• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.390-399
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• 2014

Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones), a flavonoid subfamily, are widely known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Propenone moiety in chalcones is known to play an important role in generating biological responses by chalcones. In the present study, we synthesized chalcone derivatives structurally modified in propenone moiety and examined inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production and its potential mechanisms. Among the chalcone derivatives used for this study, TI-I-174 (3-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(thiophen-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one) most potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitrite production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. TI-I-174 treatment also markedly inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. However, TI-I-174 did not significantly affect production of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), implying that TI-I-174 inhibits production of inflammatory mediators in a selective manner. Treatment of macrophages with TI-I-174 significantly inhibited transcriptional activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) as determined by luciferase reporter gene assay, whereas nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) activity was not affected by TI-I-1744. In addition, TI-I-174 significantly inhibited activation of c-Jun-N-Terminal kinase (JNK) without affecting ERK1/2 and p38MAPK, indicating that down-regulation of iNOS gene expression by TI-I-174 is mainly attributed by blockade of JNK/AP-1 activation. We also demonstrated that TI-I-174 treatment led to an increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression both at mRNA and protein level. Transfection of siRNA targeting HO-1 reversed TI-I-174-mediated inhibition of nitrite production. Taken together, these results indicate that TI-I-174 suppresses NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages via induction of HO-1 and blockade of AP-1 activation.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The fruits of Schisandra chinensis and Prunus mume have been traditionally used in the Oriental countries as an astringent against diarrhea and abdominal pain, a protectant for liver disease, an antimicrobial, and a blood tonic. However, little is known about the extract of Schizandrae Fructus and Mume Fructus (SMF-Ex) on dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SMF-Ex on DSS-induced colitis in mice. An experimental colitis was induced by daily treatment with 5% DSS. SMF-Ex was orally administrated the single dose (80 mg/kg, body weight/day) for 7 days with one time per day. SMF-Ex reduced significantly clinical sign of DSS-induced colitis, including body weight loss, shorten colon length, increased disease activity index (DAI), and histological colon injury. SMF-Ex also inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandine $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) productions in DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, SMF-Ex increased significantly an superoxide anion (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity of the colon tissue in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results suggest that SMF-Ex administration could reduce significantly the clinical signs and inflammatory mediators, and increase antioxidant activity in DSS-induced colitis model mice and is a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective anti-ulcerative agent.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2009

The antioxidant and anti-diabetes effects were evaluated by the ethanol extracts from Astragalus membranaceus root classified by years using through DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical (${\cdot}OH$) scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, reducing power activity, $\alpha$-amylase and $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activities. $IC_{50}$ values for DPPH radical scavenging activity of ethanol extract from 6 years old root ($749.25{\mu}g/mL$) was higher than 1 year ($1452.67{\mu}g/mL$) and 3 years old root ($1095.61{\mu}g/mL$). 6 years old root showed better effects in ${\cdot}OH$ scavenging activity ($IC_{50}$: $10.58{\mu}g/mL$), reducing power, total phenolic contents ($26.13{\pm}0.79\;Tan\;{\mu}g/mg$, $24.03{\pm}0.74\;Cat\;{\mu}g/mg$) $\alpha$-amylase ($33.33{\pm}0.55%$) and $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitory activity ($49.71{\pm}1.01%$). On the other hand, total flavonoid compound contents were estimated much higher in 1 year old root ($44.93{\pm}1.35\;Que\;{\mu}g/mg$, $70.32{\pm}2.03\;Rut\;{\mu}g/mg$) than others. Based on these results, It was suggested that 6 years old root of A. membranaceus has a potential candidate for functional cosmetic and medicine.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

