• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.28 no.7
• /
• pp.765-771
• /
• 2018

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$) is a key transcription factor that regulates adipogenesis, and epigenetic control of $PPAR{\gamma}$ is of great interest in obesity-inhibition research. Our previous study showed that CACUL1 (CDK2-associated cullin domain 1) acts as a corepressor that inhibits $PPAR{\gamma}$ transcriptional activity and adipocyte differentiation. Here, we investigated the roles of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), a novel binding partner of CACUL1, in regulating $PPAR{\gamma}$. The interaction between PRMT5 and CACUL1 was shown by immunoprecipitation assay in vivo and GST pulldown assay in vitro. As shown by luciferase reporter assay, PRMT5 and CACUL1 cooperated to inhibit the transcriptional activity of $PPAR{\gamma}$. The suppressive role of PRMT5 in adipogenesis was examined by Oil Red O staining using 3T3-L1 cells, which stably overexpress or deplete PRMT5. Overexpression of PRMT5 suppresses $PPAR{\gamma}$-mediated adipogenesis, whereas PRMT5 knockdown increases lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Consistently, PRMT5 attenuates the expression of Lpl and aP2, the target genes of $PPAR{\gamma}$, as demonstrated by RT-qPCR analysis. Overall, these results suggest that PRMT5 interacts with CACUL1 to impair the transcriptional activity of $PPAR{\gamma}$, leading to the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, the regulation of PRMT5 enzymatic activity may provide a clue to develop an anti-obesity drug.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.441-449
• /
• 2018

The knowledge and information processing competence is one of the essential competencies in an information-oriented society which is highly related to science education. The purpose of this study is to investigate middle school students' difficulties in science inquiry activity in view of the knowledge and information processing competence. Collection, processing, and application of information are extracted as common elements of the knowledge and information processing competence through literature search. Data were obtained from eight students of a middle school in Seoul for five months and were analyzed based on constant comparative method to extract students' difficulties. As a result, the element of information collection is observed through science inquiry and the element of information processing is observed in hypothesis setting step, inquiry result analysis step, and inquiry result sharing step. The element of information application is observed in the creation of posters for sharing and inquiry reports. Difficulties in information collection were found in lack of confidence in information gathering, systematic search strategy, and information reliability. Difficulties in information processing appeared in the inexperience of analysis program use, information transformation, and interpretation of linkage information. Difficulties in information application were caused by the lack of effective organization and effective expression of information. In this study, it is meaningful to provide a clue as to how the knowledge and information processing competence can be established in science education.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.9
• /
• pp.1294-1298
• /
• 2009

To investigate whether isoflavone genistein and daidzein could affect cancer cell viability, human colorectal HCT116 cells were incubated with genistein or daidzein in a dose-dependent manner. Genistein decreased cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, whereas daidzein did not show dramatic cytotoxic effects. We also found that 71 genes were up-regulated more than 2-fold, whereas 64 genes were down-regulated more than 2-fold with 24 hr of $50{\mu}M$ genistein treatment by our previous microarray data. Among the up-regulated genes, we selected 3 genes (DKK1, ATF3 and NAG-1) and performed RT-PCR to confirm microarray data. The results of RT-PCR were highly correlated with those of the microarray experiment. In addition, we investigated whether a combination treatment of genistein and daidzein could affect cancer cell viability. Surprisingly, the combination treatment did show synergistic cytotoxic effects detected by MTS assay. The results of RT-PCR and real-time PCR indicate that a combination of genistein and daidzein can synergistically induce NAG-1 expression in HCT116 cells. This result implies that NAG-1 induction is highly associated with synergistic cytotoxic effects induced by a combination treatment of genistein and daidzein. Overall, these results may provide a clue in explaining the anti-cancer activity of soy bean in human colorectal cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.182-189
• /
• 2013

Halophytes are unique land plants that are capable of thriving in a high-salt environment. They are attracting public attention due to their ability to synthesize bioactive substances such as UV protectants or antioxidizing agents. To achieve unaffected growth under high salinity, halophytes may take advantage of the activities of cell growth factors such as expansins. Expansins are well-known cell wall proteins that are responsible for cell enlargement. They loosen cell walls, thereby contributing to actual plant growth. This study aimed to identify positive roles of expansins in the growth of halophytes. Three expansin cDNA clones were isolated from seedlings of Suaeda japonica. Comparing the deduced amino acid sequences of the expansin genes of S. japonica with those of other plant species suggested that the cDNA clones isolated from S. japonica belong to the EXPA (${\alpha}$-expansin) gene family. A phylogenetic tree based on the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the expansins of S. japonica share a close evolutionary relationship with those of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) and jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), both of which are woody dicots. SjEXPAs did not show any remarkable change in the gene expression level in different NaCl concentrations, providing a clue to the unaffected seedling growth of S. japonica in a high-salt environment. In conclusion, the present study presents the first report of expansin genes from halophytes and suggests a putative role for these genes in plant growth under high salinity.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
• /
• v.144
• /
• pp.339-369
• /
• 2017

