• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.564-569
• /
• 2019

Heavy drinking disrupts the nervous system by activation of GABA receptors and inhibition of glutamate receptors, thereby preventing short-term memory formation. Degradation of cognition by alcohol induces blackouts, and it can lead to alcoholic dementia if repeated. Therefore, drugs need to be developed to prevent alcohol-induced blackout. In this study, we confirmed the effect of an ethanol extract of Cassia obtusifolia seeds (COE) on alcohol-induced memory impairment. The effects of COE and ethanol on cognitive functions mice were examined using the passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. The manner in which alcohol affects long-term potentiation (LTP) in relation to the learning and memory was confirmed by electrophysiology performed on mouse hippocampal slices. We also measured N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated field excitatory synapses (fEPSPs), which have a known association with cognitive impairment caused by ethanol. Ethanol caused memory impairments in passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. COE prevented these ethanol-induced memory impairments in these tests. Ethanol also blocked LTP induction in the mouse hippocampus, and COE prevented this ethanol-induced LTP deficit. Ethanol decreased NMDA receptor-mediated fEPSPs in the mouse hippocampus, and this decrease was prevented by COE. These results suggest that COE might be useful in preventing alcohol-induced neurological dysfunctions, including blackouts.

• KIPS Transactions on Computer and Communication Systems
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.71-80
• /
• 2021

The selection of an appropriate neural network algorithm is an important step for accurate data prediction in machine learning. Many algorithms based on basic artificial neural networks have been devised to efficiently predict future data. These networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, and gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural networks. Developers face difficulties when choosing among these networks because sufficient information on their performance is unavailable. To alleviate this difficulty, we evaluated the performance of each algorithm by comparing their errors and processing times. Each neural network model was trained using a tax dataset, and the trained model was used for data prediction to compare accuracies among the various algorithms. Furthermore, the effects of activation functions and various optimizers on the performance of the models were analyzed The experimental results show that the GRU and LSTM algorithms yields the lowest prediction error with an average RMSE of 0.12 and an average R2 score of 0.78 and 0.75 respectively, and the basic DNN model achieves the lowest processing time but highest average RMSE of 0.163. Furthermore, the Adam optimizer yields the best performance (with DNN, GRU, and LSTM) in terms of error and the worst performance in terms of processing time. The findings of this study are thus expected to be useful for scientists and developers.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.23-30
• /
• 2022

Recently, with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, the importance of conversational artificial intelligence chatbots is being highlighted. In addition, chatbot research is being conducted in various fields. To build a chatbot, it is developed using an open source platform or a commercial platform for ease of development. These chatbot platforms mainly use RNN and application algorithms. The RNN algorithm has the advantages of fast learning speed, ease of monitoring and verification, and good inference performance. In this paper, a method for improving the inference performance of RNNs and applied algorithms was studied. The proposed method used the word group expansion learning technique of key words for each sentence when RNN and applied algorithm were applied. As a result of this study, the RNN, GRU, and LSTM three algorithms with a cyclic structure achieved a minimum of 0.37% and a maximum of 1.25% inference performance improvement. The research results obtained through this study can accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence chatbots in related industries. In addition, it can contribute to utilizing various RNN application algorithms. In future research, it will be necessary to study the effect of various activation functions on the performance improvement of artificial neural network algorithms.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.58-65
• /
• 2021

As aging progresses, reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduces skin moisturization and collapses skin barrier function. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of skin moisturizing and skin barrier function enhancement by extracts from halophytes using HaCaT cells. Spartina anglica (S. anglica; SAE) and Calystegia soldanella (C. soldanella; CSE), a kind of halophytes, were collected from Dongmak beach in Incheon, and extracted with 70% ethanol. At the first, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of extracts in HaCaT cell using WST-8 Kit. As a result, the other experiment was conducted by setting the concentration at which the cell viability was 90% or more. SAE and CSE showed high radical scavenging activity through ABTS assay. Expression levels of genes related to skin moisturizing and skin barrier functions, were analyzed by real-time qPCR. As a result, it showed that the expression of aquaporin 3, hyaluronan synthase 2, and transglutaminase 1 was increased by SAE treatment but not changed by CSE. Activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase was induced by SAE. These results suggest that SAE can be used as functional materials for cosmetics for skin moisturizing and barrier function enhancement.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.759-770
• /
• 2022

