• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.277-284
• /
• 2024

Background: Newly introduced transgenic plants can outcompete native species in natural ecosystems, threatening the biodiversity of a country. This study ascertained the weediness potential of plants according to the seed amount under the assumption that transgenic seeds were unintentionally spilled. Using sunflowers as the study system, 0, 50, 100, and 150 seeds were sown in 1 m × 1 m and 2 m × 2 m plots, and seed germination, survival, flowering, and competition between the surviving and wild plants were investigated. Results: There was no significant difference in the germination rate of sunflowers depending on the cultivar, but differences were observed depending on the sowing density and plot size. As the number of seeds sown increased, the flowering and seed maturation of sprouted plants occurred earlier; the plant height and flower length of the surviving plants decreased. In addition, as the number of seeds increased, not only did the early importance of sunflowers increase, but the period of dominance over weeds also improved. Conclusions: These results suggest that the weediness potential of sunflowers varies with the number of seeds at the time of release, which may affect germination and growth, and compete with weeds in transgenic plants.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.81-89
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy (MCIT) on the effected upper extremity of children with hemiparesis. Four children with hemiparetic upper extremity caused by brain injuries were trained by MCIT for ten weeks. During the same period, all of the subjects were also involved in thirty-minute regular physical therapy and occupational therapy. During the treatment period, the unaffected upper extremities of the subjects were restrained by a specially designed hand splint or a mitten for five hours a day, five days per week. For two hours out of the five-hour restraint period, the affected upper extremities were intensively trained by performing various functional tasks, which were individually structured to emphasize use of the affected arm. A single-subject design with A-B-A reversal was employed in this study. The affected limb motor ability was evaluated by Melbourne Assessment, measuring the time to grasp and release nine pegs, and measuring grasping power. As a consequence of this study, the affected limb motor test scores of all four subjects in the baseline period were improved during the treatment period. Furthermore, the treatment effect was maintained during a one-month follow-up period. The results of this study support the assumption that MCIT is an effective therapeutic method to improve the sensory and motor abilities of hemiparetic children. It also increases the frequency of functional use of the hemiparetic hands of brain-injured children. Based on the results of this study, it can also be assumed that the modified CIT method is especially beneficial to these children by reducing the negative emotional effects of forceful restraint of the unaffected upper extremity. To optimize the functional recovery of the paretic upper extremity by CIT, the restriction period per day should be decided individually, according to the characteristics of the individual.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.196-203
• /
• 2015

AbstractLiving modified organisms (LMO) are one of the most widespread products of modern biotechnology after DNA discovery. Due to the decline of grain self-sufficiency rate and the increase of reliance on LMO imports in Korea, a series of concerns with regard to safety of living modified(LM) crops has been raised. The aim of this study is to establish the detection methods for unintentional release or growing of LMO plants in environmental conditions. To detect LM crop events, general concepts of specific primer design and PCR conditions were provided by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The certified reference materials of seven LM events (4 soybean, 2 cotton and 1 corn) were obtained from the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) and the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS). Genomic DNA from seven LM events were purified and PCR amplifications were carried out by using individual event-specific primer sets. LM-specific PCR products of all seven events were efficiently amplified by our methods. The results indicate that the established detection method for LMOs is suitable as a scientific tool to monitor whether the crops found in natural environments are LMOs.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.292-297
• /
• 2014

DNA extraction is a prerequisite for the identification of pathogens in clinical samples. Commercial DNA extraction kits generally involve time-consuming and laborious multi-step procedures. In the present study, our modified DNA isolation method for saliva samples allows for the quick detection of pathogens associated with dental caries or periodontitis by PCR within 1 h. To release DNA from the bacteria, 1 min of boiling was adequate, and the resulting isolated DNA can be used many times and is suitable for long term storage of at least 13 months at $4^{\circ}C$, and even longer at $-20^{\circ}C$. In conclusion, our modified DNA extraction method is simple, rapid, and cost-effective, and suitable for preparing DNA from clinical samples for PCR for the rapid detection of oral pathogens from saliva.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.415-422
• /
• 2021

