• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.185-192
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• 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic intractable skin disease caused by various inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, CXCL8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, as well as IL-17A secreted from Th17 cells and is characterized by hyperkeratosis and chronic inflammation of the epidermis. Brazilin, an active ingredient of Caesalpinia sappan L., is known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and function in skin barrier improvement. In particular, it was shown as a potential material for treating psoriasis in a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocyte model. However, the direct regulation of the C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 20, a psoriasis-inducing factor, by brazilin has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the suppression of CCL20 and the regulatory mechanism by brazilin using a psoriasis-like model. First, brazilin downregulated CCL20 and CXCL8 in IL-17A-stimulated HaCaT cells in a concentration-dependent manner by inhibiting signal transducer and transcription (STAT)3 phosphorylation. In addition, brazilin significantly inhibited the expression of psoriasis-related genes CXCL8, CCL20, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in TNF-α/IL-17A/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Moreover, brazilin also had a positive effect on improving the skin barrier in TNF-α/IL-17A/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The above results indicated that brazilin ultimately downregulated CCL20 expression by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, and also suppressed the expression of psoriasis-induced cytokines. If the efficacy of brazilin in improving psoriasis is verified through animal models and clinical trials in the future, it may represent a potentially therapeutic substance for psoriasis patients.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.184-194
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• 2021

Since the construction of a dike in 1983, the water quality in the Bunam Lake has continued to deteriorate due to algal bloom caused by agricultural nutrient loading. Therefore, we evaluated the change in water quality and phytoplankton ecological characteristics in Bunam Lake and Cheonsu Bay, Korea. Water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll, and phytoplankton community were surveyed in April during the dry season and in July during the rainy reason. As a result, during the dry period, phytoplankton proliferated greatly and stagnated in the Bunam Lake while a very high population of cyanobacteria Oscillatoria spp. (8.61×10⁷ cells L^-1) was recorded. Most of the nutrients, except, nitrate and nitrite, were consumed due to the large growth of phytoplankton. However, during the rainy period, concentrations of ammonia, phosphate, silicate, nitrate, and nitrite, were very high towards the upper station due to the inflow of fresh water. Cyanobacteria Oscillatoria and Microcystis spp. were dominant in the Bunam Lake during the rainy period. Even in the Cheonsu Bay, cyanobacteria dominated due to the effect of discharge and diatoms, such as, Chaetoceros spp. and Eucampia zodiacus, which also proliferated significantly due to increased levels of nutrients. Since the eutrophication index was above 1 in Bunam Lake, it was classified as eutrophic water and the Cheonsu Bay was classified as eutrophic water only during the rainy season. In addition, a stagnant seawater-derived hypoxia water mass was observed at a depth of8m in the Bunam Lake adjacent to the tide embankment and the COD concentration reached 206 mg L^-1 in the bottom layer at B3. Based on this result, it is considered that the water quality will continue to deteriorate if organic matters settle due to continuous inflow of nutrients and growth of organisms while the bottom water mass is stagnant.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2021

In this study we investigated the elution level of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), germanium (Ge), aluminum (Al) and hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) from 69 home-cooking utensils into a food stimulants. The results of migration testing according to the Korea standards and specifications for utensils, containers and packages showed values the allowable migrantion limits. Al was detected in all 7 utensil materials with the average concentration ranging from 0.002-5.989 mg/L. According to the migration conditions for (180℃, 30 min), the average concentration of Al in paper was 7.2 times higher than 25℃, 10 min (P<0.05). The results of migration testing at 180℃, 30 min were also below the allowable migrantion limits. When comparing with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of Al, the estimated weekly intakes (EWI) accounted for 0.000-0.045% for Al.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.586-593
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• 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the biological characteristics of Phanuromyia ricaniae (Hemiptera: Platygastroidea), an egg parasitoid of Ricania sp. (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) as a biological control agent to control Ricania sublimata. The developmental period of P. ricaniae was 3.8 days for eggs, 11.1 days for larvae, and 16.3 days for pupae at 25℃, and 3.4 days for eggs, 7.8 days for larvae, and 15.3 days for pupae at 30℃. Except for the larval stage, the developmental periods were not significantly different, but the egg-to-pupa period at 30℃ was significantly shorter than that at 25℃. P. ricaniae emerged at the photophase in 24 hours, but not at the scotophase. A higher emergence rate (34.5%) was seen from 10:00 to 12:00 after the lights were turned. The female-to-male ratio of P. ricaniae was 3:1. The longevity of P. ricaniae adults was 49.0 days for females and 44.0 days for males at 20℃, 27.6 days for females and 28.4 days for males at 25℃, and 18 days for females and 14.0 days for males at 30℃. Its longevity at a low temperature (20℃) was longer than that at higher temperatures (25 and 30℃). Adult females laid eggs during all days except from 00:00-02:00 (scotophase time). The ovipositional distribution rate was 26.1% from 20:00 to 22:00, which was the peak, and the next peak was 15.7% at 10:00 to 12:00. P. ricaniae showed arrhenotokous parthenogenesis in which unfertilized eggs develop into males. Therefore, the results suggest that P. ricaniae may be a biological control agent for R. sublimata.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.108-121
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• 2021

