• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2005

There is now a growing concern about the possible toxicity of heavy metals in cosmetics. Heavy metals can be used as cosmetic ingredients or may be present as low level impurities in some of the raw materials. Chromium derivatives are used as pigments in cosmetics. Chromium is essential and toxic trace elements. Chromium may cause skin allergy. However, the regulations related to cosmetic products give no limit values for Chromium. Hexavalent chromium is significantly more toxic than trivalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium may present a carcinogenic risk at high concentrations. Therefore, it is important to consider oxidation state of chromium when analyze chromium. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentrations of water-soluble trivalent and hexavalent chromium in samples of makeup products, and to assess the safety of cosmetics on the basis of animal sensitization tests using guinea pig. The present study of chromium in 48 makeup products of 12 manufacturers provides a basis for assessing safety of makeup products. Water-soluble hexavalent chromium was not detected in any product. Water-soluble trivalent chromium was detected in only 9 eye shadows out of 48 makeup products, and could not be quantified 3 out of 9 eye shadows. The highest level of water-soluble trivalent chromium was about 10 mg/kg in spite of 90,000 mg/kg of total chromium. The results of animal sensitization tests show that 200 mg/kg of trivalent chromium and 5 mg/kg of hexavalent chromium have no harmful effect. No cross-reaction among these metals was found. Accordingly, the concentrations of water-soluble chromium in makeup products seemed to be safe. The overall results indicate that chromium in cosmetics probably have no significant toxicological effects. However, It is necessary to set guidelines on the maximum permissible concentration of water-soluble chromium in cosmetics.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.201-212
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to investigate the treatment efficiency, kinetics, and morphological characteristics of biofilm in upflow $Biobead^{(R)}$ process, a kind of biological aerated filter(BAF). The $Biobead^{(R)}$ system showed high removal rates of $COD_{Mn}$(76~83%), $BOD_5$(67~88%) and SS(71~91%) for food wastewater with high salt concentration ($>4,000mg/{\ell}$) under short reaction times(2~3hrs). Even at aerobic condition, the system had high treatment efficiency for both T-N (51~63%) and T-P(62~81%). The removal kinetics of $COD_{Mn}$, $BOD_5$, T-N, T-P, and $Cl^-$ in the $Biobead^{(R)}$ system showed a plug-flow pattern with reaction rate constants($hr^{-1}$) of 0.58, 0.63, 0,30, 0.48, and 0.38 respectively. A backwashing process to remove excess biomass and filtered solids was needed at least once during 22-hour operation at $0.5kg\;BOD\;m^{-3}{\cdot}d^{-1}$ loading. At the higher loading($1.0kg\;BOD\;m^{-3}{\cdot}d^{-1}$) the backwashing interval was shorten by 8 hours. The COD, BOD, T-N, and T-P were removed from 43 to 66% only by aerobic biodegradation. The SS was removed over 70% by the filtering of $Biobead^{(R)}$ media in the treatment system. The first one of three serial Biobead reactors showed the highest removal values for $COD_{\alpha}$(52.3%), $COD_{Mn}$(38.8%), BOD(62.5%), and T-N(40.0%). The SS and T-P had the highest removal values(47.5% and 29.2%) at the second one of the serial reactors. The biofilm had non-homogeneous spatial distribution and the colonies were embedded in the sunk area of the Biobead. The thickness of the biofilm was very thin ($5.0{\sim}29.4{\mu}m$) compared to the biofilm thickness($200{\sim}300{\mu}m$) used in other BAF systems.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2007

A bacterium which has high enzymatic activities such as amylase, cellulase and protease was isolated from Korean traditional soybean food, doenjang. The isolated bacterium was identified to Bacillus subtilis HS25 by the test of morphological and biochemical properties according to Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and API 50 CHL kit, and by the 16S rDNA sequence. The isolated B. subtilis HS25 had a potent antibacterial activity against food born causative or pathogenic bacteria. B. subtilis HS25 is endospore forming cell and contained flagella and abundant viscous material at the out layer of cell wall. It was rod type bacterium $(0.5{\sim}0.8{\times}3{\sim}5{\mu}m)$ having biochemical characteristics such as gram staining(+), catalase(+), oxidase(-) and hydrolysis of esculin(+). The optimal medium compositions for production of antibacterial substance in the B. subtilis HS25 were 1% of soluble starch, 0.5% of yeast extract, 0.5% of peptone and 0.05% of MgCl$_2{\cdot}6H_{2}O$. The optimum temperature and pH of the growth of the B. subtilis HS25 was 35$^{\circ}C$ and pH 7.5, respectively. The antibacterial activity was more high in neutral to a little alkaline pH (6.5-10.5) than in acidic pH. The optimal shaking speed to grow and to produce antibacterial substance of the B. subtilis HS25 was 160${\sim}$200 rpm. The optimal culture time for antibacterial activities of the bacterium were shown to be in the range of 12-36 hr.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.269-280
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• 2003

