• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2020

Although the evolution of Arabidopsis thaliana and humans diverged approximately 1.6 billion years ago, recent studies have demonstrated that protein function and cellular processes involved in disease response remain remarkably conserved. Particularly, γ-secretase, a multisubunit protein complex that participates in intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) regulation, is also known to mediate the cleavage of more than 80 substrates including the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the Notch receptor. Although the genes (PS1/2, APH-1, PEN-2, and NCT) coding for the γ-secretase complex components are present in plant genomes, their function remains largely uncharacterized. Given that the deposition of 42 amino acid long amyloid-β peptides (hAβ₄₂) is thought to be one of the main causes of Alzheimer's disease, we aimed to examine the physiological effects of hAβ₄₂ peptides on plants. Interestingly, we found that Arabidopsis protoplast death increased after 24 h of exposure to 3 or 5 µM hAβ₄₂ peptides. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the hAβ₄₂ gene exhibited changes in primary root length and silique phyllotaxy. Taken together, our results demonstrate that hAβ₄₂ peptides, a metazoan protein, significantly affect Arabidopsis protoplast viability and plant morphology.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.287-296
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• 2020

The absence of functional estrogen receptor α (Esr1) results in an overgrowth of the epididymal fat, as observed in estrogen receptor α knockout (ERαKO) mouse. The present research was aimed to evaluate expression of various molecules associated with adipocyte differentiation and maturation in the epididymal fat of ERαKO mouse at several postnatal ages by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The highest transcript levels of all molecules were detected at 12 months of postnatal age, except leptin which the mRNA level was increased at 5 months of age and was unchanged until 12 months of age. The expression levels of CCAAT enhancer binding protein (Cebp) alpha, androgen receptor, and lipoprotein lipase were decreased at 5 months of age but increased at about 8 months of age. The mRNA levels of Cebp gamma and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 remained steady until 8 months of age. Continuous increases of transcript levels during postnatal period were found in Cebp beta, estrogen receptor (ER) beta, fatty acid binding protein 4, and delta like non-canonical Notch ligand 1. The increases of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and adiponectin mRNA levels were detected as early as 8 months of age. The levels of fatty acid synthase and resistin transcript at 5 and 8 months of age were lower than that at 2 months of age. These findings show the aberrant expression patterns of genes related to adipocyte differentiation and maturation in the postnatal epididymal fat pad by the disruption of ER alpha function.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.118-131
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• 2006

1. Objective Pulse diagnosis is generally applied to Traditional Oriental Medicine but not to Sasang Constitution diagnosis. Recently new pulse analyzer using array piezoresistive sensor and multi-channel robot arm developed. It reflects Oriental Medical Doctors' diagnostic processes, and its reproducibility test was done at Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. We performed this study to set parameters diagnosing Sasang Constitution. 2. Methods One hundred thirty three subjects participated in this study. They are healty and approved this study. Before being tested with pulse analyzer, they had interview with Sasang Constitution Specialist to diagnose their Sasang Constitution. We established some useful parameters from parameters of pulse analyzer according to the Original Texts of Oriental Medicine and clinical experiences to analyze with clinical data of this study. 3. Results (I) There is a significant difference in pre-dicrotic notch time among all parameters of pulse analyzer in Sasang Constitution groups(P=0.047). (2) There is a significant difference in maximum pulse pressure in 33 to 48 year Sasang Constitution groups(P=0.010). (3) There is a significant difference in frequency width in 17 to 32 year Sasang Constitution groups(P=0.002). (4) There is a significant difference in CFS value in groups which OMD diagnoses; Floating & Sinking pulse(P=0.020). (5) There is a significant difference in pulse rate in groups which OMD diagnoses; Rapid & Slow pulse(P=0.000). (6) There is a significant difference in maximum pulse pressure in groups which OMD diagnoses; Deficient & Solid pulse(P=0.000). 4. Conclusions Analyzing parameters in each Sasang Constitution group, we found it shows significant difference in maximum pulse pressure and corresponding tendency in coefficient of floating & sinking pulse with theories of Sasang Consti-tutional Medicine. As we accumulate more clinical data, we will establish algorithm to diagnose Sasang Constitution using a pulse analyzer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

Background Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. Methods Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. Results The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.1-7
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• 2014

For the resistance spot welds of CR1180 and GA1180 TRIP steels, the weld quality evaluation method using the digitalized X-ray transmission imaging apparatus was investigated in comparison with the crosssectional examination method. In the case of the resistance spot welding of CR1180, three circular regions, such as WZ(white zone), GZ(grey zone) and DZ(dark zone), appeared on X-ray image and they corresponded to the diameters of indentation mark, nugget and corona bond, respectively. The variation of X-ray transmission thickness due to the thickness variation of the weld seemed to be mainly responsible for the formation of those contrasts. The X-ray image contrast formed from the variation of transmission thickness at the outer border line of DZ could also enable the inspections of the notch shape, nonuniformity of the welding pressure and spatter from its sharpness, concentricity and the normal straight line, respectively. The X-ray image of the resistance spot weld of galvannealed GA1180 TRIP steel was very similar to that of CR1180 TRIP steel except the crown shaped outer border line of DZ which was considered to be due to the melting behavior of zinc having the boiling temperature even lower than the melting temperature of steel.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.129-136
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• 2012

