• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.357-366
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• 2007

Microorganisms participate in a variety of geochemical processes such as weathering and formation of minerals, leaching of precious metals from minerals, and cycling of organic matter The objective of this study was to investigate biogeochemical processes of iron leaching from magnetite ore by iron-reducing bacteria isolated from intertidal flat sediments, southwestern part of Korea. Microbial iron leaching experiments were performed using magnetite ore, Shinyemi magnetite ore, in well-defined media with and without bacteria at room temperature for a month. Water soluble Fe and Mn during the leaching experiments were determined by ICP analysis of bioleached samples, and the resulting precipitated solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The extent of iron leaching from magnetite in the aerobic conditions (Fe = 15 mg/L and Mn = 3.41 mg/L) was lower than that in the anaerobic environments (Fe = 32.8 mg/L and Mn = 5.23 mg/L). The medium pH typically decreased from 8.3 to 7.2 during a month incubation. The Eh of the initial medium decreased from +144.9 mV to -331.7 mV in aerobic environments and from -2.3 mV to -494.6 mV in anaerobic environments upon incubation with the metal reducing microorganisms. The decrease in pH is due to glucose fermentation producing organic acids and $CO_2$. The ability of bacteria to leach soluble iron from crystalline magnetite could have significant implications for biogeochemical processes in sediments where Fe(III) in magnetite represents the largest pool of electron acceptor as well as to use as a novel biotechnology for leaching precious and heavy metals from raw materials.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.163-170
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• 2006

Nardostachyos Rhizoma (N. Rhizoma) belonging to the family Valerianaceae has been anti-arrhythmic effect, and sedation to the central nerve and a smooth muscle. We reported that the water extract of N. Rhizoma induced apoptotic cell death and differentiation in human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Cytotoxicity of N. Rhizoma was detected only in HL-60 cells (IC50 is about 200 ${\mu}g/ml$). The cytotoxic activity of N. Rhizoma in HL-60 cells was increased in a dose-dependent manner. We used several measures of apoptosis to determine whether these processes were involved in N. Rhizoma-induced apoptotic cell death. The high-dose (200 ${\mu}g/ml$) treatment of N. Rhizoma to HL-60 cells showed cell shrinkage, cell membrane blobbing, apoptotic bodies, and the fragmentation of DNA, suggesting that these cells underwent apoptosis. Treatment of HL-60 cells with N. Rhizoma time-dependently induced activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 and proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Also, we investigated the effect of N. Rhizoma on cellular differentiation and proliferation in HL-60 cells. Differentiation and proliferation of HL-60 cells was determined through expression of CD11b and CD14 surface antigens using flow cytometry and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay, and through analysis of cell cycle using propidium iodide assay, respectively. N. Rhizoma induced the differentiation of HL-60 at the low-dose (100 ${\mu}g/ml$) treatment, as shown by increased expression of differentiation surface antigen CD11b, but not CDl4 and increased reducing activity of NBT. When HL-60 cells were treated with N. Rhizoma at concentration of $50{\mu}g/ml\;and\;100{\mu}g/ml$, NBT-reducing activities induced approximately 1.5-fold and 20.0-fold as compared with the control. In contrast, HL-60 cells treated with the N. Rhizoma-ATRA combination showed markedly elevated levels of 26.3-fold at $50{\mu}g/ml$ N. Rhizoma-0.1 ${\mu}M$ ATRA combination and 27.5-fold at 50 ${\mu}g/ml$ N. Rhizoma-0.2 ${\mu}M$ ATRA combination than when treated with N. Rhizoma alone or ATRA alone. It may be that N. Rhizoma plays important roles in synergy with ATRA during differentiation of HL-60 cells. DNA flow-cytometry indicated that N. Rhizoma markedly induced a G1 phase arrest of HL-60 cells. N. Rhizoma-treated HL-60 cells increased the cell population in G1 phase from 32.71% to 42.26%, whereas cell population in G2/M and S phases decreased from 23.61% to 10.33% and from 37.78% to 33.98%, respectively. We examined the change in the $p21^{WAF1/Cip1}\;and\;p27^{Kip1}$ proteins, which are the CKIs related with the G1 phase arrest. The expression of the CDK inhibitor $p27^{Kip1},\;but\;not\;p21^{WAF1/Cip1}$ were markedly increased by N. Rhizoma. Taken together, these results demonstrated that N. Rhizoma induces apoptotic cell death through activation of caspase-3, and potently inhibits the proliferation of HL-60 cells via the G1 phase cell cycle arrest in association with $p27^{Kip1}$ and granulocytic differentiation induction .

