• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2005

The electronic nose (e-nose) has been used in food industry and quality controls in plastic packaging. Recently it finds its applications in medical diagnosis, specifically on detection of diabetes, pulmonary or gastrointestinal problem, or infections by examining odors in the breath or tissues with its odor characterizing ability. Moreover, the use of portable e-nose enables the on-site measurements and analysis of vapors without extra gas-sampling units. This is expected to widen the application of the e-nose in various fields including point-of-care-test or e-health. In this study, a PDA-based portable e-nose was developed using micro-machined gas sensor array and miniaturized electronic interfaces. The rich capacities of the PDA in its computing power and various interfaces are expected to provide the rapid and application specific development of the diagnostic devices, and easy connection to other facilities through information technology (IT) infra. For performance verification of the developed portable e-nose system, Six different vapors were measured using the system. Seven different carbon-black polymer composites were used for the sensor array. The results showed the reproducibility of the measured data and the distinguishable patterns between the vapor species. Additionally, the application of two typical pattern recognition algorithms verified the possibility of the automatic vapor recognition from the portable measurements. These validated the portable e-nose based on PDA developed in this study.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.226-236
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• 2012

In the present work, the influence of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on adhesion to Caco-2 cells, viability, acid and bile tolerance, antibacterial, antioxidant, enzymatic, and metabolic activities of the probiotic starters Lactobacillus acidophilus GK20 and Lactobacillus paracasei GK74, has been explored. Experiments were conducted with fermented yoghurt over a period of 7 days at $4^{\circ}C$. When compared to control fermentations without prebiotic, the addition of FOS was seen to significantly (p<0.05) increase the viable cell counts of the probiotics, overall viscosity, and concurrently reduce the pH of the fermented yoghurts. Both Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 and Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076 were inhibited by the probiotics' antibacterial activities, while the synbiotic yoghurt containing mixed probiotics and FOS was noted to highly improve antagonistic action. When fermented with mixed starters, the addition of FOS (1.0%) resulted in the highest proteolytic ($1.06{\pm}0.06$ unit) and ${\beta}$-galactosidase activities ($20.14{\pm}0.31$ unit). However, FOS did not affect acid and bile tolerance, adhesion to Caco-2 cells or the antioxidant activity of the probiotics, although both L. acidophilus GK20 and L. paracasei GK74 had functionality as probiotic strains. Hence, a significant synbiotic effect was observed in fermented yoghurt after 7 days of storage at $4^{\circ}C$, and as a result, such synbiotic yoghurt can be said to possess synergistic actions which improve the gastrointestinal environment and promote of health.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.60-70
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• 2011

The sediment removal index derived from the chemical contaminants, $CI_{HC}$, is currently in use to identify and define the spatial extent of the contaminated sediments in the sea. In order to analyze the sensitivity of the ecological and human risk associated with contaminated sediment, we evaluated five hypothetical contaminated sediments, whose $CI_{HC}$ values are identical but consisted of different contaminant contents, using $TrophicTrace^{(R)}$ model dedicated to evaluate sediment risk, against the resident greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) and humans by calculating No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level based Toxicity Quotient (NOAEL TQ) and Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level based Toxicity Quotient (LOAEL TQ), and cancer risks and hazard indices (HI), respectively, based on the site conceptual model and exposure assumptions of fish ingestion to human receptor populations. NOAEL and LOAEL TQ values varied as much as a factor of 2 among 5 hypothetical sediments. Chemical element specific contribution to the carcinogenic risk and HI varied also greatly in these sediments. The reason for this significant dissimilarity in ecological and human risk stems from the different risk of each contaminant to the resident fish and human receptor. When the conceptual food web model is constructed for the target biological species for a given site, the ecological and human risk analysis considering trophic transfer of contaminants will add a ecosystem based tool for the management of contaminated sediments.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the probiotic properties and antioxidant capacity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Vietnamese feces and the Korean traditional food kimchi. Six isolated strains were identified as Lactobacillus sp. by 16S rRNA sequencing. All strains showed good resistance to low pH (1.5, 2.0, and 3.0) and 0.3% oxgall bile acids. Culture filtrates from the six strains showed various antioxidant effects, including DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and metal chelating ($Fe^{2+}$) activities. Two of the six Lactobacillus strains showed potential probiotic activity. Heat resistance and adhesion assays were conducted by mixing the selected strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus V4, Lactobacillus plantarum V7, and Lactobacillus paracasei DK121 isolated from kimchi. The results showed that the heat resistance of these strains was similar to that of a commercial strain, L. plantarum LP. In addition, a mucin attachment assay using the mixture of selected strains (V4, V7, and DK121) showed high binding activity to the mucous layer. In conclusion, a mixture of V4, V7, and DK121 shows promising probiotic activity and may be useful for the development of health-related products.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2011

