• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.455-468
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• 2023

Purpose: Abeliophyllum distichum (A.distichum) is a plant native to Korea. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf extract of A.distichum. Methods: The antioxidant capacity of the A.distichum leaf extract was determined based on the total polyphenol content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anti-inflammatory effects of the A.distichum leaf extract were evaluated by measuring the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). In addition, the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear transcription factor-erythroid 2 related factor (Nrf2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), as well as the activation of nuclear factorkappa B (NF-ĸB) were examined using the western blot analysis. Results: The total polyphenol content of the A.distichum leaf extract was 329.89 ± 30.17 gallic acid equivalents mg/g and the DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were 55% and 70%, respectively. Additionally, the FRAP value of the extract was 743.68 ± 116.59 mg/mL. After 12-hour treatment with the A.distichum leaf extract, there was a tendency for the Nrf2 expression to increase, and the expression of HO-1 was significantly elevated in the RAW264.7 cells. The A.distichum leaf extract treatment resulted in decreased levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as reduced expression of iNOS and COX-2, along with inhibition of NF-κB activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that the A.distichum leaf extract exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects by upregulating the expression of HO-1 and downregulating NF-κB activation.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.10
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• pp.3874-3897
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• 2023

A high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model for the lower plenum of the High-Temperature Test Facility (HTTF), a ¼ scale test facility of the modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (MHTGR) managed by Oregon State University. In most next-generation nuclear reactors, thermal stress due to thermal striping is one of the risks to be curiously considered. This is also true for HTGRs, especially since the exhaust helium gas temperature is high. In order to evaluate these risks and performance, organizations in the United States led by the OECD NEA are conducting a thermal hydraulic code benchmark for HTGR, and the test facility used for this benchmark is HTTF. HTTF can perform experiments in both normal and accident situations and provide high-quality experimental data. However, it is difficult to provide sufficient data for benchmarking through experiments, and there is a problem with the reliability of CFD analysis results based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes to analyze thermal hydraulic behavior without verification. To solve this problem, high-fidelity 3-D CFD analysis was performed using the LES model for HTTF. It was also verified that the LES model can properly simulate this jet mixing phenomenon via a unit cell test that provides experimental information. As a result of CFD analysis, the lower the dependency of the sub-grid scale model, the closer to the actual analysis result. In the case of unit cell test CFD analysis and HTTF CFD analysis, the volume-averaged sub-grid scale model dependency was calculated to be 13.0% and 9.16%, respectively. As a result of HTTF analysis, quantitative data of the fluid inside the HTTF lower plenum was provided in this paper. As a result of qualitative analysis, the temperature was highest at the center of the lower plenum, while the temperature fluctuation was highest near the edge of the lower plenum wall. The power spectral density of temperature was analyzed via fast Fourier transform (FFT) for specific points on the center and side of the lower plenum. FFT results did not reveal specific frequency-dominant temperature fluctuations in the center part. It was confirmed that the temperature power spectral density (PSD) at the top increased from the center to the wake. The vortex was visualized using the well-known scalar Q-criterion, and as a result, the closer to the outlet duct, the greater the influence of the mainstream, so that the inflow jet vortex was dissipated and mixed at the top of the lower plenum. Additionally, FFT analysis was performed on the support structure near the corner of the lower plenum with large temperature fluctuations, and as a result, it was confirmed that the temperature fluctuation of the flow did not have a significant effect near the corner wall. In addition, the vortices generated from the lower plenum to the outlet duct were identified in this paper. It is considered that the quantitative and qualitative results presented in this paper will serve as reference data for the benchmark.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.281-292
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) hold great promise as a cellular source of CM for cardiac function restoration in ischemic heart disease. However, the use of animal-derived xenogeneic substances during the biomanufacturing of hiPSC-CM can induce inadvertent immune responses or chronic inflammation, followed by tumorigenicity. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of xenogeneic substances on the functional properties and potential immunogenicity of hiPSC-CM during differentiation, demonstrating the quality and safety of hiPSC-based cell therapy. Methods and Results: We successfully generated hiPSC-CM in the presence and absence of xenogeneic substances (xeno-containing (XC) and xeno-free (XF) conditions, respectively), and compared their characteristics, including the contractile functions and glycan profiles. Compared to XC-hiPSC-CM, XF-hiPSC-CM showed early onset of myocyte contractile beating and maturation, with a high expression of cardiac lineage-specific genes (ACTC1, TNNT2, and RYR2) by using MEA and RT-qPCR. We quantified N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a xenogeneic sialic acid, in hiPSC-CM using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. Neu5Gc was incorporated into the glycans of hiPSC-CM during xeno-containing differentiation, whereas it was barely detected in XF-hiPSC-CM. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the electrophysiological function and glycan profiles of hiPSC-CM can be affected by the presence of xenogeneic substances during their differentiation and maturation. To ensure quality control and safety in hiPSC-based cell therapy, xenogeneic substances should be excluded from the biomanufacturing process.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.920-929
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• 2024