Mengzi's biological analogies of man's moral tendency need to be analyzed in order to understand his ethical perspective because he uses lots of analogies to advocate his own moral naturalism. The biological analogies he uses are composed of human body, plant's seeds and sprouts. First, Mengzi thinks that human beings have inborn moral nature as if our bodies are given and plants can be grown from their seeds. His ethical approach to define morality in terms of natural properties such as the Four Sprouts(四端) causes a philosophical debate with Gaozi who thinks that morality cannot be described by natural property. Second, we have a moral preference as if we have a physical desire. This kind of moral sentimentalism emphasizing the preference is continued to Jeong Yakyong's ethical theory that nature is a preference(性嗜好說). Third, if we examine our preference and desire, then we can find that the moral preference is more valuable than the physical desire. Fourth, the biological analogies accepts monism that mind and body are composed of material force(氣). For this reason, the innate moral tendency is manifested on body such as a facial expression, a visceral reaction, and affect. Finally, Mengzi's theory of Four Sprouts causes two different interpretation. One is Zhuxi's interpretation that Duan端 is the visible end(緖) of a thread out of pack, the other is Jeong Yakyong's interpretation that Duan端 is a starting point(始) to cultivate virtues. While Zhuxi considers the Four Sprouts as a clue to find virtues in one's mind, Jeong Yakyong believes that we can cultivate our virtues by preserving the Four Sprouts.

• Sijohaknonchong
• /
• v.21
• /
• pp.143-164
• /
• 2004

The purpose of this study is to clarify that 'Kanghosasiga' is the Ynsijo which has general unification of the content and having general unification is based. on the using one definite frame. although 'Kanghosasiga' used different subject matters that have characteristics of four season in forming one theme. The definite frame is divided into two frames, inner frame and outer frame. Outer frame is common in four works, and it represents the place in which the speaker lives(강호), speaker (이몸), relationship between speaker and the king(군은), the condition of 'kangho' and speaker. And in this paper, the generative condition of phrases is so analyzed that the compression and the simplicity of expression are explained, and the purpose of generative phrases is so analyzed that satisfaction at life is represented. It is considered if it is possible to extended to '태평성대(the happy era)' in the social view. Inner frame is the detail structure of content of the work. Each of the first, second, third of the verses of four works have common structure. After analyzing each content, the characteristic of 'Kanghosasiga' was explained. The first of verses of 'Kanghosasiga' represent gusto of the four season. The second is constructed with 'the clause that functions as instruction' because 'speaker' that is the words that functions as index, and represents in detail gusto of the first. The third is connotative expression connected with the second. The third implies purpose that the writer try to gain private living with formal viewpoint. The structure of the inner frame of 'Kanghosasiga' shows a process; 'introducing season' $\to$ 'gusto about season' $\to$ 'enjoying with season' $\to$ 'peace in mind'. The first of verses of 'Kanghosasiga' is the clue of the second. The second is the reaction of the first. The third has character as estimation of the forepart. The structure of the outer frame can be shown if the structure of the inner frame has '감군은‘(being grateful to king's grace). ultimate purpose of the writer is to praise king's administration.

• Journal of the Korean housing association
• /
• v.18 no.5
• /
• pp.65-72
• /
• 2007