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.485-492
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• 2017

This study investigated to determine the microbial contamination levels of strawberries at harvest and distribution stages and to suggest a control measure for reducing the microbial contamination of strawberries by replacing worker's gloves used at harvest and distribution stages. According to the monitoring results, the contamination levels of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) were in the order of soil ($7.12{\pm}0.61{\log}_{10}CFU/g$), gloves ($6.06{\pm}1.80{\log}_{10}CFU/cm^2$), strawberry ($3.28{\times}0.98{\log}_{10}CFU/g$), and water ($3.08{\pm}0.55{\log}_{10}CFU/g$) at harvest stage. TAB of strawberry at was harvest stage reduced from $3.28{\pm}0.98{\log}_{10}CFU/g$ to $1.85{\pm}0.21{\log}_{10}CFU/g$ and $2.6{\pm}0.30{\log}_{10}CFU/g$ at cold and room temperature storage, respectively. By the replacement of worker's gloves and distribution temperature, TAB levels of the strawberries were significantly reduced when compared to those of the strawberries treated without replacement of worker's gloves and distributed at room temperature. For reusing the replaced gloves, washing with a commercial disinfectant, clorox, was effective to reduce microorganisms contaminated on the worker's gloves. These results demonstrated that appropriate replacement of gloves at the harvest and distribution stages is an effective method for reducing microbial contamination of fresh strawberries.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.239-247
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to improve the efficacy and functionality of Viola mandshurica (VM). A water suspension of VM power was fermented for 72 hr with Bacillus methylotrophicus CBMB205 (BM) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides NRIC1777 (LP) isolated from kimchi. The antioxidant activity and reducing power of fermented VM, its total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well its inhibitory activity on ${\alpha}$-amylase, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase were determined and compared to those of non-fermented VM (NVM), a negative control. The total phenolic and flavonoid compounds of VM fermented with BM and LP were higher than those of NVM by 1.4, 1.17, and about 3 times. There was no difference in 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity between fermented VM and NVM. However, there was a 2.1- and 1.6-fold increase in 2, 2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothzoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity in VM fermented with BM and LP, respectively. The reducing power of BM was 1.6 times as high as NVM, but no significant difference was found between LP and NVM. Fermented VM's inhibitory activity on ${\alpha}$-amylase, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase was much higher than that of NVM. Fermenting VM with BM was superior to fermenting it with LP, except flavonoid content. Taken together, VM fermented with BM could be used as a functional food and as an additive to cosmetics.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.56-65
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• 2021

The hot-water extracts of four strains of Volvariella volvacea [Vv (KMCC04386), Vv-Chi (KMCC04382), V9-21 (KMCC04380), and VG-19 (KMCC05115)] were prepared to determine their antioxidant activities, ��-glucan content, and nutritional content. Among the four V. volvacea strains, Vv strain showed the highest DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (23.7%). The highest total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents (8.17 mg y/g and 3.46 mg QE/g, respectively) were observed in the Vv-Chi strain. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power were significantly higher in the Vv-Chi strain compared to those in the other V. volvacea strains (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the nitrite scavenging activity among the four different strains (p<0.05). The ��-glucan content in the four V. volvacea strains ranged from 15.13-16.07%, and the VG-19 strain had the highest ��-glucan content (15.73%). The VG-19 strain also had the highest total amino acid (986.8 mg/kg) and essential amino acid (369.3 mg/kg) contents among the four V. volvacea strains. The results of this study showed that the Vv-Chi strain exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while the ��-glucan and nutritional contents were higher in the VG-19 strain compared to those in the other strains of V. volvacea.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.289-298
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• 1984

These studies were carried out to investigate the effects of rice straw on microflora in relation to the decomposition of organic matter, and the rate of rice straw decomposition. The number of total bacteria was increased in the first stage, and the number of microorganisms in upper layer was generally larger than lower layer. The number of fungi tended to decline as rice plant grew. Aerobacter among cellulose decomposition bacteria decreased with time, and the number of microorganisms in lower layer was higher than upper layer. The number of glucose decomposition bacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria increased in the submerged soil to which rice straw was applied, but decreased by percolation. the change of manganese oxidizing bacteria seemed not to be affected by rice straw application while they tend to increase as the rice plant grew. The aspect of microorganisms in the percolated water was same that of lower layer, but the number was low as much $10^{-1}$ during the whole stages. The decomposition rate of rice straw applied to submerged soil was about 40 per cent during the rice grew. The decomposition rate of cellulose contained rice straw was about 30 per cent, and lignin was about 60 per cent. The 70-80 per cent of nitrogen remained in the rice straw applied to soil.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.75-80
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• 2007

