• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the level of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) in whole and skim milk samples, and its suitability for early pregnancy diagnosis in goats. Methods: A two-step sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for estimation of milk PAG was developed and validated, which employed caprine-PAG specific polyclonal antisera. Whole and skim milk samples (n = 210 each) from fifteen multiparous goats were collected on alternate days from d 10 to d 30, and thereafter weekly till d 51 post-mating. PAG levels in milk samples were estimated by ELISA and the pregnancies were confirmed at d40 post-mating by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). Results: The level of PAG in whole and skim milk samples of both pregnant and nonpregnant goats remained below the threshold values until d 24 after mating. Thereafter, PAG concentration in whole and skim milk increased steadily in pregnant goats, whereas it continued below the threshold in non-pregnant does. The PAG profiles in whole and skim milk of pregnant goats were almost similar and exhibited strong positive relationship (r = 0.891; p<0.001). Day 26 post-mating was identified as the first time-point for significantly (p<0.05) higher milk PAG concentration in pregnant goats than to non-pregnant goats. When compared to TRUS examination for pregnancy diagnosis, the accuracy and specificity of PAG ELISA using whole and skim milk samples were 94.5% and 95.4%; and 95.3% and 100%, respectively. The high values of area-under-curve (0.904 [whole milk] and 0.922 [skim milk]), demonstrate outstanding discrimination ability of the milk assays. Among the sampling dates chosen, d 37 post-mating was identified as the best suitable time point for collection of milk samples to detect pregnancy in goats. Conclusion: The PAG concentration in whole and skim milk of goats collected between days 26 and 51 post-breeding can be used for the accurate prediction of pregnancy and may be useful for assisting management decisions in goat flocks.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.421-428
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• 2020

This study investigated a mixture of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) extracts (ALM16), exerts anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells, and its underlying mechanism. ALM16 was prepared by mixing AM and LE extracts in a ratio of 7:3 (w/w). Cytotoxicity of ALM16 in RAW264.7 cells was not shown up to 200 ㎍/mL of ALM16. The results of this study showed that ALM16 does-dependently inhibits the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. ALM16 not only markedly reduced the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, but also inhibited the nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In addition, ALM16 specifically inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that ALM16 may exert anti-inflammatory effect by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.661-669
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• 2020

Samgak-Kimbap is a popular ready-to-eat (RTE) food at convenience stores, in Korea. Although Samgak-Kimbap is distributed through the cold chain supply system, inappropriate temperature storage conditions prior to consumption are a cause of concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of Staphylococcus aureus growth in Samgak-Kimbap in the retail market. The prevalence and contamination levels of S. aureus in Samgak-Kimbap (n=170) were monitored, and the predictive growth model of a five-strain cocktail of enterotoxin-producing S. aureus (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and SEE) was developed in Samgak-Kimbap as a function of temperature (4, 10, 11, 20, 25, and 37℃). We could not observe the growth of S. aureus and enterotoxin-producing S. aureus in Samgak-Kimbap at temperatures below 10℃. The probability of illness with S. aureus per serving of Samgak-Kimbap was 1.44×10-10 per day. The most influential factor in increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses was the contamination level of S. aureus in Samgak-Kimbap.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.575-584
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• 2021

Objective : Cervical expansive laminoplasty is an effective surgical method to address multilevel cervical spinal stenosis. During surgery, the spinous processes of C2 and C7 are usually preserved to keep the insertion points of the cervical musculature and nuchal ligament intact. In this regard, dome-like laminectomy (undercutting of C7 lamina) instead of laminoplasty is performed on C7 in selected cases. However, resection of the lamina can weaken the C7 lamina, and stress fractures may occur, but this complication has not been characterized in the literature. The objective of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for C7 laminar fracture after C7 dome-like laminectomy and its impact on clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods : Patients who underwent cervical open-door laminoplasty combined with C7 dome-like laminectomy (n=123) were classified according to the presence of C7 laminar fracture. Clinical parameters (neck/arm pain score and neck disability index) and radiologic parameters (C2-7 angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis, and C7-T1 angle) were compared between the groups preoperatively and at postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Risk factors for complications were evaluated, and a formula estimating C7 fracture risk was suggested. Results : C7 lamina fracture occurred in 32/123 (26%) patients and occurred at the bilateral isthmus in 29 patients and at the spinolaminar junction in three patients. All fractures appeared on X-ray within 3 months postoperatively, but patients did not present any neurological deterioration. The fracture spontaneously healed in 27/32 (84%) patients at 1 year and in 29/32 (91%) at 2 years. During follow-up, clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. However, patients with C7 fractures showed a more lordotic C2-7 angle and kyphotic C7-T1 angle than patients without C7 fractures. C7 fracture was significantly associated with the extent of bone removal. By incorporating significant factors, the probability of C7 laminar fracture could be assessed with the formula 'Risk score = 1.08 × depth (%) + 1.03 × length (%, of the posterior height of C7 vertebral body)', and a cut-off value of 167.9% demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 65.1% (area under the curve, 0.81). Conclusion : C7 laminar fracture can occur after C7 dome-like laminectomy when a substantial amount of lamina is resected. Although C7 fractures may not cause deleterious clinical outcomes, they can lead to an unharmonized cervical curvature. The chance of C7 fracture should be discussed in the shared decision-making process.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.67-79
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• 2021

