• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.417-427
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated in vitro immuno-stimulatory and anti-obesity activity of fruit (LIF), leaves (LIL) and stems (LIS) from Lonicera insularis Nakai in mouse macrophages RAW264.7 cells and mouse pre-adipocytes 3T3-L1 cells. LIF, LIL and LIS increased the production of immunostimulatory factors such as nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and activated phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) partly blocked LIF, LIL and LIS mediated production of immunostimulatory factors. In addition, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling attenuated the production of immunostimulatory factors induced by LIF, LIL and LIS. Based on these results of this study, LIF, LIL and LIS is thought to activate macrophages the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis through toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) and MAPKs signaling pathway. In anti-obesity study, LIF reduced the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. LIF increased the protein phosphorylation expressions such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) related to the lipolysis of the adipocytes. In addition, LIF increased the expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism and brown adipose tissues differentiation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coativator 1α (PGC-1α) and PR domain-containing16 (PRDM16). These results suggest that LIF is involved in lipid accumulation inhibition through expressing the proteins such as lipolysis and differentiation of white adipocytes to brown adipocytes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.462-475
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• 2022

Purpose: Allomyrina dichotoma larvae are one of the approved edible insects with nutritional value and various functional and medicinal properties. Previously we have demonstrated that the Allomyrina dichotoma larval extract (ADLE) ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice through the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This study investigated the effects of ADLE on insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle and explored mechanisms for enhancing the glucose uptake in palmitate (PAL)-treated C2C12 myotubes. Methods: To induce insulin resistance, the differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with PAL (0.5 mM) for 24 hours, and then treated with a 0.5 mg/ml concentration of ADLE, and the resultant effects were measured. The expression levels of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), AMPK, and the mitochondrial metabolism-related proteins were analyzed by western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of lipogenesis- related genes were determined by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. Results: The exposure of C2C12 myotubes to 0.5 mg/ml of ADLE increased cell viability significantly compared to PAL-treated cells. ADLE upregulated the protein expression of GLUT4 and enhanced glucose uptake in the PAL-treated cells. ADLE increased the phosphorylated AMPK in both the PAL-treated C2C12 myotubes and HFD-treated skeletal muscle. The reduced expression levels of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha (PGC1α) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) due to the PAL and HFD treatment were reversed by the ADLE treatment. The citrate synthase activity was also significantly increased with the PAL and ADLE co-treatment. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expressions of fatty acid synthesis-related factors were reduced in the PAL and HFD-treated muscle cells, and this effect was significantly attenuated by the ADLE treatment. Conclusion: ADLE activates AMPK, which in turn induces mitochondrial metabolism and reduces fatty acid synthesis in C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, ADLE could be useful for preventing or treating insulin resistance of skeletal muscles in diabetes.

• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.126-134
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• 2023

Direct catalytic decomposition is a promising method for controlling the emission of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from the semiconductor and display industries. In this study, a γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was developed to reduce N₂O emissions by a catalytic decomposition reaction. The γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was prepared by an extrusion method using boehmite powder, and a N₂O decomposition test was performed using a catalyst reactor that was approximately 25.4 mm (1 in) in diameter packed with approximately 5 mm of catalysts. The N₂O decomposition tests were carried out with approximately 1% N₂O at 550 to 750 ℃, an ambient pressure, and a GHSV=1800-2000 h^-1. To confirm the N₂O decomposition properties and the effect of O₂ and steam on the N₂O decomposition, nitrogen, air, and air and steam were used as atmospheric gases. The catalytic decomposition tests showed that the 1% N₂O had almost completely disappeared at 700 ℃ in an N₂ atmosphere. However, air and steam decreased the conversion rate drastically. The long term stability test carried out under an N₂ atmosphere at 700 ℃ for 350 h showed that the N₂O conversion rate remained very stable, confirming no catalytic activity changes. From the results of the N₂O decomposition tests and long-term stability test, it is expected that the prepared γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst can be used to reduce N₂O emissions from several industries including the semiconductor, display, and nitric acid manufacturing industry.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.84-98
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• 2022

