• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.67 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2022

Improving flour quality is one of the major targets of wheat breeding programs. This study determined the optimum high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) to improve flour quality, and analyzed the correlation between agronomic and quality traits in Korea. A total of 180 wheat varieties, including 55 Korean and 125 foreign cultivars, carrying various Glu-1 alleles, were evaluated for their quality and agronomic traits. Results indicated that Glu-A1b, Glu-B1b, and Glu-D1f were the most prevailing alleles for each Glu-1 locus for Korean wheat cultivars. Korean wheat cultivars recorded shorter days to heading (DTH) and longer days to maturity (DTM) compared to foreign cultivars. In addition, an interaction effect was found between Glu-A1 and Glu-B1 alleles on several quality parameters. The combination of Glu-A1c and Glu-B1i showed a higher protein content, dry gluten content, and higher sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) sedimentation value than other Glu-A1×Glu-B1 combinations. Cultivars carrying Glu-A1a or Glu-A1b, Glu-B1i or Glu-B1al, and Glu-D1d for each Glu-1 locus exhibited a longer mixing time and stronger mixing tolerance. The DTM positively correlated with the protein content, gluten index and SDS sedimentation value. However, a negative correlation was observed between DTH and quality traits. Owing to the above results, this study suggests that an increase in the frequency of Glu-B1i or Glu-B1al, Glu-D1d coupled with a short DTH and long DTM could significantly improve wheat quality properties.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.2
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• pp.201-223
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• 2022

Currently, species extinctions are increasing due to climate change and continued anthropogenic impact. We selected 300 species for conservation with emphasis on plants co-occurring in the Baekdudaegan area, which is a large ecological axis of Korea. We aimed to investigate the vegetation community and environmental characteristics of Zabelia tyaihyonii in the limestone habitat among the target plant species in the Baekdudaegan region to derive effective conservation strategies. In Danyang-gun, Yeongwol-gun, and Jecheon-si, we selected 36 investigation sites where Z. tyaihyonii was present. We investigated the vegetation, flora, soil and physical environment. We also found notable plants such as Thalictrum petaloideum, Sillaphyton podagraria, and Neillia uekii at the investigation sites. We classified forest vegetation community types into 4 vegetation units and 7 species group types. With canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the vegetation community and habitat factors, we determined the overall explanatory power to be 75.2%, and we classified the environmental characteristics of the habitat of Z. tyaihyonii into a grouping of three. Among these, we detected a relationship between the environmental factors elevation, slope, organic matter, rock ratio, pH, potassium, and sodium. We identified numerous rare and endemic plants, including Thalictrum petaloideum, in the investigation site, and determined that these groups needed to be preserved at the habitat level. In the classification of the vegetation units analyzed based on the emerging plants and the CCA, we reaffirmed the uniqueness and specificity of the vegetation community in the habitat of Z. tyaihyonii. We anticipate that our results will be used as scientific evidence for the empirical conservation of the native habitats of Z. tyaihyonii.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.136-142
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• 2022

The research aims to develop a rapid and easy analytical method for methoprene using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A simple, highly sensitive, and specific analytical method for the determination of methoprene in livestock products (beef, pork, chicken, milk, eggs, and fat) was developed. Methoprene was effectively extracted with 1% acetic acid in acetonitrile and acetone (1:1), followed by the addition of anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and anhydrous sodium acetate. Subsequently, the lipids in the livestock sample were extracted by freezing them at -20℃. The extracts were cleaned using MgSO₄, primary secondary amine (PSA), and octadecyl (C₁₈), which were then centrifuged to separate the supernatant. Nitrogen gas was used to evaporate the supernatant, which was then dissolved in methanol. The matrix-matched calibration curves were constructed using 8 levels (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 ng/mL) and the coefficient of determination (R²) was above 0.9964. Average recoveries spiked at three levels (0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg), and ranged from 79.5-105.1%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) smaller than 14.2%, as required by the Codex guideline (CODEX CAC/GL 40). This study could be useful for residue safety management in livestock products.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.135-141
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• 2022

Thymosin β-4 (TB4) is a small peptide composed of 43 amino acids. To obtain sufficient biologically active mouse TB4 economically, we cloned and overexpressed this gene in an Escherichia coli system. With the isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction of the E. coli transformant, TB4 fusion protein with intein- and chitin-binding domain was successfully expressed in the soluble fraction within the E. coli cell. The TB4-intein - chitin-binding domain fusion protein was purified from the soluble fraction of E. coli cell lysate. The affinity chromatography with chitin beads and dithiothreitol-mediated intein self-cleavage reaction releases the TB4 peptide into the stripping solution. Sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses were used to confirm that the recombinant TB4 peptide was produced with the expected size of 5 kDa. We found that the recombinant TB4 stimulated cell migration in the transwell plate chamber assay. After 18 hr of the treatment of the recombinant TB4 with 1 ng/ml concentration, the migration of the HT1080 cell was increased by 20% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. The recombinant TB4 was also observed to promote the healing of a wound area in C57BL/6 mice by as high as 35% compared with that of the chemically synthesized TB4. These results suggest that the recombinant TB4 has better biological activity for cell migration and wound healing than that of the chemically synthesized TB4 peptide.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.439-453
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• 2023