This study aimed to isolate wild yeasts from waters and soils on the riversides of Geumgang upstream in Geumsan, seashores of Cheongpodae in Taean and Suncheonman in Suncheon, Korea, and to investigate their unrecorded microbiological characteristics. Forty-nine species of wild yeasts, including Aureobasidium pullans YH 4-3, were isolated from 40 samples of Cheonnaegang in Geumgang upstream. Fifty-six species and 36 species of wild yeasts were also isolated from 80 samples of Cheongpodae Beach and Suncheonman Mashland, respectively. Species from Candida genus were isolated from all three locations. Among them, Candida michaelii NNIBRFG28278, Sporobolomyces japonicus NNIBRFG28271, Dioszegia buhagiarii NNIBRFG28279, Ustilago spermophora NNIBRFG28273, Nakazawaea pomicola NNIBRFG31590, Candida natalensis NNIBRFG31591, Candida pseudorhagii NNIBRFG31592, Candida santamariae NNIBRFG31593, Cutaneotrichosporon terricola NNIBRFG31594, and Meira nashicola NNIBRFG31595 represent newly recorded yeast strains in Korea. Almost all of these unrecorded yeasts were oval shaped, and Sporobolomyces japonicus NNIBRFG28271 and Candida natalensis NNIBRFG31591 have ascospores. All the strains grew well in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) and yeast extract-malt extract (YM) media, and Ustilago spermophora NNIBRFG28273 grew well in vitamin-free medium. Sporobolomyces japonicus NNIBRFG28271 grew well in 15% NaCl-containing YPD medium, and Ustilago spermophora NNIBRFG28273 and Dioszegia buhagiarii NNIBRFG28279 assimilated starch, and Ustilago spermophora NNIBRFG28273 produced ethanol.

• (The) Korean Journal of Educational Psychology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.549-569
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between peer rejection and victimization among schoolchildren and to test whether conflict norms in the classroom moderated this relationship. The analysis used the third year data derived from ClassNet research (Park, et al., 2017) supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. The sample comprised fourth-grade through sixth-grade students in 52 classrooms of 7 elementary schools in South Korea (N = 1194). A series of multi-level analyses were performed to fulfill the study's purpose using variables obtained by peer nomination, such as social rejection, victimization, bullying perpetration, and teacher-student conflict. The results found that boys experienced more victimization than girls and peer rejection significantly increased victimization. Furthermore, conflict norms in the classroom moderated the relationship between peer rejection and victimization. Peer rejection significantly increased the extent of victimization in classrooms with relatively high levels of conflict norms. The study concludes with a discussion on the significance of conflict norms and the educational implications of the results with a focus on ways that teachers can facilitate healthier classroom environments.

• 한국노년학
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.349-368
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to empirically structure the patterns of baby boomer retirees'consumption and their effects on depression in later life. Using the 5th wave of Korea Retirement and Income Study(KReIS) in 2013, of baby boomers born in 1955 to 1963, we analyzed those who were completely retired(n=420). The Latent Profile Analysis(LPA) classified the empirical patterns of consumption and then a multiple regression analyzed the effect of consumption patterns on depression among these baby boomer retirees. The LPA results showed that the consumption patterns consist of five groups: (1) Basic life-oriented class(26.9%), (2) Balanced consumption class(29.3%), (3) Social life-oriented class(18.3%), (4) Leisure-oriented class(18.5%), and (5) Education-oriented class(7.0%). Baby boomer retirees' depression was associated with their consumption patterns. Specifically, the basic life-oriented class showed significantly lower depression than the education-oriented class. Other correlates such as higher education, having no spouse, lower subjective health, greater limitations in physical functions, having a diagnosed disability, having fewer children, higher dissatisfaction with leisure activities, and lower self-perceived economic status were associated with higher levels of depression in this study. These findings suggest meaningful implications for gerontological policy and practice for baby boomer retirees in Korea. In light of vulnerable retirement preparation, social services specialized for baby boomers should consider financial education for revamping consumption scale beyond asset management and long-term case management of pre and post retirement cases.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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• v.49 no.8
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• pp.628-634
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• 2011

SA508 Gr.4N Ni-Cr-Mo low alloy steel, in which Ni and Cr contents are higher than in commercial SA508 Gr.3 Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steels, may be a candidate reactor pressure vessel (RPV) material with higher strength and toughness from its tempered martensitic microstructure. The inner surface of the RPV is weld-cladded with stainless steels to prevent corrosion. The goal of this study is to evaluate the microstructural properties of the clad interface between Ni-Cr-Mo low alloy steel and stainless weldment, and the effects of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the properties. The properties of the clad interface were compared with those of commercial Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel. Multi-layer welding of model alloys with ER308L and ER309L stainless steel by the SAW method was performed, and then PWHT was conducted at $610^{\circ}C$ for 30 h. The microstructural changes of the clad interface were analyzed using OM, SEM and TEM, and micro-Vickers hardness tests were performed. Before PWHT, the heat affected zone (HAZ) showed higher hardness than base and weld metals due to formation of martensite after welding in both steels. In addition, the hardness of the HAZ in Ni-Cr-Mo low alloy steel was higher than that in Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel due to a comparatively high martensite fraction. The hardness of the HAZ decreased after PWHT in both steels, but the dark region was formed near the fusion line in which the hardness was locally high. In the case of Mn-Mo-Ni low alloy steel, formation of fine Cr-carbides in the weld region near the fusion line by diffusion of C from the base metal resulted in locally high hardness in the dark region. However, the precipitates of the region in the Ni-Cr-Mo low alloy steel were similar to that in the base metal, and the hardness in the region was not greatly different from that in the base metal.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.122-133
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• 2021

Cultivar parameter calibration can be affected by the reliability of the input data to a crop growth model. In South Korea, two sets of weather stations, which are included in the automated synoptic observing system (ASOS) or the automatic weather system (AWS), are available for preparation of the weather input data. The objectives of this study were to estimate the cultivar parameter using those sets of weather data and to compare the uncertainty of these parameters. The cultivar parameters of CERES-Rice model for Shindongjin cultivar was calibrated using the weather data measured at the weather stations included in either ASO S or AWS. The observation data of crop growth and management at the experiment farms were retrieved from the report of new cultivar development and research published by Rural Development Administration. The weather stations were chosen to be the nearest neighbor to the experiment farms where crop data were collected. The Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method was used to calibrate the cultivar parameters for 100 times, which resulted in the distribution of parameter values. O n average, the errors of the heading date decreased by one day when the weather input data were obtained from the weather stations included in AWS compared with ASO S. In particular, reduction of the estimation error was observed even when the distance between the experiment farm and the ASOS stations was about 15 km. These results suggest that the use of the AWS stations would improve the reliability and applicability of the crop growth models for decision support as well as parameter calibration.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.11-19
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• 2021

The purpose of the study is to explore a plan for effective education using virtual reality in English education. In order to achieve the purpose of the study, the perception of English education using virtual reality was comprehensively investigated and analyzed for teachers(n=20) in the field of English education. The results of the study reveal the followings: 1) Teachers are positively aware of the necessity of English education using virtual reality, but most teachers complained of a psychological burden on education using virtual reality; 2) negative responses were somewhat higher than positive responses to the expectation that virtual reality-based English content would be practical in the educational field; 3) In order to increase the effectiveness of English education using virtual reality, it is necessary to share experiences for educational experience of virtual reality and need to provide various virtual reality contents; and 4) For virtual reality educational application, there is a high demand for teaching and learning method education and training using virtual reality and provision of guidelines for education using virtual reality.