• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bacillus fermentation broth (ENM) on the human NK cell activity, and bone matrix density, matrix content and area of hamsters fed ENM. Methods: NK cell activity was tested, and bone mineral density were measured by x-ray. Results: NK cell activity was significantly higher in the control group (644.71 pg/ml) and in the test group (1796.37 pg/ml) (p<.004). Test groups were significantly increased by 1110.37 pg/ml in the pre-test and 1796.37 pg/ml in the post-test(p<.001). Behavioral observations after feeding ENM to hamsters showed normal behavior with no difference between control and test groups. The hamster body weight of the control was 106 g at the initial and final 27 days. In the test group, the initial weight was 96.6 g and the final 27 days was 114 g. No morphological changes were observed in the X-ray photographs of the hamster hind legs. The bone matrix density was 0.059 g/cm³ in control and 0.062 g/cm³ in the test, which was increased by 0.003 g/cm³. The bone matrix content was 0.175 g in the control and 0.196 g in the test. The bone area was 2.95 cm² in the control and 3.19 cm² in the test, which was increased by 0.19 cm². In the autopsy, neither the control nor the test group showed any remarkable abnormality, and each organ was normal. Conclusions: It is thought that ingestion of ENM is useful for immunity enhancement.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.59-69
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• 2019

This study was carried out to investigate effects of soil water content on growth and antioxidative enzymes activity of tomato seedlings during the nursery period. The water stress significantly damages morphological, physiological, and biochemical activities in plants. The seedlings planted with soil on the tray were irrigated and categorized into 3 groups with 30 g, 40 g, and 50 g of plant-soil weight. After then, the changes in weight of the soil and the seedling were measured evey 2 hours for 4 days and the leaf temperature was measured with the thermal-camera at the same time. The antioxidant enzymes were measured to determine the level of stress using all of the seedling samples. The result showed that the decrease of soil weight in the day time was faster than that in the night time, but there was no significant difference in the weight loss of the seedlings and soil among the groups. However, the group with 50 g of wight showed the highest SOD and POD contents. This is considered that the continuously wet soil on the root zone of the seedlings caused more stress for the seedlings. Therefore, it is concluded that the excess moisture content causes stress to stimulate the secretion of antioxidant enzymes, and the effect of stress is required to be analyzed comprehensively using environmental data and also the physiological data that are collected over a longer period.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.236-244
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• 2024

Melanin is a natural pigment found in most plants and animals, and it is involved in determining the color of the skin and hair. Melanogenesis is a reactive occurrence in melanocytes aiming to protect the skin from external stimuli, such as ultraviolet rays. Tyrosine is involved in the biosynthesis of the substrate tyrosine into melanin. However, melanin overproduction can lead to skin diseases, such as melasma, blotching, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Although many studies have been conducted on whitening substances, such as kojic acid and arbutin, some countries have banned or refrained from using them due to their side effects. Therefore, this study assessed the potential of horseradish (HR) as a new whitening agent in cosmetic products. For efficient extraction, subcritical water extraction was conducted. The results showed that the horseradish subcritical water 200℃ (SW 200) extract showed high DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic contents (TPC), inhibiting tyrosinase activity and inhibiting melanin production of B16-F10 melanoma cell lines. To investigate its cytotoxicity to the B16-F10 melanoma cell lines, MTT reduction assay and morphological changes were observed. No cytotoxicity was found in horseradish methanol extract and SW 200. In conclusion, this research suggests the possibility of horseradish subcritical water may be useful as a natural whitening ingredient to be used in cosmetic products.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.410-418
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• 2023

Recently, advancements and commercialization in the field of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) has rapidly progressed. Concurrently, studies are also underway to develop methods for automatically surveying the condition of various on-board equipment remotely to ensure the navigational safety of MASS. One key issue that has gained prominence is the method to obtain values from analog gauges installed in various equipment through image processing. This approach has the advantage of enabling the non-contact detection of gauge values without modifying or changing already installed or planned equipment, eliminating the need for type approval changes from shipping classifications. The objective of this study was to identify a dynamically changing indicator needle within noisy images of analog gauges. The needle object must be identified because its position significantly affects the accurate reading of gauge values. An analog pressure gauge attached to an emergency fire pump model was used for image capture to identify the needle object. The acquired images were pre-processed through Gaussian filtering, thresholding, and morphological operations. The needle object was then identified through Hough Transform. The experimental results confirmed that the center and object of the indicator needle could be identified in images of noisy analog gauges. The findings suggest that the image processing method applied in this study can be utilized for shape identification in analog gauges installed on ships. This study is expected to be applicable as an image processing method for the automatic remote survey of MASS.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.214-221
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• 2024