Objective: We reported the overcoming effect of $Ni^{2+}$ on the in vitro 2-cell block of mouse embryos. In this study, we aim to investigate whether $Ni^{2+}$ should induce intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ transient in the mouse embryos. Materials and Methods: Embryos were collected at post hCG 32hr from the oviduct of the ICR mouse and cultured in M2 medium omitted phenol red. Intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ was checked by using a confocal laser scanning microscope and fluo-3AM by using various intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ antagonists. Results: In 1mM $Ni^{2+}$ treated medium which contained $Ca^{2+}$(1.71mM), 75.7% of the embryos showed $[Ca^{2+}]i$ transient about 200 sec later. In the $Ca^{2+}$-free medium, 69.8% of the embryos showed $[Ca^{2+}]i$ transient. In U73122, phospholipaseC(PLC) inhibitor (5uM, 10min) pretreated group, 33.3% of the embryos showed $[Ca^{2+}]i$ transient. Heparine, inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor(IP3R) antagonist preinjected embryos showed no response with 1mM $Ni^{2+}$. In danthrolene treatment, ryanodine receptor(RyR)-antagonist, 43% embryos showed $[Ca^{2+}]i$ transient but they showed delayed response about 340sec in the presence of $Ca^{2+}$. Conclusions: Summing up the above results, $Ni^{2+}$ seems to induce $Ca^{2+}$-release from the $Ca^{2+}$-store even in the $Ca^{2+}$-free medium. IP3 receptors of the mouse 2-cell embryos might have an essential role for the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase by $Ni^{2+}$.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2001

The crystal structures of fully dehydrated $Pd^{2+}$ - and $TI^{+}$ -exchanged zeolite X, $Pd_{18}TI_{56}Si_{100}Al_{92}O_{384}(Pd_{18}TI_{50-}X$, a = $24.935(4)\AA$ and $Pd_{21}TI_{50}Si_{100}Al_{92}O_{384}(Pd_{21}TI_{50-}X$ a = $24.914(4)\AA)$, have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods in the cubic space group Fd3 at $21(1)^{\circ}C.$ The crystals were prepared using an exchange solution that had a $Pd(NH_3)_4Cl_2\;:TINO_3$ mole ratio of 50 : 1 and 200 : 1, respectively, with a total concentration of 0.05M for 4 days. After dehydration at $360^{\circ}C$ and 2 ${\times}$$10^{-6}$ Torr in flowing oxygen for 2 days, the crystals were evacuated at $21(1)^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours. They were refined to the final error indices $R_1$ = 0.045 and $R_2$ = 0.038 with 344 reflections for $Pd_{18}Tl_{56-}X$, and $R_1$ = 0.043 and $R_2$ = 0.045 with 280 reflections for $Pd_{21}Tl_{50-}X$; I > $3\sigma(I).$ In the structure of dehydrated $Pd_{18}Tl_{56-}X$, eighteen $Pd^{2+}$ ions and fourteen $TI^{+}$ ions are located at site I'. About twenty-seven $TI^{+}$ ions occupy site II recessed $1.74\AA$ into a supercage from the plane of three oxygens. The remaining fifteen $TI^{+}$ ions are distributed over two non-equivalent III' sites, with occupancies of 11 and 4, respectively. In the structure of $Pd_{21}Tl_{50-}X$, twenty $Pd^{2+}$ and ten $TI^{+}$ ions occupy site I', and one $Pd^{2+}$ ion is at site I. About twenty-three $TI^{+}$ ions occupy site II, and the remaining seventeen $TI^{+}$ ions are distributed over two different III' sites. $Pd^{2+}$ ions show a limit of exchange (ca. 39% and 46%), though their concentration of exchange was much higher than that of $TI^{+}$ ions. $Pd^{2+}$ ions tend to occupy site I', where they fit the double six-ring plane as nearly ideal trigonal planar. $TI^{+}$ ions fill the remaining I' sites, then occupy site II and two different III' sites. The two crystal structures show that approximately two and one-half I' sites per sodalite cage may be occupied by $Pd^{2+}$ ions. The remaining I' sites are occupied by $TI^{+}$ ions with Tl-O bond distance that is shorter than the sum of their ionic radii. The electrostatic repulsion between two large $TI^{+}$ ions and between $TI^{+}$ and $Pd^{2+}$ ions in the same $\beta-cage$ pushes each other to the charged six-ring planes. It causes the Tl-O bond to have some covalent character. However, $TI^{+}$ ions at site II form ionic bonds with three oxygens because the super-cage has the available space to obtain the reliable ionic bonds.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.404-409
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• 2014

In this study, the effects of high-pressure homogenizer treatment on the physicochemical properties of wheat bran from different areas were evaluated. The results showed that the high-pressure homogenizer process could effectively decrease particle size and loosen the microstructure of the wheat bran matrix. As the particle size decreased, the bulk density of wheat bran was significantly decreased (p<0.05) and the water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, oil-holding capacity, and cation-exchange capacity were substantially increased. In addition, microscopic analysis revealed the gradual disintegration of the original cell wall structure and the dissociation of bran tissues over the course of high-pressure homogenization treatment. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the process could also effectively separate out the structural components of wheat bran. These results suggest that the high-pressure homogenizer process is an effective method to modify the physicochemical properties of wheat bran and likely other cereal brans, which might provide potential fiber-rich ingredients for use in functional foods.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.231-239
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• 2006

