• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.259-264
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• 2019

Social requirements are needed for living in an aging society and individual longevity. Among them, improved health and medical cares, appropriate for an aging society are strongly demanded. Human cord blood-derived plasma (hUCP) has recently emerged for its unique anti-aging effects. In this study, we investigated brain rejuvenation, particularly olfactory function, that could be achieved by a systemic administration of young blood and its underlying mechanisms. Older than 24-month-old mice were used as an aged group and administered with intravenous injection of hUCP repetitively, eight times. Anti-aging effect of hUCP on olfactory function was evaluated by buried food finding test. To investigate the mode of action of hUCP, brain, serum and spleen of mice were collected for further ex vivo analyses. Systemic injection of hUCP improved aging-associated olfactory deficits, reducing time for finding food. In the brain, although an infiltration of activated microglia and its expression of cathepsin S remarkably decreased, significant changes of proinflammatory factors were not detected. Conversely, peripheral immune balance distinctly switched from predominance of Type 1 helper T (Th1) cells to alternative regulatory T cells (Tregs). These findings indicate that systemic administration of hUCP attenuates age-related neuroinflammation and subsequent olfactory dysfunction by modulating peripheral immune balance toward Treg cells, suggesting another therapeutic function and mechanism of hUCP administration.

• Current Optics and Photonics
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• v.2 no.6
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• pp.499-507
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• 2018

For the spatiotemporally aligned observation of photothrombosis induction and transient variations of in vivo brain stroke, we developed a novel photothrombosis inducing system compatible to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using nonmagnetic stereotaxic equipment. From the spatial point of view, the system provides a more reliable level of reproducibility of the photothrombosis in each brain. From the temporal point of view, from T1- and T2-weighted in vivo MR (magnetic resonance) images, the transient variations such as incidence, location, and size of the thrombosis are measured quantitatively. In addition, the final variation is observed in the ex vivo brain by TTC (Triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining based on histological assay and utilized for the verification of the MR images. From the experimental result of the rat brain, the proposed system shows more reliable characteristics for transient variations of brain strokes.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1071-1077
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• 2017

A rise in the occurrence of allergic diseases is attributed to the dysregulated balance of type 1/type 2 immunity, where type 2 T-helper (Th2) cells predominate over type 1 T-helper (Th1) cells, leading to an abnormally increased production of IgE in response to unharmful antigens. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is a rich source of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. In this study, we investigated the ability of Enterococcus faecium FC-K derived from kimchi to induce type I immunity in the presence of Th2 polarizing conditions in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with E. faecium FC-K induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12. Under the in vitro Th2 conditions in which splenic T cells were activated in the presence of IL-4, E. faecium FC-K enhanced the ability of T cells to produce interferon $(IFN)-{\gamma}$. Using the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model, male BALB/c mice receiving E. faecium FC-K reduced the serum level of total IgE, but not that of OVA-specific IgE. Furthermore, the population of activated splenic B cells during OVA immunization was decreased in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice, accounting for a reduction of total IgE in the serum. Restimulating splenocytes from OVA-immunized mice with OVA ex vivo resulted in an increased production of $IFN-{\gamma}$, with no effect on IL-4, in E. faecium FC-K-treated mice. These observations provide the evidence that E. faecium FC-K can be a beneficial probiotic strain that can modulate the Th2-mediated pathologic response.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.279-285
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• 1993

Alterations of the p53 gene arc among the most frequent genetic changes in human cancer and often result in increased levels of p53 protein within the malignant cells. Detection of accumulated p53 protein can be a useful prognostic tool in human cancer. In order to make polyclonal antibodies for immunohistochemical screening. human p53 gene was expressed in E. coli in the form of GST (glutathione S-transfi.:rase) fusion proteins. Two p53 gene fragments. which were N('()I small fragment encoding amino acid residues of 1-151-: and Ncol large fragment of 159-393. were subeloned into the unique BamHI site present within the pGEX-2T vector using BamHI linker and recombinant plasmids pGTNS and pGTNL were constructed. respectively. The p53 cDNA fragment (from pC53-$SN_3$,) encoding amino acid 38-145 (proline at residue 72) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The amplified DNA was digested with BamHI and Prull and inserted into the BamHI-Smal sites of pG EX-2T and recombinant plasmid pGTBP was constructed. After IPTG induction of these plasmids for 4 hours. fusion proteins were purified from E. coli extracts with glutathione Sepharose beads. The bound proteins were resolved by 10% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the molecular weights were 54 kDa. 53 kDa and 40 kDa. respectively. Approximately one milligram of fusion proteins were purified from 1 -liter cultures.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.86-106
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• 2019

