• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.1501-1512
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• 2024

Plasma disruption in tokamak experiments is a challenging issue that causes damage to the device. Reliable prediction methods are needed, but the lack of full understanding of plasma disruption limits the effectiveness of physics-driven methods. Data-driven methods based on supervised learning are commonly used, and they rely on labelled training data. However, manual labelling of disruption precursors is a time-consuming and challenging task, as some precursors are difficult to accurately identify. The mainstream labelling methods assume that the precursor onset occurs at a fixed time before disruption, which leads to mislabeled samples and suboptimal prediction performance. In this paper, we present disruption prediction methods based on anomaly detection to address these issues, demonstrating good prediction performance on J-TEXT and EAST. By evaluating precursor onset times using different anomaly detection algorithms, it is found that labelling methods can be improved since the onset times of different shots are not necessarily the same. The study optimizes precursor labelling using the onset times inferred by the anomaly detection predictor and test the optimized labels on supervised learning disruption predictors. The results on J-TEXT and EAST show that the models trained on the optimized labels outperform those trained on fixed onset time labels.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.403-414
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• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended in fit patients with a carcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head, and a delayed resection may affect survival. This study aimed to correlate the time from staging to PD with long-term survival, and study the impact of preoperative investigations (if any) on the timing of surgery. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective study of PD outcomes. Only PDAC patients who underwent an upfront resection were included. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy were excluded. Group A (PD within 28 days of most recent preoperative computed tomography [CT]) was compared to group B (> 28 days). Results: A total of 595 patents were included. Compared to group A (median CT-PD time: 12.5 days, interquartile range: 6-21), group B (49 days, 39-64.5) had similar one-year survival (73% vs. 75%, p = 0.6), five-year survival (23% vs. 21%, p = 0.6) and median time-to-death (17 vs. 18 months, p = 0.8). Staging laparoscopy (43 vs. 29.5 days, p = 0.009) and preoperative biliary stenting (39 vs. 20 days, p < 0.001) were associated with a delay to PD, but magnetic resonance imaging (32 vs. 32 days, p = 0.5), positron emission tomography (40 vs. 31 days, p > 0.99) and endoscopic ultrasonography (28 vs. 32 days, p > 0.99) were not. Conclusions: Although a treatment delay may give rise to patient anxiety, our findings would suggest this does not correlate with worse survival. A delay may be necessary to obtain further information and minimize the number of PD patients diagnosed with early disease recurrence.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.69 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 2024

A region can be divided into cultivation zones based on homogeneity in weather variables that have the greatest influence on crop growth and yield. This study classified the cultivation zone of soybean using weather indices as a prior study to classify the agroclimatic zone of soybean. Meteorological factors affecting soybeans were determined through correlation analysis over a 10 year period (from 2013 to 2022) using data from the Miryang and Suwon regions collected from the soybean yield trial database of the Rural Development Administration, Korea and the meteorological database of the Korea Meteorological Administration. The correlation between growth characteristics and the minimum temperature, daily temperature range, and precipitation were high during the vegetative growth stages. Moreover, the correlation between yield components and the maximum temperature, daily temperature range, and precipitation were high during the reproductive growth stages. As a result of k-means clustering, soybean cultivation zones were divided into three zones. Zone 1 was the central inland region and southern Gyeonggi-do; Zone 2 was the southern part of the west coast, the southern part of the east coast, and the South Sea; and Zone 3 included parts of eastern Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, and areas with high altitudes. Zone 1, which has a wide latitude range, was further subdivided into three cultivation zones. The results of this study may provide useful information for estimating agrometeorological characteristics and predicting the success of soybean cultivation in South Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.53-64
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• 2024