As a pivotal defensive line against multitudinous malignant tumors, natural killer (NK) cells exist in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RAD18 E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (RAD18) has been reported to foster the malignant progression of multiple cancers, but its effect on NK function has not been mined. Here, the study was designed to mine the mechanism by which RAD18 regulates the killing effect of NK cells on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Expression of E2F Transcription Factor 7 (E2F7) and RAD18 in CRC tissues, their correlation, binding sites, and RAD18 enrichment pathway were analyzed by bioinformatics. Expression of E2F7 and RAD18 in cells was assayed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay verified the regulatory relationship between E2F7 and RAD18. CCK-8 assay was utilized to assay cell viability, colony formation assay to detect cell proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test to assay NK cell cytotoxicity, ELISA to assay levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and immunofluorescence to detect expression of toxic molecules perforin and granzyme B. High expression of RAD18 and E2F7 was found in CRC tissues and cells. Silencing RAD18 could hamper the proliferation of CRC cells, foster viability and cytotoxicity of NK cells, and increase the secretion of GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ as well as the expression of perforin and granzyme B. Additionally, ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay ascertained the binding relationship between RAD18 promoter region and E2F7. E2F7 could activate the transcription of RAD18, and silencing RAD18 reversed the inhibitory effect of E2F7 overexpression on NK cell killing. This work clarified the inhibitory effect of the E2F7/RAD18 axis on NK cell killing in CRC, and proffered a new direction for immunotherapy of CRC in targeted immune microenvironment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.98 no.4
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• pp.496-503
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• 2009

Reclamation area is characterized by high soil salinity and high ground water table that are not favorable environment for tree growth. However, the increasing demand to convert the reclamation area from rice cultivation fields to industrial or residential complex, or parks accompanies the idea of introduction of trees in the area. This study aimed to suggest better performed tree species for the tree planting in the Seosan reclamation area, Chungchungnam-do. Seedlings of 8 tree species (Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Chionanthus retusus, Cornus kousa, Prunus sargentii, Quercus acutissima, and Zelkova serrata) were planted in 4 types of 10 m ${\times}$ 10 m experimental plots. The survival rate and the height growth of seedlings were measured from April 2006 to November 2008 on an annual basis. The experimental plots were constructed using 2 different soil material (dredged sand and dredged sand + forest soil), and 2 soil covering depth (1.5 m and 2.0 m). The tree species showed different survival rates for 3 years since planting (F = 9.632, P < 0.001). C. kousa, Q. acutissima, and P. sargentii showed high mortality rate while P. thunbergii, M. glyptostroboides and Z. serrata showed lower mortality rates. The seedling height growth for 3 years was also significantly different among species (F=4.749, P=0.002). Most of seedlings showed lower height growth in the second year, and the growth began to recover in the third year after transplanting. The survival rate and the growth of the seedlings were better in higher soil covering depth and forest soil material plots regardless of species. The combination of rank orders in survival rate and relative height growth indicates that P. thunbergii, M. glyptostroboides and Z. serrata would perform better than other species used in the experiment, while C. retusus, C. kousa and P. sargenti may not adapt well to this area.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.149-160
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• 2013

The objective of present study was to simultaneously isolate of isoflavone and soyasaponin compounds from the germ of soybean seeds. Soy germ flours were defatted with hexane for 48h at room temperature, and methanolic extracts were prepared using reflux apparatus at $90^{\circ}C$ for 6h, two times. After extraction, extracts were separated with preparative RP-$C_{18}$ packing column ($125{\AA}$, $55-105{\mu}m$, $40{\times}150mm$), and collected 52 fractions were identified with TLC plate (Kieselgel 60 F-254) and HPLC, respectively. Among the identified isoflavone and soyasaponin fractions, isoflavone fractions were re-separated using a recycling HPLC with gel permeation column (Jaigel-W252, $20{\times}500mm$). Final fractions were air-dried, and the purified compounds of two isoflavones (ISF-1-1, ISF-1-2) and four soyasaponins (SAP-1, SAP-2, SAP-3, SAP-4) were obtained. Two isoflavone compounds (ISF-1-1, ISF-1-2) were acid-hydrolyzed for the identification of their aglycones, and confirmed by comparing with 12 types of isoflavone isomers. While the four kinds of soyasaponins were identified by using a micro Q-TOF mass spectrometer in the ESI positive mode with capillary voltage of 4.5kV, and dry temperature of $200^{\circ}C$. Base on the obtained results, it was conclude that ISF-1-1 is the mixture isomers of daidzin (43.4%), glycitin (47.0%), and genistin (9.6%), but ISF-1-2 is the single compound of genistin (99.8% <). On the other hand, soyasaponin SAP-1 is the mixture compounds of soyasaponin A-group (Aa, Ab, Ac, Ae, Af); SAP-2 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc) and E-group (Bd, Be); SAP-3 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc), E-group (Bd, Be), and DDMP-group (${\beta}g$); SAP-4 is soyasaponin B-group (Ba, Bb, Bc), E-group (Bd, Be), and DDMP-group (${\beta}g$, ${\beta}a$), respectively.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2008