Monitoring or follow-up surveying pesticide residues in agricultural commodities is the key to meet the international regulations and to enhance international competitiveness of Korean agricultural commodities. Six neonicotinoid insecticides, acctamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam were monitored in 95 paprika samples collected from Gyeongnam area. Thc pesticide residues were extracted by EN 15662 buffer based on the QuEChERS method, clean-upped with dispersive solid-phase extraction method to remove interfering pigments, and analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The neonicotinoid pesticides were detected in 90.5% of the paprika samples. Two or more pesticides were detected in 82.3% of samples. Although detection frequencies were high, all samples complied with the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by both the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) and Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2017

Purpose: Neuroinflammation is mediated by activation of microglia implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Inhibition of neuroinflammation may be an effective solution to treat these brain disorders. Petalonia binghamiae is known as a traditional food, based on multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidant and anti-obesity. In present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of Petalonia binghamiae was investigated in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Methods: Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Production of nitric oxide (NO) was examined using Griess reagent. Expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was detected by Western blot analysis. Activation of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) signaling was examined by nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 subunit and phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B$. Results: Extract of Petalonia binghamiae significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO production and iNOS/COX-2 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. Pretreatment with Petalonia binghamiae suppressed LPS-induced $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B$. Co-treatment with Petalonia binghamiae and pyrrolidine duthiocarbamate (PDTC), an $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor, reduced LPS-stimulated NO release compared to that in PB-treated or PDTC-treated cells. Conclusion: The present results indicate that extract of Petalonia binghamiae exerts anti-neuroinflammation activities, partly through inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling. These findings suggest that Petalonia binghamiae might have therapeutic potential in relation to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.109-117
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• 2012

The purpose of this work was to evaluate an amorphous silicon cesium iodide based indirect flat-panel detector (FPD) in terms of their modulation transfer function (MTF), Wiener spectrum (WS, or noise power spectrum, NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Measurements were made on flat-panel detector using the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defined RQA3, RQA5, RQA7, and RQA9 radiographic technique. The MTFs of the systems were measured using an edge method. The WS(NPS) of the systems were determined for a range of exposure levels by two-dimensional (2D). Fourier analysis of uniformly exposed radiographs. The DQEs were assessed from the measured MTF, WS(NPS), exposure, and estimated ideal signal-to-noise ratios. Characteristic curve in the RQA3 showed difference in the characteristic curve from RQA5, RQA7, RQA9. MTFs were not differences according to x-ray beam quality. WS(NPS) was reduced with increasing dose, and RQA 3, RQA5, RQA7, RQA9 as the order is reduced. DQE represented the best in the 1mR, RQA 3, RQA5, RQA7, RQA9 decrease in the order. The physical imaging characteristics of FPD may also differ from input beam quality. This study gives an initial motivation that the physical imaging characteristics of FPD is an important issue for the right use of digital radiography system.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.442-452
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• 2010

