• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.147-155
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• 2024

Gallium-68-prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 (⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11) is a positron emission tomography radiopharmaceutical that labels a Glu-urea-Lys-based ligand with ⁶⁸Ga, binding specifically to the PSMA. It is used widely for imaging recurrent prostate cancer and metastases. On the other hand, the preparation and quality control testing of ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 in medical institutions takes over 60 minutes, limiting the daily capacity of ⁶⁸Ge/⁶⁸Ga generators. While the generator provides 1,110 MBq (30 mCi) nominally, its activity decreases over time, and the labeling yield declines irregularly. Consequently, additional preparations are needed, increasing radiation exposure for medical technicians, prolonging patient wait times, and necessitating production schedule adjustments. This study aimed to reduce the ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 preparation time and optimize the automated synthesis system. By shortening the reaction time between ⁶⁸Ga and the PSMA-11 precursor and adjusting the number of purification steps, a faster and more cost-effective method was tested while maintaining quality. The final synthesis time was reduced from 30 to 20 minutes, meeting the standards for the HEPES content, residual solvent EtOH content, and radiochemical purity. This optimized procedure minimizes radiation exposure for medical technicians, reduces patient wait times, and maintains consistent production schedules, making it suitable for clinical application.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1095-1106
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• 2023

This study investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Aster glehni (AG) extract in RAW 264.7 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were higher in the ethanol extracts than in the hot water extracts. As a result of measuring the moisture contents (%) and extraction yields (%) of AG and drying A. glehni for processing (DAG), 70% ethanol, which has the highest percentage of extraction yield, was selected as the final solvent. DPPH radical scavenging activity showed higher antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of DAG than AG. The cytotoxicity assay of the AG or DAG ethanol extracts was treated at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 ㎍/mL), and cell viability rates were higher than 80% at all concentrations. The LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 was significantly reduced at all concentrations of AG and DAG groups. As a result of measuring the gene expression of iNOS, which induces NO production, the AG or DAG group decreased by 33% and 32%, compared with the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group. Under inflammatory stress conditions, the survival rate of C. elegans treated with AG or DAG ethanol extract with LPS showed concentration-dependent improvement in survival rate compared with the PBS group. Considering these results, AG could potentially be developed as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional food material.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EmboTrap II in terms of first-pass recanalization and to determine whether it could yield favorable outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, prospective study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using EmboTrap II as a front-line device. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate defined by modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c or 3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II. In addition, modified FPE (mFPE; mTICI grade 2b-3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II), successful recanalization (final mTICI grade 2b-3), and clinical outcomes were assessed. We also analyzed the effect of FPE on a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months. Results: Two hundred-ten patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 73.3 ± 11.4 years; male, 55.7%) were included. Ninety-nine patients (47.1%) had FPE, and mFPE was achieved in 150 (71.4%) patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 191 (91.0%) patients. Among them, 164 (85.9%) patients underwent successful recanalization by exclusively using EmboTrap II. The time from groin puncture to FPE was 25.0 minutes (interquartile range, 17.0-35.0 minutes). Procedure-related complications were observed in seven (3.3%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 14 (6.7%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (58.9% of 209 completely followed) patients had an mRS score of 0-2. Sixteen (7.7% of 209) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients who had successful recanalization with FPE were four times more likely to have an mRS score of 0-2 than those who had successful recanalization without FPE (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-10.8; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using the front-line EmboTrap II is effective and safe. In particular, FPE rates were high. Achieving FPE was important for an mRS score of 0-2, even in patients with successful recanalization.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.88-96
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• 2024

This study was conducted to determine the optimal light conditions for the in situ and ex situ conservation and restoration of Osmanthus insularis, a rare plant species in South Korea. Evaluations included the growth performance, leaf morphological features, photosynthetic characteristics, and photosynthetic pigment contents of seedlings grown from April to November under different light conditions (100%, 55%, 20%, and 10% relative light intensity). The shoot lengths and root collar diameters did not differ significantly with relative light intensity. The dry weights of leaves, stems, and roots and the leaf number were highest at 55% relative light intensity. The leaf shape showed morphological acclimation to light intensity, with leaf area decreasing and thickness increasing as the relative light intensity increased. Several leaf parameters, including photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance at light saturation point, net apparent quantum yield, and dark respiration, as well as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, were all highest at 55% relative light intensity. Under full light conditions, the leaves were the smallest and thickest, but the chlorophyll content was lower than at 55% relative light intensity, resulting in lower photosynthetic ability. Plants grown at 10% and 20% relative light intensity showed lower chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, as well as decreased photosynthetic and dark respiration rates. In conclusion, O. insularis seedlings exhibited morphological adaptations in response to light intensity; however, no physiological responses indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency in shade were evident. The most favorable light condition for vigorous photosynthesis and maximum biomass production in O. insularis seedlings appeared to be 55% relative light intensity. Therefore, shading to approximately 55% of full light is suggested for the growth of O. insularis seedlings.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.304-312
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• 2023