We investigated the environmental conditions of natural habitats of T. nuda. The species was found on rocky northern hills ($60{\sim}90^{\circ}$) near the stream where the sea level ranges 95~145m. The average annual temperature of the habitats was lower than other places of South Korea. The differences of the lowest and the highest of the year was significantly huge than any other places. Plants were growing at the edge of stream that water reached but not submerged. Most of plants were found in North, Northeast or Northwest. It is suggested that these species require moist and low sunlight for growth. The common vegetation along with the T. nuda includes Mukdenia rossii, Selaginella rossii, Calamagrostis epigeios, and Rhododendron yedoense f. poukhanense. The dominance values and sociability of T. nuda were below 3 in all studied habitats and the variance of the number of individuals among the habitats was very high. As the optimum habitats for the T. nuda are decreasing due to the extreme precipitation patterns. It is also expected that the number of T. nuda will be decreased in the future. Therefore restoration activity in situ or ex situ must be conducted to conserve this valuable plant species.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to quantitate regional neurochemical profile of regional normal adult mice brain and assess regional metabolic differences by using ex vivo $^1H$ high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ($^1H$ HR-MAS NMRS). The animals were matched in sex and age. The collected brain tissue included frontal cortex, temporal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. Quantitative 1D spectra were acquired on 40 samples with the CPMG pulse sequence (8 kHz spectral window, TR/TE = 5500/2.2 ms, NEX = 128, scan time: 17 min 20 sec). The mass of brain tissue and $D_2O$+TSP solvent were 8~14 mg and 7~13 mg. A total of 16 metabolites were quantified as follow: Acet, NAA, NAAG, tCr, Cr, tCho, Cho, GPC + PC, mIns, Lac, GABA, Glu, Gln, Tau and Ala. As a results, Acet, Cho, NAA, NAAG and mIns were showed significantly different aspects on frontal cortex, hippocampus, temporal cortex and thalamus respectively. The present study demonstrated that absolute metabolite concentrations were significantly different among four brain regions of adult mice. Our finding might be helpful to investigate brain metabolism of neuro-disease in animal model.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.10-24
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• 2017

Purpose: GST (glutathione S-transferase) M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms are known to affect antioxidant levels. This study was carried out to evaluate genetic susceptibility by measuring the effect of DNA damage reduction in the Korean diet by vegetable food according to GST gene polymorphisms using the ex vivo method with human lymphocytes. Methods: Vegetable foods in the Korean diet based the results of the KNHANES V-2 (2011) were classified into 10 food groups. A total of 84 foods, which constituted more than 1% of the total intake in each food group, were finally designated as a vegetable food in the Korean diet. The Korean diet applied in this study is the standard one-week meals for Koreans (2,000 Kcal/day) suggested by the 2010 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. Ex vivo DNA damage in human lymphocytes was assessed using comet assay. Results: In the Korean food group, the DNA damage protective effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was found to be greater in mutant type and wild-type, respectively. and the DNA damage protective effect according to the combined genotype of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was different depending on the food group. On the other hand, in Korean Diet, the DNA damage protective effect appeared to be larger in GSTM1 wild-type than in mutant type and was found to not be affected by GSTT1 genotype. Conclusion: These results can be used as basic data to demonstrate the superiority of the antioxidant function of Korean dietary patterns and food groups. Furthermore, it may be a starting point to begin research on customized antioxidant nutrition according to individual genes.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.277-288
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• 2004

