• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2019

We aimed to identify predictive markers of peri- and postpartum disorders in dairy cows. Data regarding peri- and postpartum disorders, serum metabolites, body condition score (BCS), and rectal temperature, were collected from 227 dairy cows, which were allocated to healthy (n = 57) and diseased (n = 170) groups. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration was higher in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before (p < 0.01) and immediately after (p = 0.05) calving. Serum alanine aminotransferase (AST) activity was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 1 and 2 weeks after calving, whereas total cholesterol (TCH) concentration was lower (p < 0.05-0.0001) in diseased cows 4 weeks before, and after calving. BCS was higher (p < 0.05) in diseased than healthy cows 4 weeks before calving, but lower (p < 0.01) in diseased cows 8 weeks after calving. Rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.05-0.01) in diseased than healthy cows between 2 and 14 days postpartum. In conclusion, high serum NEFA and AST concentrations and lower TCH concentration during the peripartum period, and high prepartum BCS and postpartum rectal temperature, could be used as biomarkers to predict the subsequent development of peri- and postpartum disorders.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.387-395
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• 2015

This study was conducted to verify the effects of Erigeron annuus powder on serum lipid levels of high-fat diet-induced mice from a nutritional viewpoint. Erigeron annuus powder has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times in Korea. There was no significant difference in the weight of the kidneys and spleens of the mice. The high-fat diet group had a significantly higher kidney weight compared to other groups (p<0.05). In the group of mice fed 20% Erigeron annuus powder with a high-fat diet, the concentration of serum LDL-cholesterol was high (p<0.05), whereas the concentration of triglyceride was remarkably lower compared to other groups (p<0.05). The group fed 10% Erigeron annuus with a high-fat diet had the lowest concentration of blood phospholipids (p<0.05) as well as the highest alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase levels in blood (p<0.05). There was no difference in blood insulin concentration. However, blood leptin concentration was significantly higher ($5.88{\pm}3.53ng/dL$) in mice fed a high-fat diet compared to other groups (p<0.05). Measurements of Erigeron annuus revealed that TPC, $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activity of trolox, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the measured value of FRAP were higher in the ethanol extract than in the water extract. Especially, the antioxidant activity effects were excellent for the $ABTS^+$ radical scavenging activities of trolox and FRAP values of Erigeron annuus. Therefore, Erigeron annuus powder showed antioxidant activity. Hence, Erigeron annuus powder drastically lessened triglyceride concentration in blood in high-fat diet-induced mice. Thus, the powder is considered to have utility in the food processing industry. Additional related experiments are ongoing.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.147-157
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of fourteen odor compounds from a total of 10 sampling sites in residential areas around Banwol-Sihwa industrial complex. The measurement data are analyzed and compared with sensation of odor unit. Only a hydrogen sulfide out of four sulfur compounds was quantified above the detection limit (0.06 ppb) in the residential area around Banwol industrial complex with leather companies and a sewage treatment plant. The concentrations of VOCs were higher than those measured from a big city, and styrene showed the relatively high concentration from all sampling sites ($2.1{\sim}37.8\;ppb$). In the case of carbonyl compounds, acetaldehyde was found most frequently with the mean of 3.97 ppb, and its concentration difference was not significant between Banwol and Sihwa industrial complex. Of the nitrogen compounds, ammonia was measured at the relatively high concentration from all the sampling sites ($12{\sim}707\;ppb$), and a trimethylamine was found at the odor threshold level (0.1 ppb). The concentrations of styrene and ammonia showed relatively seasonal variation, the concentration of styrene in summer was five times higher than that in autumn, the concentration of ammonia in autumn was two times higher than that in summer. However other odorous compounds did not show such strong seasonal variation. Odor-concentration relationship between odor unit and $H_{2}S$ concentrations from industrial sources was examined and used as odor sensation evaluation, and thus the neighbourhood odor complaints maybe caused during the four seasons from the results.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.531-541
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• 2007