Estuary is important in terms of biodiversity because it has the characteristics of transition waters, created by the mixing of fresh- and seawater. The estuarine water circulation provides a variety of habitats with different environments by inducing gradients in the chemical and physical environment, such as water quality and river bed structure, which are ultimately the main factors influencing biological community composition. If the water circulation is interrupted, the loss of brackish areas and the interception of migration of biological communities will lead to changes in the spatial distribution of biodiversity. In this study, among the sites covered by the Estuary Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment, we selected study sites where changes in biodiversity can be assessed by spatial gradient from the upper reaches of the river to the lower estuarine area. The α-, γ- and β-diversity of diatom, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish communities were calculated, and they were divided into open and closed estuary data and compared to determine the trends in biodiversity variation due to estuarine circulation. As results, all communities showed higher γ-diversity at open estuary sites. The benthic macroinvertebrate community showed a clear difference between open and closed estuaries in β-diversity, consequently the estuarine transects were considered as a factor that decreases spatial heterogeneity of their diversity among sites. The biodiversity trends analyzed in this study will be used to identify estuaries with low γ- and β-diversity by community, providing a useful resource for further mornitoring and management to maintain estuarine health.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.68-74
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• 1970

In the previous studies, the present author found that high proportion of the follicular oocytes from mouse and rabbit ovaries are able to resume their maturation division in the anterior chamber of the eye in which they have been incubated by auto- or homoplastic transplantation. Especially in the case of the homoplastic transplantation, it was known that no trouble has been detected in the process of resumption of the oval maturation in particular connection with the antigen-antibody reaction between donor and recipient. These findings provide a possibility that the follicular oocytes from various animals would be matured in the eye even after the xenoplastic transplantation. Under such an assumption, the present studies were performed to examine the behavior of the follicular oocytes in the eye chamber of the animals of different species. For the donor of the follicular oocytes, domestic rabbits, albino rats of Sprague-Dowley strain, and albino mice of A-strain bred in our laboratory were used. The oocytes obtained from the ovarian follicules were introduced to the anterior chamber of the eye of different species of animals, with an exception of rabbit in which only the female animals were used as a recipient. The procedures of collection of ova, introduction to the eye, harvest from the eye ball, fixation, and staining were the same as mentioned in the previous reports (Cho, 1967b; Cho and Kim, 1968). The conclusions obtained are summarized as below. 1. The rabbit follicular oocytes are able to mature in the eye chambers of both male mouse and rat, although the proportion of the maturation is lower than when they are incubated autoplastically in the eye. When the ova were incubated in the male mouse eye for 24 hours, 21 per cent of them showed chromosomes at metaphase I and II, whereas the rate was 32 per cent when they were incubated in the eye of the male rat. These are apparently low comparing to the rate of 52 per cent of autoplastic transplantation. 2. When rat follicular oocytes were transferred into the mouse eye chamber and recovered after 24 hours, 43 per cent of them produced the mataphase I and II chromosomes. This proportion was higher than the result of the homoplastic transplantation which yielded 23 per cent of the ova on maturation. 3. The most striking result was found in the experiment with mouse follicular oocytes. Seventy-six per cent of the oocytes resumed their maturation division within 24 hours after they were transferred into the male rat eye chamber, and this figure was significantly high compared to the result o 55 per cent obtained by the homoplastic transplantation. In the rat eye, the induction of the degenerative ova also was low (19%). On the other hand, the proportion of the oval maturation decreased to 45 per cent, while that of degeneration increased 33 per cent when they were incubated in the eye of the female rabbit. 4. It was apparent from the present experiments that the follicular oocytes can reveal their activation to maturation in the eye chamber which contains aqueous humor which is known to be composed of low protein content and of very little gamma-globulin which acts as an antibody(Oser, 1965), and that it shows higher osmolarity than blood serum(Levene, 1958). Taking these properities into consideration the humor may provide unfavourable environment to the cells and tissues incubated in. However, it could be noteworthy finding that only the follicular oocytes in the eye of the different species can grow in healthy condition although the maturation rates are varied with the animal species. The fact that the rabbit follicular oocytes show the lower proportion in maturation may be due to the greater amount of the yolk granules in the egg cytoplasm than those in the mouse and rat oocytes. That the mouse oocytes incubated in the eye of the rat mouse and rat oocytes. That the mouse oocytes incubated in the eye of the rat resumed their maturation process in greater proportion would e explained by the fact that the rat eye chamber particularly provides the better environment to the mouse oocytes than the eye chamber of mouse does.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.602-614
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• 2023

