• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.24-28
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• 2018

To understand the effects of Cd substitution for Cu, $(Pb_{0.5}Cu_{0.5-x}Cd_x)Sr_2(Ca_{0.7}Y_{0.3})Cu_2O_z$ (x = 0 ~ 0.5) compounds were synthesized and the structural and superconducting properties of the compounds were characterized. Resistivity data revealed that superconducting transition temperature rises initially up to x = 0.25 and then decreases as the Cd doping content increases. Room-temperature thermoelectric power decreases at first up to x = 0.25 and then increases with higher Cd doping content, indicating that the change in $T_c$ is mainly caused by the change in the hole concentration on the superconducting planes by the Cd doping. The non-monotonic dependence of the lattice parameters and the transition temperature with Cd doping content is discussed in connection with the possible formation of $Pb^{+2}$ ions and the removal of excess oxygen caused by Cd substitution in the charge reservoir layer. A correlation between transition temperature and c/a lattice parameter ratio was observed for the $(Pb_{0.5}Cu_{0.5-x}Cd_x)Sr_2(Ca_{0.7}Y_{0.3})Cu_2O_z$ system.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.19-35
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to find the effects of Changchuldoin-tanggamibang (hereinafter referred to CDIT) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on DBA/1J mouse. Methods: The experimental mice were divided into four groups: normal group (Nr), control group (CIA-CT), methotrexate group (CIA-MTX), and Changchuldoin-tanggamibang group (CIA-CDIT). Cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, value of immunocytes in draining lymph node and paw joint, and rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM) in serum were measured in vivo. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against hFCs was not shown in any concentration. 2. Hepatotoxicity was low in the CDIT-treated group compared with the MTX group. 3. The arthritis index decreased significantly. 4. In total cell counts of DLN and paw joint, the cells in DLN increased significantly while there was a significant decrease in paw joint. 5. In lymph nodes, CD19+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+/CD8+, CD3+/CD69+, CD4+/CD25+, CD3+/CD49b+, and CD4+/CD44+ cells increased significantly, while B220+/CD23+, and CD11c+/MHCII+ cells decreased significantly. 6. In joints, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD25+, and CD11b+/Gr-1+ cells decreased significantly. 7. The level of IgG decreased and the level of IgM significantly decreased compared with the control. 8. Anti-collagen II in serum decreased compared with the control. 9. Around the joint of the CDIT group, infiltration of inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, invasion of cytokine, of cartilage, deposition of collagen and synovial injury decreased compared with the control in histopathologic observation (HE, MT staining). Conclusions: Comparison of the results for this study showed that CDIT had immunomodulatory effects. We expect that CDIT could be used as a effective drug for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune diseases. Therefore, we have to survey continuously, looking for effective substances and mechanisms in the future.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.411-417
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• 2012

Purpose: To investigate changes of contrast sensitivity with decreasing luminance in photopic conditions. Methods: Contrast sensitivities for 63 university students were investigated at 5 different luminance levels using FACT chart. Results: All contrast sensitivities measured were in the normal range. The peak of contrast sensitivity function was observed to move from 6 to 3 cpd between 40 and $10cd/m^2$. From an intersection point of two hypothetical lines related with contrast sensitivity for 6 and 3 cpd, we could evaluated that the peak moved from 6 to 3 cpd at about $25cd/m^2$. When luminance decreases from 120 to $10cd/m^2$, contrast sensitivity loss at 6 cpd was most, while contrast sensitivity at 1.5 cpd changed little. We could evaluate that at luminance of more than $25cd/m^2$ evaluated approximately, contrast sensitivity was high in the following order of spatial frequency: 18< 12<1.5<3<6 cpd, while at luminance of less than about $25cd/m^2$ as follows: 18<12<1.5<6<3 cpd. Contrast sensitivity losses with decreasing luminance were also evaluated using the decrements and decrement rates of contrast sensitivity. The decrement of contrast sensitivity was the greatest at 6 cpd, while the decrement rate was the greatest at 8 cpd. Conclusions: We propose that evaluation methods used in this research may be available as another methods to evaluate the changes of contrast sensitivity.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.793-797
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• 2005