Purpose: Mitochondria play a crucial role in preserving skeletal muscle mass, and damage to mitochondria leads to muscle mass loss. This study investigated the effects of oxypeucedanin hydrate, a furanocoumarin isolated from Angelica dahurica radix, on myogenesis and mitochondrial function in vitro and in zebrafish models. Methods: C2C12 myotubes cultured in media containing 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL oxypeucedanin hydrate were immunostained with myosin heavy chain (MHC), and then multinucleated MHC-positive cells were counted. The expressions of markers related to muscle differentiation, muscle protein degradation, and mitochondrial function were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. To investigate the effects of oxypeucedanin hydrate on mitochondrial dysfunction, Tg(Xla.Eef1a1:mito-EGFP) zebrafish embryos were treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with or without oxypeucedanin hydrate and analyzed for mito-EGFP intensity and mitochondrial length. Results: Oxypeucedanin hydrate significantly increased MHC-positive multinucleated myotubes (≥ 3 nuclei) and increased the expression of the myogenic marker myosin heavy chain 4. However, it decreased the expressions of muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 and muscle atrophy f-box (markers of muscle protein degradation). Furthermore, oxypeucedanin hydrate enhanced the expressions of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha, transcription factor a mitochondrial, succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) and mitochondrial fusion (optic atrophy 1). However, it reduced the expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (a mitochondrial fission regulator). Consistently, oxypeucedanin hydrate reduced FOLFIRI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the skeletal muscles of zebrafish embryos. Conclusion: The study indicates that oxypeucedanin hydrate promotes myogenesis by improving mitochondrial function, and thus, suggests oxypeucedanin hydrate has potential use as a nutritional supplement that improves muscle mass and function.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.392-401
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• 2023

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the world's most important crops, along with wheat and rice, with a global corn production expected to reach 1,154.5 million tons in 2023. Considering this grain production, The generation of corn cob is expected to reach approximately 207.8 million tons in 2023. However, as an agricultural by-product, corn cobs are often considered waste and remain underutilized. Phytosterols, which are abundant in vegetable oils such as corn oil, provide a number of health benefits, including liver health, cholesterol reduction, and protection against chronic diseases such as diabetes. In this study, we investigated the potential of Kwangpyeongok ears, which are commonly used as grain and silage corn in Korea. We also examined the variation in phytosterol content with the maturity of corn ears to identify the optimal time for utilization. At the beginning of physiological maturity, corn cobs had 113.3 mg/100g DW of total phytosterols, which was highest phytosterol abundance during the growth stage. Corn kernels also had the highest phytosterol content at the beginning of physiological maturity. While previous studies on corn bioactive compounds have mainly focused on the kernels, the results of this study highlight that cobs are an excellent source of these compounds. Furthermore, phytosterol levels were influenced by genetic factors and developmental stages, suggesting the to increase the use of cobs as a source of bioactive compounds.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.335-342
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• 2023

To achieve self-sufficiency in domestic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), an increase in high-quality wheat production is essential. Given Korea's limited land area, the utilization of cropping systems is imperative. Wheat is compatible with a double cropping system along with rice, soybeans, and corn. Data on alterations in wheat quality following summer crop cultivation is required. This study investigated the impact of cultivating preceding crops such as rice, soybeans, and corn in a wheat cropping system. The analysis focused on the influence of these preceding crops on wheat growth, quality, and soil characteristics, elucidating their interrelationships and impacts. While there were no differences in growth timing and quantity during wheat growth, a significant variance was observed in stem length. Protein content, a key quality attribute of wheat, displayed variations based on the intercropped crops, with the highest increase observed in wheat cultivated after soybeans. Soil moisture content also exhibited variations depending on the intercropping system. The wheat-rice intercropping system, which requires soil moisture retention, resulted in greater pore space saturation in comparison to other systems. Moreover, soil chemical properties, specifically phosphorus and calcium levels, were influenced by intercropping. The highest reduction in soil phosphorus content occurred with soybean cultivation. These findings suggest that intercropping wheat with soybeans can potentially enhance wheat quality in domestic varieties.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.422-430
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• 2023

The nutrient-rich and climate-resilient finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a relatively new crop on the agricultural landscape. The present study explores the agronomic characteristics and antioxidant activities of grains and cookies produced from 'Finger1ho,' which was the first finger millet variety developed in South Korea. With heightened calcium content (314 mg/100 g) and polyphenol levels, 'Finger1ho' exhibited superior radical scavenging activities compared to other millets. The investigation assessed the impact of whole finger millet flour at varying concentrations (0, 10, 30, 50, and 100%) on cookie properties. Increasing the substitution of finger millet flour in the cookie formulation resulted in a notable rise in calcium content, ranging from 1.8 times at 10% to an impressive 10.8 times at 100%, surpassing the levels found in conventional wheat cookies. Conversely, the sodium (Na) levels in finger millet cookies demonstrated minimal variations, presenting a potentially favorable aspect in addressing the high Na intake prevalent in the South Korean diet. Notably, the antioxidant activity, assessed through ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, exhibited a significant elevation compared to the control. This increase in antioxidant activity was directly proportional to the quantity of finger millet incorporated (p<0.001), indicating the potential health benefits associated with higher levels of finger millet in the cookie formulation. This study highlights finger millet's potential as a beneficial ingredient, enhancing both consumer acceptability and the functional attributes of cookies. Notably, cookies with 10% to 50% added finger millet exhibited significantly superior quality characteristics compared to controls, suggesting promising avenues for health-functional cookie development.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.413-421
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• 2023