Purpose: The balance between synthesis and degradation of proteins plays a critical role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been closely associated with skeletal muscle atrophy caused by aging, cancer, and chemotherapy. Polygalacin D is a saponin derivative isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polygalacin D on myoblast differentiation and muscle atrophy in association with mitochondrial function in in vitro and in zebrafish models in vivo. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in differentiation media containing different concentrations of polygalacin D, followed by the immunostaining of the myotubes with myosin heavy chain (MHC). The mRNA expression of markers related to myogenesis, muscle atrophy, and mitochondrial function was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Wild type AB^* zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with or without polygalacin D, and immunostained to detect slow and fast types of muscle fibers. The Tg(Xla.Eef1a1:mitoEGFP) zebrafish expressing mitochondria-targeted green fluorescent protein was used to monitor mitochondrial morphology. Results: The exposure of C2C12 myotubes to 0.1 ng/mL of polygalacin D increased the formation of MHC-positive multinucleated myotubes (≥ 8 nuclei) compared with the control. Polygalacin D significantly increased the expression of MHC isoforms (Myh1, Myh2, Myh4, and Myh7) involved in myoblast differentiation while it decreased the expression of atrophic markers including muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)2, and Smad3. In addition, polygalacin D promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (Pgc1α) expression and reduced the level of mitochondrial fission regulators such as dynamin-1-like protein (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1). In a zebrafish model of FOLFIRI-induced muscle atrophy, polygalacin D improved not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also slow and fast muscle fiber atrophy. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that polygalacin D promotes myogenesis and alleviates chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy by improving mitochondrial function. Thus, polygalacin D could be useful as nutrition support to prevent and ameliorate muscle wasting and weakness.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.647-659
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• 2023

This study is to analyze the lithological similarities between railing stones of Gwanghwamun Woldae and stone blocks stored in Donggureung Royal Tombs, Guri, to interpret the provenance of the stones, and to suggest the most suitable quarry for a new stones supply among the rocks in the Seoul-Pocheon area in order to select stones for the restoration of the Gwanghwamun Woldae. The railing stones in Donggureung are medium to coarse-grained pink biotite granite, and their lithological characteristics, magnetic susceptibility(Average 5.20 ×10^-3 SI unit), and gamma spectrometer data(K 5.00~6.38%, U 4.92~8.56 ppm, Th 27.60~36.44 ppm) show similarities with the remaining railing stones in Gwanghwamun Woldae(Average 5.38). Therefore, the railing stones in Donggureung can be reused for the restoration of Gwanghwamun Woldae. They have similar lithological and geochemical charateristics to the pink biotite granite found the Suraksan Mt. and Buramsan Mr. areas in Seoul, suggesting that these areas are the source of the stone. However, since the Suraksan Mt. and Buramsan Mt. areas are currently unavailable for quarrying, lithological and geochemical analyses on granite from the Yangju and Pocheon areas are conducted to determine the suitability of the new stone for restoration. As a result, a pink biotite granite similar to the Woldae stones was identified in the Pocheon area, and it is suggested that the stones similar in grain size and colour to the railing stones of Gwanghwamun Woldae should be selected and used for the restoration of Gwanghwamun Woldae.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.31-52
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• 2024

