• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.95-102
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• 2012

To examine the new practical utilization of mucilages in Opuntia humifusa, the Korean pear cactus, the polysaccharides were isolated from O. humifusa, and immuno-stimulating activities were assayed. The main polysaccharide, CNC-E, was prepared by a commercial enzyme treatment, water extraction, and ethanol precipitation. The molecular mass of CNC-E was estimated to be about 700 kDa, and it consisted mainly of arabinose, galactose and xylose in addition to two minor sugars such as rhamnose and fucose. On the other hand, CNC-E showed considerably high splenocyte proliferation activity in a dose-dependent manner. Peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CNC-E produced cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12, IL-10, and TNF-${\alpha}$. The intravenous administration of CNC-E significantly augmented the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells against Yac-1 tumor cells. Especially, NK cells obtained from the mice treated with $100{\mu}g$ of CNC-E showed threefold higher cytolytic activity than those of untreated mice. CNC-E also showed potent anti-complementary activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Identification of C3 activation products by the crossed immunoelectrophoresis using anti-human C3 and the anti-complementary activity of CNC-E in a $Ca^{2+}$-free condition suggested complement activations by CNC-E that occur via both alternative and classical pathways. These results indicate that Korean pear cactus contains selected polysaccharides that provide immuno-stimulating activities beneficial to human health.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.220-227
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• 2008

In this study, polysaccharides were isolated from Korean persimmon vinegar to characterize the polysaccharides existing as soluble forms within traditional Korean fermented beverages, and their immuno-stimulating activities were examined. Three successive chromatographies were used to purify the main polysaccharide in the persimmon vinegar, PV-1b-I, to homogeneity from the crude polysaccharide (PV-0). The molecular mass of PV-1b-I was estimated as 110 kDa and it contained significant proportions of mannose (46.8%), galactose (28.5%) and arabinose (19.1%). PV-1b-I strongly reacted with ${\beta}$-glucosyl Yariv reagent, suggesting the presence of an arabino-3,6-galactan moiety. PV-1b-I also induced high levels of macrophage activation and mitogenicity on murine splenocytes in vitro. The intravenous administration of PV-1b-I significantly augmented NK cytotoxicity against YAC-1 tumor cells. PV-1b-I also showed potent anticomplementary activity in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, C3 activation products were identified by crossed immunoelectrophoresis using anti-human C3 and the anti-complementary activity of PV-1b-I under $Ca^{2+}$-free conditions, suggesting that this PV-1b-I causes complementary activations via both alternative and classical pathways. From these results, one can conclude that Korean persimmon vinegar contains select polysaccharides in addition to healthy components, and these polysaccharides appear to provide immuno-stimulating activities beneficial to human health.

• Informatization Policy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.3-22
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• 2021

This article reviews previous literature on the metaverse and attempts to provide a refined definition for this phenomenon. Metaverse has recently been in the spotlight among discussions by the industry and the media while a consensus on the exact definition of metaverse is yet to be determined. Since Neal Stephenson first coined the term metaverse in his novel "Snow Crash" in 1992, the Acceleration Studies Foundation (ASF) was the first to analyze the concept of metaverse in 2007. While ASF's effort did not receive much spotlight it may have deserved, metaverse gained much attention in the fall of 2020 when NVIDIA announced its real-time simulation and collaboration platform for 3D production named "Omniverse" as a next-generation alternative for the Internet along with Roblox defining its service as metaverse during its IPO. Since then, metaverse has been commonly recognized as a world where we can cross over reality and virtuality. Based on the two axes and four scenarios proposed by the ASF, we review the literature across four realms as follows - virtual reality, mirror world, augmented reality, and lifelogging. Then, we examine the issues with the existing definition of metaverse and propose an alternative explanation by focusing on human behavior and user experience. Finally, we reassess the concept of metaverse and incorporate human communication, reality-based and virtual-based activities, and eXtended reality as elements to properly define metaverse.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.263-275
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• 2022

There is a paucity of detailed data related to the effect of senescence on the mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and redox state of senescent human cells. Activities of TCA cycle enzymes, respiratory chain complexes, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anions (SA), lipid peroxides (LPO), protein carbonyl content (PCC), thioredoxin reductase 2 (TrxR2), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), along with levels of nicotinamide cofactors and ATP content were measured in young and senescent human foreskin fibroblasts. Primary and senescent cultures were biochemically identified by monitoring the augmented cellular activities of key glycolytic enzymes including phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glycogen phosphorylase, and accumulation of H₂O₂, SA, LPO, PCC, and GSSG. Citrate synthase, aconitase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and complex I-III, II-III, and IV activities were significantly diminished in P25 and P35 cells compared to P5 cells. This was accompanied by significant accumulation of mitochondrial H₂O₂, SA, LPO, and PCC, along with increased transcriptional and enzymatic activities of TrxR2, SOD2, GPx1, and GR. Notably, the GSH/GSSG ratio was significantly reduced whereas NAD⁺/NADH and NADP⁺/NADPH ratios were significantly elevated. Metabolic exhaustion was also evident in senescent cells underscored by the severely diminished ATP/ADP ratio. Profound oxidative stress may contribute, at least in part, to senescence pointing at a potential protective role of antioxidants in aging-associated disease.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.132-138
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• 2002

