• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.288-294
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• 2018

A few clues about correlation between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves were investigated in only the experimental autoimmune myocarditis and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. To investigate whether a novel extract of mulberry leaves fermented with Cordyceps militaris (EMfC) could suppress ER in fatty liver, alterations in the key parameters for ER stress response were measured in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57L/6 mice treated with EMfC for 12 weeks. The area of adipocytes in the liver section were significantly decreased in the HFD+EMfC treated group as compared to the HFD+Vehicle treated group, while their level was higher in HFD+Vehicle treated group than No treated group. The level of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha ($eIF2{\alpha}$) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 beta ($IRE1{\alpha}$) phosphorylation and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression were remarkably enhanced in the HFD+Vehicle treated group. However, their levels were restored in the HFD+EMfC treated group, although some differences were detected in the decrease rate. Similar recovery was observed on the ER stress-induced apoptosis. The level of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax were decreased in the HFD+EMfC and HFD+orlistat (OT) treated group compared to the HFD+Vehicle treated group. The results of the present study therefore provide first evidence that EMfC with the anti-obesity effects can be suppressed ER stress and ER stress-induced apoptosis in the hepatic steatosis of HFD-induced obesity model.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1120-1125
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• 2019

The short-lived nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a model organism for many studies, including lifespan extension. To screen common seaweeds for natural anti-aging agents, the lifespan of C. elegans (N2 wild-type strain) was measured by its hatch rate, growth rate, survival rate, chemotaxis, brood size, and egg-laying time after exposure to nematode growth medium (NGM) containing seaweed extracts. Approximately 30 animals synchronized at the first larval stage were incubated until they reached their adult stages before laying their eggs and were transferred to fresh NGM every 3 days. We also identified the major active compound from the seaweed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and tested its optimal dose for longevity. Of 13 common seaweed species, an ethanol extract of the brown seaweed Hizikia fusiformis showed the greatest effect on hatching, growth, and survival rates. The lifespan of C. elegans was significantly expanded 1.54-fold and 1.23-fold in the presence of the ethanol extract (0.05 mg/ml) and the main active component, fucosterol (0.05 mg/ml), respectively. Exposure to the ethanol extract also increased chemotaxis 1.13-fold, decreased brood size 0.74-fold, and shortened egg-laying time 0.96-fold. These results suggest that the aquaculturable H. fusiformis may be a promising source of a diet supplement to support health care.

• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.167-177
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• 2018

Major countries, such as the U.S., UK and Germany have reformed their national intelligence systems in the face of transnational, asymmetric and comprehensive threats since September 11, 2001 and have strengthened the intelligence capacity involved in countering terrorism and WMD proliferation, right/left extremism threats. The Korean Moon Jae-in government is preparing a reform plan to eliminate illegal political intervention and abuse of power by the National Intelligence Service(NIS) and to rebuild it as an efficient national intelligence agency for national security. In discussing the reform direction of the NIS, it is necessary to discuss in detail whether adopting a separate model of intelligence agencies to restrict domestic intelligence activities of the NIS and concentrate on foreign intelligence activities or establish new domestic intelligence agencies. Second, as for the issue of transferring anti-Communism investigation authority of the NIS to the police, it needs to be carefully considered in terms of balancing the efficiency and professionalism of intelligence agency activity in the context of North Korea's continuous military provocation, covert operations and cyber threats. Third, it should strive to strengthen the control and supervision functions of the administration and the National Assembly to ensure the political neutrality of the NIS in accordance with the democratization era, to guarantee citizens' basic rights and to improve the transparency of budget execution.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.933-941
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• 2021

Ginsenoside Rg4 is a rare ginsenoside that is naturally found in ginseng, and exhibits a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in several cell types. The purpose of this study was to use an in vivo model of hair follicle (HF)-mimic based on a human dermal papilla (DP) spheroid system prepared by three-dimensional (3D) culture and to investigate the effect of Rg4 on the hair-inductive properties of DP cells. Treatment of the DP spheroids with Rg4 (20 to 50 ㎍/ml) significantly increased the viability and size of the DP spheres in a dose-dependent manner. Rg4 also increased the mRNA and protein expression of DP signature genes that are related to hair growth including ALP, BMP2, and VCAN in the DP spheres. Analysis of the signaling molecules and luciferase reporter assays further revealed that Rg4 induces the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β, which activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results correlated with not only the increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin following the treatment of the DP spheres with Rg4 but also the significant elevation of mRNA expression of the downstream target genes of the WNT/β-catenin pathway including WNT5A, β-catenin, and LEF1. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg4 promotes the hair-inductive properties of DP cells by activating the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in DP spheres, suggesting that Rg4 could be a potential natural therapy for hair growth.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.5-5
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• 2019

