• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.547-555
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• 2014

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the association between subjective distress symptoms and argon welding among workers in Gyeongnam Province shipyard. Method: 31 argon and 29 non-argon welding workers were selected as study subjects in order to measure concentrations of personal dust, welding fumes and other hazardous materials such as ZnO, Pb, Cr, FeO, MnO, Cu, Ni, $TiO_2$, MgO, NO, $NO_2$, $O_3$, $O_2$, $CO_2$, CO and Ar. An interviewer-administered questionnaire survey was also performed on the same subjects. The items queried were as follows: age, height, weight, working duration, welding time, welding rod amounts used, drinking, smoking, and rate of subjective distress symptoms including headache and other symptoms such as fever, vomiting and nausea, metal fume fever, dizziness, tingling sensations, difficulty in breathing, memory loss, sleep disorders, emotional disturbance, hearing loss, hand tremors, visual impairment, neural abnormality, allergic reaction, runny nose and stuffiness, rhinitis, and suffocation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 18. Data are expressed as the mean ${\pm}SD$. An ${\chi}^2$-test and a normality test using a Shapiro wilk test were performed for the above variables. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the factors that affect the total score for subjective distress symptoms. Result: An association was shown between welding type (argon or non-argon welding) and the total score for subjective distress symptoms. Among the rate of complaining of subjective distress symptoms, vomiting and nausea, difficulty breathing, and allergic reactions were all significantly higher in the argon welding group. Only the concentration of dust and welding fumes was shown to be distributed normally after natural log transformation. According to logistic regression analysis, the correlations of working duration and welding type (argon or non-argon) between the total score of subjective distress symptoms were found to be statistically significant (p=0.041, p=0.049, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that argon welding could cause subjective distress symptoms in shipyard workers.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2007

Reclaimed tidal area is a great agricultural resource in the world. Improvement and utilization of reclaimed soil is an important measure for expanding land resource. This study was conducted to evaluate relative salt-tolerance of plants and its effect for improving saline soil. Eighteen tolerance plants were selected from China, Pakistan and Korea the climate of which is different. The emergence of different varieties in reclaimed soil was in order as FL478>Barnyard grass>Pokkali>Atriplex>Sesbania>Rumex>Alfalfa>Tall Fescue>Ryegrass>Sudan grass. Four varieties, Barnyard grass, Sesbania, Atriplex and Limonium were selected for soil improvement in reclaimed land. Cultivation of Sesbania, Barnyard grass and Atriplex were good to soil physico-chemical quality. Also these plants increased soil organic matter contents and reduced soil salt concentration. Organic matter contents of cultivated soils of Sesbania, Barnyard grass and Atriplex were $4.10g\;kg^{-1}$, $4.60g\;kg^{-1}$ and $2.81g\;kg^{-1}$ respectively. On the other hand organic matter content of uncultivated soils was $2.65g\;kg^{-1}$. As Sesbania and Barnyard grass were applied to cultivated soil like green manure, bulk density improved from $1.42Mg\;m^{-3}$ to $1.39Mg\;m^{-3}$.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.561-566
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• 2008