Non-human primates are widely used for experimental animal and raised as companion animal in Korea. To establish the electrocadiogram (ECG) of non-human primates that are domestically raised, the author measured bipolar limb leads and augmented unipolar limb leads, after tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ) injection as sedative agents. The amplitudes of P,Q, R,S and T wave and duration time of P wave, QRS complex, PR and QT interval in each lead of ECG were evaluated in 7 non-human primates at 15 minutes after TZ injection, respectively. The amplitude of P wave in I, II,III, aVR, aVL and aVF leads revealed 0.06$\pm$ 0.05,0.14$\pm$ 0.05, 0.1 $\pm$ 0.05,-0.11 $\pm$ 0.06,-0.04$\pm$ 0.04 and 0.12$\pm$ 0.05 mV respectively. The amplitude of Q wave revealed -0.16$\pm$ 0.15, -0.23$\pm$ 0.18, -0.17$\pm$ 0.13, 0.16$\pm$0.13, 0.04$\pm$ 0.09 and -0.2$\pm$0.13 mV, respectively. The amplitude of R wave revealed 0.56$\pm$0.56, 1.24$\pm$ 0.67, 0.92$\pm$0.33, -0.37$\pm$ 1.14, -0.22$\pm$ 0.47 and 1.12 $\pm$ 0.47 mV, respectively. The amplitude of S wave revealed -0.02$\pm$ 0.08, -0.04$\pm$0.06, -0.06$\pm$0.04, 0.02$\pm$0.04, 0.04$\pm$0.09 and -0.04 $\pm$ 0.06 mV, respectively. The amplitude of T wave revealed -0.01 $\pm$ 0.15,-0.02$\pm$ 0.13, 0.01 $\pm$ 0.08, 0.02$\pm$ 0.12, 0.01 $\pm$ 0.11 and -0.03$\pm$ 0.09 mV, respectively. The duration time of P wave revealed 0.05 $\pm$ 0.01, 0.04$\pm$ 0.01, 0.05$\pm$ 0.02, 0.05 $\pm$ 0.02, 0.04$\pm$ 0.01 and 0.04$\pm$ 0.01 sec, respectively. The duration time of QRS complex revealed 0.05 $\pm$ 0.02,0.05$\pm$ 0.01, 0.05 $\pm$ 0.01, 0.04$\pm$ 0.01, 0.05$\pm$ 0.01 and 0.05 $\pm$ 0.01 sec, respectively. The duration time of PR interval revealed 0.08$\pm$ 0.01, 0.07$\pm$0.01,0.08$\pm$ 0.03, 0.08$\pm$0.01, 0.08$\pm$ 0.01 and 0.08$\pm$0.01 sec, respectively. The duration time of QT interval revealed 0.23$\pm$ 0.06, 0.22$\pm$ 0.05, 0.23 $\pm$ 0.06, 0.23$\pm$ 0.06, 0.24$\pm$ 0.05 and 0.22$\pm$ 0.02 sec, respectively. No significant changes were observed in e amplitude of P and T waves. The amplitude of QRS complex in ketamine group was higher than that of TZ group. However, no significant changes were observed in both intra-group and inter-group. There were no significant changes in the duration time of P wave, QRS complex and PR interval obtained from both groups. Also, the duration time of QT interval in TZ group was significantly longer at 30 min.(P< 0.05) an that of 10 minutes after injection. However, significant difference was not found between two groups. The mean cardiac electric axis in ketamine group tended to decrease until 30 min. after injection and then gradually increase. However, mean cardiac electric axis of TZ group was increased until 30 min. after injection and then decreased. But significant differences were not observed between groups. These results suggest that the ECG pattern after TZ injection to non-human primates reared in korea was established. It was also considered that the injection of ketamine and TZ didn't significantly affect on ECG pattern of the non-human primates.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.238-246
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate bone formation around recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2)-coated implants placed with or without absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) in rabbit maxillary sinuses. Methods: The Schneiderian membrane was elevated and an implant was placed in 24 sinuses in 12 rabbits. The space created beneath the elevated membrane was filled with either blood (n=6) or ACS (n=6). In the rabbits in which this space was filled with blood, rhBMP-2-coated and non-coated implants were alternately placed on different sides. The resulting groups were referred to as the BC and BN groups, respectively. The AC and AN groups were produced in ACS-grafted rabbits in the same manner. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed after eight weeks of healing. Results: In micro-computed tomography analysis, the total augmented volume and new bone volume were significantly greater in the ACS-grafted sinuses than in the blood-filled sinuses (P<0.05). The histometric analysis showed that the areas of new bone and bone-to-implant contact were significantly larger in the AC group than in the AN group (P<0.05). In contrast, none of the parameters differed significantly between the BC and BN groups. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study indicate that the insertion of ACS after elevating the Schneiderian membrane, simultaneously with implant placement, can significantly increase the volume of the augmentation. However, in the present study, the rhBMP-2 coating exhibited limited effectiveness in enhancing the quantity and quality of regenerated bone.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.161-169
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• 2013