This study was conducted to determine factors affecting detection threshold and the optimally-preferred concentration for sweet taste, since investigation into factors decreasing sensitivity or increasing preference for sweet taste is important to prevent overconsumption of simple sugar. Subjects were 70 first-grade middle school students in the Gyeonggi-Do. The detection threshold concentration of sucrose solution and the optimally-preferred sucrose concentration of omija jelly were determined by sensory evaluation. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the information regarding health-related lifestyle practices, dietary habits, preference for and eating frequency of Westernized foods and frequencies of eating foods other than home-made. The detection threshold concentration of sucrose solution and the optimally-preferred sucrose concentration of omija jelly of the subjects were 0.204% and 14.44%, respectively. Subjects who exercise less (< 30 minutes/week except PE class), skipping meals (${\geq}$ 3/week), type of breakfast rather than traditional Korean meal and frequent eating out and buying foods from school tuck-shop tended to have higher sweet taste threshold. There was significant positive correlation between the sucrose threshold concentration and fried chicken preference or eating frequency of hamburger. Those who exercise less (< 30 minutes/week except PE class) did have significantly higher optimally-preferred sweetness of omija jelly, which tended to be higher in the subjects who had more (${\geq}$ 4 out of 10) behavioral or psychological stress symptoms and who had early getting-up time (before 7 am). There was significant positive correlations between the optimally-preferred sweetness of omija jelly and pizza preference, instant noodle eating frequency or sum of eating frequencies of five fast foods. From the results of this study, it was suggested that middle school students should make efforts to stop skipping meals, exercise more, eat Korean traditional breakfast and reduce the frequencies of eating out and using instant/fast foods in order to prevent overconsumption simple sugar.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.982-990
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• 2011

Kenaf fiber can be obtained by decortications of the kenaf plant stem. The properties of the kenaf fiber treated by alkali (NaOH) were investigated by spectrocolorimeter, SEM, X-ray diffractometer, FT-IR and TGA. The kenaf fibers treated by alkali became darker and their Munsell color values changed from Y (yellow) to YR (yellowred) according to an increased NaOH concentration. SEM observation of the kenaf fibers showed that their crimps were developed and their surfaces were cleaned by the removal of protruding ends and impurities after alkali treatments. In the x-ray diffraction analysis, the structures of the fibers were found in the form of cellulose I when treated with a 0-16% alkali concentration and cellulose II when treated with over 20%. It was also confirmed that the crystallinity was lowered according to an increased NaOH concentration. The change of fiber compositions was investigated in FT-IR analysis. Strong band of $1,738cm^{-1}$ and asymmetrical stretching strong bands of $1,630-1,600cm^{-1}$ in spectrum (which represent pectin) were not found in the samples because the pectin was removed by the alkali treatment. Weak bands of $1,728-1,730cm^{-1}$ and peaks of $1,245-1,259cm^{-1}$ (which represent hemicellulose) and peaks of $1,592cm^{-1}$, $1,504cm^{-1}$, $1,462cm^{-1}$ and $1,429cm^{-1}$ (which are related to lignin) were not found or reduced in the samples treated with a concentration over 20%. TGA indicated that the kenaf fiber had the better hydrophilic properties by alkali treatment. The higher Tmax in TGA and the higher thermal stability when treated by alkali with the higher concentration. The fibers treated with an alkali concentration over 30% did not show any changes in Tmax.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2009

The analyzed results of the heavy metal concentration of air and soil at the D iron-manufacturing company area were as follows; The concentration of $PM_{2.5}$ in the case area exceeded the air standard level in 3 seasons except summer. The $PM_{10}$ level was similar to the standard level, which was similar to the standard level, which was $50{\mu}g/m^3$. The Pb concentration of air in the case area was $0.13{\mu}g/m^3$, which was slightly higher than $0.11{\mu}g/m^3$ in the control area. The concentration of Cd and Cr were higher in the control area. The heavy metal (Pb) concentration of soil in the case area was $10.7{\mu}g/m^3$, which was higher than that of the control area. For these results, it is necessary for the D iron-manufacturing company area to consider a counter plan for dusts and are duction plan for the heavy metal (Pb).