Purpose: Concerns about accelerated aging are regularly being discussed. This study analyzed the dietary status and nutritional intake of college students who are about to enter their 30s and 40s. We further suggest ways to eat healthily. Methods: Totally, 67 students attending Daegu Catholic University were provided with a three-day meal record and analyzed. Results: The average demographics of the subjects were as follows: age 23.2 ± 2.0 years, height 165.1 ± 9.0 cm, weight 65.4 ± 13.6 kg, and BMI 23.5 ± 3.9 kg/m². Overall, 76.3% of the subjects skipped breakfast. The food intake evaluation according to the food group intake pattern and the recommended number of servings determined that 38.3% of the subjects did not consume fruits and dairy products (GMVFDS = 111001), and both men and women lacked all food groups. Analysis of the nutrient intake state revealed lesser nutrient intake than the estimated energy need. Evaluation of the %RDA found that consumption of phosphorus was above the recommended amount, whereas all other nutrients were below the recommended amount. Men had a higher intake rate of phosphorus (p < 0.01), iron (p < 0.001), and sodium (p < 0.05) than women, whereas the intake rate of dietary fiber was higher in women (p < 0.05). Evaluation of the food intake by 22 food categories revealed that intake of regular grains was more in men than in women (p < 0.05) whereas women consumed significantly more mixed grains (p< 0.01). In protein foods, men consumed more meat (p < 0.01), while women consumed more eggs (p < 0.05) and beans (p < 0.05). Evaluating the fruit intake, juices were more frequently consumed by men than by women (p < 0.05). No differences were obtained in food intake and nutrient intake status according to obesity. Conclusion: Based on these results, there is an urgent requirement for attention and support for university cafeterias in order to induce changes in the eating habits of college students. Among other initiatives, this can be achieved by providing diet improvement programs and menus that consider food preferences.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.35-52
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• 2023

This study investigated the utilization and satisfaction of lunchboxes according to food-related lifestyle. A sample of 819 adults who regularly purchased lunchboxes were studied. This study can provide basic data for effective menu development. The participants of the study were classified into 4 groups: a 'taste-seeking group', an 'economy-seeking group', 'a convenience-seeking group', and a 'health-seeking group'. The purchase price of lunchboxes was in the range of 3,500 to 4,000 won. The 'health-seeking group' was shown to spend the highest amount on lunchboxes, over 5,100 won. Information about lunchboxes was obtained primarily through convenience stores followed by Internet SNS (p<0.05). Most participants considered nutritional value when purchasing a lunchbox (p<0.001), of which protein, caloric, and sodium content were perceived as important. Moreover, lunchboxes with clean and hygienic aesthetics were preferred amongst the 'health-seeking group' (p<0.01). The 'economy-seeking group' had a higher satisfaction linked with taste (3.66) and quantity (3.60, p<0.001). Furthermore, in terms of the satisfaction with a menu variety the 'health-seeking group' showed the highest satisfaction with a score of 3.76, while the 'convenience-seeking group' ranked the lowest satisfaction with a score of 3.46 (p<0.05). All groups were satisfied with the convenience for purchasing lunchbox (p<0.001). Additionally, most participants preferred white rice (p<0.001) and meat (p<0.01) with cooked by fried and grilled. Lastly, in the content of the lunchbox use in the future, most participants indicated the intent for continuous use (p<0.01) and recommendation to others with the reason for the low price (19.2%) in the 'economy-seeking group', fresh ingredients (16.2%) in the 'convenience-seeking group', and nutritive (17.3%) in the 'health-seeking group', as well as for the convenience of purchase in the overall groups. Taken together, 'taste' and 'convenience' were the most important factors for all groups, while 'nutrition of food' and 'addition of condiments' scored relatively low on the satisfaction in all groups. Therefore, we recommend for the growth of the convenience store lunchbox market, that it is necessary to improve the quality of the lunchbox by developing various menus based on lifestyle group and fortifying nutrition.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.671-687
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• 2022