Polyether ketone (PEEK) has been widely used in membranes because of its excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and significant mechanical strength. However, the melting temperature is very high, making it difficult to find suitable solvents. Therefore, in this study, PEEK and benzophenone (DPK) were used as diluents to prepare a membrane with excellent mechanical strength and chemical stability using the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method to compensate for the shortcomings of PEEK membrane preparation and achieving the highest performances. The optimal membrane manufacturing conditions were confirmed through the crystallization temperature and cloud point according to the polymer content through the phase diagram. Subsequently, the morphological changes of the membrane, influenced by the polymer and diluent content, were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the membrane thickness tended to increase with higher polymer content. Tensile strength and DI-water permeability tests were conducted to confirm the mechanical strength and permeability of the membrane. Through the previous characteristic evaluation, it was confirmed that the membrane using PEEK had excellent mechanical strength and permeability.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.251-260
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• 2007

Purpose: An imbalance of cell proliferation and cell apoptosis is an important mechanism in carcinogenesis. Capase 3, survivin and p53 have been identified as important members of the apoptotic related proteins. This study evaluated the proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), apoptosis, apoptotic related protein such as capase 3, survivin and p53 using urethane-induced mouse lung carcinogenesis, which provides reproducible steps from hyperplasia to adenocarcinoma. Methods: Urethane was administered to the ICR mice through an intra-peritoneal injection, The mice were sacrificed at 5, 15, and 25 weeks after urethane intervention. The sequential morphological changes and immunohistochemical expression of PCNA, apoptosis, capase 3, survivin, and p53 were examined during mouse lung carcinogenesis. Results: During carcinogenesis, the sequential histological changes were observed from hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes, to anadenoma, and ultimately to an overt adenocarcinoma. The PCNA Labeling index (LI) was 9.6% in hyperplasia, 23.2% in adenoma, and 55.7% in adenocarcinoma, respectively. The apoptotic LI was 0.24% in hyperplasia, 1.25% in adenoma, and 5.27% in adenocarcinoma. A good correlation was observed between the PCNA LI and apoptotic LI. The expression of caspase 3 was remarkable- i.e., 46.7% in adenocarcinoma, in contrast to 15% in hyperplasia and 16% in adenoma. Survivin was detected weakly in the alveolar hyperplasia and showed an increasing expressional pattern in adenoma and adenocarcinoma. p53 expression was detected only in the adenocarcinoma lesions with an expression rate of 13.3%. The level of caspase 3 expression correlated with the increase in the apoptotic index. The positive expression of caspase 3 was associated with an increased apoptotic index. Conclusions: These results suggest that the PCNA LI and apoptotic LI might be useful markers for evaluating the risk of a malignant transformation. In addition, caspase, survivin and p53 might play a role in the early and late steges of urethane-induced mouse lung carcinogenesis.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.32-38
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• 2010

Purpose: Although radiation-induced fibrosis is one of the common sequelae occurring after irradiation of skin and soft tissues, the treatment methods are not well standardized. This study aimed to establish the skin fibrosis mouse model by fractionated radiation for the further mechanism studies or testing the efficacy of therapeutic candidates. Materials and Methods: The right hind limbs of BALB/c mice received two fractions of 20 Gy using a therapeutic linear accelerator. Early skin damages were scored and tissue fibrosis was assessed by the measurement of a leg extension. Morphological changes were assessed by H&E staining and by Masson's Trichrome staining. TGF-${\beta}1$ expression from soft tissues was also detected by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Results: Two fractions of 20 Gy irradiation were demonstrated as being enough to induce early skin damage effects such as erythema, mild skin dryness, dry and wet desquamation within several weeks of radiation. After 13 weeks of irradiation, the average radiation-induced leg contraction was $11.1{\pm}6.2mm$. Morphologic changes in irradiated skin biopsies exhibited disorganized collagen and extracellular matrix fibers, as well as the accumulation of myofibroblasts compared to the non-irradiated skin. Moreover, TGF-${\beta}1$ expression in tissue was increased by radiation. Conclusion: These results show that two fractions of 20 Gy irradiation can induce skin fibrosis in BALB/c mice accompanied by other common characteristics of skin damages. This animal model can be a useful tool for studying skin fibrosis induced by radiation.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2006