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.1005-1013
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• 2008

In this study, in order to analyze the air quality of the indoor environments of schools, we measured the indoor, outdoor and personal exposure concentration level of $PM_{10}$ for 40 classrooms(20 old, 20 new) in chungnam area from June 22 to July 19 and from November 21 to December 30, 2003. 1. Old classrooms contained more dust than new classrooms; the average of respirable dust is $43.27\;{\mu}g/m^3$ for new classrooms while $53.38\;{\mu}g/m^3$ for old one. The exposure concentration level of respirable dust in new classrooms were in summer higher outdoors than indoors. The values were indoors $46.71\;{\mu}g/m^3$, outdoors $50.46\;{\mu}g/m^3$, and personal $41.62\;{\mu}g/m^3$. Meanwhile in winter indoors had a higher concentration level than outdoors, the values being indoors $39.11\;{\mu}g/m^3$, outdoors $34.86\;{\mu}g/m^3$, and personal $49.01\;{\mu}g/m^3$. 2. Cr concentration level within dust was slightly higher in summer indoors ($101.50{\pm}32.10\;ng/m^3$) and outdoors ($100.89{\pm}35.18\;ng/m^3$) than winter indoors ($85.80{\pm}48.95\;ng/m^3$) and outdoors ($74.43{\pm}38.93\;ng/m^3$), but in personal concentration level, winter was higher. The results of this research show insufficient understanding of health risks from indoor air pollution, and shows possible health problems to students from school indoor air pollution. As such, a logical and systematic education program for students about the importance of indoor air quality should be carried out. Also the results of $PM_{10}$ concentration level measurements emphasize the need for regular measurements of indoor / outdoor and personal concentration level. New classrooms in particular needs to be used after measuring pollutants and safety, and requires installation of a ventilation device in all classrooms to improve air quality.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 2011

Objectives : The present study investigated inflammatory effect of Rheum undulatum L. in lipopolysaccharide-exposed rats and Raw 264.7 cells. Methods : Male rats weighting $185.39{\pm}8.21g$ fed basal diet for 1 week and 32 rats were divided into a control group and 3 experimental groups. We fed a control group of rats a basal diet and administered normal saline(100 mg/kg, 1time/1day) for 6 weeks. And we fed basal diet and administered an extract of Rheum undulatum L.(100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 1time/1day) to each experimental group of rats. We measured the plasma concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$($interleukin-1{\beta}$), IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$(tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$), liver cytokines, Raw 264.7 macrophages cytokines. Results : The plasma concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ peaked at 5h(hour) after LPS(lipopolysaccharides) injection, and the values of the Rheum undulatum L. extract groups were lower than those of the control group. In the increment of these cytokines concentration at 2h and 5h after LPS injection, the Rheum undulatum L. groups were lower than that of control group. The plasma concentration of IL-10 peaked at 5h after LPS injection, and the values of the Rheum undulatum L. extract groups were higher than those of the control group. In the increment of this cytokine concentration at 2h and 5h after LPS injection, the Rheum undulatum L. groups were higher than that of control group. Liver cytokines measurement was done at 5h after LPS injection. The concentration of liver $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 in the Rheum undulatum L. groups was lower than that of the control group. The concentrations of liver $TNF-{\alpha}$, and IL-10 showed no significant differences among all the treatment groups. In the studies of lipopolysaccharide-exposed Raw 264.7 cells, the concentration of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups was higher than that of control group(normal group), and in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups, these values showed a tendency to decrease in the Rheum undulatum L. groups. The concentration of IL-10 in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups was higher than that of control group(normal group), and in the lipopolysaccharide-exposed cells groups, the values showed a tendency to increase in the Rheum undulatum L. groups. Conclusions : These results indicate that the Rheum undulatum L. extracts have an functional material for inflammatory activities.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.24-35
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• 2003