It has been reported that about 47% of groundwater wells within 10 km from the coastline in the western/southern coastal areas of Korea were affected by seawater. It has been interpreted that the cause of groundwater salinization is seawater intrusion. The Gilsan stream in the Seocheon area was a tidal stream until the Geumgang estuary dam was constructed and operated. Therefore, it is likely that the Gilsan stream catchment was deposited with sediments containing high-saline formation water prior to the use of landfill farmland at this catchment area. The groundwater in this study area showed EC values ranging from 111 to 21,000 µS/cm, and the water quality types were diverse including Ca(or Na)-HCO₃, Ca(or Na)-HCO₃(Cl), Na-Cl(HCO₃), Na-Cl types. It is believed that this diversity of water quality is due to the mixing of seawater and fresh groundwater generated by infiltration of precipitation and surface water through soil and weathered part. In this study, we discussed whether this water quality diversity and the presence of saline groundwater are due to present seawater intrusion or to remnant high-saline pore water in sediments during flushing out process. For this, rain water, surface water, seawater, and groundwater were compared regarding the water quality characteristics, tritium content, oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic composition, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. The oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic compositions indicated that water composition of saline groundwaters with large EC values are composed of a mixture of those of fresh groundwater and surface water. Also, the young groundwater estimated by tritium content has generally higher NO₃ content. All these characteristics showed that fresh groundwater and surface water have continued to affect the high-saline groundwater quality in the study area. In addition, considering the deviation pattern in the diagrams of Na/Cl ratio versus Cl content and SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) versus Cl content, in which two end members of fresh surface-ground water and seawater are assumed, it is interpreted that the groundwater in the study area is not experiencing present seawater intrusion, but flush out and retreating from ancient saline formation water.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.87-96
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• 2023

This study was conducted to discover substances that regulate skin surface acidification using human epidermal keratinocyte cell lines, and to investigate their effects on the moisturizing ability and skin barrier function of the stratum corneum. Prunella vulgaris (P. vulgaris) is an herb widely distributed in Northwest Africa and North America that has been studied for its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, research on the regulation of NHE1 expression and the restoration of skin barrier function has not been conducted. Analysis of P. vulgaris revealed the presence of rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid as active ingredients, which were tested for toxicity in human epidermal keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT), and showed no toxic effects were observed at high concentarion (100 ㎍/mL or 100 µM). It is known that sodium-hydrogen ion exchange pumps (NHE1) decrease in expression in aging skin to maintain the acidic pH of the stratum corneum, and it is hypothesized that this decrease plays an important role in the impaired restoration of skin barrier function in aging skin. P. vulgaris extract and caffeic acid increased the expression of NHE1 in keratinocytes, increased the expression of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) precursor filaggrin and ceramide synthesis enzyme serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT). In addition, P. vulgaris and caffeic acid decreased the extracellular pH of keratinocytes, indicating a direct effect on skin pH regulation. Taken together, these results suggest that P. vulgaris and caffeic acid can regulate skin pH through NHE1 modulation, and may help to restore skin barrier function by increasing NMF and ceramide synthesis. These results show the possibility that honeysuckle and caffeic acid can have a positive effect on skin health, and can be the basis for the development of new skin protection products using them.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.300-314
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• 2023

Purpose: This study sought to predict the reasons for skipping breakfast by adolescents aged 13-18 years using the 7^th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: The participants included 1,024 adolescents. The data were analyzed using a complex-sample t-test, the Rao Scott χ²-test, and the classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm for decision tree analysis with SPSS v. 27.0. The participants were divided into two groups, one regularly eating breakfast and the other skipping it. Results: A total of 579 and 445 study participants were found to be breakfast consumers and breakfast skippers respectively. Breakfast consumers were significantly younger than those who skipped breakfast. In addition, breakfast consumers had a significantly higher frequency of eating dinner, had been taught about nutrition, and had a lower frequency of eating out. The breakfast skippers did so to lose weight. Children who skipped breakfast consumed less energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, cholesterol, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, phosphorus, sodium, iron, potassium, and niacin than those who consumed breakfast. The best predictor of skipping breakfast was identifying adolescents who sought to control their weight by not eating meals. Other participants who had low and middle-low household incomes, ate dinner 3-4 times a week, were more than 14.5 years old, and ate out once a day showed a higher frequency of skipping breakfast. Conclusion: Based on these results, nutrition education targeted at losing weight correctly and emphasizing the importance of breakfast, especially for adolescents, is required. Moreover, nutrition educators should consider designing and implementing specific action plans to encourage adolescents to improve their breakfast-eating practices by also eating dinner regularly and reducing eating out.

• Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.537-545
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• 2011

This study was conducted to obtain basic information on physiological and proteomic responses of barley seedlings to salt stress. Shoot dry weight decreased significantly as the level of soil salinity increased. Salt stress-induced decrease of relative shoot dry weight was lower in cv. "Sanglok" than in cv. "Sunwoo". Under the salt stress, SPAD value decreased, and the value was higher in cv. "Sanglok" than in cv. "Sunwoo". Sodium ion content in the leaves increased as NaCl concentration increased, and the content was higher in cv. "Sunwoo" than in cv. "Sanglok". The K⁺/Na⁺ ratio was higher in cv. "Sanglok" than in cv. "Sunwoo". Salt stress-induced alterations in protein expression of the leaves were detected by two dimensional electrophoresis, and 47 protein spots showing altered expression were selected. Among the selected protein spots, 17 protein spots were up-regulated and 28 spots down-regulated in cv. "Sanglok". In cv. "Sunwoo", 14 protein spots were up-regulated and 27 spots down-regulated. Out of 47 deferentially expressed protein spots, 18 protein spots were identified using mass spectrometry and NCBI protein database. Among the identified proteins, ten proteins are known to be involved in various stress responses, but the others are not directly involved in stress responses.