To develop high efficiency crystalline solar cells, the $SiN_x$ film for surface passivation and anti-reflection coating is very important and it is generally deposited by PECVD. In this paper, the $SiN_x$ film deposited by Hot-Wire chemical vapor deposition(HWCVD) that has no plasma damage was studied. First, to optimize the $SiN_x$ film deposition process, $SiH_4$ gas rate and substrate temperature were varied and then refractive index and thickness were measured. When $SiH_4$ gas rate was 22sccm and substrate temperature was $100^{\circ}C$, refractive index was 1.94 and higher than that of other process conditions. Second, the lifetime was measured by varying the annealing temperature and time. The annealing process was made from 5 to 30 minutes at $300{\sim}500^{\circ}C$. When the annealing temperature was $100^{\circ}C$ and time was 10minute, the lifetime was the highest. The lifetime of annealed samples was also measured after the firing process at $975^{\circ}C$. Although the lifetime of all samples was decreased by firing process, the lifetime of annealed samples before the firing process was higher than that of fired samples only. Finally, the characteristics of solar cells with HWCVD $SiN_x$ film were measured.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.208-214
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• 2014

Background: In previous work, we reported that Korean Red Ginseng saponin fraction (RGSF) showed anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The present study investigated the radioprotective properties of RGSF by examining its effects on ionizing radiation (IR)-enhanced and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammatory responses in murine macrophage cells. Results: RGSF induced strong downregulation of IR-enhanced and LPS-induced proinflammatory responses such as nitric oxide (NO) production (Inhibitory Concentration $50(IC_{50})=5.1{\pm}0.8{\mu}M$) and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ levels. RGSF was found to exert its radioprotective effects by inhibition of a signaling cascade that activated checkpoint kinase 2enuclear factor-${\kappa}B$. In addition, RGSF strongly inhibited IR-enhanced LPS-induced expression of hemoxyganase-1, implying that the latter may be a potential target of RGSF. Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that RGSF can be considered and developed for use as an effective radioprotective agent with minimal adverse effects.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2011

Background: Insulin resistance is an integral feature of metabolic syndromes, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. In this study, we evaluated whether the aloe component could reduce obesity-induced inflammation and the occurrence of metabolic disorders such as blood glucose and insulin resistance. Methods: Male C57BL/6 obese mice fed a high-fat diet for 54 days received a supplement of aloe formula (PAG, ALS, Aloe QDM, and Aloe QDM complex) or pioglitazone (PGZ) and were compared with unsupplemented controls (high-fat diet; HFD) or mice fed a regular diet (RD). RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to quantify the expression of obesity-induced inflammation. Results: Aloe QDM lowered fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin compared with HFD. Obesity-induced inflammatory cytokine (IL-$1{\beta}$, -6, -12, TNF-${\alpha}$) and chemokine (CX3CL1, CCL5) mRNA and protein were decreased markedly, as was macrophage infiltration and hepatic triglycerides by Aloe QDM. At the same time, Aloe QDM decreased the mRNA and protein of $PPAR{\gamma}/LXR{\alpha}$ and $11{\beta}$-HSD1 both in the liver and WAT. Conclusion: Dietary aloe formula reduces obesity-induced glucose tolerance not only by suppressing inflammatory responses but also by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines in the WAT and liver, both of which are important peripheral tissues affecting insulin resistance. The effect of Aloe QDM complex in the WAT and liver are related to its dual action on $PPAR{\gamma}$ and $11{\beta}$-HSD1 ression and its use as a nutritional intervention against T2D and obesity-related inflammation is suggested.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.97-103
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• 2003

Purpose: This study aims to determine the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in gastric cancer patients who received gastrectomies, and to compare the rates of H.pylori infection detected by serological test and that of histopathological test, and to evaluate its clinical meaning. Materials and Methods: Fifty two patients were selected from those who underwent gastrectomies at the Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, from March 1997 to May 1997. The control group consisted of healthy 103 persons visited the center for health promotion in Samsung Medical Center. In both groups, we quantitatively checked serum level of IgG anti H. pylori antibody titer by ELISA using GAP IgG test kit (BioRad, USA) for the serological test, and we microscopically examined the surgical specimen stained by Warthin-Starry silver staining method for the histopathological test. Results: The seropositive rate of H. pylori in the patients' group was $71.2\%$ (37/52), and the control group was $65.0\%$ (67/103). The difference between two groups was statistically significant. However the histopathological study showed that the overall detection rate of H. pylori was $61.5\%$ (32/52) in the patients' group and $61.2\%$ (63/103) in the control group; nd this difference was not statistically significant Conclusion: We could confirm that H.pylori infection rate in the gastric cancer resected patients was statistically higher than in the normal healthy persons even in small population. And the detection method for the H. pylori infection by serological test was presumed to be better than that of histopathological test using surgical specimen. Further study for the larger population by well-organized multicenters will be needed.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.667-673
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• 1998