What is the meaning of home to older people? How much is home significant for older people? How do they express self-identity through decorating their own homes? These are the new subjects that scholars in the West are involved in lately in terms of micro-perspective (George, 1998; Kellett, Gilroy & Jason, 2005; Gilroy & Kellett, 2006). It is evident that home has more significant meaning to older people than other age groups, since the older are more likely to spend greater time within the home through lower income, lessening mobility or loss of companions (Gilroy, 2005). Also the older tend to cling to their homes and attach to possessions than the younger. Older people's possessions are the things that memories of their lives were absorbed. Therefore, possession display can role as a mean of showing their past lives and memories. Gilroy and her colleagues (2005, 2006) found that there was a certain pattern of possession display in English older people's households, and that older people would like to express self-identity through decorating their own homes with their precious possessions. Then, isn't it interesting to find out if there is any pattern of possession display or decoration items in Korean older people's households as well? Thus, the aim of this study is to describe pattern of possession display as a mean of expressing self-identity in Korean older people's households. Interview with older people was used to find out the way and reason of display possessions. Observation method including taking photos and hand-drawings was also added in order to demonstrate detail condition of display items in the house. Possessions display and furniture arrangement in the living room and bedroom were investigated to find out a certain pattern of display and meaning. Research objects were healthy older people aged over 60, who are living independently from their adult children, and who can manage housekeeping by themselves. 32 households were investigated in the area of Seoul, Kyunggi, Chungchungnam, and Kangwon provinces. The findings demonstrate that most precious possession for Korean older people is photo of themselves; especially one taken in their younger age. The reason of it is because the photo reminds them of their heydays when they were vital. Photo of the most beloved one is displayed more frequently in the bedroom than in the living room indicating consistence with English case. As symmetrical display pattern was dominant in case of English older people's households, no dominant display pattern is found in Korean case. Korean older people also cling to their homes and possessions and want to keep their dwelling space as large as what they use now. It is notable that even after they become older and frail, they want sufficient space to display possessions as a mean of self-identity expression. Attachment to possessions and decoration can give older people significant meaning of identity, and it is the reason why architects or interior designers have to meet older people's needs. It needs consideration that residents are allowed to bring their old furniture and precious possessions when they move in elderly housing unit in order to minimize environmental shock, as well as feeling at home. This subject could suggest a clue to designers or architects who have to meet residents' needs in space design of elderly housing or facilities in the future. Psychological well-being of older people can be met by making them feel at home wherever they live. They need space where they can express their own identity and personality even in case when they have to live in a limited small space like elderly housing unit or nursing home.

• Journal of Science of Art and Design
• /
• v.10
• /
• pp.5-50
• /
• 2006

The terminology "human body" simply means a physical body but also more often, as an object in art works, carries symbolic concepts incorporating the whole history of human lives. Human body has been employed as an artistic object capturing physical body, delivering artist's idea expressing life indicators from different standpoints of times and places. This point of view about human body in art works has in fact rather short history since 1960's when modern thinking paradigm focusing upon rationality and reasoning has begun declining and on the contrary when the body used to be the servant of the mind and soul for a long time has begun attracting artist's attention as a real entity from the viewpoint of dichotomy. During the 1960's, frequent performances in Pop art and of Fluxus showed that the human body has been an important media for artistic communication after importance of body performances had been raised in Action painting in 1940's. The human body became a more determined media in body art works that had got into stride after Yves Kline's conceptual works applying body and its traces. These kinds of art works have continued and consolidated into the Feminism came into blossom in 1980's and into fragmentated and disembodied body art trend in 1990's. Through development of trends in body works, human body now might well be regarded as a clue provide from individual identity with implication over the world. This thesis is to analyse in semiotic way main works of Kiki Smith who is a representative artist devoting to Feminism and proposing extended significance of human body. In the analysis process of works done by two great artists with histrorical background of art trend in order to find and open an significance horizon of human body, semiotics and bodism are therefore perceived as pertinent and applied as basic tools. The first stage of analysis is to get the significances emerged in between expression part and contextual parts, which are separated structually from the most basic level. The study deals with body works furthermore in the way of structual cohesion of the expression and the context from the view of A J. Greimas' Structural Semantics and tried to build up a basic frame for the extended significances of human body. This thesis is, on the other hand, to attempt to contribute for extension of disembodied and fragmentated body discussed in the structural semantic frame earlier by Julia Kriesteva who delivers abjection concepts and phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty who enables to overview relationship between the body and the world from the viewpoint of Bodism, further into interpretation level. The other works are Kiki smith's that showed epics about death in mid-1980's, detailed humbleness of vulnerable human body exposed to dichotomy and fragmentation in 1990's and religion and mythology incorporating wouln healing in 2000's and henceforth. Through the analysis of Kiki Smith's representative work 'Pee body', it is verified and confirmed that fragmentated body showed beyond boundary gap of the human body and ultimately tends to imply human healing owing to divine maternity. Bodily symbols in Kiki Smith's are extended to the universal world to imply human life and death on the one hand and religion and mythology of human wound and divine healing one the other hand. This thesis through these process and results of analysis is in a broad context, to emphasize that human body as objectified text has a key indicator role to understand world as well as semiotic extension in art works in late 20th century so that we might confirm bodily symbol as a cultural context constitutes a section of contemporary visual arts.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.62-79
• /
• 2020

