• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.316-323
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• 2009

Ginseng saponins have various pharmacological effects on the immune system. 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT) are the species of ginseng saponin metabolites that are formed by human intestinal bacteria and detected in circulation. The effects of PPD and PPT on the inflammatory mediator release from the activated mast cells were tested. Histamine release was evaluated in activated guinea pig lung mast cells, and the secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) was assessed in an HMC-1 cell after treating it with ginseng saponin metabolites. The results are as follows. PPT, at its maximum concentration of $100\;{\mu}M$, completely abolished the secretion of IL-4 from the PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cell. It also inhibited IL-8 secretion from the same cells by about 40-50% of the PMA-treated DMSO control. PPD, at its maximum concentration of $100\;{\mu}M$, showed a tendency to induce histamine release from the guinea pig lung mast cells. It inhibited the secretion of IL-4 (by 89% of the PMA-treated DMSO control) in the PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cell, but did have a significant effect on the IL-8 release from the same cell. Both PPD and PPT showed no effects, however, on the release of TNF-${\alpha}$ from the PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cell. These results suggest that PPD and PPT are from the ginseng metabolites that are responsible for the immunomodulating activity of ginseng extracts when they are taken orally.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.308-317
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• 2015

This study attempted to identify the possibility of natural herbal extracts as an alternative, preventive agent of caries by comparing antimicrobial activities between natural herbal extracts and mouth rinsing solutions against Streptococcus mutans. Natural herbal plants were extracted with distilled water and ethanol, respectively, to measure the minimum growth inhibitory concentration of S. mutans depending on concentration, and among which, solvents showing high antimicrobial activity were selected to compare their antibiotic effects with those of mouth rinsing solutions. Also, to determine the concentration of natural medicinal herbs that can be used safely in the oral cavity, the extracts were treated to the normal gingival fibroblast cells depending on concentration in order to determine its cytotoxicity using MTT. In terms of the minimum growth inhibition concentration, the growth inhibition of S. mutans was more excellent in the ethanol extract than in the distilled water. When the minimum growth inhibition concentration was compared, Psoralea corylifolia of natural herbal ethanol extracts, and Hexamedine (Bukwang Pharm., Korea) of mouth rinsing solutions inhibited growth of S. mutans at the lowest concentration. When the minimum bactericidal concentration was compared, P. corylifolia of natural herbal extracts, and Hexamedine and Garglin (Dong-A Pharm., Korea) of mouth rinsing solutions eliminated S. mutans at a low concentration. The human gingival fibroblast was treated with natural herbal ethanol extracts at the minimum growth inhibition concentration of 10, 39, and $78{\mu}g/ml$. As the result, no cytotoxicity was found. When this was treated at different minimum bactericidal concentrations, natural herbal ethanol extracts showed cytotoxicity except P. corylifolia.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.703-708
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• 2015

Hox genes encode a highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors controlling vertebrate pattern formation along the anteroposterior body axis during embryogenesis. Retinoic acid (RA) is a key morphogen in embryogenesis and a critical regulator of both adult and embryonic cellular activity. Specifically, RA regulates Hox gene expression in mouse- or human-derived embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells. Histone modification has been reported to play a pivotal role in the process of RA-induced gene expression and cell differentiation. As histone modification is thought to play an essential role in RA-induced Hox gene expression, we examined RA-induced initiation of collinear expression of Hox genes and the corresponding histone modifications in F9 murine embryonic teratocarcinoma (EC) cells. Hox expression patterns and histone modifications were analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR, RNA-sequencing, and chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP)-PCR analyses. The Hoxc4 gene (D0) was initiated earlier than the Hoxc5 to –c10 genes (D3) upon RA treatment (day 0 [D0], day 1 [D1], and day 3 [D3]). The Hox nonexpressing D0 sample had a strong repressive marker, H3K27me3, than the D1 and D3 samples. In the D1 and D3 samples, reduced enrichment of the H3K27me3 marker was observed in the whole cluster. The active H3K4me3 marker was closely associated with the collinear expression of Hoxc genes. Thus, the Hoxc4 gene (D1) and all Hoxc genes (D3) expressed H3K4me3 upon transcription activation. In conclusion, these data indicated that removing H3K27me3 and acquiring H3K4me3 regulated RA-induced Hoxc gene collinearity in F9 cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.801-809
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• 2015