Purpose: This study was to provide basic information for preventing high school students from smoking by examining their actual smoking condition and their knowledge and attitude about smoking. Method: The subjects were 515 students selected from six(6), high schools in Jecheon. Data were collected using a questionnaire from the 1st to the 17th of December 2002. The author prepared the tool by modifying the scale of knowledge and attitude about smoking developed by Moon(2001). Data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN program using frequencies, percentages, $x^2$-test, t-test, ANOVA. Duncan test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Result: 1. The percentage of ex-smoking students was 29.9% of male students and 18.6% of female ones. The percentage of currently smoking students was 23.9% of male students and 3.0% of female ones. The percentage of non-smoking students was 46.2% of male students and 78.4% of female ones, 2. There were not significant differences in smoking knowledge according to smoking status in male and female students. 3. There were significant differences in smoking attitude according to smoking status in male(F=32.70, p=.000) and female(F=11.15, p=.000) students. 4. In smoking status according to general characteristics, there were significant differences according to the type of school($x^2$=32.93, p=.000), grade($x^2$=11.91, p=.018), educational level of the father($x^2$=30.52, p=.000) and the mother($x^2$=14.23, p=.027), monthly allowance($x^2$=17.19, p=.028), harmony of family members($x^2$=15.23, p=.019), school life($x^2$=26.96, p=.00l) and school record($x^2$=30.24, p=.000). 5. In smoking status according to smoking-related characteristics, there were significant differences according to experience in cigarette purchase($x^2$=150.04. p=.000), experience in errands for cigarette($x^2$=20.00, p=.000), knowledge of cigarette price($x^2$=72.52, p=.000), close friends' smoking($x^2$=107.41. p=.000) and smoking of brothers and sisters($x^2$=16.97, p=.002). 6. There were significant correlation between knowledge and attitude about smoking in the whole students(r=.337. p=.000), ex-smokers(r=.324. p=.000), non-smokers(r=.369. p=.000) but there was not a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude about smoking in current smokers(r=.128. p=.30l). Conclusion: Smoking prevention education should considered students' smoking status. Current smokers need smoking prevention education aiming to change their attitude toward smoking in order for them to reduce smoking and to practice smoking cessation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 1998

In order to evaluate the utility of bituminous coal fly ash, gypsum, oyster shell as soil amendments, aadic clayloam paddy soils with low calaum content were amended in the upper 15㎝ with amendments, and then Chinese cabbage was cultivated under plastic film house. Amendments treated were, in metric tons per hectare, i) none(Check) ; ii) 80 fly ash(FA) ; iii) 4 shell(SH) ; iv) 56 fly ash+24 gypsum (FG) ; v) 40 fly ash+24 gypsum+0.8 shell(FGS). On the whole, soil chemical properties were improved by amendments treatments. Amongst treatments, FA prominently neutralized soil pH and increased contents of Av. $P_2O_5$, Ex. K, and Av. B in soils. Besides, it showed the highest ratio in bacteria/fungi and (bacteria+actinomycetes)/fungi. FGS also affected the neutralization of soil pH and the increment of Ex. Mg. Amendments plants appeared alkaline damages only at early growing stage, but showed positive responses in fresh weight yields : 23% for FGS : 21% for FG : 19 18% for SH. At harvesting, leaves both of FA and FGS plants had higher values in contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, reduang-sugar, and vitamin-C than of others. In especial, Check plants appeared the heart rot symptoms owing to calaum defiaency differently from amendments plants. Taken together, FGS was an effective combination enable to maximize the utility of fly ash, gypsum, shell as soil amendments, espeaally in cabbage yield and quality.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2008

Since the presence of the chemical impurities and defect at surfaces and interfaces greatly influence the properties of various semiconductor devices, an unambiguous chemical characterization of the metal and semiconductor surfaces become more important in the view of the miniaturization of the devices toward nano scale. Among the various conventional surface characterization tools, Electron-induced Auger Electron Spectroscopy (EAES), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Secondary Electron Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) are being used for the identification of the surface chemical impurities. Recently, a novel surface characterizaion technique, Positron-annihilation induced Auger Electron Spectroscopy (PAES) is introduced to provide a unique method for the analysis of the elemental composition of the top-most atomic layer. In PAES, monoenergetic positron of a few eV are implanted to the surface under study and these positrons become thermalized near the surface. A fraction of the thermalized positron trapped at the surface state annihilate with the neighboring core-level electrons, creating core-hole excitations, which initiate the Auger process with the emission of Auger electrons almost simultaneously with the emission of annihilating gamma-rays. The energy of electrons is generally determined by employing ExB energy selector, which shows a poor resolution of $6{\sim}10eV$. In this paper, time-of-flight system is employed to measure the electrons energy with an enhanced energy resolution. The experimental result is compared with simulation results in the case of both linear (with retarding tube) and reflected TOF systems.