In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of using sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet in the sulfur oxidizing autotrophic denitrification process for synthetic wastewater with high $CaCO_3$ concentration. The sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet was packed in reactor(R4). Influent ${NO_3}^--N$ loading rate was from 200 to $1,000g/m^3{\cdot}day$. During the operation, average denitrification efficiency of R4 was above 95%. Particularly, the denitrififation rate at $1,000g/m^3{\cdot}day$ loading was 98.96% for R4. High ${NO_3}^--N$ removal efficiency was determined in R4 compared with other reactors. Through $Ca^{2+}$ and alkalinity analyses, we calculated the supplied alkalinity from the packed $CaCO_3$ in the reactor. Sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet more effectively supplied alkalinity through the dissociation of $CaCO_3$ as compared with other media. Based on these results, sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet increased the pH buffering capacity while also providing the carbon source to the denitrifying bacteria. Denitrification efficiency of R4 was also higher than other reactors. ESEM pictures of sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet show higher porosity than that of the granular sulfur. Hence, more denitrifying bacteria attached on the sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet than on granular sulfur. It can be concluded that the sulfur-$CaCO_3$ complex pellet is a more suitable media for a sulfur oxidizing autotrophic denitrification process as it provides high denitrification efficiency.

• 한국노년학
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.323-334
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• 2007

This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed to investigate the relationship among attitude toward DNR orders, depression, and self-esteem in the elderly. Method: The participants of this study were 99 elderly individuals who were hospitalized in four university hospitals in Seoul and Kangwon-do from October 1, 2006 to October 21, 2006. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Results: The mean scores were 3.99 for attitude toward DNR orders(range of 1-5), 6.64 for depression(range of 1-15), and 26.83 for self-esteem(range of 10-40). Self-esteem was significantly correlated with attitude toward DNR orders(r=.200, p=.047). About half of the participants(49.5%) responded that the proper time for obtaining DNR consent was when they were healthy and could express their own intentions and make the decision by themselves. Most of the participants showed a positive attitude toward DNR orders. The participants preferred to make the DNR decision when they were healthy. Therefore, health care providers working with the elderly should try to discuss the DNR decision with their patients when they are conscious and able to make the DNR decision by themselves rather than leaving the decisions up to the patient's family members

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.195-200
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• 2008

Gabapentin, [1-(aminomethyl) cyclohexaneacetic acid], a structural analog of $\gamma$-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is being developed for the treatment of epilepsy. Unlike GABA, gabapentin crosses the blood-brain barrier after systemic administration. Gabapentin is an effective antiepileptic drug in patients with partial and secondarily generalized seizures who are uncontrolled with use of existing anticonvulsant drug therapy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two gabapentin 400 mg capsules, $Neurontin^{(R)}$ capsule 400 mg (Pfizer Inc.) and Gabatin capsule 400 mg (Korean Drug Co. Ltd), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of gabapentin from the two gabapentin formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty six healthy male subjects, 23.58$\pm$1.50 years in age and 66.74$\pm$8.31 kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized 2$\times$2 cross-over study was employed. After one capsule containing 400 mg as gabapentin were orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of gabapentin in serum were determined using HPLC with fluorescence detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Neurontin^{(R)}$ capsule 400 mg, were 2.04, -3.68 and 16.79% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g., log 0.91$\sim$log 1.16 and log 0.87$\sim$log 1.11 for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Gabatin capsule 400 mg was bioequivalent to $Neurontin^{(R)}$ capsule 400 mg.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.38-49
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• 2017

The objective of this research was to develop Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) model for amylose and protein contents analysis of large accessions of rice germplasm. A total of 511 accessions of rice germplasm were obtained from National Agrobiodiversity Center to make calibration equation. The accessions were measured by NIRS for both brown and milled brown rice which was additionally assayed by iodine and Kjeldahl method for amylose and crude protein contents. The range of amylose and protein content in milled brown rice were 6.15-32.25% and 4.72-14.81%, respectively. The correlation coefficient ($R^2$), standard error of calibration (SEC) and slope of brown rice were 0.906, 1.741, 0.995 in amylose and 0.941, 0.276, 1.011 in protein, respectively, whereas $R^2$, SEC and slope of milled brown rice values were 0.956, 1.159, 1.001 in amylose and 0.982, 0.164, 1.003 in protein, respectively. Validation results of this NIRS equation showed a high coefficient determination in prediction for amylose (0.962) and protein (0.986), and also low standard error in prediction (SEP) for amylose (2.349) and protein (0.415). These results suggest that NIRS equation model should be practically applied for determination of amylose and crude protein contents in large accessions of rice germplasm.