Background: Aerobic cellular respiration provides chemical energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), to maintain multiple cellular functions. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) can deacetylate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) to promote mitochondrial biosynthesis. Targeting energy metabolism is a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as cardiac and neurological disorders. Ginsenosides, one of the major bioactive constituents of Panax ginseng, have been extensively used due to their diverse beneficial effects on healthy subjects and patients with different diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of total ginsenosides (GS) on energy metabolism remain unclear. Methods: In this study, oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, mitochondrial biosynthesis, glucose metabolism, and SIRT1-PGC-1α pathways in untreated and GS-treated different cells, fly, and mouse models were investigated. Results: GS pretreatment enhanced mitochondrial respiration capacity and ATP production in aerobic respiration-dominated cardiomyocytes and neurons, and promoted tricarboxylic acid metabolism in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, GS clearly enhanced NAD⁺-dependent SIRT1 activation to increase mitochondrial biosynthesis in cardiomyocytes and neurons, which was completely abrogated by nicotinamide. Importantly, ginsenoside monomers, such as Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rh1, Rb2, and Rb3, were found to activate SIRT1 and promote energy metabolism. Conclusion: This study may provide new insights into the extensive application of ginseng for cardiac and neurological protection in healthy subjects and patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.631-641
• /
• 2021

Background: Main bioactive constituents and pharmacological functions of ripened red ginseng berry (Panax ginseng Meyer) have been frequently reported. Yet, the research gap targeting the beneficial activities of transformed green ginseng berries has not reported elsewhere. Methods: Ginsenosides of new green berry cultivar K-1 (GK-1) were identified by HPLC-QTOF/MS. Ginsenosides bioconversion in GK-1 by bgp1 enzyme was confirmed with HPLC and TLC. Then, mechanisms of GK-1 and β-glucosidase (bgp1) biotransformed GK-1 (BGK-1) were determined by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot. Results: GK-1 possesses highest ginsenosides especially ginsenoside-Re amongst seven ginseng cultivars including (Chunpoong, Huangsuk, Kumpoong, K-1, Honkaejong, Gopoong, and Yunpoong). Ginseng root's biomass is not affected with the harvest of GK-1 at 3 weeks after flowering period. Then, Re is bioconverted into a promising pharmaceutical effect of Rg2 via bgp1. According to the results of cell assays, BGK-1 shows decrease of tyrosinase and melanin content in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone challenged-murine melanoma B16 cells. BGK-1 which is comparatively more effective than GK-1 extract shows significant suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and inflammatory target genes, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion: These results reported effective whitening and anti-inflammatory of BGK-1 as compared to GK-1.

• Journal of the Korean Society for information Management
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.87-110
• /
• 2022

This study was conducted based on the need to establish an operational plan following the establishment of the Okcheon-gun Daily Life Culture and Sports Center Library, and for the users of public libraries in Okcheon-gun, the functions and roles of the Okcheon-gun Library, collection related to operational direction, user service related activation, library usage related status survey, preference for the future use and perception of desired services were surveyed. Based on the results of the perception survey, the direction required by the Okcheon-gun residents for the Library was identified, and the research results are as follows. As a result of the study, first, when establishing a collection plan, the data types ought to be based on the printed materials and the multi-media materials to reflect the needs of the users, and it may also be necessary to collect them in consideration of the subject areas including literature, art, history, and technical sciences. Second, to provide various information services, it would be necessary to establish an overall information service plan, and it was identified that it would be necessary to develop various information services according to the user preferences and provide cooperative services. Third, it was determined that the programs appropriate for the various subjects and age groups should be continuously expanded moving forward in consideration of the larges demand for programs by the residents of Okcheon-gun. Fourth, new constructions and spatial improvements are needed, and the overall preference for open spaces was significant. In the case of cultural space, the preference for youth cultural facilities, convenience facilities for residents, infinite loss of imagination, and the (experiential) exhibition halls turned out to be large.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.46.1-46.18
• /
• 2020