Field studies at Suwon, Cheorwon, and Jinbu were carried out to determine the relationship between mean temperature from transplanting to heading (MT) and growth at heading stage of rice. P lant height (P H) and dry weight (DW) at heading stage were significantly correlated with MT, showing second degree polynomials. The optimal temperatures for PH and DW were 23.2 ℃ and 22.8 ℃, respectively. Little differences in rice growth among soils collected from the experimental sites and the temperature-response in a phytotron study supported that MT was the main determinant of the growth shown in the field study. Though number of days to heading increased as MT decreased, cumulative temperatures (CT) affected by sites and MT for given varieties were fairly constant. When applying specific CT for each of the varieties to the temperature in North Korea, (1) five regions (Kaesong, Haeju, Sariwon, Nampo, Pyongyang) were suitable for early to mid-maturing varieties and (2) 14 regions (Yongyon, Singye, Anju, Kusong, Sinuiju, Changjon, Wonsan, Hamhung, Pyonggang, Yangdok, Huichon, Supung, Sinpo, Kanggye) were suitable only for early-maturing varieties. In (1) regions, the similar extent of growth with that in Suwon could be achieved when mid-maturing varieties grown in Suwon are cultivated. Among (2) regions, early-maturing varieties are expected to demonstrate the similar extent of growth with that in Cheorwon in 9 regions except Hamhung, Kanggye, Pyonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo. For Hamhung and Kanggye, the target PH was assessed as 4cm higher than that shown in Cheorwon. P lant height of 8-14cm and DW of 2-4g per hill greater than those shown in Cheorwon were the target growth for P yonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo to attain the similar amount of growth with that in Cheorwon. It is suggested that rice varieties for North Korea could be bred by adjusting the target growth at the breeding sites in South Korea.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.77-92
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the carcass characteristics and the primal cut yields from carcasses according to the sex of Hanwoo. Experimental animals comprised of 80 cows, 29 bulls, and 71 steers. After slaughtering, they were evaluated to estimate the productivity of carcass components by market weight, and to predict the beef carcass yield. The average of fasting weight of cow, bull and steer were 634.75 kg, 721.86 kg, and 754.10 kg respectively. Market weight of Hanwoo at cold carcass weight, primal lean cut weight, sub-primal lean cut weight, bone weight and fat weight were 381.01~467.60 kg, 240.79~310.36 kg, 208.27~276.47 kg, 57.23~76.28 kg and 89.19~138.97 kg respectively. Body measurement traits had side length, hindquarter length, cervical vertebrae length, lumbar vertebrae length, sacral vertebrae length, 6th lumbar vertebrae~heel length, 5~6th thoracic vertebrae breadth, 4~5th lumbar vertebrae breadth, 5th sacral vertebrae breadth, 7~8th thoracic vertebrae girth and 7~8th thoracic vertebrae thick were highest length in steer. Carcass weight (CW) were significantly (p<0.05) affected by sex and live weight. The lean meat percentage, fat percentage and bone percentage based on the weight of cold carcasses were significantly different (p<0.05) between sex groups. The primal cuts rate for deungsim, moksim, abdari, udun, suldo, yangjee and satae were higher in bulls than those of the caws and steers. The carcass by-product weight rate in steer had lower oxtail and rib cartilage than cow and bull, while cow showed lower beef leg bones and jappyeo than bull steer (p<0.05). Body measurement traits was always important for primal cut weight estimates.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2020

The grade and price of Lentinula edodes largely differs in preference depending on the product area and seasonal factors. The product amount of autumn L. edodes was higher than that of spring L. edodes, but high quality, which is divided into "Hwago" is low in preference. Mostly, the autumn L. edodes is obtained as powder; hence, it is necessary to develop a processing method to utilize its flavor and aroma at an affordable price. Additionally, we estimated the content of 𝛽-glucan, ergosterol, vitamin D₂, reducing sugars, and free amino acids and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of saccharification powder of log-cultivated L. edodes. In the saccharification powders obtained via 7 min of UV irradiation of log-cultivated L. edodes, 𝛽-glucan and vitamin D₂ contents were found to be the highest, whereas ergosterol content was found to be the lowest. The content of reducing sugars ranged from 62.4 mg/L to 68.2 mg/L. The free amino acids were higher in these saccharification powders than in the control. Subsequently, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500 ㎍/mL) of the saccharification powders of log-cultivated L. edodes obtained via different UV irradiation time applications. The cells showed good viability; the anti-inflammatory effect was found to be the highest at 7 min UV irradiation. Therefore, 7 min of UV irradiation was determined to be the optimum condition for manufacturing saccharification powders of log-cultivated L. edodes. Hence, saccharification powders of log-cultivated L. edodes may be used as a raw material for natural sweeteners, food additives, and in the food industry.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.172-178
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• 2021