Data on salt tolerance, optimal sowing depth, soil bulk density (pb) and cardinal temperatures required for the germination and emergence of perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt) are scarce for reclaimed land soil. An experiment was conducted across six temperature treatments (10, 15, 20 , 25, 30, and 35℃) to determine the cardinal temperature for perilla seed germination and four salinity levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 mM) to determine the salt tolerance. Another experiment was performed for quantifying the emergence response of perilla to pb (1.1, 1.3, and 1.5 g cm^-3), sowing depth (1, 2, 3, and 4 cm) and soil salinity. The results revealed that increased sodium chloride levels caused a significant reduction in the seed germination at Deulhyang and Sodam. The optimum upper limit temperature was less than 35℃. The optimal sowing depth and soil bulk density were 1 cm and 1.1 g cm^-3 respectively. Perilla seedling growth was inhibited at 1.9 dS m^-1 although varying responses were observed. These results aid our understanding of the germination and emergence rate of these crops and provide data for field cultivation to optimize crop sowing in reclaimed land.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.127-137
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• 2022

Purpose To assess the prevalence of incidentally detected lumbar spondylolysis in children. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 809 patients under the age of 11 years (mean age, 7.0 ± 2.7 years; boys:girls = 479:330) who underwent abdominal and pelvic CT between March 2014 and December 2018. We recorded the presence, level, and laterality (unilateral or bilateral) of spondylolysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of spondylolysis: the spondylolysis (SP) and non-SP groups. Results In total, 21 cases of spondylolysis were detected in 20 patients (20/809, 2.5%). The mean age of the SP group was higher than that of the non-SP group (7.8 ± 1.8 vs. 6.9 ± 2.7 years, p > 0.05). The prevalence of spondylolysis in boys was higher than that in girls (15/479 [3.1%] vs. 5/330 [1.5%], p > 0.05). The prevalence of spondylolysis in school-age children (6-10 year olds) was higher than that in preschool-age children (0-5 year olds) (17/538 [3.2%] vs. 3/271 [1.1%], p > 0.05). L5 was the most common level of spondylolysis (76.2%); one 8-year-old boy had two-level spondylolysis. One case of isthmic spondylolisthesis was detected in a 10-year-old boy (1/809, 0.1%). There were 11 unilateral spondylolysis cases (11/21, 52.4%). Conclusion In our study, the prevalence of spondylolysis in children under the age of 11 was 2.5%. The prevalence was higher in boys than in girls and in school-age than in preschool-age children, despite the lack of any statistically significant differences.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.168-181
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• 2024

Constructed wetlands (CWs) deliver a range of ecosystem services, including the removal of contaminants, sequestration and storage of carbon, and enhancement of biodiversity. These services are facilitated through hydrological and ecological processes such as infiltration, adsorption, water retention, and evapotranspiration by plants and microorganisms. This study investigated the correlations between microbial populations, soil physicochemical properties, and treatment efficiency in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSF CW) treating runoff from roads and parking lots. The methods employed included storm event monitoring, water quality analysis, soil sampling, soil quality parameter analysis, and microbial analysis. The facility achieved its highest pollutant removal efficiencies during the warm season (>15℃), with rates ranging from 33% to 74% for TSS, COD, TN, TP, and specific heavy metals including Fe, Zn, and Cd. Meanwhile, the highest removal efficiency was 35% for TOC during the cold season (≤15℃). These high removal rates can be attributed to sedimentation, adsorption, precipitation, plant uptake, and microbial transformations within the CW. Soil analysis revealed that the soil from HSSF CW had a soil organic carbon content 3.3 times higher than that of soil collected from a nearby landscape. Stoichiometric ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in the inflow and outflow were recorded as C:N:P of 120:1.5:1 and 135.2:0.4:1, respectively, indicating an extremely low proportion of N and P compared to C, which may challenge microbial remediation efficiency. Additionally, microbial analyses indicated that the warm season was more conducive to microorganism growth, with higher abundance, richness, diversity, homogeneity, and evenness of the microbial community, as manifested in the biodiversity indices, compared to the cold season. Pollutants in stormwater runoff entering the HSSF CW fostered microbial growth, particularly for dominant phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, which have shown moderate to strong correlations with specific soil properties and changes in influent-effluent concentrations of water quality parameters.