Due to the recent advances in technology, the systems are becoming more demanding in terms of functionality and implementation complexity. Therefore, when system failures are involved in such complex systems, the effects of the related safety issues can also be more serious, thereby causing in the worst case irrecoverable hazards on both human being and properties. This fact can be witnessed in the recent rail systems accidents. In general, the accidents can be attributed to the systematic failure or the random failure. The latter is due to the aging or unsatisfied quality of the parts used in implementation or some unexpected external cause that would otherwise result in accidents whereas the former is usually related to incomplete systems design. As the systems are becoming more complex, so are the systematic failures. The objective of the paper is to study an approach to solving the systematic failure. To do so, at first the system design process is augmented by the functional safety activities that are suggested in the standard IEC 61508. Analyzing the artifacts of the integrated process yields the traceability, which satisfies the requirements for reduction of systematic failure as provided in ISO 26262. In order to reduce systematic failure, the results are utilized in the conceptual design stage of systems development in which systems requirements are generated and functional architecture is developed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2018

Isoflavone itself is less available in the body without the aid of intestinal bacteria. In this study, we searched for isoflavone-transforming bacteria from human fecal specimens (n = 14) using differential selection media. Isoflavone-transforming activity as the production of dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography and we found Lactobacillus rhamnosus, named L. rhamnosus vitaP1, through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Extract from Pueraria lobata (EPL) and soy hypocotyl extract were fermented with L. rhamnosus vitaP1 for 24 and 48 h at $37^{\circ}C$. Fermented EPL (FEPL) showed enhanced anti-tyrosinase activity and antioxidant capacities, important suppressors of the pigmentation process, compared with that of EPL (p < 0.05). At up to $500{\mu}g/ml$ of FEPL, there were no significant cell cytotoxicity and proliferation on B16-F10 melanoma cells. FEPL ($100{\mu}g/ml$) could highly suppress the content of melanin and melanosome formation in B16-F10 cells. In summary, Lactobacillus rhamnosus vitaP1 was found to be able to biotransform isoflavones in EPL. FEPL showed augmented anti-melanogenic potential.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.199-205
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• 2015

T-bet is a critical transcription factor that regulates differentiation of Th1 cells from $CD4^+$ precursor cells. Since T-bet directly binds to the promoter of the IFN-${\gamma}$ gene and activates its transcription, T-bet deficiency impairs IFN-${\gamma}$ production in Th1 cells. Interestingly, T-bet-deficient Th cells also display substantially augmented the production of IL-2, a T cell growth factor. Exogenous expression of T-bet in T-bet deficient Th cells rescued the IFN-${\gamma}$ production and suppressed IL-2 expression. IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-2 reciprocally regulate Th cell proliferation following TCR stimulation. Therefore, we examined the effect of T-bet on Th cell proliferation and found that T-bet deficiency significantly enhanced Th cell proliferation under non-skewing, Th1-skewing, and Th2-skewing conditions. By using IFN-${\gamma}$-null mice to eliminate the anti-proliferative effect of IFN-${\gamma}$, T-bet deficiency still enhanced Th cell proliferation under both Th1- and Th2-skewing conditions. Since the anti-proliferative activity of T-bet may be influenced by IL-2 suppression in Th cells, we examined whether T-bet modulates IL-2-independent cell proliferation in a non-T cell population. We demonstrated that T-bet expression induced by ecdysone treatment in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells increased IFN-${\gamma}$ promoter activity in a dose dependent manner, and sustained T-bet expression considerably decreased cell proliferation in HEK cells. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-proliferative activity of T-bet remain to be elucidated, T-bet may directly suppress cell proliferation in an IFN-${\gamma}$- or an IL-2-independent manner.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.44-51
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• 2012

It is more important to realize safety management, medium-large accident prevention and risk prediction as accident of industry facilities can generate enormous physical and human damage because most energy plant might handle toxic substance. Especially, atmospheric dispersion system, which is able to simulate situation, have been used for release accident of toxic substance since the accident can show different of dispersion range and velocity according to release material, storage facility and atmospheric status. However those systems have been used generally in design step of industry facility and are difficult to deal with release accident quickly. Although some researches and cases have been studied for using real-time atmospheric information, there are insufficient system for processing quickly release accident. This paper aims to develop real-time smart atmospheric dispersion system that can deal with release accident quickly by enhancing distinct characteristics and efficiency of energy plant, and select release time and area using intelligent algorithm as accident prevention type.