Plant breeding is a time-consuming process, mainly due to the limited annual generational advancement. A speed breeding system, using LED light sources, has been applied to accelerate generational progression in various crops. However, detailed protocols applicable to soybeans are still insufficient. In this study, we report the optimized protocols for a speed breeding system comprising 12 soybean varieties with various maturity ecotypes. We investigated the effects of two light qualities (RGB ratio), three levels of light intensity (PPFD), and two soil conditions on the flowering time and development of soybeans. Our results showed that an increase in the red wavelength of the light spectrum led to a delay in flowering time. Furthermore, as light intensity increased, flowering time, average internode length, and plant height decreased, while the number of nodes, branches, and pods increased. When compared to agronomic soil, horticultural soil resulted in an increase of more than 50% in the number of nodes, branches, and pods. Consequently, the optimal conditions were determined as follows: a 10-hour short-day photoperiod, an equal RGB ratio (1:1:1), light intensity exceeding 1,300 PPFD, and the use of horticultural soil. Under these conditions, the average flowering time was found to be 27.3±2.48 days, with an average seed yield of 7.9±2.67. Thus, the speed breeding systems reduced the flowering time by more than 40 days, compared to the average flowering time of Korean soybean resources (approximately 70 days). By using a controlled growth chamber that is unaffected by external environmental conditions, up to 6 generations can be achieved per year. The use of LED illumination and streamlined facilities further contributes to cost savings. This study highlights the substantial potential of integrating modern crop breeding techniques, such as digital breeding and genetic editing, with generational shortening systems to accelerate crop improvement.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2024

This study was conducted in Cheonan, the middle region of South Korea, to evaluate the forage characteristics of six medium maturing Italian ryegrass varieties: 'Kowinmaster', 'IR 601', 'IR 602', 'IR 603', 'IR 604' and 'IR 605'. In growth characteristics, 'Kowinmaster' exhibited the earliest heading date on April 30, while 'IR 601' exhibited the latest on May 17. 'IR 601' exhibited the highest lodging resistance, and all varieties demonstrated excellent disease resistance, waterlogging tolerance, and cold tolerance. 'IR 603', 'IR 604', and 'IR 605' demonstrated above-average plant length, with 'IR 604' reaching the longest at 114.8 cm. In productivity, 'IR 602' and 'IR 605' produced the highest total dry matter yield, each exceeding 12,800 kg/ha. Regarding feed values, 'Kowinmaster' recorded the highest RFV and TDN at 119.18 and 66.07%, respectively, with 'IR 605' exhibiting the second highest. 'IR 604' and 'IR 601' demonstrated crude protein concentrations over 9%, with 'IR 604' exhibiting the highest at 9.74%. Analysis of monosaccharide content in Italian ryegrass revealed that 'IR 605' exhibited the highest glucose and fructose content at 23.35 g/kg and 50.70 g/kg, respectively. In summary, 'IR 602' exhibited the highest productivity, 'Kowinmaster' recorded the highest feed value, and 'IR 605' exhibited the highest glucose and fructose content. Therefore, 'IR 605' is considered the most outstanding variety due to its superior productivity, second highest feed value, and significant monosaccharide content.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.423-432
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• 2024

In this study, a vacuum tumbler with 4 impellers (DVT) was designed and applied for thawing frozen pork (vacuum -60 kPa, jacket 35℃, 1 rpm). Quality characteristics of the thawed pork were compared with those of industrially thawed meat by natural air at room temperature (NAT) and imported vacuum tumbler (IVT). The thawing time for frozen pork (303.36 kg) using DVT (165 min) was much shorter than that of NAT (4,200 min). DVT-thawed pork had lower drip loss (0.85%) than NAT (2.08%). DVT-thawed pork showed a pH of 5.92, a total bacterial count of 1.96±0.02 log CFU/g and no coliforms. Deteriorations in fat (TBARS 0.31±0.01 MDA mg/kg) and protein (VBN 5.67±1.98 mg%) in DVT-thawed pork were significantly lower than those of NAT (p<0.05). DVT-thawed pork had a high water-holding capacity (WHC, 97.5%). The hardness (34.59±0.46 N) and chewiness (188.21±0.17) of cooked DVT-thawed pork were about 5-6 times lower than those of NTA. Microstructure (SEM) showed myofibrillar damage in NAT-thawed pork, whereas dense myofibrillar structure was observed in DVT-thawed pork. DVT was better or similar to IVT in all evaluation parameters. The designed DVT is expected to be used as an efficient thawing method in terms of processing time and yield and to produce thawed meat with high WHC, soft texture, and low spoilage by minimizing tissue damage.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.411-422
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• 2024