Optimum conditions for cholesterol removal in egg yolk were evaluated based on ratio of egg yolk-to-water, crosslinked ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin (${\beta}$-CD) concentration, and mixing temperature, time, and speed by adding crosslinked ${\beta}$-CD treated with adipic acid. Cholesterol removal in egg yolk-water mixture increased with increasing ${\beta}$-CD level (10-25%). About 95% was removed by 25% ${\beta}$-CD at 1:1 ratio of egg yolk-to-water and 800 rpm mixing at $40^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. In recycling study, removal rates were measured using ten times recycled crosslinked ${\beta}$-CD in egg yolk, and 85% cholesterol removal was observed with eight times reuse. These results indicated that over 90% cholesterol was removed at 1:1 ratio of egg yolk-to-water, 20% crosslinked ${\beta}$-CD addition, and 30 min mixing with 600 rpm at $40^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.292-311
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• 2017

Purpose: Beyond the limited scope of non-specific polyclonal regulatory T cell (Treg)-based immunotherapy, which depends largely on serendipity, the present study explored a target Treg subset appropriate for the delivery of a novel epitope spreader Pep19 antigen as part of a sophisticated form of immunotherapy with defined antigen specificity that induces immune tolerance. Methods: Human polyclonal $CD4^+CD25^+CD127^{lo-}$ Tregs (127-Tregs) and $na\ddot{i}ve$ $CD4^+CD25^+CD45RA^+$ Tregs (45RA-Tregs) were isolated and were stimulated with target peptide 19 (Pep19)-pulsed dendritic cells in a tolerogenic milieu followed by ex vivo expansion. Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) and rapamycin were added to selectively exclude the outgrowth of contaminating effector T cells (Teffs). The following parameters were investigated in the expanded antigen-specific Tregs: the distinct expression of the immunosuppressive Treg marker Foxp3, epigenetic stability (demethylation in the Treg-specific demethylated region), the suppression of Teffs, expression of the homing receptors CD62L/CCR7, and CD95L-mediated apoptosis. The expanded Tregs were adoptively transferred into an $NOD/scid/IL-2R{\gamma}^{-/-}$ mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis. Results: Epitope-spreader Pep19 targeting by 45RA-Tregs led to an outstanding in vitro suppressive T cell fate characterized by robust ex vivo expansion, the salient expression of Foxp3, high epigenetic stability, enhanced T cell suppression, modest expression of CD62L/CCR7, and higher resistance to CD95L-mediated apoptosis. After adoptive transfer, the distinct fate of these T cells demonstrated a potent in vivo immunotherapeutic capability, as indicated by the complete elimination of footpad swelling, prolonged survival, minimal histopathological changes, and preferential localization of $CD4^+CD25^+$ Tregs at the articular joints in a mechanistic and orchestrated way. Conclusions: We propose human $na\ddot{i}ve$ $CD4^+CD25^+CD45RA^+$ Tregs and the epitope spreader Pep19 as cellular and molecular targets for a novel antigen-specific Treg-based vaccination against collagen-induced arthritis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2665-2669
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• 2015

CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in regulation of immnue response and maintenance of self-tolerance. Studies have found Tregs could suppress tumor-specific T cell-mediated immune response and promote cancer progression. Depletion of Tregs can enhance antitumor immunity. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells and capable of activating antigen-specific immune responses, which make them ideal candidate for cancer immunotherapy. Now various DC vaccines are considered as effective treatment for cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation of Tregs in BALB/C mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and investigate the interaction between tumor-derived Tregs, effector T cells (Teff) and splenic DCs. We found the percentages of Tregs/CD4+ in the peripheral blood of tumor-bearing mice were higher than in normal mice. Tumor-derived Tregs diminished the up-regulation of costimulatory molecule expression on splenic DCs, even in the presence of Teff cells and simultaneously inhibited IL-12 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion by DCs.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.490-503
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• 2010

This study was carried out to know the effects of Gwanjul9-bang (hereinafter reffered to GJ9) on the inhibition of arthritis induced by collagen on DBA/1J mouse. For this purpose, GJ9 was orally administered to mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II. Cytotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, arthritis index, value of immunocyte in draining lymph node and paw joint, rheumatoid factor (IgG, IgM) in serum were measured in vivo. The cytotoxicity against hFCs was not measured in any concentration. The hepatotoxicity was low in GJ9 treated group compared with MTX group. The arthritis index was decreased significantly. In total cell counts of DLN and paw joint, the cells in DLN increased significantly while there was significantly decrease in paw joint. In lymph nodes, $CD19^+$, $CD3^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD3^+CD69^+$, $CD8^+$, $CD4^+CD25^+$, $CD3^+CD49b^+$, $CD4^+CD44^+$, $CD3^+CD8^+$ cells increased significantly, $B220^+CD23^+$cells decreased significantly. In joints, $CD3^+$, $CD4^+$, $CD4^+CD25^+$, $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cells decreased significantly. The levels of IgG and IgM was significantly decreased compared with control. Anti-collagen II in serum was significantly decreased compared with control. The degree of arthritis induced damage of joint of GJ9 group is slight compared with control group in histopathologic observation (Hematoxylin & Eosin, Masson's Trichrome). Comparison of the results for this study showed that GJ9 had immunomodulatory effects. So we expect that GJ9 should be used as a effective drugs for not only rheumatoid arthritis but also another auto-immune disease. Therefore we have to survey continuously in looking for the effective substance and mechanism in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2495-2499
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• 2015

Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase and a member of the MAPK family. MEKK3 can effectively activate the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and promote an autocrine growth loop critical for tumor genesis, cell proliferation, terminal differentiation, apoptosis and survival. To explore the relationship between MEKK3 and cell apoptosis, clinicopathology and prognosis, we characterize the expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 in the renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). Protein expression was detected by tissue microarray and immunochemistry in 46 cases of RCCC and 28 control cases. Expression levels of CD3+,CD3+CD4+,CD3+CD8+,CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25+ FoxP3+ were assessed by flow cytometry and analyzed for their association with pathological factors, correlation and prognosis in RCCC. Expression of MEKK3, pERK and FoxP3 was significantly up-regulated in RCCC as compared to control levels (p<0.01), associated with pathological grade (p<0.05)and clinical stage (p<0.05). CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells were also significantly increased in RCCC patients (p<0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that MEKK3, pERK expression and patholigical stage were independent prognostic factors in patients with RCCC (p<0.05). MEKK3 can be used as an important marker of early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in RCCC. It may be associated with imbalance of anti-tumor immunity and overexpression of pERK. Expression of MEKK3 and pERK are significantly increased in RCCC, with protein expression and clinical stage acting as independent prognostic factors.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2006

Investigation of Cd and Zn availability in four different soils as affected by the interactions of these two heavy metals was conducted using the metal desorption quantity-intensity (Q/I) isotherms. The soils were artificially contaminated with proper concentrations of Cd and Zn as $CdSO_4\;and\;ZnSO_4$ solutions. DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) - extractable and water-extiactable Cd or Zn from the soils were used as $Q_{Cd}\;or\;Q_{Zn}\;and\;I_{Cd}\;or\;I_{Zn}$ factors, respectively. The coefficient of determination for Cd and Zn desorption Q/I linear regression in the soils ranged from 0.947 to 0.999, which indicated that Q and I factors were closely correlated. The buffering capacity of Cd, $BC_{Cd}$, in the soils decreased with increasing Zn treatments, and the $BC_{Cd}$ values were ranged between 205.8 and 2255.6. The decreases of $BC_{Cd}$ values were mainly dependent upon the increases of $I_{Cd}$ factors. However, Zn buffering capacity. $BC_{Zn}$ decreased with increasing Cd treatments in acidic soils, and increased in neutral and calcareous alkaline soils. The $BC_{Cd}$ values were ranged from 143.2 to 6158.0. The values of $BC_{Zn}$ as influenced by the treatments of Cd were also controlled by the solubility of water-extractable Zn, $I_{Zn}$ factor. The solubility of water-extractable Cd and Zn was significantly dependent upon the changes of soil pH that were impacted by the treatment of Zn and Cd, respectively. Also, the availability of Cd was higher than Zn availability in the acidic and neutral soils, but Zn was higher than Cd in the calcareous alkaline soil.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.64-69
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• 2008

Although the arthritis symptoms observed in the K/BxN model have been shown to be dependent on the functions of T and B cells specific to the self antigen glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, less is known about the in vivo roles of $CD4^{+}CD25^{+}$ regulatory T($T_{reg}$) cells in the pathology of K/BxN mice. We determined the quantitative and functional characteristics of the $T_{reg}$ cells in K/BxN mice. These mice contained a higher percentage of $Foxp3^+\;T_{reg}$ cells among the $CD4^+$ T cells than their BxN littermates. These $T_{reg}$ cells were anergic and efficiently suppressed the proliferation of $na\ddot{i}ve$ $CD4^+$ T cells and cytokine production by effector $CD4^+$ T cells in vitro. Antibody-mediated depletion of $CD25^+$ cells caused K/BxN mice to develop multi-organ inflammation and autoantibody production, while the symptoms of arthritis were not affected. These results demonstrate that despite the inability of the $T_{reg}$ cells to suppress arthritis development, they play a critical role protecting the arthritic mice from systemic expansion of autoimmunity.