• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.621-631
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to survey and analyze acorn production and characteristics of the Quercus acuta Thunb. according to the need for information on seed supply and seedling cultivation during the restoration of warm broad-leaved forests. For the survey, a total of 30 seed traps with a surface area of 1 m² were set up, 3 in each of 10 quadrats (8 in Wando, 1 in Haenam, and 1 in Jindo). The acorns that fell in the seed trap at the end of each month were collected from August to December each year between 2013 to 2016. The collected acorns were then classified into sound, damaged, decayed, or empty grade, and the number of acorns produced was calculated. In the case of sound acorns, acorn traits, such as length, diameter and weight of acorns without cupule, were measured. Duncan's multiple tests of acorn production and characteristics were conducted for comparative analysis of the annual average values with the values by year, stand, month, and treatment plot. The annual number of acorn dropped into the seed traps in each quadrat from 2013 to 2016 was 5-350 acorns/3 m² in 2013, 17-551 acorns/3 m² in 2014, 5-454 acorns/3 m² in 2015, and 14-705 acorns/3 m² in 2016. There was a large difference in acorn production between the quadrats, presumably attributed to the difference in the amount of light received due to the density of trees in the square. Annual acorn production per area was 335,000 acorns/ha in 2013, 932,000 acorns/ha in 2014, 556,000 acorns/ha in 2015, and 1,037,000 acorns/ha in 2016. That was a sharp variation of acorn production in the two-year cycle. As the fluctuation in the production of Q. acuta showed simultaneity between stands, it is judged that Quercus acuta Thunb. had a clear cycle of fruitfulness and fruitiness between forest objects. September showed the biggest amount of fallen acorns and largest damage from insect pests, indicating that preventing early fall of acorns could increase the fruiting period and enable mass production of sound acorns. There was no significant difference between annual average acorn length in each region. In the case of the acorn diameter and weight, the average values of acorns from Haenam were significantly higher than those from Wando and Jindo. There was no significant difference in the average annual acorn characteristics by month, and the average annual acorn length, diameter, and weight in November were 19.72mm, 12.23mm, and 1.64g, respectively, the highest between August and November.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2022

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. The onset of asthma for most patients begins early in life, and current asthma treatment with anti-inflammatory agents can have adverse effects, eventually leading to impaired quality of life. In the pathogenesis of asthma, macrophages and basophils play a vital role during progression. Macrophages not only induce inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines but also promote DNA damage and mucus production through nitric oxide (NO) production. Basophils enhance eosinophil recruitment and aggravate asthma through the FcεRIα receptor with high affinity for histamine and IgE. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the activation of macrophages and basophils is suppressed by the individual extracts of 28 natural products. RAW 264.7 cells (mouse macrophages) were treated with the natural products in LPS, and 4 natural product extracts resulted in decreased NO production. In β-hexosaminidase assay using RBL-2H3 cells (rat basophils), 19 natural product extracts decreased β-hexosaminidase production. In NO production and β-hexosaminidase assay using macrophages and basophils, 3 natural product extracts (Plantago asiatica, Centella asiatica, and Perilla frutescens var. japonica) significantly inhibited NO production and β-hexosaminidase release. Overall, we examined the inhibitory effects of 28 natural product extracts on macrophage and basophil activity, and the findings demonstrated the potential of natural product extracts for treating asthma and macrophage- and basophil-related diseases.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.149-157
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• 2023

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that affects not only the survival and growth of cancer cells but also the activity of immune cells. Although it has been generally accepted that cancer cell-derived TGF-β could promote the survival and growth of early cancer cells and have immunosuppressive roles, it has been known that TGF-β has differential effects according to the type or stage of cancer cells. Therefore, it is hard to clearly define its role in cancer progression and immune responses. This study investigated the effects of TGF-β signaling on the expression of five NKG2D ligands and the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response in the primary colon cancer cell line KM12C and its two metastatic cell lines, KM12SM and KM12L4A. At the surface protein level, exogenous TGF-β decreased the expression of MICA, MICB, ULBP1, and ULBP2, and galunisertib increased the expression of MICA, MIAB, ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP3 in KM12C. However, KM12SM and KM12L4A showed no significant changes in the expression of NKG2DLs after treatment with TGF-β or galunisertib. TGF-β signaling inhibition via galunisertib improved the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response against KM12C but did not show a significant response to KM12SM and KM12L4A. Therefore, the suppression of TGF-β signaling could improve the NK cell-mediated anticancer immune response against KM12C. However, an increase in NKG2DLs expression and an enhanced NK cell-mediated cancer immune response is hard to expect due to the alteration of TGF-β signaling in KM12SM and KM12L4A.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.139-153