Our team carried out a new program for public engagement on nanotechnology in Korea. We chose 22 monitors, who majored in science or technology and graduated from universities long time ago. Most of them were married and housewives. This 'focus group' had not only general knowledge about science or technology but also much interest in social activities. The 167 nanoproducts to be monitored were for daily life, e.g. home appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, water purifier, etc), clothing, cosmetics, food, toy, and others. And the period of it was one month. The monitors had a sheet with 10 questions, and filled them out in essay form. All of them submitted 2~3 sheets every weekend to our team. Before monitoring, our team had a meeting for introduction and explanation about the potential risk of nanotechnology as well as benefits from it. Another meeting was held after finishing monitoring to share their experience one another. The main results of the monitoring were as follows: the number of nanoproducts describing both the definition of 'nano' and the size of nanomaterials was just 2 (1.2%) the number of them explaining the technical methods enough was 15 (9/0%) the number of them accounting for the reason of functional improvement enough was 14(8.4%); the number of them doubtful as if there would be exaggeration or false knowledge was 27 (16.2%); the number of them commenting potential hazards to human health or environment was almost zero; the number of them describing about safety certification acceptable was 9 (5.4%). The monitors made a proposal containing recommendation to Government and industry. The contents were as follows: industry should make the manual in detail and correctly, Describe Certificate detailed and correctly, Do research on risk and toxicity continually, Educate employee about nanoproducts at consumer's center; Government should make indication of nanoproducts compulsory, Appoint Certificate Authority and make Certificate Mark guaranteeing the safety on nanoproducts, Make detailed explanation about nanoproducts compulsory.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.226-234
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• 2006

Disturbance of antioxidant system is very common in chronic alcoholics and herbal or natural products with antioxidant activity have been used for its treatment. This study was to investigate the effect of Vitis vinifera extract(V), Schisandra chinensis extract(S), Taraxacum officinale extract(T), Gardenia jasminoides extract(G), Angelica acutiloba extract(A) and Paeonia japonica extract(P), and their combinations on the antioxidant and ethanol oxidation system. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to Lieber-DeCarli ethanol liquid diet(ED) and were then given different herbal extract mixtures for 6 weeks including VST(V 100+S 150+T 150mg/kg/day), VSG(V 100+S 150+G 150mg/kg/day), VTG(V 100+T 150+G 150mg/kg/day), and VAP(V 100+A 150+P 150mg/kg/day). When the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase(ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH) were compared between ED only group and herbal extracts treatment group, the differences were statistically significant. Phase I and II(glutathione-S-transferase, phenol sulfatransferase) enzyme activities were found to be significantly higher in the VAT treatment group compared to the ED group. Herbal extracts not only repressed the ethanol-induced elevation of malondialdehyde level, but also protected against ethanol-induced decrease in glutathione content, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. The administration of the herbal extracts was found to be effective in eliminating lipid-peroxides induced by long-term consumption of alcohol by activating various enzyme systems and physiological active compound formation system. After a chronic consumption of alcohol, Angelica Radix protected the liver via activating the ethanol-metabolism enzyme system, and Paeoniae Radix via activating the ethanol-metabolism enzyme and the phase I, II-metabolism enzyme system. Taraxaci Herba was also effective in liver protection via activating the ethanol-metabolism enzyme system and the phase I, II-metabolism enzyme system, Gardeniae Fructus via activating the phase II-metabolism enzyme system and the anti-oxidation system enzyme, and Schisandra Fructus and a grapestone via activating the anti-oxidation system. Our data suggest that these herbal extracts may be useful as a health functional food or new drug candidate for fatty liver and hepatotoxicity induced by chronic alcohol consumption.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.389-398
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• 2010

Effects of various concentration of yuzu Citrus junos Siebold ex Tanaka in the diets on growth, blood chemistry and disease resistance of olive flounder were determined. Fifteen hundred fish averaging 200~270g were fed on moist pellet containing yuzu at the concentrations of 0%(control), 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% for 3 months. After feeding trial, weight gain of fish fed 2.5% and 5.0% yuza diet was higher than those of fish fed 0% and 7.5% yuza diet but not significant(P>0.05). No differences in hematological and physiological indices of olive flounder were found among the experimental diets except for total cholesterol. Serum lysozyme activity was not significantly different among fish fed experimental diets but bactericidal activity of fish fed 7.5% yuza diet was significantly different from those of fish fed 0, 2.5 and 5% Yuza diets. Survival rates of fish fed 2.5% yuza diet at experimental infection with Edwardsiella tarda and Streptococcus sp. were higher than those of the other experimental groups but not significant. In conclusion, Dietary inclusion of 2.5~5% yuzu seems to have positive effects for fish health condition and disease resistance.