Background: High concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 ㎛ in diameter (PM2.5) in poultry houses is an important cause of respiratory disease in animals and humans. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can induce severe respiratory disease in animals under stress or with abnormal immune functions. When excessively high concentrations of PM2.5 in poultry houses damage the respiratory system and impair host immunity, secondary infections with P. aeruginosa can occur and produce a more intense inflammatory response, resulting in more severe lung injury. Objectives: In this study, we focused on the synergistic induction of inflammatory injury in the respiratory system and the related molecular mechanisms induced by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa in poultry houses. Methods: High-throughput 16S rDNA sequence analysis was used for characterizing the bacterial diversity and relative abundance of the PM2.5 samples, and the effects of PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa stimulation on inflammation were detected by in vitro and in vivo. Results: Sequencing results indicated that the PM2.5 in poultry houses contained a high abundance of potentially pathogenic genera, such as Pseudomonas (2.94%). The lung tissues of mice had more significant pathological damage when co-stimulated by PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa, and it can increase the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α through nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions: The results confirmed that poultry house PM2.5 in combination with P. aeruginosa could aggravate the inflammatory response and cause more severe respiratory system injuries through a process closely related to the activation of the NF-κB pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.589-603
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that protein supplementation contributes to the attenuation of inflammation. Serious trauma such as burn injury usually results in the excessive release of inflammatory factors and organs dysfunction. However, a few reports continued to focus on the function of protein ingestion in regulating burn-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study established the rat model of 30% total body surface area burn injury, and evaluated the function of blended protein (mixture of whey and soybean proteins). Blood routine examination, inflammatory factors, blood biochemistry, and immunohistochemical assays were employed to analyze the samples from different treatment groups. RESULTS: Our results indicated a decrease in the numbers of white blood cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in the burn injury group administered with the blended protein nutritional support (Burn+BP), as compared to the burn injury group administered normal saline supplementation (Burn+S). Expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and chemokines (macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor, and C-C motif chemokine 11) were dramatically decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) were significantly increased in the Burn+BP group. Kidney function related markers blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, and the liver function related markers alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were remarkably reduced, whereas albumin levels were elevated in the Burn+BP group as compared to levels obtained in the Burn+S group. Furthermore, inflammatory cells infiltration of the kidney and liver was also attenuated after burn injury administered with blended protein supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, nutritional support with blended proteins dramatically attenuates the burn-induced inflammatory reaction and protects organ functions. We believe this is a new insight into a potential therapeutic strategy for nutritional support of burn patients.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
• /
• 2023.05a
• /
• pp.108-109
• /
• 2023

The purpose of this study is to set a policy that can be specifically promoted according to the recently announced domestic equipment industry fostering strategy, and to suggest a plan that can be implemented. As a plan to foster the equipment industry, a new technology certification system and a new technology test and verification area operation and vitalization plan were set as alternatives. And a survey was conducted on companies conducting R&D to derive specific demand and introduction plans. As a result of the survey, it was found that there was a high demand for the use of new technology certification systems and testing and verification area. Also demonstration in connection with port equipment, testing and evaluation in connection with accredited verification agency, and preparation of dedicated agencies were derived to foster the equipment industry. Based on this, this study suggests a new technology certification system specialized for port equipment was established and a plan to institutionalize. In addition, in connection with the survey results and certification system, the basic functions and roles of the new technology testing and verification area was established. For future activation, incentives with effective certificates such as exemption of certification costs and issuance of performance confirmation certificates are needed, and efficient operation and management through dedicated organization and certification center were suggested.