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• 2023

This study aimed to understand the spatiotemporal variations in nitrogen content in the Gyeongan stream along the main stream and at the discharge points of the sub-basins, and to identify the origin of the nitrogen. Field surveys and laboratory analyses, including chemical compositions and isotope ratios of nitrate and boron, were performed from November 2021 to November 2022. Based on the flow duration curve (FDC) derived for the Gyeongan stream, the dry season (mid-December 2021 to mid-June 2022) and wet season (mid-June to early November 2022) were established. In the dry season, most samples had the highest total nitrogen(T-N) concentrations, specifically in January and February, and the concentrations continued to decrease until May and June. However, after the flood season from July to September, the uppermost subbasin points (Group 1: MS-0, OS-0, GS-0) where T-N concentrations continually decreased were separated from the main stream and lower sub-basin points (Group 2: MS-1~8, OS-1, GS-1) where concentrations increased. Along the main stream, the T-N concentration showed an increasing trend from the upper to the lower reaches. However, it was affected by those of the Osan-cheon and Gonjiamcheon, the tributaries that flow into the main stream, resulting in respective increases or decreases in T-N concentration in the main stream. The nitrate and boron isotope ratios indicated that the nitrogen in all samples originated from manure. Mechanisms for nitrogen inflow from manure-related sources to the stream were suggested, including (1) manure from livestock wastes and rainfall runoff, (2) inflow through the discharge of wastewater treatment plants, and (3) inflow through the groundwater discharge (baseflow) of accumulated nitrogen during agricultural activities. Ultimately, water quality management of the Gyeongan stream basin requires pollution source management at the sub-basin level, including its tributaries, from a regional context. To manage the pollution load effectively, it is necessary to separate the hydrological components of the stream discharge and establish a monitoring system to track the flow and water quality of each component.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.180-193
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• 2022

The East Nine Royal Tombs is a representative place in the Royal Tombs of Joseon (a World Heritage Site). It consists of 1,289 stone artifacts including 979 related stone structures, 310 stone statues, and objects. Most of the stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs are composed of biotite granite, but some tombs are composed of light red granite. As a result of magnetic susceptibility measurement, the average data from Geonwolleung to Mongneung, excluding Hyeolleung, were similar, so it is estimated that stones were obtained from the same quarry. In the case of Sungneung, Sureung, and Gyeongneung, the range of susceptibility measurement is widely distributed. It assumed that the newly produced stones were mixed in the moving and construction process. Also, stones might be gathered from different quarries. As a result of a conservation status investigation, both the mound member and the ridge stone had the highest damage rate due to peeling and granular decomposition according to surface weathering. In the case of surface discoloration, yellowing and soils were found in the burial mound members. Yellowing, blackening, and soil were identified in the ridge stone structures. Bio-degradation is the major factor of deterioration of the East Nine Royal Tombs and the conservation status of the tombs were detected as grades 4 to 5. It seems that it is easy for the environment of the royal tombs to form soil for the microorganisms and fine conditions for continuous moisture. In the case of structures, they are in relatively good condition. As a result of a comprehensive damage rating for each tomb, the overall condition is good, but the Geonwolleung Royal Tomb and Hyeolleung Tomb, which were created in the early period, had relatively high weathering ratings. Stone objects in East Nine Royal Tombs have lost many pieces and gateway members due to surface deterioration. Also, secondary damage is ongoing. Each damage factor of the stone artifacts of the East Nine Royal Tombs combines to cause various and continuous damages. Therefore, it is necessary to establish regular conservation status data of the stone artifacts for efficient management after processing as well as conservation treatment of the royal tombs, and specific management manuals and systems. This study investigated the conservation status of stone structures in the East Nine Royal Tombs, a World Heritage Site, and systematically classified them to provide priority and necessity for conservation processing. We look forward to establishing a plan for the conservation and management of the East Nine Royal Tombs with this database in the future.