• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.447-452
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• 2007

This experiment was conducted to enhance the colored potatoes utilization and to determine the biological activity of colored potato extracts. In order to understand the factors responsible for the potent antioxidant and antihypertensive ability of colored potatoes, it has been evaluated for anti-oxidative activity using Fenton's reagent/ethyl linoleate system and for free radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical generating system. There were significant differences of antioxidant activities in $50{\mu}g/mL$ extracts treatment among different colored potatoes. About two-fold higher radical scavenging activity was found in 'Daegwan 1-102', 'Daegwan 1-104' and 'Jasim' compared to that in 'Superior'. Based on the flesh color tested, potatoes with purple tuber showed higher radical scavenging activity than red potatoes, while white potato showed the lowest radical scavenging activity. The ability of 80% ethanol extracts from colored potatoes to influence the inhibitory activity of angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) and xanthine oxidase(XOase) has also been investigated. Expect 'Jasim', the high levels of inhibition activity of xanthine oxidase in two colored potatoes such as 'Daegwan 1-102' and 'Daegwan 1-104' were highly correlated to $IC_{50}$ values of ACE inhibition activity. The various therapeutic benefit claims in the new functional medicinal usage of colored potatoes ascribed to the phenolic compounds and anthocyanin. This result revealed that the extracts of colored potatoes are expected to be good candidate for development into source of free radical scavengers and anti-hypertentive agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2016

Ethanol is a very valuable material, however, it is also a source of stress, as the accumulation of ethanol in a medium inhibits cell viability and decreases productivity of the target product. Therefore, the ethanol tolerance of yeast, which is closely related to ethanol productivity, is an important factor in industrial ethanol production. In this study, the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes were selected as target genes for elucidating ethanol-tolerant mechanisms by analyzing the expression regulation of these genes. The pA-YDJ1 and pA-PEP5 plasmids containing YDJ1 and PEP5 genes under an ADH1 promoter, respectively, were constructed and transformed into BY4742 (host strain), BY4742△ydj1, and BY4742△pep5 strains. The ethanol tolerance in the BY4742△ydj1/ pA-YDJ1 and BY4742△pep5/pA-PEP5 transformants was restored by overexpression of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes to the host strain level. The YDJ1 and PEP5 genes were also introduced into the double gene disruptant (BY4742△ydj1△pep5) to investigate the expression regulation of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes. The simultaneous overexpression of the YDJ1 and PEP5 genes restored ethanol tolerance to the 90% level of the BY4742 strain under 8% ethanol stress. The YDJ1 gene induced more overexpression of the PEP5 gene in the BY4742△ydj1 △pep5/pA-YDJ1, pA-PEP5 strain, suggesting that the YDJ1 gene partially regulates the expression of the PEP5 gene as an upstream regulator.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.890-898
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• 2016

The purpose of this paper is to investigate potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Tenebrio molitor. Macrophage cell response by outside stimulation leads expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), $interleukin-1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$), and trigger expression of genes which are affected by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in formation of inflammatory factors like nitric oxide (NO) and Prostaglandin $E_2$ (PGE2). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. In order to investigate anti-inflammatory agents, the inhibitory effects on the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO in RAW 264.7 cells were examined. T. Molitor significantly decreased the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced the expression of iNOS, a COX-2 protein. As a result, the levels of protein such as $PGE_2$, iNOS, COX-2 and MARKs were significantly reduced compared to non-treated group in T. Molitor water extract (TDW) treated group. Also, antioxidant effect of T. Molitor were investigated using DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests in cell-free system. Antioxidant activity of T. molitor was found low in the DPPH radical scavenging test while high in the ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity tests. These results show that TDW could be an effective anti-pro-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.280-289
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• 1998

Background: It is sometimes difficult to differentiate tuberculous pleural effusion from malignant pleural effusion by clinical symptoms, signs, by routine tests of pleural fluid, and by pathologic studies. And recently, it was discovered that cytokines such as IL-2, IFN-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$ are elevated in tuberculous pleural fluid, and there have been several attempts to diagnose tuberculous pleural effusion by using these immunological mediators. There are several studies regarding the diagnostic value of IFN-$\gamma$, and there are two studies in Korea. But the diagnostic values of IFN-$\gamma$ in these studies were slightly lower than those in other countries. To compare the diagnostic value of IFN-$\gamma$ with those of CEA and ADA, and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of IFN-$\gamma$ in Korean, we mesured IFN-$\gamma$, CEA level and ADA activity in pleural effusions. Methods: ADA activity, IFN-$\gamma$ level and CEA level as well as cell count, differential count, and biochemical assays such as protein content and lactate dehydrogenase were measured in 40 cases of tuberculous pleuritis and 42 cases of malignant pleural effusion. Results: Tuberculous pleural fluid showed higher levels of IFN-$\gamma$ and ADA ($832.6{\pm}357.2$ pg/ml and $82.5{\pm}25.9$ U/L, respectively) than those of malignant pleural effusion ($2.6{\pm}8.0$ pg/ml and $19.2{\pm}10.9$ U/L, respectively) (p<0.01). Malignant pleural effusions showed higher median value (102.2 ng/ml) than tubercalous pleural effusions (1.8 ng/ml) (p<0.01). The sensitivities of IFN-$\gamma$, ADA, CEA were 0.97, 0.87, 0.67 and the specificities of IFN-$\gamma$, ADA, CEA were 1.0, 0.97, 1.0, respectively. There was no significant correlation between ADA activity and IFN-$\gamma$ level. Conclusion: This study showed that IFN-$\gamma$ test would be a very useful clinical test for differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis and malignant pleural effusion because it is very sensitive and specific, although it is an expensive test.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.379-392
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• 2019