DMZ는 살아있는 생물다양성의 보고로 지난 60여년동안 자연적으로 재생이 일어나고 환경적인 강제 보존 영향으로 높은 생태학적인 가치가 유지되고 있으며, 최근에는 남북교류에 대한 활발한 의지로 DMZ생태자원의 남북공동활용 방안에 대한 이슈가 급부상하고 있다. 이에 본 연구진은 3년전부터 DMZ에서 자생하는 식물에 대한 조사를 진행하여 총 200여종 이상의 자생식물의 표본과 추출물들을 보유하고 있으며, 이 추출물들을 활용 in vitro 와 in vivo 평가를 통해 비임상 평가에서 유효한 효과를 나타내는 후보물질들을 다수 찾아낼 수 있었다. 그 중 조팝나무(Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora)는 쌍떡잎식물 장미과에 속하는 낙엽활엽관목으로 동북아시아 지역에 널리 분포되며 우리나라에서는 중부지방에 주로 서식한다고 알려져 있다. 예로부터 해열 및 소염, 신경통완화 치료등에 이용해왔다고 알려져 있으며 그 속에는 다양한 terpenoids, flavonoid 및 phenolic 화합물이 다량 함유되어 있다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 조팝나무 추출물을 이용하여 전구지방세포에서의 지방세포분화 억제 및 관련 유전자들의 활성을 확인한 후 고지방식이로 유도된 high-fat diet mouse model을 이용하여 체지방 감소 및 내장지방감소, 간 조직내의 지방량 감소등을 확인하였으며, 혈액분석을 통해 총콜레스테롤과 고중성지방등 동맥경화와 심혈관계 질환을 유도시킬수 있는 지표들에서 억제 활성도 확인하였다. 특히 내장 지방의 경우는 Micro-CT를 통해 정밀한 분석을 진행하였고, 체지방뿐만 아니라 전체 체중감소도 나타나는 것을 확인하였다. 현재 실험을 통해 적출된 간 조직과 지방조직을 이용하여 항 비만 활성의 작용기전을 지속적으로 확인하고 있으며, 이 결과는 국제적인 연구저널에 보고되어 향후 체지방 감소 또는 항 비만 치료제로 개발되는 비임상 연구자료로 활용될 계획이다. 이미 조팝나무에 대한 연구결과는 특허로 출원이 완료되어 PCT출원까지 진행중에 있으며 개별인정형 건강기능식품 개발 기업에 기술이전이 될 예정이다. 또한 원활한 원료 수급을 위해 기초단체 소속 농업기술센터와 원료 재배 및 대량 수급에 관한 논의를 마친 상태로 접경지역 근처 농가소득 증대로도 이어지는 제품화 사례이기도 하다. 이는 접경지역에서 자생하는 원료의 활성을 과학적으로 검증하여 기업과의 연계를 통해 기초시군 단체의 농가 소득과도 연계한 우수한 제품개발 사례로 향후에도 이와 같은 연구성과가 지속적으로 도출되기를 기대해본다.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.138-148
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• 2020

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Bangpungtongseong-san (Fangfengtongsheng-san, BTS) and Daesiho-tang (Dachaihu-tang, DST) on weight loss and improvement in lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we intend to develop a prediction model for drug effects through the analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gut-microbiota, and the expression of immune-related biomarkers. Methods: This study is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-design clinical trial. One hundred twenty-eight participants will be assigned to the BTS group (n=64) and DST group (n=64). Both groups will be administered 4 g medication three times a day for up to 2 weeks. The primary outcomes is weight loss. The secondary outcomes include bioelectrical impedance analysis, waist circumstance, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, insulin resistance. The exploratory outcomes include 3-day dietary recall, food frequency questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire, gut microbiota analysis, immune biomarkers analysis, and SNP analysis. Assessment will be made at baseline and at week 4, 8, and 12. Conclusions: This protocol will be implemented by approval of the Institutional Review Board of Dongguk University. The results of this trial will provide a systematic evidence for the treatment of obesity and enable more precise herbal medicine prescriptions.

