• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.8
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Background: Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels may have a predictive role in the identification and prevention of hypoxic disorders, as they increase in cases of ischemia of the liver, heart, brain, bowel, and kidney. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the value of IMA levels as a diagnostic marker for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods: Sixty newborns who fulfilled 3 or more of the clinical and biochemical criteria and developed HIE as defined by Levene staging were included in our study as the asphyxia group. Neonates with congenital malformation, systemic infection, intrauterine growth retardation, low-birth weight, cardiac or hemolytic disease, family history of neurological diseases, congenital or perinatal infections, preeclampsia, diabetes, and renal diseases were excluded from the study. Sixty healthy neonates matched for gestational age and with no maternal history of illness, established respiration at birth, and an Apgar score ≥7 at 1 and 5 minutes were included as the control group. IMA was determined by double-antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of a cord blood sample collected within 30 minutes after birth. Results: Cord blood IMA levels were higher in asphyxiated newborns than in controls (250.83±36.07 pmol/mL vs. 120.24±38.9 pmol/mL). Comparison of IMA levels by HIE stage revealed a highly significant difference among them (207.3±26.65, 259.28±11.68, 294.99±4.41 pmol/mL for mild, moderate, and severe, respectively). At a cutoff of 197.6 pmol/mL, the sensitivity was 84.5%, specificity was 86%, positive predictive value was 82.8%, negative predictive value was 88.3%, and area under the curve was 0.963 (P<0.001). Conclusion: IMA levels can be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis of neonatal HIE and can be a predictor of injury severity.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.393-399
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• 2016

This study was conducted to elucidate the photosynthetic response to the environment and establish optimum cultivation conditions for the Korean endemic plant, Aster koraiensis. Photosynthetic characteristics according to growth stage, light, CO₂, and soil water potential were investigated. During the first year of transplanting, photosynthetic rates were drastically increased until June, after which they slowly declined, During the second year, photosynthetic rates declined throughout the entire growth period. The highest level of light compensation point was shown the early growth stage. Photosynthetic rates affected by intercellular CO₂ concentration were maintained or decreased over the CO₂ saturation point. The lowest CO₂ compensation point was 16.1 μmol·mol⁻¹ during March. The morphological changes of leaves were observed due to shading with chlorophyll contents increasing. Photosynthetic rates were higher at 0% and 50% shading treatments than at 75%. There were rarely any morphological changes of leaves due to soil moisture, however, changes to leaf compactness were observed. Photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield, and respiration rate increased, whereas water use efficiency decreased over −25 kPa of soil moisture.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.289-294
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• 2016

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of Charlson's weighted index of comorbidities (WIC) in patients with prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (PAMV, ventilator care ${\geq}96$ hours). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 299 Korean PAMV patients who were admitted in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital between 2008 and 2013. Survivors were defined as patients who survived for 60 days after ICU admission. Results: The patients' mean age was $65.1{\pm}14.1$ years and 70.6% were male. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay was $21.9{\pm}19.7$ and $39.4{\pm}39.1$ days, respectively. In addition, the 60-day mortality rate after ICU admission was 35.5%. The mean WIC was $2.3{\pm}1.8$, with significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors ($2.7{\pm}2.1$ vs. $2.1{\pm}1.7$, p<0.05). The area under the curve of receiver-operating-characteristics curve for WIC was 0.593 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.523-0.661; p<0.05). Based on Kaplan-Meier curves of 60-day survival, WIC ${\geq}5$ had statistically lower survival than WIC <5 (logrank test, p<0.05). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, WIC ${\geq}5$ was associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio, 1.901; 95% CI, 1.140-3.171; p<0.05). The mortality rate of patients with WIC ${\geq}5$ was 54.2%. Conclusion: Our study showed a WIC score ${\geq}5$ might be helpful in predicting 60-day mortality in PAMV patients.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.326-331
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• 2018

Crop growth models are useful tools for understanding and integrating knowledge about crop growth. Models for predicting plant height, net photosynthesis rate, and plant growth of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as a leafy vegetable in a closed-type plant factory system were developed using empirical model equations such as linear, quadratic, non-rectangular hyperbola, and expolinear equations. Plant growth and yield were measured at 5-day intervals after transplanting. Photosynthesis and growth curve models were calculated. Linear and curve relationships were obtained between plant heights and days after transplanting (DAT), however, accuracy of the equation to estimate plant height was linear equation. A non-rectangular hyperbola model was chosen as the response function of net photosynthesis. The light compensation point, light saturation point, and respiration rate were 29, 813 and $3.4{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, respectively. The shoot fresh weight showed a linear relationship with the shoot dry weight. The regression coefficient of the shoot dry weight was 0.75 ($R^2=0.921^{***}$). A non-linear regression was carried out to describe the increase in shoot dry weight of quinoa as a function of time using an expolinear equation. The crop growth rate and relative growth rate were $22.9g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$ and $0.28g{\cdot}g^{-1}{\cdot}d^{-1}$, respectively. These models can accurately estimate plant height, net photosynthesis rate, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight of quinoa.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.401-409
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• 2021

This study aimed to estimate the photosynthetic capacity of tomato plants grown in a semi-closed greenhouse using temperature response models of plant photosynthesis by calculating the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase maximum carboxylation rate (V_cmax), maximum electron transport rate (J_max), thermal breakdown (high-temperature inhibition), and leaf respiration to predict the optimal conditions of the CO₂-controlled greenhouse, for maximizing the photosynthetic rate. Gas exchange measurements for the A-C_i curve response to CO₂ level with different light intensities {PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) 200µmol·m^-2·s^-1 to 1500µmol·m^-2·s^-1} and leaf temperatures (20℃ to 35℃) were conducted with a portable infrared gas analyzer system. Arrhenius function, net CO₂ assimilation (A_n), thermal breakdown, and daylight leaf respiration (R_d) were also calculated using the modeling equation. Estimated J_max, A_n, Arrhenius function value, and thermal breakdown decreased in response to increased leaf temperature (> 30℃), and the optimum leaf temperature for the estimated J_max was 30℃. The CO₂ saturation point of the fifth leaf from the apical region was reached at 600ppm for 200 and 400µmol·m^-2·s^-1 of PAR, at 800ppm for 600 and 800µmol·m^-2·s^-1 of PAR, at 1000ppm for 1000µmol of PAR, and at 1500ppm for 1200 and 1500µmol·m^-2·s^-1 of PAR levels. The results suggest that the optimal conditions of CO₂ concentration can be determined, using the photosynthetic model equation, to improve the photosynthetic rates of fruit vegetables grown in greenhouses.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.561-572
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• 2008

Responses of real-time control parameters, such as ORP, DO and pH, to the conditions of biological animal wastewater treatment process were examined to evaluate the stability of real-time control using each parameter. Also an optimum index for supplemental carbon source addition based on NOx-N level was determined under a consideration of denitrification rate by endogenous respiration of microorganism and residual organic matter in liquor. Experiment was performed with lab-scale sequencing batch reactor(SBR) and working volume of the process was 45L. The distinctive nitrogen break point(NBP) on ORP-and DO-time profiles, which mean the termination of nitrification, started disappearing with the maintenance of low NH4-N loading rate. Also the NBP on ORP-and DO-time profiles was no longer observed when high NOx-N was loaded into the reactor, and the sensitivity of ORP became dull with the increase of NOx-N level. However, the distinctive NBP was constantly occurred on pH(mV)-time profile, maintaining unique profile patterns. This stable occurrence of NBP on pH(mV)-time profile was lasted even at very high NOx-N:NH4-N ratio(over 80:1) in reactor, and the specific point could be easily detected by tracking moving slope change(MSC) of the curve. Revelation of NBP on pH(mV)-time profile and recognition of the realtime control point using MSC were stable at a condition of over 300mg/L NOx-N level in reactor. The occurrence of distinctive NBP was persistent on pH(mV)-time profile even at a level of 10,000mg/L STOC(soluble total organic carbon) and the recognition of NBP was feasible by tracing MSC, but that point on ORP and DO-time profiles began to disappear with the increase of STOC level in reactor. The denitrfication rate by endogenous respiration and residual organic matter was about 0.4mg/L.hr., and it was found that 0.83 would be accepted as an index for supplemental carbon source addition when 0.1 of safety factor was applied.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.989-996
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• 2020

This study was conducted to determine the effect of low temperature and low radiation conditions on the yield and quality of hot pepper at an early growth stage in Korea. In plastic greenhouses, low temperature, low temperature with covered shading treatments were set 17 to 42 days after transplanting. The pepper growing degree days decreased by 5.5% due to the low temperature during the treatment period. Radiation decreased by 74.7% due to the covered shading. After commencing treatments, pepper plant growth decreased with low temperature and low radiation. Analysis of the yield showed that the first harvest was delayed by low radiation. The cumulative yields of 119 days after transplanting were 1,956, 2,171, and 2,018 g/㎡ for control, low temperature, and low temperature with low radiation respectively. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin concentrations in pepper fruit decreased with low temperature and low radiation. To investigate the photosynthetic characteristics according to the treatment, the carbon dioxide reaction curve was analyzed using the biochemical model of photosynthesis. Results showed that the maximum photosynthetic rate, V_cmax (maximum carboxylation rate), J (electric transportation rate), and TPU (triose phosphate utilization) decreased at low temperatures; the maximum photosynthetic rate, J, and g_m (dark respiration rate) were reduced by shading. These results indicate that low temperature and low radiation can retard early growth, yield, and quality, but these can also be recovered 119 days after planting. Based on the results, the yield and quality of pepper can recover from abiotic stresses with proper cultivation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.427-435
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• 1984

Alfalfa field was established to investigate seasonal changes of nodule activity and contents of carbohydrates, and nitrogen, and also to examine their relationships in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Periodical sampling of alfalfa in cutting and uncutting plots was collected to measure growth of plants, development and activity of nodule, and content of carbohydrates and nitrogen in the third year following year of establishment. Nodule activity of alfalfa root appeared to early April, increased to a maximum in beginning of June (flowering stage), and then decreased and generally remained low from late-July to mid-August, and again increased from early September, and then decreased and generally remained low for the rest of growing season. After flowering, nodule weight tended to decrease slowly throughout the growing season. Until flowering stage, increase of dry weight was closely related with that of nodule activity. But after flowering the curve pattern of dry weight did not fit to that of nodule activity due to decrease of supply of assimilate to nodule, drought, and high temperature. Total nonstructural carbohydrates in roots were closely correlated with nodule weight and nodule activity. While, nitrogen contents in leaves were closely correlated with nodule weight and nodule activity. Also cutting on July prevented unnessesary losses of respiration during summer to provide rapid recovery of nodule activity.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.139-146
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• 2004

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), an annual plant of the family Malvaceae, is considered to be the most promising for alternative plants with potential use as a non-wood fiber source. The objectives of this study were to select the optimum seeding date and adaptable cultivar among newly introduced kenaf cultivars (Everglades-41, Tainung-2 and Chingpi-3) in Jeju island, and to clarify the photosynthetic characteristics of those cultivars. Among the three cultivars, the fresh shoot weight per unit area of Chingpi-3 at harvest season showed highest through all seeding dates, that of while Everglades-41 was the lowest. The difference of shoot yield at harvest mainly due to seedling stand rate and plant number per unit area among the cultivars. The Chingpi-3 showed the highest shoot fresh weight in the seeding date of May 11 and decreased trend in the late seeding dates. Net photosynthesis rate was higher on Everglades-41 with entire type leaf than other two cultivars with palmate type leaf. The activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/foxygenase (rubisco) estimated from the A-Ci curve showed highest in Chingpi-3 among three cultivars. These results suggest that Chingpi-3 might be adaptable cultivar with seeding date of around May 10 for kenaf production in Jeiu island.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.357-365
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• 2011

Exposure measurement of agricultural worker to pesticide is one of important part of health risk assessment of pesticide. Therefore exposure matrices, apparatus, instruments and methods must be validated in advance to field experiment. In this study, method validation with an organophosphorus insecticide fenthion was carried out for exposure monitoring of agricultural worker. LOD and LOQ were 0.01 and 0.05 ng, respectively. Calibration curve linearity ($R^2$ > 0.999) and reproducibility (C.V. < 3%) were also excellent. Recovery at LOQ, 10LOQ and 100LOQ levels from gloves, socks, mask, patch, solid sorbent, glass fiber filter was 76~113% (C.V. < 3%). Trapping efficiency was 95~105% while no breakthrough was observed. Method validation for the exposure monitoring was established successfully through several experiments. Such method validation can be usually performed in laboratory and not much different for each pesticide so that, this techniques will be applied widely in research for pesticide exposure monitoring by combination with body surface area and respiration rates.