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate nutritive value of cell mass from lysine production (CMLP) as a protein supplement for ruminants. In each experiment, animals were fed a diet containing 40% of forages and 60% of concentrates, mainly composed of rice straw and ground corn, respectively, to meet the maintenance requirements, and the diets were formulated to supply equal amounts of energy and nitrogen among treatments. In order to investigate the effect of CMLP on ruminal fermentation (Experiment 1), three Korean native goats weighing $26.1{\pm}1.4kg$ were allotted into individual cages with a $3{\times}3$ Latin square design. Each animal was fed one of three protein sources (CMLP, soybean meal (SBM), and urea). Rumen pH, bacterial and fungal counts, volatile fatty acid concentrations and acetate to propionate ratio were not significantly different among treatments. Concentration of propionate, however, was higher in SBM treatment (14.1 mM) than in CMLP (8.7 mM) or urea (9.3 mM) treatments. There was significantly more branch-chain volatile fatty acid production in CMLP (1.9 mM) and SBM (1.8 mM) treatments than in urea (1.3 mM) treatment. The number of protozoa was the highest in urea treatment, followed by CMLP and SBM treatment with significant differences. A metabolic trial (Experiment 2) was conducted to measure in vivo nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in Korean native goats fed CMLP and SBM. Two heavy ($35.0{\pm}1.2kg$) and two light ($25.0{\pm}0.9kg$) Korean native goats, caged individually, were used in this experiment. A heavy and a light animal were paired and supplemented with either CMLP or SBM. The animals fed CMLP showed a trend of lower total tract digestibility in all the nutrients measured; however, there was no statistical significance except for digestibility of ether extract. Nitrogen digestibility of CMLP was estimated to be about 7% units lower than that of SBM. There was a tendency for lower nitrogen retention in CMLP treatment (35.9%) compared to SBM treatment (42.3%). In summary, CMLP can be a good protein source for ruminant animals from nutritional and economic perspectives and may replace some, if not all, of SBM in a diet without losing nitrogen utilization efficiency. Further research is warranted for investigating the effect of CMLP fed with easily fermentable forage and the effective level of CMLP for replacing SBM.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.88-95
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• 2011

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in four sources of full-fat soybeans (FFSB) and in one source of soybean meal (SBM). The FFSB had different concentrations of trypsin inhibitor units (TIU) and included two sources of conventional FFSB, and two sources of a soybean variety that was selected for a reduced concentration of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. The conventional FFSB was either low temperature-processed (LT-FFSB-CV; 37.7% CP, 35.4 TIU/mg) or high temperature-processed (HT-FFSB-CV; 40.5% CP, 4.4 TIU/mg). The low-Kunitz FFSB was also either low temperature-processed (LT-FFSB-LK; 36.2% CP, 23.5 TIU/mg) or high temperature-processed HT-FFSB-LK; (38.2% CP, 4.0 TIU/mg). The SBM contained 47.5% CP and 3.20 TIU/mg. Twelve weanling barrows (initial BW: $11.1{\pm}1.3\;kg$) were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pigs were allotted to a replicated $6{\times}6$ Latin square design with six diets and six periods per square. Five diets were prepared using each of the soybean sources as the only source of AA in the diet. An N-free diet was also included in the experiment to measure basal endogenous losses of AA. The two low temperature-processed FFSB had lower (p<0.05) AID and SID values for all indispensable AA than the two high temperature-processed FFSB and SBM. The SID values for all indispensible AA except Trp were greater (p<0.05) in LT-FFSB-LK than in LT-FFSB-CV, but the SID of AA in HT-FFSB-CV and HT-FFSB-LK were not different. The SID of AA in SBM were not different from the SID in HT-FFSB-CV and in HT-FFSB-LK. Results of this experiment show that a reduction of the TIU from 35.4 to 23.5 TIU/mg will improve the SID of AA, but this reduction is not sufficient to completely ameliorate the negative impact of trypsin inhibitors. Results also show that the SID of AA in high temperature-processed FFSB is similar to that in de-hulled SBM.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.706-716
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• 2014