• International Area Studies Review
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.105-125
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• 2016

The expansionary monetary policy was practiced after 2001 in Japan to treat the deflation spiral, and reduced only the nominal interest rates and domestic household demand. One of the most serious factors for this failure was the change of private sector's expectancy. This paper has studied the effect of Japanese monetary policy in 21c., with empirical research based on a renewed macroeconomic model and the VAR. The empirical analysis shows that the effect of monetary policy on the national income during 2001.01-2015.03 is weaker than that of 1985.01-1994.04. Money volume has a diminutive effect on the growth of GDP within a short term after 2001. The change in the expectations of the private sectors might have been the cause of ineffectiveness of the expansive monetary policy. Economic agents learned from the past Japanese financial crisis that an expansive monetary policy increased the inflation rate and caused the 'bubbles to burst' afterwards. The VAR analysis says that the effectiveness of monetary policy on the economic depression declined over the past 20 years and the expansion of money volume has no influence on exchange rate and net export. This means that the expansive monetary policy lost its effect on net export and national income steadily. Monetary policy makers have to recognize this fact, and to consider another anti-cycle political instrument, i.e. the fiscal policy with government debt.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information Security & Cryptology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1325-1336
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• 2012

In the past about 10 different kinds of malicious code were found in one day on the average. However, the number of malicious codes that are found has rapidly increased reachingover 55,000 during the last 10 year. A large number of malicious codes, however, are not new kinds of malicious codes but most of them are new variants of the existing malicious codes as same functions are newly added into the existing malicious codes, or the existing malicious codes are modified to evade anti-virus detection. To deal with a lot of malicious codes including new malicious codes and variants of the existing malicious codes, we need to compare the malicious codes in the past and the similarity and classify the new malicious codes and the variants of the existing malicious codes. A former calculation method of the similarity on the existing malicious codes compare external factors of IPs, URLs, API, Strings, etc or source code levels. The former calculation method of the similarity takes time due to the number of malicious codes and comparable factors on the increase, and it leads to employing fuzzy hashing to reduce the amount of calculation. The existing fuzzy hashing, however, has some limitations, and it causes come problems to the former calculation of the similarity. Therefore, this research paper has suggested a new comparison method for malicious codes to improve performance of the calculation of the similarity using fuzzy hashing and also a classification method employing the new comparison method.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.119-125
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• 2020

Research on high-attenuation concrete for the vibration reduction performance by mixing epoxy-based synthetic resins and aggregates is actively being conducted. The curing time of high-attenuation concrete is very short because water is not used, and the physical and dynamic properties are very excellent. therefore, it is expected to be widely used in building structures requiring reduction of interior-floor noise and vibration. Furthermore, A way to expand the applicability of the high-damping concrete mixed with polymer in the field of reinforcement material have been variously studied. In order to replace polymer concrete with ordirnary concrete and existing anti-vibration reinforcement material, it is necessary to review overall vibration reduction performance considering physical properties, dynamic properties, productivity and field applicability. In this study, the physical and dynamic properties of polymer concrete by epoxy mixing ratio compared with ordirnary concrete. As a result, the elastic modulus was similar. On the other hand, polymer concrete for the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths was quite more excellent. In particular, the measured tensile strength of polymer concrete was 4-10 times higher than that of ordirnary concrete. it was a big difference, and the frequency response function and damping ratio was studied through modal test and finite element analysis model. The dynamic stiffness of polymer concrete was 20% greater than that of ordirnary concrete, and the damping ratio of polymer concrete was approximately 3 times more than that of ordirnary concrete.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.299-309
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• 2022

Recently, The sea water temperature around Korean Peninsula is steadily increasing. Water temperature changes not only affect the fishing ecosystem, but also are closely related to military operations in the sea. The purpose of this study is to suggest which model is more suitable for the field of water temperature prediction by attempting short-term water temperature prediction through various prediction models based on deep learning technology. The data used for prediction are water temperature data from the East Sea (Goseong, Yangyang, Gangneung, and Yeongdeok) from 2016 to 2020, which were observed through marine observation by the National Fisheries Research Institute. In addition, we use Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional LSTM, and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) techniques that show excellent performance in predicting time series data as models for prediction. While the previous study used only LSTM, in this study, the prediction accuracy of each technique and the performance time were compared by applying various techniques in addition to LSTM. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that Bidirectional LSTM and GRU techniques had the least error between actual and predicted values at all observation points based on 1 hour prediction, and GRU was the fastest in learning time. Through this, it was confirmed that a method using Bidirectional LSTM was required for water temperature prediction to improve accuracy while reducing prediction errors. In areas that require real-time prediction in addition to accuracy, such as anti-submarine operations, it is judged that the method of using the GRU technique will be more appropriate.