use and reduce international economic losses. In a previous study, two main MB-induced toxic mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and auxin distribution were selected by analyzing transcriptomic analysis. In the study, a 3-week-old A. thaliana was supplied with 1 mM ROS scavengers [N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or L-glutathione (GSH)] and 1µM indole-3-acetic acid(IAA) three times every 12 h, and visual and gene expression assessments were performed to evaluate the reduction in phytotoxicity by supplements. Phytotoxic effects on the MB-4h exposed group were decreased with GSH application compared to the other single supplements and a combination of supplements at 7 days post fumigation. Among these supplements, GSH at a concentration of 1, 2, and 5mM was suppled to A. thaliana with MB-fumigation. During a long-term observation of 2 weeks after the fumigation, 5 mM GSH application was the most effective in minimizing MB-induced phytotoxic effects with up-regulation of HSP70 expression and increase in main stem length. These results indicated that ROS was a main key factor of MB-induced phytotoxicity and that GSH can be used as a supplement to reduce the phytotoxicity of MB.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 2006

In year 2003, a soybean(Glycine max) sample showing severe dwarfing symptom was collected from a farmers' field in Cheongsong in Korea. The results from the diagnosis of the sample by RT-PCR revealed that it was infected by Soybean dwarf virus(SbDV), SbDV-L81. This study could be the first report of the occurrence of the virus in Korea. To further characterize the virus, the partial nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of SbDV-L81 was determined by RT-PCR using species-specific primers. The sequences were analyzed and subsequently compared to previously characterized strains of SbDV based on the pattern of symptom expression and vector specificities. The intergenic region between ORF 2 and 3 and the coding regions of ORF 2, 3 and 4 were relatively similar to those of dwarfing strains(SbDV-DS and DP) rather than those of yellowing strains(SbDV-YS and YP). Likewise, the result from the analysis of 5'-half of the coding region of ORF5 indicated that SbDV-L81 was closely related to strains(SbDV-YP and DP) transmitted by Acyrthosiphon pisum. These data from the natural symptom and the comparisons of five regions of nucleotide sequences of SbDV suggested that SbDV-L81 might be closely related SbDV-DP.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.21-31
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• 1972

It has intended to identify the members of the Genus Lespedeza in Korea by a chemical colour reaction, and the following five species of the Genus Lespedeza grown in the garden have been used in this experiment. 1. Lespedeza bicolor Turcz 2. Lespedeza bicolor var. melanantha (Nak.) T. Lee 3. Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Miq. 4. Lespedeza japonica var. intermedia Nakai 5. Lespedeza maritima Nakai 6. Lespedeza maximowiczii Schneider 7. Lespedeza maximowiczii var. tomentella Nakai A few drops of each solution of $K_2Cr_2O_7$. $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, $FeCl_3$, $KH_2PO_4$, $KMnO_4$, $NH_4OH$, and HCl was added to the methanol extracts of wood dust to get the specific colour reaction. HCl-infused wood was also used for the identification of L. bicolor var. melanantha and L. bicolor. The results can be summarized as the following key; 1. Chrome lemon by $K_2Cr_2O_7$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$2 1. Sun flower yellow by $K_2Cr_2O_7$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza maximowiczii var. tomentella Nakai 2. $KH_2PO_4$ Oystem white by $KH_2PO_4$; golden yellow by $FeCl_3$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$=3 2. Cream colour by $KH_2PO_4$=6 3. Oyster white by $NH_4OH$; corn colour by $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$4 3. Cream colcur by $NH_4OH$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$5 4. Van dyke brown by $KMnO_4$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$; sea shell pink by HCl injection under heating ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza japonica var. intermedia Nakai 4. Sepia colour by $KMnO_4$; honey colour by HCl injection under heating ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza maritima Nakai 5. Golden red by $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$; andover green by HCl-infused wood dust ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza bicolor var. melanantha (Nak.) T. Lee 5. Yellow ochre by $FeSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$; sand warm gray by HCl-infused wood dust ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza bicolor Turcz 6. Amber green by $FeCl_3$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Miq. 6. Leather brown by $FeCl_3$ ${\cdots}{\cdots}$Lespedeza maximowiczii Schneider.