This study evaluated groundwater quality around an uncontrolled landfill in W sity, Korea, which was monitored for about two years (2005-2006). Parameters of concern include redox-sensitive indicators such as pH, DO, EC, ORP, DOC (dissolved organic carbon), NH3, NO3 and SO4. About 10 years have elapsed after closing dumping of municipal wastes in the landfill. Leachates showed widely varying concentrations in COD(136${\sim}$263 mg/L), T-N(121${\sim}$186 mg/L), and NH3-N(14${\sim}$369 mg/L). Groundwater at the immediate downgradient of the landfill showed weakly acidic pH condition but very high levels of EC (3,000-4,000 ${\mu}S/cm$), which indicated that the groundwater was largely affected by the landfill leachate. Cl, a conservative ion, showed over 200 mg/L at the landfill border, but a gradually decreasing level with distance from the landfill, representing dispersion and dilution (natural attenuation) due to mixing with surrounding groundwater and replenished rainwater. Redox potential showed negative value at the landfill border but it increased up to 350 mV at downgradient wells, which indicated conversion of redox condition from reducing oxic ones. Ammonia, was largely enriched at most of the monitoring wells and its level greatly exceeded drinking water standard. In summary, all the parameters evidenced occurrence of natural attenuation with distance and with time but further monitoring is still required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.155-160
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• 2008

The urban areas have various landuses such as residential, commercial, industrial and official purposes that are highly concerned with human activities. The other landuses are relating to vehicle activities, which are roads, parking lots, bridges, parks etc. The mainly using landuses by human activities are possessing three different areas that are buildings, parking lots/roads and landscapes. Of these areas, the buildings and landscapes can be classified as non-pollution areas. However, the parking lots or roads are classifying as the main pollution areas because of vehicle activities. Therefore, the landuses arising the nonpoint pollution during a storm in urban areas are roads and parking lots. The vehicles are emitting lots of nonpoint pollutants such as metals and particulate matters and it is impacting on water qualities and aqua-ecosystems nearby the city areas. Therefore, this research was conducted for characterizing the pollutant types and determining the EMCs (Event Mean Concentrations) and unit pollutant loads during a storm. The monitoring was performed on 9 locations such as highways, service area, tollgates, parking lot and bridges. All of the landuses selected for monitoring are concerned with transportation. The results can be effectively used to predict the pollutant loading before urban planning and to select the BMPs (Best Management Practices) for reducing the pollution.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2008

Objectives : HRHDT has been known as a useful prescription with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunosuppressive activity. To evaluate anti-atopic dermatitis effect of HRHDT, we treated HRHDT in NC/Nga mice model skin induced contact hypersensitivity. Methods : Contact hypersensitivity, a local inflammatory response of skin, was induced by spreading the back skin of NC/Nga mice with 0.4${\sim}$1% DNCB. HRHDT was prepared by dissolving 3% HRHDT in solution and treated 3 weeks on the back skin. Results : HRHDT significantly reduced TEWL and erythema by 0.4${\sim}$1% of DNCB treatment compared to control group. HRHDT also reduced IgE on serum obtained from blood of DNCB-treated mice. Conclusions : These results showed that HRHDT could be used as a pharmaceutical material with anti-atopic dermatitis effect by reducing IgE in contact, hypersensitivity atopic dermatitis NC/Nga mice model by DNCB.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.283-290
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• 2009

Differently from fly ash, the bottom ash produced from thermoelectric power plant has been treated as an industrial waste matter, and almost reclaimed a tract from the sea. If this waste material is applicable to foam concrete as an aggregate owing to its light-weight, however, it may be worthy of environmental preservation by recycling of waste material as well as reducing self-weight of high-rising structure and horizontal forces and deformations of retaining wall subject to soil pressure. This study has an objective of evaluating the effects of application of bottom ash on the mechanical properties of foam concrete. Thus, the ratio of bottom ash to cement was selected as a variable for experiment and the effect was measured in terms of unit weight of concrete, air content, water-cement ratio and compressive strength. It can be observed from experiments that the application ratios have different effects on the material parameters considered in this experiment, thus major relationships between application ratio and each material parameter were finally introduced. The result of this study can be applied to decide a mix design proportion of foam concrete while bottom ash is used as an aggregate of the concrete.