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of patients referred for delirium and depressive disorder and to find direction of improvement of consultation-liason psychiatry in general hospital. Methods : We performed a retrospective computed chart review of the 4,966 inpatients hospitalized at Konkuk University Hospital who were referred to the Department of Psychiatry from August 1, 2005 to December 31, 2011. Results : Depressive disorder shows the order of frequency of consultation type Parallel-Complementary-Mending. Delirium shows the order of frequency of consultation type Mending-Parallel-Complementary. When comparing 'follow up consultation' and 'without follow up consultation' group within the depressive disorder, the proportion of men in the 'follow up consultation' group was higher. In the analysis of the consultation type, the 'follow up consultation' group showed the order of consultation type Parallel-Mending- Complementary, and type Parallel-Complementary-Mending in the 'without follow up consultation' group. When comparing 'follow up consultation' and 'without follow up consultation' group within the delirium, the proportion of the surgical field in the 'follow up consultation' group was higher. In the analysis of the consultation type, both group showed the order of consultation type Mending-Parallel- Complementary. Conclusions : Doctors in each department and psychiatrists should pay attention to delirium symptoms that may occur in surgical inpatients and preventive measures should be taken. Screening tests should be conducted in medical patients to properly evaluate coexisting psychiatric diseases. Risk factors of Delirium and Depressive disorder should be identified from the time of hospitalization, and actively discussing treatment plans and early interventions could improve the quality of medical services.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.293-301
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of seasonal differences and crating densities on the behavior, surface temperature, and respiration rate of broilers during transportation. A total of 600 broilers aged 35 days were divided into 10 treatment groups based on five crating densities (10.3, 11.5, 12.8, 14.1, 15.4 birds/m²) with two seasons (i.e. summer and winter) to give six replicates. Broilers were allocated to the crates (1.00 m × 0.78 m × 0.26 m) in a randomized design. The transportation distance was 20 km for 40 minutes (average 30-50 km/h) during the early morning. The results revealed that standing behavior of broilers during transportation was shown more frequently (P<0.05) in winter. Moreover, sitting behavior was significantly shown (P<0.05) more at densities of 14.1 birds/m² and 15.4 birds/m² compared to other treatments. Standing behavior was significantly shown more (P<0.05) in winter and lower crating density. Changes in broilers surface temperature after transportation were higher (P<0.05) in summer. However, surface temperature after transportation was not affected (P>0.05) by crating density, and interaction between seasonal differences and crating density. Respiration rate was higher (P<0.05) in summer. But there were no effects (P>0.05) on respiration rate based on crating density, and interaction between seasonal differences and crating density. Based on the results of the present study, broilers transportation is recommended in winter rather than summer to minimize the climatic stress, but further research is required to identify proper crating densities to improve the broilers welfare during transportation.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.28-41
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• 2024

The carbon balance serves as a valuable indicator of a plant's physiological status under diverse environmental conditions. We investigated the photosynthetic and respiratory responses of the Asian surfgrass Phyllospadix iwatensis along the northeast coast of the Korean peninsula in response to changing water temperature (ranging from 5℃ to 30℃) to estimate the seasonal whole-plant carbon balance through a series of incubation experiments. The maximum gross photosynthetic rate (P_max) showed a significant difference among the temperature treatments, while there was no significant difference in photosynthetic efficiency (α). The maximum gross photosynthetic rate of P. iwatensis reached its peaks at 20℃ treatment (101.65 μmol O₂ g^-1 DW h^-1) but decreased rapidly at 30℃. The saturation irradiance (I_k), compensation irradiance (I_c), and respiration rate (R) of P. iwatensis exhibited significant differences among the temperature treatments. The saturation irradiance increased up to 20-25℃ (121.59-124.50 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1) and sharply decreased at 30℃. The compensation irradiance and respiration rate increased steadily with rising water temperature. The ratio of P_max to R (P_max:R ratio) was the highest at 5℃ but dramatically decreased at 30℃. The whole-plant carbon balance, calculated based on photosynthetic parameters, respiration rates, and biomass, exhibited distinct seasonal variation, increasing during winter and spring and decreasing during summer and fall, which is consistent with the highest in situ growth in spring and severely limited growth at the highest water temperature conditions. Phyllospadix iwatensis displayed a negative carbon balance during late summer, fall, and winter, but demonstrated a positive carbon balance during spring and early summer. Our findings suggest that the rising seawater temperatures associated with climate change may lead to significant alterations in the seagrass ecosystem functioning along the rocky shores of the Korean east coast.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.403-414