Naked oat is particularly vulnerable to cold weather among cereal crops, and frequent lodging due to their long culm length. Also it is difficult to cultivate in double cropping system with rice because of late maturity in Korea. In this study, we charaterized 71 naked oat germplasms including two control varieties with agronomic traits, to select superior resources and use them for the improvement of exsiting varieties. The maturity date was May 26th for 'Joyang' and June 1st for 'Daeyang', and there were 5 resources including IT302003, which was earlier than Daeyang. In the case of culm length, the distribution ranged from 62 to 124 cm, and there were 13 resources, including IT209241, that were shorter than 'Joyang' (84 cm) and 'Daeyang' (83 cm). In correlation analysis of agronomic traits, the highest positive correlation (r=0.89) was observed between days to heading and days to maturity. In addition, culm length and spike length (r=0.72) and days to heading (r=0.50) showed a positive correlation. However, Barley yellow dwarf virus(BYDV) and grain yield (r=-0.30), lodging tolerance and liter weight (r=-0.37) showed a negative correlation. Cluster analysis, resources with similar traits such as liter weight, husk ratio, days to heading, and days to maturing were subclassified. Through this analysis, 6 resources, including IT302002 (X345-1-B4-20-1), which had short culm length, early maturity, and cold tolerance compared to 'Joyang' and 'Daeyang', were selected. Among the selected excellent resources, the avenanthramide content of the four resources was IT302002 (325.18 ㎍/g), K000010 (557.3㎍/g), K253299 (447.33 ㎍/g), and K253301 (440.49 ㎍/g), respectively, which was higher than 'Daeyang' (301.97 ㎍/g). These excellent resources will be used as breeding materials for the development of new varieties in the future.

• Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
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• v.501 no.4
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• pp.5616-5645
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• 2021

We analyse the large-scale clustering in Fourier space of emission line galaxies (ELG) from the Data Release 16 of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. The ELG sample contains 173 736 galaxies covering 1170 deg² in the redshift range 0.6 eff = 0.845 we measure D_V(z_eff)/r_drag = 18.33^+0.57_-0.62, with D_V the volume-averaged distance and r_drag the comoving sound horizon at the drag epoch. In combination with the RSD measurement, at z_eff = 0.85 we find fσ₈(z_eff) = 0.289^+0.085_-0.096, with f the growth rate of structure and σ₈ the normalization of the linear power spectrum, D_H(z_eff)/r_drag = 20.0^+2.4_-2.2 and D_M(z_eff)/r_drag = 19.17 ± 0.99 with D_H and D_M the Hubble and comoving angular distances, respectively. These results are in agreement with those obtained in configuration space, thus allowing a consensus measurement of fσ₈(z_eff) = 0.315 ± 0.095, D_H(z_eff)/r_drag = 19.6^+2.2_-2.1 and D_M(z_eff)/r_drag = 19.5 ± 1.0. This measurement is consistent with a flat ΛCDM model with Planck parameters.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.141-150
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• 2024

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is considered as one of the most important vegetables with various uses throughout the many countries. Also, it is one of the most economically important Allium species, and has been widely cultivated for more than 5,000 years. In Korea, garlic is planted in late summer and is grown from autumn and spring of the next year. Bulb starts to form when temperature rises under longer photoperiods. Garlic growth is affected by various factors such as storage conditions, humidity, duration of minimum temperature, and photoperiod. Also, the storage conditions for propagation seed are known to potentially affect future vegetative stages. In this study, we evaluated to effect of the inter-bud growth and growth of the southern-type cultivar 'Namdo' according to storage temperatures. The inter-bud growth, emergence & sprouting rate, and initial growth of stored garlic at low temperatures (5~15℃) exhibited robust growth, while garlic stored at high temperatures (30℃) was investigated to be sluggish compared to another treatments. However, the bulb diameter of stored garlic at 10 ℃ and 15℃ increased to 148.7% and 154.0 % compared to untreated garlic, respectively. Also, the bulb weight of stored garlic increased to 285.7% and 294.4% compared to control, respectively. In contrast, garlic stored at 5℃ showed a decrease of 70 .5% in bulb dimeter and 70 .6% in bulb weight compared to the control. As a results, it was confirmed that the storage temperature of garlic affects the inter-bud growth, emergence & sprouting rate, growth, bulb diameter, and bulb weight. These results will be to the possibility that is possible to estimate the growth cycle of garlic using the growth index for the improvement of crop modeling.