Rebar corrosion in a simulated pore solution (SPS) with chloride ion was analyzed by Tafel and AC impedance method and corrosion effects of surface roughness and iron oxide layer were also investigated. Corrosion estimation of rebar by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is very useful, and the measured value can be adapted to proposed electrochemical equivalent circuit model. Corrosion potential increased to the cathodic direction as the concentration of chloride ions increased and corrosion current had the same tendency as above. Surface films were analyzed with scanning electron microscope and Auger electron spectroscopy. Thermally oxidized layer by torch flame for 15 sec was very poor at anti-corrosive property. The corrosion rate of rebar increased as the surface roughness increased. Also, higher temperatures above RT of SPS in initial stage caused a rebar to be corroded faster.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.46-55
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• 2012

Objectives: It is well known that genetic factors and environmental factors play major role in aging skin. In general, son and daughter take after their parents in appearance. But comparability of skin properties in Korean family has not been well estimated. So we evaluated the correlation of skin properties in Korean mother-daughter pairs. Methods: 10 couples of mother and daughter pair(n=20) participate in this study. Mothers and daughters were aged $50.6{\pm}2.459$ and $23.8{\pm}2.15$ years, respectively. Skin moisture, sebum, skin color and elasticity is measured using non-invasive method : Corneometer CM825, Sebumeter(MPA580), Mexameter MX18, Cutometer MPA580. Statistical analysis program we used is Minitab 14 Korea. Results: The Skin moisture of mother group was significantly higher than daughter group. And skin elasticity(R2) of the daughter group was significantly higher than mother group. In the results of correlation analysis between mother and daughter pairs, skin elasticity(R2) had high positive correlation(r=0.729, p=0.026). But skin moisture, sebum, melanin index, erythema index and skin elasticity(R5) did not be confirmed a significant correlation. Conclusions: Skin elasticity(R2) is the only factor that showed high positive correlation significantly in mother and daughter pairs. Mother and daughter share the genetic factors and environmental factors that influence skin aging. So, mother's aging pattern will be a good guide for anti-aging of daughters.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.35-39
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• 2010

Soybean proteins are widely used for human and animal feed in the world. ${\beta}$-conglycinin protein exhibits poor nutritional and food processing properties and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) protein is a main anti-nutritional factor in soybean seed. The objective of this research was to identify the inheritance of $cgy_1$ gene and ti gene for the improvement of soybean cultivar with no KTI proteins and low amount of ${\beta}$-conglycinin. $F_2$ population was made by crossing between "Gaechuck2ho" (${\alpha}^{\prime}$-subunit present $Cgy_1Cgy_1$, KTI protein absent titi) and PI506876 (${\alpha}^{\prime}$-subunit absent $cgy_1cgy_1$, KTI protein present TiTi) parent. A total of 434 $F_2$ seeds were obtained and analyzed for the segregation of ${\alpha}^{\prime}$-subunit protein and KTI protein using SDS-PAGE. The segregation ratio of 3 : 1 for $Cgy_1$ locus (310 $Cgy_1$_ : 124 $cgy_1cgy_1$) and Ti locus (339 Ti_ : 95 titi) were observed. Segregation ratios of 9 : 3 : 3 : 1 (241 $Cgy_1$_Ti_: 69 $Cgy_1$_titi: 98 $cgy_1cgy_1$Ti_: 26 $cgy_1cgy_1titi$) between $Cgy_1$ gene and Ti gene in $F_2$ seeds were also observed (${\chi}^2= 5.367$, P = 0.10 - 0.20). This data showed that $Cgy_1$ gene was inherited independently with the Ti gene in soybean. These results will be useful in breeding program for selecting the line that does not exhibit or lacks both ${\alpha}^{\prime}$-subunit protein and KTI protein in soybean.