A new strategy of co-inoculating Bacillus subtilis MA139 with Streptococcus thermophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to produce fermented soybean meal (FSBM). Three experiments were conducted to determine the concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) (Exp. 1), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) (Exp. 2), and feeding value (Exp. 3) of FSBM produced by this new strategy (NFSB) compared with soybean meal (SBM) and conventionally available FSBM (Suprotein). In Exp. 1, twenty-four barrows (initial body weight [BW] of $32.2{\pm}1.7kg$) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 diets with 6 replicates per diet. A corn basal diet and 3 diets based on a mixture of corn and 1 of 3 soybean products listed above were formulated and the DE and ME contents were determined by the difference method. The results showed that there were no differences in DE and ME between SBM and either FSBM product (p>0.05). In Exp. 2, eight barrows (initial BW of $26.8{\pm}1.5kg$) were fitted with ileal T-cannulaes and used in a replicated $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Three corn-starch-based diets were formulated using each of the 3 soybean products as the sole source of AA. A nitrogen-free diet was also formulated to measure endogenous losses of AA. The results showed that the SID of all AA except arginine and histidine was similar for NFSB and SBM (p>0.05), but Suprotein had greater (p<0.05) SID of most AA except lysine, aspartate, glycine and proline than NFSB. In Exp. 3, a total of 144 piglets (initial BW of $8.8{\pm}1.2$ kg) were blocked by weight and fed 1 of 4 diets including a control diet with 24% SBM as well as diets containing 6% and 12% NFSB or 12% Suprotein added at the expense of SBM. During d 15 to 28, replacing SBM with 6% NFSB significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.05) for nursery piglets. During the overall experiment, ADG of piglets fed diets containing 6% NFSB was significantly greater (p<0.05) than that of piglets fed SBM. In conclusion, fermentation with the new strategy did not affect the energy content or the AID and the SID of AA in SBM. However, inclusion of 6% NFSB in diets fed to nursery piglets improved performance after weaning likely as a result of better nutritional status and reduced immunological challenge.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.11
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• pp.909-920
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• 2020

Cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_c) change dynamically in response to inducers, repressors, and physiological conditions, and aberrant [Ca²⁺]_c concentration regulation is associated with cancer, heart failure, and diabetes. Therefore, [Ca²⁺]_c is considered as a good indicator of physiological and pathological cellular responses, and is a crucial biomarker for drug discovery. A genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) was recently developed to measure [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models. GECI have some advantages over chemically synthesized indicators, although they also have some drawbacks such as poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), low positive signal, delayed response, artifactual responses due to protein overexpression, and expensive detection equipment. Here, we developed an indicator based on interactions between Ca²⁺-loaded calmodulin and target proteins, and generated an innovative GECI sensor using split nano-luciferase (Nluc) fragments to detect changes in [Ca²⁺]_c. Stimulation-dependent luciferase activities were optimized by combining large and small subunits of Nluc binary technology (NanoBiT, LgBiT:SmBiT) fusion proteins and regulating the receptor expression levels. We constructed the binary [Ca²⁺]_c sensors using a multicistronic expression system in a single vector linked via the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), and examined the detection efficiencies. Promoter optimization studies indicated that promoter-dependent protein expression levels were crucial to optimize SNR and sensitivity. This novel [Ca²⁺]_c assay has high SNR and sensitivity, is easy to use, suitable for high-throughput assays, and may be useful to detect [Ca²⁺]_c in single cells and animal models.

• Clean Technology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.154-160
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• 2016

For any conceivable desalination process using the gas hydrate formation, the kinetics has to be one of the most important parameters from the economic point of view. We thus were to improve the kinetics of the R-134a (also known as HFC-134a) gas hydrate formation by using promoters and three different kinds of edible surfactants were selected for the desalination process targeted to produce potable water; κ-carrageenan, lecithin, and polysorbate 80 among anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants, respectively. Then, the kinetics change of the R-134a hydrate formation was monitored by varying the surfactant concentration. Experimental results demonstrated that the rate of R-134a hydrate formation increases with the addition of edible surfactants in general and the effect as a promotor has an order of polysorbate 80 > κ-carrageenan > lecithin. As a supportive measure, the atomic charges of each surfactant were calculated by using a DFT (density functional theory)-based molecular modeling and the results showed a positive relationship between the promotor effect of each surfactant and the number of oxygens available for hydrogen bonding and the negativity of their atomic charge values.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.91-100
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• 2017

The object of this study was to measure the bioactivity and antioxidant activity of seed from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fructus (GJE). GJE seeds were performed the extraction of them by chloroform:methanol (CM, 2:1, v/v), 70% ethanol and n-butanol. Sequentially, total phenol content, nitrogen oxide scavenging activity, antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity of the extracts were investigated. Solvent extract bioactivity of increasing concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/mL) were significantly increased (p<0.05). GJE seed extracts showed lower activity than positive control (ascorbic acid, BHA, trolox). The highest concentration of CM extracts was obtained in the same manner as the results of analysis of the total phenol contents of the GJE seed, and 70% ethanol extract showed the highest activity of reducing power. The water soluble carotenoids crocin and flavonoid were effective. As a result of this experiment. the seeds of GJE showed excellent antioxidant, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory properties.

• Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.651-672
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• 2014

Under the diagnosis of low employment rate and low growth, the government regards the creation of new jobs through the creative and innovative R&D as an important national plans. This study attempts to measure the employment creation effect of R&D investment of industrial technology by using input-output analysis used in domestic and international broadly. The employment effect can be divided into employment inducement effect and direct employment effect. As a result of the analysis, The employment creation effect of R&D investment of government industrial technology is measured to be 8-12 peoples per 1 billion KRW investment. This results mean that government R&D investment is a effective policy for employment creation. And it is necessary to establish R&D policies that reflect the technical characteristics of the employment creation effect. In short term, it is important that the government invest the superior technology of total employment and direct employment as essential means of employment creation by selection and concentration strategy. In mid-long term, the government should focus on technology spread as technology transfer and opening innovation strategy for employment creation to support superior technology of employment inducement. The results of this study can be used in analysis on the employment creation effect related to industrial technology R&D.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.455-471
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• 2014

Objectives: This experiment was done for investigating antimicrobial activity of Hwangryunheadok-tang and Scutellariae Radix extract, Phellodendri Cortex extract, Coptis Rhizoma extract, Gardenia Jasminoides extract against Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: After administering S. aureus on a bacterial culture media plate, antimicrobial activity was tested by dripping $80{\mu}l$ diluted Hwangryunheadok-tang and Scutellariae Radix extract, Phellodendri Cortex extract, Coptis Rhizoma extract, and Gardenia Jasminoides extract (100%, 50%, 10%, 1%) on plates that were cultivated for a span of time from 16 to 72 hours. Also, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was tested by dripping the minimum dilution density solution that has antimicrobial activity between $80{\mu}l$ and $20{\mu}l$ ($80{\mu}l$, $60{\mu}l$, $40{\mu}l$, $20{\mu}l$) in measure of density. Antimicrobial activity of Hwangryunheadok-tang and four kinds of extracts against S. aureus was continually displayed. Results: 1. S. aureus (Standard Microorganism, ATCC) (1) Antimicrobial activity was displayed for Hwangryunheadok-tang, Scutellariae Radix extract, and Phellodendri Cortex extract respectively in the undiluted solution and 50% of diluted magnification. Gardenia Jasminoides extract showed its activity only in the undiluted solution; Coptis Rhizoma extract showed its activity down to 10% of diluted magnification. The antimicrobial activity of the undiluted solution was increased when the volume of inoculation increased. But, there was no difference when time was extended for cultivation. (2) MIC of Hwangryunheadok-tang, Scutellariae Radix extract was 50%, $20{\mu}l$. Coptis Rhizoma extract was 10%, $20{\mu}l$, Phellodendri Cortex extract was 50%, $80{\mu}l$ and Gardenia Jasminoides extract was 100%, $60{\mu}l$. 2. S. aureus isolated from diarrheal patients (1) When compared to standard microorganism, MIC has decreased. As a result, their antimicrobial activity has increased. (2) Antimicrobial activity of Hwangryunheadok-tang and four extracts was continually shown in extending of the time, 16, 24 and 72 hours. Conclusions: The author comes to the conclusion that Hwangryunheadok-tang, and four kinds of extracts have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Especially, when comparing standard microorganisms with S. aureus isolated from diarrheal patients, some cases showed that antimicrobial activity of all the extracts were better than antibiotics. Thus, if a further study is performed, the use of Hwangryunheadok-tang, and four kinds of extracts will be valuable and beneficial in clinical treatments.