Purpose: This study is to decide a quality control and calibration period of LCD display devices used for reading diagnostic images. Materias and Methods: The assessment test of 20 flat panel LCD color display devices used for reading diagnostic images were performed based on AAPM TG 18 protocol over the total six sessions at one month intervals from three months after primary calibration, in terms of geometric distortion, reflection test, luminance response evaluation, luminance uniformity, resolution, noise, veiling glare and chromaticity test. Results: The results of geometric distortion, reflection test, luminance uniformity, resolution, noise, veiling glare and chromaticity test were within the criteria recommended by AAPM TG 18, except for luminance response evaluation. In the measured luminance deviation of luminance response evaluation, 4(25%) of 20 display devices were passed a criterion from four months after calibration, and 11 (55%) were passed from eight months. Also in the contrast response of the luminance response evaluation, 1(5%) display device was passed a criterion from four months after calibration, and 3(15%) were passed from eight months. Conclusion: Considering the passing deviation after calibration, the time required and a manpower, the quality control and calibration period of LCD display devices used for reading diagnostic images should be a three months and six months after calibration.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 1983

By use of three paddy rice lines as the near-isogenic in plant type (Broom, Open, and Spread type in tillering angle), the interspecific competition patterns of rice plants with three important weed species (Cyperus serotinus, Eleocharis kuroguwai, and Potamogeton distinctus) under the three densities of weed standing (0.25 and 50 percent of the rice plants), were observed. Under the experimented conditions, paddy yields were varied more significantly with weed competition descriptions than with plant types of paddy rice. And spread typed rice was more competitive to the detected weed species, however, the broom and spread typed rice were to Potamogeton SP, among others. The result of the clustering analysis of crop-weed competition patterns, estimated by 1-Q mode correlation coefficients, indicated that the first-order component affecting the competition patterns of crop-weed was rather the plant types of rice than either weed species or weed standing densities.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.225-231
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• 2006

To investigate the effect of feeding rare earth (RE) on the performance of breeder hens a feeding trial with sixteen thousands of 158 day old Ross broiler breeder hens was conducted for thirty weeks. A mixture of RE- chlorides containing mainly La, Ce, and Pr was mixed into corn-soy based diet at two levels, 300 and 600 mg/kg, All the hens were housed in flat layer houses and the ratio of male to female was maintained at one to ten. Dietary supplementation of the of RE at a level of 300 mg/kg made the hens reach egg production peak higher by about 6% and earlier by about two weeks. As a result, it made higher hatchable egg production by 3.5%. It also reduced dramatically the mortality of both male and female breeders(P<0.05). Egg weight was slightly increased but egg qualify was not much influenced by dietary supplementation of RE. Egg albumin hight and Haugh unit were significantly improved while egg shell thickness, egg breaking strength and yolk color were similar to those of the control. Experimental results appeared to show a good possibility that egg fertility and hatchability were improved by feeding RE. Dietary supplementation of RE at a level of 300 mg/kg should be acceptable but not the 600 mg/kg level for breeder hens. Further studies on the effect of RE on egg fertility and hatchability appears to be necessary.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.233-238
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• 2006

In order to study the effect of feeding rare earth(RE) on growth of broiler chicks, feed conversion ratio, and probable harmfulness of feeding high levels of RE, two feeding trials with broiler chicks were conducted; one using a commercial broiler compound feed and the other using a self mixed feed excluding any growth stimulating feed additives. The the first trial used three hundred sixty of one day old Cobb broiler chicks for six levels of dietary supplementation of RE : 0, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,600 mg/kg. There were significant effect of RE stimulating broiler chick growth and improving feed conversion ratio, The dietary supplementation of RE at a level of 100 mg/kg was the best of all and increased body weight gain by 8.9% (p<0.05). Chicks fed RE at a level of 1,600 mg/kg grew as good as chicks fed feeds without RE and did not show my abnormalities. The second feeding trial was conducted in the same manner as the first trial using Ross broiler chicks and self-mixed experimental diets supplemented with RE at levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg. Differently from Results of the first trial, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of were the best at the level of 50 mg/kg RE supplementation(p<0.05). In this trial all the birds fed RE showed significantly lower ratio of abdominal fat against live weight than those of the control group birds. Overall, it can be said that dietary supplementation of RE will improve broiler growth and feed conversion ratio and the proper dietary level would be $50\sim100mg/kg$. These results suggested that the proper level of RE for broiler chicks would be 50 to 100 mg/kg and its effectiveness is varied depending upon RE mixture. There appears abdominal fat of broiler chicks is decreased by feeding RE but further investigation is in need.