The current study investigated the effect of Gabjubaekmok (Diospyros kaki) ethanolic extract (GEE) on $H_2O_2$-induced human neuroblastoma MC-IXC cells and amyloid beta $(A{\beta})_{1-42}$-induced ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice. GEE showed significant antioxidant activity that was evaluated based on ABTS, DPPH scavenging activity, and inhibition of malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetylcholinesterase activity. Further, GEE inhibited ROS production and increased cell viability in $H_2O_2$-induced MC-IXC cells. Administration of GEE ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction on $A{\beta}$-induced ICR mice as evaluated using Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests. Results of ex vivo test using brain tissues showed that, GEE protected the cholinergic system and mitochondrial functions by increasing the levels of antioxidants such as ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) against $A{\beta}$-induced cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, GEE decreasd the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, p-JNK, p-tau, BAX and caspase 3. While, expression levels of p-Akt and $p-GSK3{\beta}$ increased than $A{\beta}$ group. Finally, gallic acid was identified as the main compound of GEE using high performance liquid chromatography.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.13-28
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• 2023

This study assessed the biochemical methane potential (B_u-P) of three grass species-Poa pratensis (PP), Zoysia japonica (ZJ), and Agrostis stolonifera (AS). B_u-P values were determined as 0.330 Nm³/kg-VS_added for PP, 0.297 Nm³/kg-VS_added for ZJ, and 0.261 Nm³/kg-VS_added for AS. Notably, PP exhibited superior suitability for methane production. The investigation also examined the impact of silage storage duration on PP grass clippings, revealing a 19% decline in B_u-P from an initial value of 0.269 Nm³/kg-VS_added on day 0 to 0.217 Nm³/kg-VS_added on day 180. Throughout the storage period, there were significant increases in neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) contents, rising from 67.59%, 39.68%, and 3.02% on day 0 to 77.12%, 54.65%, and 6.24% on day 180, respectively. These findings highlight the influence of storage duration on the anaerobic digestibility of PP grass clippings. To effectively utilize grass clippings as a renewable resource for methane production, further studies considering factors such as initial moisture content, pretreatment methods, and potential effects of residual pesticides are necessary to optimize anaerobic digestion efficiency for herbaceous biomass.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.36-43
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• 2024

Fishing net waste (FNW) constitutes over half of all marine plastic waste and is a major contributor to the degradation of marine ecosystems. While current treatment options for FNW include incineration, landfilling, and mechanical recycling, these methods often result in low-value products and pollutant emissions. Importantly, FNWs, comprised of plastic polymers, can be converted into valuable resources like syngas and pyrolysis oil through pyrolysis. Thus, this study presents a process for generating high-purity hydrogen (H₂) by catalytically pyrolyzing FNW in a CO₂ environment. The proposed process comprises of three stages: First, the pretreated FNW undergoes Ni/SiO₂ catalytic pyrolysis under CO₂ conditions to produce syngas and pyrolysis oil. Second, the produced pyrolysis oil is incinerated and repurposed as an energy source for the pyrolysis reaction. Lastly, the syngas is transformed into high-purity H₂ via the Water-Gas-Shift (WGS) reaction and Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). This study compares the results of the proposed process with those of traditional pyrolysis conducted under N₂ conditions. Simulation results show that pyrolyzing 500 kg/h of FNW produced 2.933 kmol/h of high-purity H₂ under N₂ conditions and 3.605 kmol/h of high-purity H₂ under CO₂ conditions. Furthermore, pyrolysis under CO₂ conditions improved CO production, increasing H₂ output. Additionally, the CO₂ emissions were reduced by 89.8% compared to N₂ conditions due to the capture and utilization of CO₂ released during the process. Therefore, the proposed process under CO₂ conditions can efficiently recycle FNW and generate eco-friendly hydrogen product.