In the ship repair market, interest in maintenance and repair is steadily increasing due to the reinforcement of prevention of environmental pollution caused by ships and the reinforcement of safety standards for ship structures. By reflecting this effect, the number of requests for repairs by foreign shipping companies increases to repair shipbuilders in the Southwest Sea. However, because most of the repair shipbuilders in the southwestern area are small and medium-sized companies, it is difficult to lead to the integrated synergy effect of the repair shipbuilding companies. Moreover, the infrastructure is not integrated; hence, using the infrastructure jointly is a challenge, which acts as an obstacle to the activation of the repair shipbuilding industry. Floating docks are indispensable to operating the repair shipbuilding business; in addition, most of them are operated through renovation/repair after importing aging caisson docks from overseas. However, their service life is more than 30 years; additionally, there is no structure inspection standard. Therefore, it is vulnerable to the safety field. In this study, the finite element analysis program of ANSYS was used to evaluate the structural safety of the modified caisson dock and obtain additional structural reinforcement schemes to solve the derived problems. For the floating docks, there are classification regulations; however, concerning structural strength, the regulations are insufficient, and the applicability is inferior. These insufficient evaluation areas were supplemented through a detailed structural FE-analysis. The reinforcement plan was decided by reinforcing the pontoon deck and reinforcement of the side tank, considering the characteristics of the repair shipyard condition. The final plan was selected to reinforce the side wing tank through the structural analysis of the decision; in addition, the actual structure was fabricated to reflect the reinforcement plan. Our results can be used as reference data for improving the structural strength of similar facilities; we believe that the optimal solution can be found quickly if this method is used during renovation/repair.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.23-38
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the health, nutritional status and metabolic syndrome risk according to the dietary pattern of adult single-person households, using information obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Data were collected from the 2013-2016 KNHANES, of adults aged 19-64 years, belonging to single-person households. Based on cluster analysis, the dietary patterns of subjects were classified into three groups. The dietary behavior factors, health-related factors, nutritional status, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome obtained from KNHANES questionnaires were compared according to the individual dietary pattern. The nutrient intake data of the subjects were calculated using the semi-food frequency questionnaire. Moreover, blood and physical measurement data of the subjects were analyzed to obtain the prevalence of metabolic syndromes. Results: The major dietary intakes of subjects were classified as 'Rice and kimchi', 'Mixed', and 'Milk·dairy products and fruits' patterns. Characteristics of subjects based on their dietary pattern, gender, age, and education level were significantly different. The 'Milk and fruits' pattern showed low frequency of skipping breakfast and eating out, and had higher intake of dietary supplements. Frequency of alcohol intake and smoking rates were highest in the 'Mixed' pattern. Maximum nutrient intake of fat, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin C, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium was obtained in the 'Milk·dairy products and fruits' pattern. According to dietary patterns adjusted for age and gender, the risk of metabolic syndrome was 0.380 times lower in the 'Milk·dairy products and fruit' pattern than in the 'Rice and kimchi' pattern. However, when adjusted for other confounding factors, no significant difference was obtained between dietary patterns for metabolic syndrome risk. Conclusion: These results indicate that the health and nutritional status of a single-person household is possibly affected by the dietary intake of subjects.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.268-278
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• 2020

Flowering time has been put forward due to the recent abnormally warm winter, which often caused damages of flower buds by late frosts persistently. In the present study, cumulative chill unit and cumulative heat unit of Niitaka pear, which are required for releasing the endogenous dormancy and for flowering after breaking dormancy, respectively, were compared between flowering time prediction models used in South K orea. Observation weather data were collected at eight locations for the recent three years from 2018-2020. The dates of full bloom were also collected to determine the confidence level of models including DVR, mDVR and CD models. It was found that mDVR model tended to have smaller values (8.4%) of the coefficient of variation (cv) of chill units than any other models. The CD model tended to have a low value of cv (17.5%) for calculation of heat unit required to reach flowering after breaking dormancy. The mDVR model had the most accurate prediction of full bloom during the study period compared with the other models. The DVR model usually had poor skills in prediction of full bloom dates. In particular, the error of the DVR model was large especially in southern coastal areas (e.g., Ulju and Sacheon) where the temperature was warm. Our results indicated that the mDVR model had relatively consistent accuracy in prediction of full bloom dates over region and years of interest. When observation data for full bloom date are compiled for an extended period, the full bloom date can be predicted with greater accuracy improving the mDVR model further.