Considering the significant relationship between a tree's branch structure and physiology, understanding the detailed branch structure is crucial for fields such as species classification, and 3D tree modelling. Recently, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and quantitative structure model (QSM) have enhanced the understanding of branch structures by capturing the radius, length, and branching angle of branches. Previous studies examining branch structure with TL S and QSM often relied on mean or median of branch structure parameters, such as the radius ratio and length ratio in parent-child relationships, as representative values. Additionally, these studies have typically focused on the relationship between trunk and the first order branches. This study aims to explore the distribution of branch structure parameters up to the third order in Aesculus hippocastanum, Ginkgo biloba, and Prunus yedoensis. The gamma distribution best represented the distributions of branch structure parameters, as evidenced by the average of Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics (radius = 0.048; length = 0.061; angle = 0.050). Comparisons of the mode, mean, and median were conducted to determine the most representative measure indicating the central tendency of branch structure parameters. The estimated distributions showed differences between the mode and mean (average of normalized differences for radius ratio = 11.2%; length ratio = 17.0%; branching angle = 8.2%), and between the mode and median (radius ratio = 7.5%; length ratio = 11.5%; branching angle = 5.5%). Comparisons of the estimated distributions across branch orders and species were conducted, showing variations across branch orders and species. This study suggests that examining the estimated distribution of the branch structure parameter offers a more detailed description of branch structure, capturing the central tendencies of branch structure parameters. We also emphasize the importance of examining higher branch orders to gain a comprehensive understanding of branch structure, highlighting the differences across branch orders.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 2024

This study confirmed the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis as natural radioprotectors on the prostate, small intestine, and liver of SD rats. It is known that Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis have antioxidant effects on the prostate, small intestine, and liver, respectively.In this study, SD rats were irradiated with 8 Gy of gamma rays to confirm the radioprotective effects of a mixed extracts of Hottuynia, Perilla Frutescens, and Camellia Sinnensis. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. After radiation irradiation, histological analysis of the prostate, small intestine, and liver was performed. In the case of the prostate, the HPC+IR Group had less prostate damage and better recovery due to radiation compared to the IR Group. It was confirmed that the prostate size of the HPC+IR Group was 11.48%p and 24.54%p higher than the IR Group on 1st and 7th days. In the case of the small intestine, the HPC+IR Group had less radiation-induced small intestinal damage and recovery was better than the IR Group. The length of small intestine villus in the HPC+IR Group was confirmed to be 23.73%p and 24.27%p higher than the IR Group on the 1st and 7th days. In the case of the liver, the HPC+IR Group had less liver damage due to radiation and had better recovery than the IR Group. This was confirmed through the hepatic portal vein and surrounding cells. The results of this study are considered to be used as basic data for research on natural radiation protection using mixed extracts.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.146-154
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• 2023

To develop a multi-functional ingredient, the bioconversion of katsuobushi protein was optimized using Bacillus subtilis HA and Lactobacillus plantarum KS2020. The Dendropanax morbiferus extract (DME) culture with protease activity (102 unit/mL) was prepared by B. subtilis with 2% glucose and 1% skim milk through one day of alkaline fermentation. Katsuobushi protein was effectively hydrolyzed by the DME culture at 60℃ for 3 hours, resulting in a tyrosine content of 156.85 mg%. Subsequently, a second lactic acid fermentation was carried out with 10% monosodium glutamate (MSG) using L. plantarum KS2020 to produce higher levels of GABA. Following co-cultivation for three days, DME exhibited a pH of 8.3 (0% acidity). After seven days, the viable cell count of L. plantarum increased to 9.33 CFU/mL, but viable Bacillus cells were not detected. Taken together, a multi-functional ingredient with enriched GABA, peptides, probiotics, and umami flavor was developed through lactic acid fermentation using hydrolyzed katsuobushi protein. These results indicate that katsuobushi protein could be used as a byproduct to produce a palatable protein hydrolysate using alkaline-fermented DME culture as a proteolytic enzyme source.