Cotton is an important fiber crop, and its seeds are used as feed for dairy cattle. Crop biotechnology has been used to improve agronomic traits and quality in the agricultural industry. The frequent unintentional release of LM cotton into the environment in South Korea is attributed to the increased application of living modified (LM) cotton in food, feed, and processing industries. To identify and monitor the LM cotton, a method for detecting the approved LM cotton in South Korea is required. In this study, we developed a method for the simultaneous detection of four LM cotton varieties, MON757, MON88702, COT67B, and GHB811. The genetic information of each LM event was obtained from the European Commission-Joint Research Centre and Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. We designed event-specific primers to develop a multiplex PCR method for LM cotton and confirmed the specific amplification. Using specificity assay, random reference material(RM) mixture analysis and limit of detection(LOD), we verified the accuracy and specificity of the multiplex PCR method. Our results demonstrate that the method enabled the detection of each event and validation of the specificity using other LM RMs. The efficiency of multiplex PCR was further verified using a random RM mixture. Based on the LOD, the method identified 25 ng of template DNA in a single reaction. In summary, we developed a multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of four LM cotton varieties, for possible application in LM volunteer analysis.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.79-85
• /
• 2016

A concrete silo plays an important role in subsurface low- and intermediate-level waste facilities (LILW) by limiting the release of radionuclides from the silo geosphere. However, due to several physical and chemical processes the performance of the concrete structure decreases over time and consequently the concrete loses its effectiveness as a barrier against groundwater inflow and the release of radionuclides. Although a number of processes are responsible for degradation of the silo concrete, it is determined that the main cause is corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Therefore, the time it takes for the silo concrete to fail is calculated based on two factors: the initiation time of corrosion, defined as the time it takes for chloride ions to penetrate through the concrete cover, and the propagation time of corrosion. This paper aims to estimate the time taken for concrete to fail in a LILW disposal facility. Based on the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approach, which indicates that concrete fails completely once 50% of the volume of the reinforcing steel corrodes, the corrosion propagation time is calculated to be 640 years, which is the time it takes for corrosion to penetrate 0.640 cm into the reinforcing steel. In addition to the corrosion propagation time, a diffusion equation is used to calculate the initiation time of corrosion, yielding a time of 1284 years, which post-dates the closure time of the LILW disposal facility if we also consider the 640 years of corrosion propagation. The electrochemical conditions of the passive rebar surface were modified using an acceleration method. This is a useful approach because it can reduce the test time significantly by accelerating the transport of chlorides. Using instrumental analysis, the physicochemical properties of corrosion products were determined, thereby confirming that corrosion occurred, although we did not observe significant cracks in, or expansion of, the concrete. These results are consistent with those of Smartet al., 2006 who reported that corrosion products are easily compressed, meaning that cracks cannot be discerned by eye. Therefore, it is worth noting that rebar corrosion does not strongly influence the hydraulic conductivity of the concrete.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 2005

Nitrate reduction with zero valent iron $(Fe^0)$ has been extensively studied, but the proper treatment for ammonium byproduct has not been reported yet. In groundwater, however, ammonium is regarded as contaminant species, and particularly, its acceptable level is regulated to 0.5 mg-N/L. for drinking water. This study is focused on developing new material to reduce nitrate and properly remove ammonium by-products. A new material, Fe-loaded zeolite, is derived from zeolite modified by Fe(II) chloride followed by reduction with sodium borohydride. Batch experiments were performed without buffer at two different pH to evaluate the removal efficiency of Fe-loaded zeolite. After 80 hr reaction time, Fe loaded zeolite showed about $60\%$ nitrate removal at initial pH of 3.3 and $40\%$ at pH of 6 with no ammonium release. Although iron filing showed higher removal efficiency than Fe-loaded zeolite at each pH, it released a considerable amount of ammonium stoichiometrically equivalent to that of reduced nitrate. In terms of nitrogen species including $NO_3-N$ and $NH_4^+-N$, Fe-loaded zeolite removed about $60\%\;and\;40\%$ of nitrogen in residual solution at initial pH of 3.3 and 6, respectively, while the removal efficiency of iron filing was negligible.

• Polymer(Korea)
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.326-331
• /
• 2012

In this study, expanded poly(tetrafluoro ethylene) (ePTFE) graft was modified to be used as a hemodialysis vascular access. Biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-$co$-glycolide) (PLGA) was coated onto the inner surface of ePTFE graft with paclitaxel, which is often used as an anti-cancer agent and for reducing neointimal hyperplasia. Surface characterization before and after PLGA coating was carried out by SEM and ATR-FTIR. Porous sturcture of ePTFE was maintained after coating of PLGA solution. The amounts of coated PLGA and paclitaxel determined by ATR-FTIR and HPLC were 1.96 and 0.263 mg/$cm^2$, respectively. Young's modulus was decreased and tensile strength was increased by PLGA coating. Released paclitaxel as a function of incubation time was monitored by HPLC. Approximately 35% of coated paclitaxel was released steadily for 4 weeks with the biodegradation of PLGA. From these results, it is expected that the effect of paclitaxel on reducing neointimal hyperplasia and stenosis is maintained for a long time.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.213-217
• /
• 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress which had advantages of extended operative field and release of contracted soft tissue. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 4 postraumatic compartment syndrome, 2 residual poliomyelitis, 1 posttraumatic osteoarthritis with subtalar joint infection and 1 posttarumatic sciatic nerve palsy patients who underwent a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis from April, 1996 to March, 2002. Each of the cases was notable for a severe rigid equinovarus, persistent pus drainage of calcaneal area and paralytic foot. The mean duration of follow up was 18 months (range, $13{\sim}42$ months). The pain, function and alignment were evaluated by the modified ankle hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and patients satisfaction clinically. The radiological union were evaluated by plain AP and lateral radiographs. Results: The AOFAS score improved from 58 points (range, $47{\sim}78$) preoperatively to 82 (range, $60{\sim}89$) postoperatively. Patents satisfaction checked at 12 months after operation had favorable results (excellent and good 80%). Union rate was 100% radiographically and the mean duration of union was 12.5 weeks (range $8{\sim}22$ weeks). There was 2 cases of superficial pin tract infection and one protrusion of screw. Conclusion: Tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis using ipsilateral distal fibula buttress was good modality of arthrodesis which provides wide operative field and release of contracted soft tissue in some cases of contracted foot.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.105-116
• /
• 2011

Transgenic zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) expressing the bar gene inserted in the plant genome has been generated previously through Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The GM zoysiagrass (event: JG21) permits efficient management of weed control of widely cultivated zoysiagrass fields, reducing the frequency and cost of using various herbicides for weed control. Now we have carried out the environmental risk assessment of JG21 prior to applying to the governmental regulatory agency for the commercial release of the GM turf grass outside of test plots. The morphological phenotypes, molecular analysis, weediness and gene flow from each test plot of JG21 and wild-type zoysiagrasses have been evaluated by selectively analyzing environmental effects. There were no marked differences in morphological phenotypes between JG21 and wild-type grasses. The JG21 retained its stable integration in the host plant in T1 generation, exhibiting a 3:1 segregation ratio according to the Mendelian genetics. We confirmed the copy number (1) of JG21 by using Southern blot analysis, as the transgenic plants were tolerant to ammonium glufosinate throughout the culture period. From cross-fertilization and gene flow studies, we found a 9% cross-pollination rate at the center of JG21 field and 0% at distances over 3 m from the field. The JG21 and wild-type zoysiagrass plants are not considered "weed" because zoysiagrasses generally are not dominant and do not spread into weedy areas easily. We assessed the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of the transgene DNA to soil microorganisms from JG21 and wild-type plants. The bar gene was not detected from the total genomic DNA extracted from each rhizosphere soil of GM and non-GM Zoysia grass fields. Through the monitoring of JG21 transgene's unintentional release into the environment, we found no evidence for either pollen mediated gene flow of zoysiagrass or seed dispersal from the test field within a 3 km radius of the natural habitat.