The rock-carved seated Avalokiteśvara statue at Ganghwa Bomunsa Temple is a giant rock-carved Buddhist statue that was built in 1928 during the Japanese colonial era. Although it is a year-recorded Buddhist statue that occupies a prominent place in modern Korean Buddhist sculpture history, it has not been the subject of in-depth discussion due to weak research on modern Buddhist sculptures. In this study, to examine the various significant aspects of the rock-carved Seated Avalokiteśvara statue at Bomunsa Temple as a modern Buddhist sculpture, I have managed to determine its construction year, artificers, and patrons by deciphering the inscription around the rock-carved statue; in addition I have researched the effects of the rock shapes and landforms on the formation of the Buddhist statue by comparing and analyzing the points of view of both artificers and worshipers. I have also identified the specific circumstances of the time of construction from interviews with the descendants of artificers. A monk from Geumgangsan Mountain, Lee Hwaeung, took the role of sponsor and chief painter to construct the rock-carved seated Avalokiteśvara statue at Bomunsa temple. In the beginning of its construction in 1928, more than 100 donators jointly sponsored the construction of the statue. Gansong Jeon Hyoungphil sponsored alone at the time of the place of worship's expansion in 1938. Bomunsa Temple has been regarded as one of the top-three sacred places of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva together with Naksansa Temple in Yang Yang and Boriam in Nam Hae, due to the construction of the rock-carved statue. It took about three months to construct the statue. Lee Hwaeung drew a rough sketch and then Un Songhag and five masons from Ganghwa Island took part in the carving process. We can observe the line drawing technique around the rock-carved statue because the statue was carved based on the rough sketch of the monk painter. The aspect of Lee Hwaeung as a painter is revealed; therefore, we can identify the clue of painting pattern leading to Seogongchulyou- Hwaunghyoungjin- Ilonghyegag. The rock-carved seated Avalokiteśvara statue at Bomunsa Temple is a typical Avalokiteśvara that wears a jeweled crown and holds Kundica. It makes a strong impression as it has a big square-shaped face and a short neck and is unsophisticated in general. The artificers solved the issue of visual distortion of the rock-carved statue caused by carving on a 10-meter high and 40-degree sloping rock by controlling motion to its maximum, omitting detailed expression by emphasizing symmetry, and adjusting the head-to-body proportion to be almost one-to-one. In this study, especially, I presume the unified form of sacred sculptures and Buddhist altars, without making a Buddhist altar like the rock-carved seated Avalokiteśvara statue at Bomunsa Temple, to be a key characteristic of modern Buddhist sculptures. Furthermore, I make newly clear that the six letters of Sanskrit carved on nimbus, which had been interpreted as a Six-Syllable Mantra, are a combination with Jeongbeopgye and Sabang Mantras. In addition, three iron rings driven on eaves rock were used as a reference point, and after construction they were used as a decoration for the Bodhisattva with hanging wind chimes.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2015

This study explores urban gardening and garden culture in residential area as an everydayness that has been overlooked during the modern period urbanization and investigates the meaning and value of urban gardening from the perspective of urban formations and growth in spontaneous urban residential area, Haebangchon. The result identified that urban gardening as a meaning of contemporary culture is a new clue to improving the urban physical environment and changing the lives and community network of residents. Haebangchon is one of the few remaining spontaneous habitations in Seoul, and was created as a temporary unlicensed shantytown in 1940s. It became the representative habitation for common people in downtown Seoul through the revitalization of the 60s and the local reform through self-sustaining redevelopment projects during the 70s through the 90s. This area still contains the image of times during the 50s to the 60s, the 70s to the 80s and present, with the percentage of long-term stay residents high. Within this context, the site is divided into third quarters, and the research undertaken by observation and investigation to determine characteristics of urban gardening as an everydayness. It can be said that urban gardening and garden culture in Haebangchon is a unique location culture that has accumulated in the crevices of the physical condition and culture of life. These places are an expression of resident's desires that seeking out nature and gardening as revealed in densely-populated areas and the grounds of practical acting and participating in care and cultivation. It forms a unique, indigenous local landscape as an accumulation of everyday life of residents. Urban gardens in detached home has retained the original function of the dwelling and the garden, or 'madang', and takes on the characteristic of public space through the sharing of a public nature as well as semi-private spatial characteristic. Also, urban gardens including small kitchen garden and flowerpots that appear in the narrow streets provide pleasure as a part of nature that blossoms in narrow alley and functions as a public garden for exchanging with neighbors by sharing produce. This paper provides the concept of redefining the relationship between the private-public area that occurs between outside spaces that are cut off in a modern city.