Changes in the fine structure of testicular Leydig cell from hatching to adulthood were studied in Korean native chickens of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 44, 52 and 64 weeks (n=13 chickens per group) of age. The objective of this study were to elucidate Leydig cell ultrastructure during testicular development. Testes of chickens were fixed by whole body perfusion using a fixative containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate buffer, processed and embedded in Epon-araldite. Using $1{\mu}m$ sections stained with methylene blue-azure II, qualitative and quantitative(stereological) morphological studies were performed. The ultrastructural changes of the Leydig cell were investigated by ultrathin section with the transmission electron microscope. The stages of the Leydig cell development described focus on mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid droplets which are involved in androgens as fullows. 1) Approaching puberty. The closely packed Leydig cells and sparse intercellular space. The nucleus occupied a large portion of the Leydig cell volume. The population of Leydig cells contained two types of cells that differed in the appearance of their nuclei which were either highly electron-opaque or relatively electron-lucid. The cytoplasm was characterized by large amounts of lipid droplets, relatively few spherical mitochondria, and sparse smooth endoplasmic reticulum. 2) Puberty to adult. The Leydig cells which display features compatible with significant androgen synthesis: large volume of cytoplasm containing extended smooth endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, and reduction of lipid droplets.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.561-567
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• 2011

Cold tolerance of the native Rhododendron species which are on the verge of extinction in Korean nature were compared with the introduced species and its mechanism were studied physiologically with the investigation of the leaf angle, leaf curling, and photosynthetic activity. The degree of cold tolerance measured with the leaf burning after winter season was higher in the native species, Rhododendron brachycarpum and Rhododendron brachycarpum var. roseum than all the introduced species. 'Nova Zembla', an introduced species, showed high sensitivity to the low temperature. Changes in leaf angle by the low temperature were bigger in 2 native species and 'Parker's Pink' than the other introduced species and small comparatively in 'Nova Zembla' and 'Cunningham's White' cultivar. Leaf curling also occurred strongly in 2 native species by the low temperature. While, it was comparatively little and mild in the other introduced species. Therefore these results suggested that the leaf movement such as leaf angle change and curling adapted to the low temperature is positively related to the cold tolerance of 2 native species. By the way, such relationship is not explainable in the cold-sensitive 'Parker's Pink' cultivar showing comparatively stronger leaf movement. Photosynthetic activity measured before the winter season was high in the cold-tolerant R. brachycarpum and its recovery after winter season was faster in the 2 native species and the introduced 'Cynosure' cultivar than the other introduced species. They were the lowest in the most cold-sensitive 'Nova Zembla'. This phenomena occurred similarly even in the stomatal conductivity, suggesting that the movement of water from the roots to the leaves is better and then the leaf burning after winter season become small in the cold-tolerant species. The recovery of photosynthetic activity and stomatal conductivity was comparatively slower in the cold-sensitive 'Parker's Pink'. From the above results, leaf behavior adapted to the low temperature during the winter season and water movement to the leaves are related collectively to the cold tolerance represented as the leaf burning in the Rhododendron species is suggested.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.183-194
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• 1990

In an attempt to develop prophylactic and therapeutic measures of the intestinal giant-cystic disease caused by Thelohanellus kitauei in the Israel carp, Cyprinus carpio nodus, pathological observations were conducted upon the carps which were hatched in May 1988 and raised in a net cage fish farm at the Soyang lake, managed by Horim Fisheries for the period of 21 months with 1~2 months interval. After a gross inspection of the carps, necropsy was carried out periodically in order to clarify the pathological changes in various internal organs and muscular tissues. Also. the prevalence of the disease was checked during the period from 1988 to 1990. Gross inspections revealed that the infected carps showed some degree of fading in body and gill color, back-emaciation symptoms, reddish anus accompanying erosion and relaxation and pot-belly, as well as discharge of yellowish white mucoid material from the anus. However, most carps died eventually of intestinal obstruction. Other significant necropsy fadings included cyst formation of various size in the intestinal mucosa, ascites, anemic condition through internal organs and muscular tissues, hyperemia and dilation of intestines with decreased tension, thinness and fragility, and full contents of semi-fluid or yellowish white mucoid material in the intestinal canals. Based on the morphological characteristics of the spores found in the cysts, parasitic location in the intestines, macro- and microscopic findings of the lesions, the parasites were identised as Thelohanellus kitauei Egusa os Nakajima, 1981. Although monthly changes of water temperature were distinct, the extrusion rates of the polar filaments of the spores stayed constant throughout the year with an exception of a lower rate in July, The lesions initiated from mucosa and submucosa in early July became large swellings and then complete mature (orms following the peracute course. From late August the upper cysts were gradually opened and most of the spores were dispersed from anus into the surrounding water through December but only a few lasted until next April. The cysts were completely recovered until next September. Comparing the incidence and prevalence of the disease by year tremendous infection and death rates were checked in the first prevalent year, 1988, but the rates were significantly decreased in the second year, and showed an almost normal status in the third year, 1990. As the above summarized results showed, the disease entity might come to an end in three years after the first prevalent year, however, the spores must be strictly prevented because they could be infective in the water for one year.