• Sim-seong Yeon-gu
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.67-88
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• 2011

Pungsu is an ancient logic that systemizes geography based on the Yin-Yang and The Five Elements Principle. It is defined as the unique and highly systemized ancient Eastern art of selecting auspicious sites and arranging harmonious structures such as graves, houses, and cities on them by evaluating the surrounding landscape and cosmological directions. Pungsu helps allegedly one improve life by receiving vital energy(Shengqi, 生氣)-energy flow that flows under the ground. It is traditional belief that the living lead their lives on the ground, indirectly receiving the energy coming out of the ground, whereas the dead are buried under the ground, allowing them to directly absorb energy from the ground, which makes Shengqi the dead receive bigger and more obvious than that the living receive. This energy absorbed by the dead from the ground was believed to be passed on to their descendants. This phenomenon is called "Induction of vital energy between Ancestors and Descendants". People searched for the sites which were believed to contain rich and positive vital energy flow. They also tried to bury their ancestors under such sites hoping to receive the Shengqi coming from underground which they believed would help them thrive and prosper. The efforts to locate the sites which have the most vital energy, auspicious sites or "Bright Yard(明堂)", are easily observed in Asia including China and Korea. The ultimate goal of searching for auspicious sites lies in human(whether alive or dead) receiving vital energy from the nature to enjoy happy lives. In choosing a place to live or to bury their dead ancestors, people tried to understand the energy flow of the site considering the factors related with mountain, water, and direction. If we take a closer look into the methods of finding auspicious sites, we can see that people have tried to see the outer conditions of lands, mountains and waters within the perfect harmony if possible. Auspicious site or Bright Yard is the site with those elements in perfect order and harmony, that is, it is the place which derives the most vital energy from the best order and harmony of nature. As this shows, an auspicious site symbolizes totality-the Self, and it seems to be projected to the land. It is believed to be an attempt that the reason why we try to find auspicious sites to internalize the totality that we projected to the outer world. Therefore, this auspicious site is what our foremost values, symbol of the Self, such as harmony, equilibrium, perfection, and uniqueness are reflected to the land. Through the process of finding such a site, we try to gain totality of psyche.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.963-974
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine the growth performance, carcass characteristics, physico-chemical properties and fatty acid composition of muscle tissues of Hanwoo steers when they were fed diets containing four levels of E. ulmoides leaves. Steers were allotted to one of four dietary treatments, which were designed to progressively substitute Eucommia ulmoides for 0, 3, 5 and 10% of the rice straw in the basal diet. Seventy two Hanwoo steers (321±13kg) were used. Average daily gain (0.81-0.86kg) and feed conversion (10.05-10.59) were not changed by feeding E. ulmoides leaves. Emission of fecal ammonia gas was decreased by increasing substitution levels of E. ulmoides leaves. Emission of ammonia gas in feces of steers were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the 5% and 10% treatments at 40℃ compared with in control (30.6ppm) and 3% treatment (29.8ppm), respectively 20.3 and 21.6ppm. Back fat thickness was higher (p<0.05) in steers fed control diet (15.0mm) than 5 and 10% E. ulmoides diets (10.2 and 10.5mm respectively). The grade ‘A’ appearances of meat yield of steers were increased up to 20% by the 3% substitution of E. ulmoides leaves, and the grades ‘1+’ and ‘1’ appearances of meat quality were significantly improved (p<0.05) by the 5 and 10% Eucommia ulmoides feeding. There was no statistical difference in meat color of loin and top round among all treatments. It appeared that the 5% and 10% E. ulmoides leaves feeding affected (p<0.05) a increase in oleic acid concentration in loin and top round muscles. The concentration of serum cholesterol was lower (p<0.05) in steers fed 10% E. ulmoides (53.3mg/100g) than that of the other treatments (55.7-57.0mg/100g). The diarrhea incidence was about 20.26% in control, while it was lower (p<0.05) in the 5 and 10% E. ulmoides leaves treatments (10.4-12.5%) than control. There was no statistical difference in the occurrences of respiratory disease among all treatments. It is concluded that E. ulmoides leaves should be a prospective feed additive because it contains various functional substances. It is likely that air-dried E. ulmoides leaves can reduce the back fat thickness of Hanwoo steers and the occurrences of diarrhea. Therefore, the 5 and 10% substitution of E. ulmoides for roughage are highly recommended to be used in practice.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.93-100
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• 2005

This research was performed to investigate the possibilities of industrial usage of camellia (Camellia japonica L.) by examining the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of methanol extract with different sections. Content of total phenolics, DPPH radical scavenging activities and antibacterial activity of young leaf, mature leaf, flower bud, flower, bark, and seed of camellia were compared in vitro experimental models. Total phenolics was contained the higher in young leaf (74.62 mg), flower bud (65.02 mg) and flower (62.42 mg) but less than 20.95 mg per 100 g of dry weight in other parts of Camellia japonica L. And effects of antioxidant measured by DPPH radical scavenger activity ($RC_{50}$, reduce concentration 50%), was shown higher $7.16{\sim}18.14\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ in methanol extract of young leaf, flower bud and flower than $61.23\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of BHT as a chemical oxidant. Also, the antimicrobial activity of Camellia japonica L. extracts determined using a paper disc method against food-borne pathogen and food spoilage bacteria, the young leaves extracts showed the most active antimicrobial activity against 7 kinds of harmful microorganisms. Flower bud extracts showed the highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. C1036. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of young leaf extract against B. subtillis,S. fradiae,S. aureus,E. coli,P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. C1036, and S. typhimurium were revealed 1 to 15 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. As a result, antimicrobial activity of camellia extracts was shown higher gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria.