• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.3-10
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Previously, Sasa quelpaertensis leaves have been shown to mediate anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects, although it remains unclear whether Sasa leaves are able to attenuate inflammation-related intestinal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Sasa quelpaertensis leaf extract (SQE) using an in vitro co-culture model of the intestinal epithelial environment. MATERIALS/METHODS: An in vitro co-culture system was established that consisted of intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation. RESULTS: Treatment with SQE significantly suppressed the secretion of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), IL-6, and IL-$1{\beta}$ in co-cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$ were down-regulated in response to inhibition of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ phosphorylation by SQE. Compared with two bioactive compounds that have previously been identified in SQE, tricin and P-coumaric acid, SQE exhibited the most effective anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSIONS: SQE exhibited intestinal anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting various inflammatory mediators mediated through nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-kB) activation. Thus, SQE has the potential to ameliorate inflammation-related diseases, including IBD, by limiting excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

• 한국연소학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.30-45
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• 2012

An existing unit of power plant is considered to refurbish it for possible application of carbon capture and storage(CCS). Conceptual design of the plant includes basic considerations on the national and international situation of energy use, environmental concerns, required budget, and time schedule as well as the engineering concept of the plant. While major equipment of the recently upgraded power plant is going to be reused, a new boiler for air-oxy fired dual mode operation is to be designed. Cryogenic air separation unit is considered for optimized capacity, and combustion system accommodates flue gas recirculation with multiple cleaning and humidity removal units. The flue gas is purified for carbon dioxide separation and treatment. This paper presents the background of the project, participants, and industrial background. Proposed concept of the plant operation is discussed for the possible considerations on the engineering designs.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.114-121
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• 2017

Real-time monitoring of hourly concentrations of atmospheric Radon-222 ($^{222}Rn$, radon) and some gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) was performed throughout 2013-2014 at Gosan station of Jeju Island, one of the cleanest regions in Korea, in order to characterize their background levels and temporal variation trend. The hourly mean concentrations of radon and three gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) over the study period were $2216{\pm}1100mBq/m^3$, $0.6{\pm}0.7ppb$, $211.6{\pm}102.0ppb$, and $43.0{\pm}17.0ppb$, respectively. The seasonal order of radon concentrations was as fall ($2644mBq/m^3$)$${\sim_\sim}$$winter ($2612mBq/m^3$)>spring ($2022mBq/m^3$)>summer ($1666mBq/m^3$). The concentrations of $SO_2$ and CO showed similar patterns with those of radon as high in winter and low in summer, whereas the $O_3$ concentrations had a bit different trend. Based on cluster analyses of air mass back trajectories, the air mass frequencies originating from Chinese continent, North Pacific Ocean, and the Korean Peninsula routes were 30, 18, and 52%, respectively. When the air masses were moved from Chinese continent to Jeju Island, the concentrations of radon and gaseous pollutants ($SO_2$, CO, $O_3$) were relatively high: $2584mBq/m^3$, 0.76 ppb, 225.8 ppb, and 46.4 ppb. On the other hand, when the air masses were moved from North Pacific Ocean, their concentrations were much low as $1282mBq/m^3$, 0.24 ppb, 166.1 ppb, and 32.5 ppb, respectively.

• 대한원격탐사학회지
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.129-142
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• 2023

본 연구는 2018년 4월부터 2022년 4월까지 Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2/3의 건조공기 이산화탄소 몰분율(column-averaged carbon dioxide dry-air mole fraction, XCO₂) 자료와 TROPOspheric monitoring instrument의 일산화탄소(carbon monoxide, CO) 및 이산화질소(nitrogen dioxide, NO₂) 연직컬럼농도(본 연구에서 XCO, XNO₂로 명명) 자료를 활용하여 한국과 중국의 도시 및 권역에 대해 CO와 CO₂, CO와 NO₂의 비율을 분석하고, 사회경제적 지표(인구, 차량 등록 대수, 지역내총생산)와 비율의 관계, 한국과 중국에서의 특성 차이를 제시하였다. 먼저 CO₂, CO 그리고 NO₂ 세 기체상 물질의 대기 중 체류시간 차이로 CO₂, CO는 배경값과 추세선을 제거한 ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO로 분석하였다. 지역별로 세 값을 비교한 결과 ΔXCO, ΔXCO₂는 중국 지역이 XNO₂는 한국 지역이 상대적으로 높은 값을 보였으며, 두 값의 비율(ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂) 모두 한국보다 중국에서 높은 것으로 나타났다. ΔXCO/ΔXCO₂, ΔXCO/XNO₂와 사회경제적 지표는 양의 상관관계를 보였으며, 이는 도시 규모가 크고 경제활동이 활발할수록 대기오염기체 및 온실기체의 농도가 높다는 점을 시사한다. 한국과 중국의 비율 특성 차이를 분석하기 위해 두 나라의 지역별로 분석한 ΔXCO와 ΔXCO₂ 관계는 한국은 음의 관계성을 중국은 양의 관계성을 나타냈다. ΔXCO와 XNO₂의 상관성을 여름과 겨울에 대해 각각 살펴본 결과, 한국은 계절에 따른 ΔXCO 증감이 크지 않은 것에 비해 중국은 북동부 지역을 중심으로 계절에 따른 ΔXCO와 XNO₂의 증감이 크게 나타나며 관계성의 차이를 보였다. 이는 온실기체와 대기오염기체의 비율을 분석할 때, 계절 변동성 및 국가별 배출 특성을 감안해야 함을 시사한다.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.95-104
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• 2024

Background: In healthy dentin conditions, odontoblasts have an important role such as protection from invasion of pathogens. In mammalian teeth, progenitors such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate and differentiate into odontoblast-like cells, leading to the formation of reparative dentin. For differentiation using stem cells, it is crucial to provide conditions similar to the complex and intricate in vivo environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of differentiation into odonto/osteoblasts, and compare co-culture with/without epithelial cells. Methods: MSCs and epithelial cells were successfully isolated from dental tissues. We investigated the influences of epithelial cells on the differentiation process of dental pulp stem cells into odonto/osteoblasts using co-culture systems. The differentiation potential with/without epithelial cells was analyzed for the expression of specific markers and calcium contents. Results: Differentiated odonto/osteoblast derived from dental pulp tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells with/without epithelial cells were evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunostaining, calcium content, and ALP staining. The expression of odonto/osteoblast-specific markers, calcium content, and ALP staining intensity were significantly increased in differentiated cells. Moreover, the odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity with epithelial cells co-culture was significantly higher than without epithelial cells co-culture. Conclusions: These results suggest that odonto/osteogenic differentiation co-cultured with epithelial cells has a more efficient application.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.123-132
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• 2023

Background: Pseudotyped virus systems that incorporate viral proteins have been widely employed for the rapid determination of the effectiveness and neutralizing activity of drug and vaccine candidates in biosafety level 2 facilities. We report an efficient method for producing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pseudovirus with dual luciferase and fluorescent protein reporters. Moreover, using the established method, we also aimed to investigate whether Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), a valuable Korean herbal medicine, can attenuate infectivity of the pseudotyped virus. Methods: A pseudovirus of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-2pv) was constructed and efficiently produced using lentivirus vector systems available in the public domain by the introduction of critical mutations in the cytoplasmic tail of the spike protein. KRG extract was dose-dependently treated to Calu-3 cells during SARS2-pv treatment to evaluate the protective activity against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The use of Calu-3 cells or the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in HEK293T cells enabled SARS-2pv infection of host cells. Coexpression of transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), which is the activator of spike protein, with ACE2 dramatically elevated luciferase activity, confirming the importance of the TMPRSS2-mediated pathway during SARS-CoV-2 entry. Our pseudovirus assay also revealed that KRG elicited resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung cells, suggesting its beneficial health effect. Conclusion: The method demonstrated the production of SARS-2pv for the analysis of vaccine or drug candidates. When KRG was assessed by the method, it protected host cells from coronavirus infection. Further studies will be followed for demonstrating this potential benefit.

• 한국농림기상학회지
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• 제9권4호
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• pp.268-276
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• 2007

본 연구에서는 서울 도심과 전원 지역간 $CO_2$ 농도 차이가 IPCC 중단기 기후변화 시나리오에 상응하는 차이가 있는지를 확인하기 위해 수도권의 도시기후를 IPCC 기후변화 시나리오를 재현한 "천연실험실"로 활용하고자 서울(도심), 수원(부도심), 이천(전원), 3지역에서 2006년 6월 19일부터 2007년 6월 25일(2007년 3월 3일-5월 22일까지 결측)까지 $CO_2$ 농도를 관측하였으며 이 결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 1) 3지점의 연 평균 대기 중 $CO_2$ 농도의 구배가 서울(439 ppm)>수원(419 ppm)>이천(416 ppm)으로 나타났다. 2) 계절에 따른 $CO_2$ 농도의 일변화 변동폭은 여름철에 크게 나타난 반면 겨울철에는 그 폭이 완만해졌다. 3) 계절에 따른 시간대별 대기 중 $CO_2$ 농도는 여름철에는 대체로 새벽 5시에, 가을철에는 오전 8시에, 겨울철에는 오전 9시에, 봄철에는 새벽 5시에 고농도가 나타남으로써 고농도가 나타나는 시간대가 가을철부터 지연되었다가 다시 봄철에는 일출 전후로 옮겨갔다. 4) 시간대별 대기 중 $CO_2$ 농도는 일출 직후에 442 ppm(서울: 0700 LST, Local Standard Time)으로 최대 농도를 보였으며, 최소 $CO_2$ 농도는 광합성이 활발한 오후 시간대로 407 ppm(수원: 1500 LST)으로 나타났다. 5) 배경대기관측소 안면도에서 산정한 배경 $CO_2$ 연평균 농도 377 ppm에 대해 서울은 14%, 수원은 10%, 이천은 9% 높았으며, IPCC BAU Scenario의 2030-2040년 대기 중 $CO_2$ 농도인 450 ppm에 대해 서울은 이미 98%에 도달하였고, 2040-2050년의 550 ppm에 대해서는 80%에 도달하여 우리나라의 도시-전원(서울-이천)간 $CO_2$ 농도차이는 IPCC BAU Scenario의 20-30년 후의 기후변화 시나리오에 상응하는 것으로 판단된다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권4호
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• pp.243-249
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• 2010

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrent hospital admissions for exacerbation of COPD in Korea. Methods: A retrospective study of 77 consecutive patients hospitalized for exacerbation of COPD at Pusan National University Hospital during the time period January 2005 to May 2008 was performed. The information was collected from the hospitalization period: clinical information, spirometric measures, and laboratory variables. In addition, socioeconomic characteristics, co-morbidity, anxiety, and depression were reviewed. Frequent readmission was defined as 2 or more hospitalizations in the year following discharge. Results: During the 1-year period after discharge, 42 patients (54.6%) reported one hospital admission and 35 patients (45.4%) reported 2 or more hospital readmissions. Among the 35 frequent readmission patients, 4 had more than 10 readmissions. Univariate analysis showed that a body mass index (BMI) <$18.5kg/m^2$, duration >36 months, forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) <50% predicted, arterial $CO_2$ partial pressure ($PaCO_2$) >40 mm Hg, and arterial oxygen saturation ($SaO_2$) <95% at discharge were associated significantly with frequent readmissions. The multivariate analysis revealed that BMI <$18.5kg/m^2$, $PaCO_2$ >40 mm Hg at discharge were independently associated with frequent readmissions for exacerbation of COPD. Conclusion: Frequent readmissions for exacerbation of COPD were associated with low BMI and hypercapnia at discharge.

• 한국표면공학회지
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• 제29권6호
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• pp.824-828
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• 1996

Co-based alloy thin films ddeposited by fcing targets sputtering(FTS) were investigated for use in high-density magnetic recording media to determine how their magnetic properties are dependent on the sputtering conditions, and thus to find appropriate parameters that allow the sputtering and thin films to meet the specificiations for magnetic properties. FTS can discharge at lower working gas pressure than other sputtering methods such as dcmagnetron sputteing because the plasma is sufficiently confined by a magnetic field applied perpendicular to both of the target planes, which results in plasma-free substrates. Co-Cr-Ta films were deposited by FTS on glass and silicon substrates at substrate temperature between room temperature and $350^{\circ}C$, and at argon gas pressure between 0.1 and 10mTorr. The films were also deposited on polyimide tapes at substrate temperature of $130^{\circ}C$ and argon gas pressure of 1 mTorr. The effective advantages of Ta as an additional element were investigated, using the same films on the tapes. As a result of the experiment, it was found that better magnetic properties were obtained in the ranges of higher temperature and lower argon gas pressure with background pressure in thr range of $1.5 \times 10^{-6}$ Torr. Ta addition at 2 to 4 atomic percent almost havled the Co-Cr grain sizes, indicating that Ta addition at an appropriate atomic percent is effective for improving the microstructure and characteristics of Co-Cr films.

• 한국환경농학회지
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.73-79
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• 2017

본 연구는 농가에서 버려지는 부산물을 탄화물로 변환한 후 토양에 적용하여 토양의 화학적 특성 변화와 온실가스 발생량을 비교하였다 탄화물로의 활용은 세 가지의 장점이 있었다. 첫 번째 버려지는 자원은 활용하여 재이용한 측면, 두 번째 농경지의 토양탄소 함량을 증진 시킬 수 있는 측면, 세 번째 농경지에서 발생하는 아산화질소를 줄일 수 있는 측면에서 유용할 것으로 판단된다. 하지만 $N_2O$ 감축기작에 대한 정확한 파악을 위해 질소순환과 연계된 추가적인 연구가 필요하다.