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• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended in fit patients with a carcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head, and a delayed resection may affect survival. This study aimed to correlate the time from staging to PD with long-term survival, and study the impact of preoperative investigations (if any) on the timing of surgery. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective study of PD outcomes. Only PDAC patients who underwent an upfront resection were included. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy were excluded. Group A (PD within 28 days of most recent preoperative computed tomography [CT]) was compared to group B (> 28 days). Results: A total of 595 patents were included. Compared to group A (median CT-PD time: 12.5 days, interquartile range: 6-21), group B (49 days, 39-64.5) had similar one-year survival (73% vs. 75%, p = 0.6), five-year survival (23% vs. 21%, p = 0.6) and median time-to-death (17 vs. 18 months, p = 0.8). Staging laparoscopy (43 vs. 29.5 days, p = 0.009) and preoperative biliary stenting (39 vs. 20 days, p < 0.001) were associated with a delay to PD, but magnetic resonance imaging (32 vs. 32 days, p = 0.5), positron emission tomography (40 vs. 31 days, p > 0.99) and endoscopic ultrasonography (28 vs. 32 days, p > 0.99) were not. Conclusions: Although a treatment delay may give rise to patient anxiety, our findings would suggest this does not correlate with worse survival. A delay may be necessary to obtain further information and minimize the number of PD patients diagnosed with early disease recurrence.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.16-25
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by chemotherapy (CTx.) and radiation therapy (RT) is widely performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate our interim results in terms of failure patterns, survival and relative risk factors. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From January 1999 through December 2003, 129 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and treated with BCS followed by RT were subject to retrospective review. The median age of the patients was 45 years (age distribution, $27{\sim}76$ years). The proportions of patients according to their tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) stage were 65 (50.4%) in stage I, 41 (31.7%) in stage IIa, 13 (10.1%) in stage IIb, 9 (7.0%) in stage III, and 1 patient (0.8%) in stage IIIc. For 32 patients (24.8%), axillary node metastasis was found after dissection. BCS consisted of quadrantectomy in 115 patients (89.1%) and lumpectomy in 14 patients (10.6%). Axillary node dissection at axillary level I and II was performed for 120 patients (93%). For 7 patients (5.4%), only sentinel node dissection was performed with BCS. For 2 patients (1.6%) axillary dissection of any type was not performed. Postoperative RT was given with 6 MV X-rays. A tumor dose of 50.4 Gy was delivered to the entire breast area using a tangential field with a wedge compensator. An aditional dose of $9{\sim}16\;Gy$ was given to the primary tumor bed areas with electron beams. In 30 patients (23.3%), RT was delivered to the supraclavicular node. Most patients had adjuvant CTx. with $4{\sim}6$ cycles of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) regimens. The median follow-up period was 50 months (range: $17{\sim}93$ months). $\underline{Results}$: The actuarial 5 year survival rate (5Y-OSR) was 96.9%, and the 5 year disease free survival rate (5Y-DFSR) was 93.7%. Local recurrences were noted in 2 patients (true: 2, regional node: 1) as the first sign of recurrence at a mean time of 29.3 months after surgery. Five patients developed distant metastases as the first sign of recurrence at $6{\sim}33$ months (mean 21 months). Sites of distant metastatic sites were bone in 3 patients, liver in 1 patient and systemic lesions in 1 patient. Among the patients with distant metastatic sites, two patients died at 17 and 25 months during the follow-up period. According to stage, the 5Y-OSR was 95.5%, 100%, 84.6%, and 100% for stage I, IIa, IIb, and III respectively. The 5Y-DFSR was 96.8%, 92.7%, 76.9%, and 100% for stage I, IIa, IIb, and III respectively. Stage was the only risk factor for local recurrence based on univariate analysis. Ten stage III patients included in this analysis had a primary tumor size of less than 3 cm and had more than 4 axillary lymph node metastases. The 10 stage III patients received not only breast RT but also received posterior axillary boost RT to the supraclavicular node. During the median 53.3 months follow-up period, no any local or distant failure was found. Complications were asymptomatic radiation pneumonitis in 10 patients, symptomatic pneumonitis in 1 patient and lymphedema in 8 patients. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Although our follow up period is short, we had excellent local control and survival results and reaffirmed that BCS followed by RT and CTx. appears to be an adequate treatment method. These results also provide evidence that distant failure occurs earlier and more frequent as compared with local failure. Further studies and a longer follow-up period are needed to assess the effectiveness of BCS followed by RT for the patients with less than a 3 cm primary tumor and more than 4 axillary node metastases.