Homotypic cell adhesion (homotypic aggregation) in activated monocytes plays a central role in physiological and pathological processes including inflammatory responses, differentiation and migration. The extract of the Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. fruit (Maesil) has potential benefits to human health; such as anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities. Indeed, Maesil extract may modulate inflammatory responses via interference with homotypic aggregation in monocytes. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic efficacy of Maesil extract in inflammatory diseases were investigated. It was found that Maesil extract inhibited homotypic aggregation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated monocytes. This was mediated by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) production, partly via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-activated THP-1 cells. It was confirmed that NO inhibition is a key mechanism in Maesil induced blockade of monocyte aggregation through identification of reversal of this inhibitory effect by the NO-producing agent S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP). In addition, Maesil extract significantly attenuated LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. In conclusion, Maesil extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of homotypic aggregation of LPS-activated monocytes through mechanisms involving the suppression of NO production and NF-κB activity, suggesting Maesil extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Proceedings of the SOHE Conference
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• 1997.12a
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• pp.39-43
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• 1997

Toha-jeod was manufactured by seven methods ; low salt group (L:15% sodium chloride), high salt g group (H:23% sodium chloride), 50% conventional soybean sauce group (S), low salt group containing 2% w wheat bran (W2%-L), high saIt group containing 2% wheat bran (W2%-H),high salt group containing 2% wheat bran (W2%-H), high salt group containing 4% wheat bran (W4%-H). After these seven groups were refrigerated at $4{\pm}1^{\circ}C$, they were sampled at intervals of three months and analyzed functional components. The free amino acid in Toha-jeod which are omitine, glutamic acid, leucine, alanine, lysine and valine increased gradually up to six months of fermentation and decreased by nine months. Conventional soybean sauce group increased continuously during the fermentation process. Hypoxanthine was altered almost among other nueletides. ATP was not detected, IMP and inosine had disapapted after the six months fermentation. Polyene fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids were decreased and s saturated fatty acids were not altered in the group containing wheat bran during fermentation. In the Hunter values, the group containing wheat bran and high salt group showed lower level than the group n not containing wheat bran and low salt group. Redness indicating the value of Toha-jeod increased as Toha-jeod was fermentated. Low salt group and conventional soybean sauce group were superior to other groups in the extent of redness. As the fermentation of Toha-jeod progressed for a long time, molecular weight distribution tended to become less molecular and the formation of chitin oligosaccharides was increased significantly. After nine months of fermentation, 24.75% chitin oligosaccharides [($GlcNAd_4$ ~ ($GlcNAd_8$, M.W. 823~1789] were created in the high salt group containing 2% wheat bran. [($GlcNAd_6$. M.W. 1236J , that is NACOS-6, which was reported as an antitumor activity material, was present in 4.01~4.37% of total Toha chitin content. 66.30% chitin oligosaccharides were created in conventional soybean sauce.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.33-56
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to measure the effect of musical activities on children's aggressiveness using percussion playing through case studies and to present the therapeutic programs. Musical activities using percussion playing were organized for three aggressive children. Twenty-one small group sessions were conducted over seven weeks with 30 minutes given each session. Fourth-grade children involved in using Aggressiveness Measuring Tool for Teachers-revised by Gwak Geum-Joo(1992) was selected for case studies. Children's impulsiveness was also tested through self-test measuring tool for impulsiveness-revision of 16 questions used by Cho Hae Yeon (2001) and Lee Joo Shik (2003). As quantitative method, comparative analysis was made between the pre and post test results using measuring tools for aggressiveness and impulsiveness of children as well as between aggressive behaviors occurring in the initial stage of the first three sessions and in the latter stage of the last three sessions. Qualitative method was used at the same time to examine the effect of percussion playing on children. After the musical activities, child A showed reduced Aggressive Measuring Tool scores from 19 to 18, with child B from 23 to 19 and child C from 21 to 18. The results show that occurrence of aggressive behaviors were lowered in the post test. Impulsiveness Measuring Tool scores in the post test were decreased as well in all three children. During the music therapy programs, it was also observed that the frequency of the target behaviors in all three children has reduced more in the latter stage than the initial stage of music therapy. The qualitative findings indicate that the children experienced releasing stress through self-expression after percussion playing. These findings indicate therapeutic effectiveness of music therapy using on percussion playing in reducing aggressiveness of children as well as the effectiveness of percussion as a therapeutic intervention for aggressive children. These results can be adapted and reapplied by teachers in primary schools to approach children with behavior problems, and can present a useful therapeutic approach to therapists practicing in clinical environments.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.719-723
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• 2014

For effective implementation of total maximum daily load (TMDL), this study presented the improving plans of non-point source pollution management including the classification of non-point source pollution, calculation of non-point source pollution load (generated, discharged), selection of non-point source pollution management regions and management of non-point source pollutant. First of all, the definition of point source pollution and non-point source pollution based on the legal and scientific viewpoint should be precisely classified and managed. Especially, the forest, grassland and river without occurrence of environmental damage by activity of business and human should be separately classified natural background pollutants. The unit for generated and discharged non-point source pollution should be preferentially changed according to actual condition of watershed. The calculation methods of generated and discharged non-point source pollution should be corrected consideration on the amount and duration of rainfall. While the TMDL is implemented, non-point source pollution management regions should be selected in the watersheds exceed the targeted water quality standards by the rainfall. The non-point source pollution management regions should be selected in the minimal regions where have high values of discharged non-point source pollution density in the urban area, farmland and site area except forest, grassland in the whole watershed. The non-point source pollutant treatment facilities, which take into consideration non-point source pollution load per unit area, duration of the excess concentration, realizable possibility of treatment, effectiveness of treatment cost versus point source pollutant, should be established in the regions with a large generated non-point source pollution load and a high concentration of water quality exceed the targeted water quality standards by the rainfall.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-26
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to investigate the present conditions of nursing investment contents, its conversion process, and output in Oriental University Medical Center, Korea to get good qualified Oriental nursing result which is the ultimate purpose of the Oriental nursing management, and to develope a matrix of Oriental nursing management system on the basis of that project. The subjects for nursing investment and output contents were eighteen nursing directors in eleven Oriental University Medical Center and two hundred thirty-nine nurses with three years and over experience in Oriental medical center. The subjects for Oriental nursing organization, human affair management, and control function were nineteen Oriental medical center in Oriental University Medical Center, Korea. Data were collected from November, 2002 to February, 2003 with questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS PC+ 12 program. Frequency, percentage, and minimum/maximum values were used for investment contents, and frequency and percentage were used for conversion process and output contents. 1. The input factors of oriental nursing management system The objective's western hospital career was over five years of one hundred and seventy-five(73.2%) persons. Nursing in-service education was performed in fourteen hospitals(77.8%). Two hundreds(83.7%) were pro to oriental nurse system. Only four hospitals(22.2%) had independent budget in nursing division. Nursing staff allocation to the bed was from 2.8:1 to 9.06:1 respectively, with a big gap of the rate following the hospitals. 2. The conversion factors of oriental nursing system 1) Oriental nursing system Oriental hospital nursing system was organized independently in ten hospitals among eighteen hospitals. The recruitment of nurses which was a vital role of the nursing division of the hospital was mostly(79%) opened. The education to develope nursing personnels was through in-service one in 97.4%. Education for oriental nursing and management was performed in 42.1%(eight hospitals) and that for reserves was done in 36.8%(seven hospitals). Administration for nursing education by nursing division was 68.5%(thirteen hospitals). The post education evaluation was performed by report submission in 36.8%(seven hospitals), by written examination in 26.3%, by questionnaires in 21.1%, and by lecture presentation in 15.8% subsequently. The directorial meeting for the nursing directors was attended by 84.2%(sixteen hospitals), and the meeting type was the medical executive and support division executive meeting in 55.6%(ten hospitals) and the personnel management in 39.6%(seven hospitals). 2) The actual conditions of oriental nursing personnel management The reason of working in oriental hospital was by voluntary in 67.1%(a hundred and sixty persons), by nursing department order in 28.0%(sixty-seven persons), and by others in 5.0%(twelve persons) respectively. The shift form was a three-shifts one in 94.7%(eighteen hospitals), a two-shift one in only one hospital. Duty assignment was functional in 52.6%(ten hospitals), team and functional in 26.3%(five hospitals) and no team alone. Promotion manual was present at 68.4%(thirteen hospitals) and the competency essentials comprised of performance evaluation in 79%, interview, written examination, training result, study result subsequently. No labor union existed in 79%(fifteen hospitals) 3) Oriental nursing preceptor system There were five oriental hospitals(27.7%) administering the preceptor utilization model, which showed lower rate than the twenty-two medical university hospitals in Seoul in which fifteen hospitals (72.7%) were having the system. To the question of necessity of oriental nurse system asked to the objectives of two hundred and thirty-nine with more than three year-experience in oriental hospital, two hundred persons(83.7%) answered positively. 4) The control of oriental nursing The evaluation results from the target hospitals were mostly not opened in 89.4% of oriental hospitals. Thirteen hospitals(68.3%) had evaluation system of direct managers and the next were three hospitals(15.8%) of direct managers and selves. There was one hospital(5.3% each) where fellows and superiors, fellows, and inferiors' evaluation was performed and no hospital where superiors, fellows, inferiors and selves, and superiors, fellows and selves' evaluation was performed. The QI activity of nursing was 42.1%(eight hospitals) for nursing service evaluation, 36.8% for survey of ECSI, 26.3% for survey of ICSI, 15.8% for medical visit rate, 10% for hospital standardization inspection in sequence. 3. The output factors of oriental nursing management system The job satisfaction appeared good in general, indicating very good in thirty-seven persons (15.7%), good in one hundred and fourteen persons (48.3%) and fair in eighty-five persons(36.0%).

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.65-74
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• 2013

A research program for the roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) has been set up at the Jeju Experimental Forest of Warm-temperate and Subtropical Forest Research Center in Jeju Island. To explore the home range size and habitat environment, 3 males and 3 females have been captured and released with GPS-CDMA based telemetry since 24th April 2012. Among them 2 females were captured at Hannam Forest of Seoguipo, were pregnant and monitored by the tracking system. There are significantly different patterns in behavior around the parturition. After parturition they show recurrence behavior toward one point in the forest, while they have irregular patterns in moving before. To calculate the home range size, the MCP (minimum convex polygon) and Kernel Method are applied through the extension of ESRI ArcView GIS 3.2a. The pregnant female captured 9th May 2012 has the size of MCP=67ha and Kernel 95%=0.5ha and the pregnant female captured 12th July 2012 has the size of MCP=82ha and Kernel 95%=0.9ha. Although a fawn could move immediately just after the birth likely others to avoid any risks, they stay at very narrow space significantly, and the size become wider when more time goes by. Furthermore, they mainly have a home range away from human activity area such as forest tracking roads. The habitat environment for the parturition is summarized as 40years old cryptomeria forests with new sprouting shrubs for foods, which are the controlled forest through the thinning and removing shrubs 2 years ago. This means that forest works could cause positive results for the parturition and survival of young. The period of parturition is earlier than highland in Jeju Island, the size of home range is narrower than other countries, and the habitat environment of the shelter for a fawn is similar to previous research in other countries.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2002

Background: Viral antigens presented on the cell surface in association with MHC class I molecules are recognized by CD8+ T cells. MHC restricted peptides are important in eliciting cellular immune responses. As peptide antigens have a weak immunigenicity, pH-sensitive liposomes were used for peptide delivery to induce effective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. In the previous study, as the HBx peptides could induce specific CTLs in vitro, we tested whether the HLA-A2/$K^b$ transgenic mice that were immunized by HBx-derived peptides could be protected from a viral challenge. Methods: HBx-peptides encapsulated by pH-sensitive liposomes were prepared. $A2K^b$ transgenic mice were immunized i.m. on days one and seven with the indicated concentrations of liposome-encapsulated peptides. Three weeks later, mice were infected with $1{\times}10^7pfu$/head of recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV)-HBx via i.p. administration. The ovaries were extracted from the mice, and the presence of rVV-HBx in the ovaries was analyzed using human TK-143B cells. IFN-${\gamma}$ secretion by these cells was directly assessed using a peptide-pulsed target cell stimulation assay with either peptide-pulsed antigen presenting cells (APCs), concanavalin A ($2{\mu}g/ml$), or a vehicle. To generate peptide-specific CTLs, splenocytes obtained from the immunized mice were stimulated with $20{\mu}g/ml$ of each peptide and restimulated with peptide-pulsed APC four times. The cytotoxic activity of the CTLs was assessed by standard $^{51}Cr$-release assay and intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ assay. Results: Immunization of these peptides as a mixture in pH-sensitive liposomes to transgenic mice induced a good protective effect from a viral challenge by inducing the peptide-specific CD8+ T cells. Mice immunized with $50{\mu}g/head$ were much better protected against viral challenge compared to those immunized with $5{\mu}g$/head, whereas the mice immunized with empty liposomes were not protected at all. After in vitro CTL culture by peptide stimulation, however, specific cytotoxicity was much higher in the CTLs from mice immunized with $5{\mu}g/head$ than $50{\mu}g/head$ group. Increase of the number of cells that intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ secreting cell among CD8+ T cells showed similar result. Conclusion: Mice immunized with XEPs within pH-sensitive liposome were protected against viral challenge. The protective effect depended on the amount of antigen used during immunization. XEP-3-specific CTLs could be induced by peptide stimulation in vitro from splenocytes obtained from immunized mice. The cytotoxic effect of CTLs was measured by $^{51}Cr$-release assay and the percentage of accumulated intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ secreting cells after in vitro restimulation was measured by flow cytometric analysis. The result of $^{51}Cr$-release cytotoxicity test was well correlated with that of the flow cytometric analysis. Viral protection was effective in immunized group of $50{\mu}g/head$, while in the in vitro restimulation, it showed more spectific response in $5{\mu}g$/head group.