Recent epidemiologic studies revealed that the concentration of air pollutants and fine particulated matter have some effects on health status and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to characterize background mass concentration of fine particle (PM2.5) and metallic composition from September 2001 to August 2002 in comparison with a medium city, Asan and metropolitan city, Seoul. Conclusively, proper management for fine particles was required in a medium city, Asan, considering the concentrations of metallic elements in fine particles in Asan were relatively higher than those in Seoul. The results were as followed. 1. Average mass concentrations of fine particles in Asan and Seoul were 37.70(${\pm}18.41{\;}{\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$) and 5.83(${\pm}38.50$) ${\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$, respectively. When the weather conditions were classified as normal and yellow-sand, measured average mass concentrations of fine particles in yellow-sand weather condition was significantly higher than those of normal weather condition in both cities (p<0.05). 2. Depending on seasons, measured average mass concentrations of fine particles in Asan and Seoul in spring were 47.76(${\pm}19.07$) ${\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$m and 61.53 (${\pm}4.37$) ${\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$, respectively. In summer, the average mass concentrations of fine particles in Asan and Seoul were 29.44(${\pm}9.85$) ${\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$ and 25.42(${\pm}8.10$) ${\mu}g/\textrm{m}^3$, respectively. Especially, the concentration was the highest in spring and the lowest in summer among four seasons. 3. Average concentrations of manganese(Mn), iron(Fe), chromium(Cr), cadmium(Cd), lead(Pb) and silicon(Si) in fine particles in Asan were significantly higher in Seoul (p<0.05). Average concentration of Si in fine particle in Asan was statistically higher than that of Seoul during yellow -sand condition (p<0.05). 4. Considering the characterization of four seasons, average Pb concentration of fine particle in Asan is significantly higher than that of Seoul in spring(p<0.01). In summer, average Mn and Cr concentrations of fine particle in Asan is higher than those of Seoul (p<0.05). Average Mn, Fe. Cr and Si concentrations in fall (p<0.05), and average Mn, Fe, Cr, Pb, and Si concentrations in winter (p<0.05) in Asan were higher than those of Seoul, respectively. 5. Mass concentrations of each Mn, Fe, Cd and Si in fine particles were significantly correlated with both cities. In normal weather condition, Mn, Cu and Si concentrations are statistically significant in Asan, while Mn, Fe, Cu and Si concentrations are statistically significant in Seoul. Mn, Fe and Si concentrations in both cities were statistically significant during yellow-sand weather.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.172-172
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• 2017

Pollen germination and its' viability in bellflower hybrid system are of great importance. The present study was conducted to investigate the several factors underlying the pollen germination of Platycodon grandiflorum and obtain the basic data for effective artificial pollination for the production of sound specifies. The pollens of Platycodon grandiflorum started germination from one hour after planting, and the germination was actively progressed as time dependent manner. For lighting conditions, the germination of pollens under the light was faster by more than twice than that without the light. Furthermore, the germination was better in the high temperature rather than in the low temperature. The germination rate was higher in the $30^{\circ}C$. For the carbon source, the germination rate was better at the concentration of 15% regardless of the kinds. In particular, the highest value was observed with glucose. The germination rate was decreased substantially as the increasing with the higher pH. The dynamic germination of pollens was observed at the pH 5. With respect to the growth regulator, the higher concentration of NAA induced the higher the germination rate. $GA_3$ showed a good germination rate in $0.05mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. Meanwhile, for kinetin, lower concentration increased the germination rate, unlike NAA. The higher concentrations of boric acid degraded the germination rate, and the addition of boric acid of $10mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ demonstrated higher germination rate than the addition of other growth regulators. Notably, the addition of asparaginic acid exhibited the similar results in all test sectors regardless of concentration, whereas a little higher result was observed in the high concentration sector. Taken together, the results concluded that the boric acid was considered as one of the essential minerals that played an important role on the germination of pollens.