This study seeks to evaluate the welding characteristics of SHN400 steel, which is suitable for the steel material used in building structures in KS. For this purpose, the Y-groove weld crack test and hardness, tensile, bending, cross tensile, and charpy V notch tests at the welding point were conducted with specimens taken from the highest, the thickest and the commonly used H-beams for girder or beam members. Each test was conducted under the KS test conditions. All tests results satisfied the requirements of KS and the welding requirements for the proper inelastic behavior of structure, indicating that SHN400 can be used for the building structure as a structural material.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2011

Chronic alcohol consumption contributes to numerous diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and liver cirrhosis. Epidemiological studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for dementia. Along this line, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is caused by the accumulation of amyloid-$\beta$ ($A{\beta}$ plaques in neurons. In this study, we hypothesized that chronic ethanol consumption is associated with pathological processing of APP in AD. To investigate the relationship between chronic alcohol consumption and $A{\beta}$ production, brain samples from rats fed an alcohol liquid diet for 5 weeks were analyzed. We show that the expression levels of APP, BACE1, and immature nicastrin were increased in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and striatum of the alcohol-fed group compared to the control group. Total nicastrin and PS1 levels were induced in the hippocampus of alcohol-fed rats. These data suggest that the altered expression of APP and $A{\beta}$-producing enzymes possibly contributes to the chronic alcohol consumption-mediated pathogenesis of AD.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2001

The main objective of this study is to determine if the sources of AE in corroded specimens of aluminum could be identified iron the characteristics of the waveform signals recorded during fatigue loading. Coupons of notched 2024-T3 aluminum with or without corrosion (at the notch) were subjected to fatigue loading and the AE signals were recorded using non-resonant, flat, wide-band transducers. The time history and power spectrum of each individual wave signal recorded during fatigue crack growth were examined and classified according to their special characteristics. Five distinct types of signals were observed regardless of specimen condition. The waveform and power spectra were shown to be dependent on specimen condition. During the initial phase of crack growth, the signals obtained in the as-received specimens are most probably due to transgranular cleavage caused by extrusion and intrusion under fatigue loading. In the corroded specimen the signal are probably generated by intergranular cleavage due to embrittlement of grain boundary neat the pitting tip. The need for additional research to further validate these findings is indicated.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Pressure Vessels and Piping
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2016

Current guidance considers that uniaxially loaded specimen with a deep crack is used for the determination of the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature. However, reactor pressure vessel is under biaxial loading in real and the existence of deep crack is not probable through periodic in-service-inspection. The elastic stress intensity factor and the elastic-plastic J-integral which were used for crack-tip stress field and fracture mechanics assessment parameters. The difference of the loading condition and crack geometry can significantly influence on these parameters. Thus, a constraint effect caused by differences between standard specimens and a real structure can over/underestimate the fracture toughness, and it affects the results of the structural integrity assessment, consequentially. The present paper investigates the constraint effects by evaluating the master curve $T_0$ reference temperature of PCVN (Pre-cracked Charpy V-Notch) and small scale cruciform specimens which was designed to simulate biaxial loading condition with shallow crack through the fracture toughness tests and 3-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element analyses. Based on the finite element analysis results, the fracture toughness values of a small scale cruciform specimen were estimated, and the geometry-dependent factors of the cruciform specimen considered in the present study were determined. Finally, the transferability of the test results of these specimens was discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.72-76
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• 1998

Between March 1992 and December 1995 at St. Paul's, Holy Family, St. Vincent and Eui Jung Bu St. Mary Hospitals Catholic University, two hundred and eighty patients underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstruction using central one-third bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Nine of these patients had limitation of motion(LOM) defined as a knee flexion contracture greater than 10o or less than 125o of passive knee flexion. This study analyzes the causes of LOM after ACL reconstruction as well as the results after passive manipulation or arthroscopic adhesiolysis under anesthesia for LOM. The results are as follows: 1. Out of nine patients, initially three had isolated ACL injuries and six had combined injuries. Seven of nine cases were perfomed by ACL reconstruction within four weeks and two were performed after four weeks following injury. 2. Treatment for LOM after ACL reconstruction was done after 5.5 months on average. 3. Arthroscopic adhesiolysis was done in 5 cases. There were fibrous adhesions at suprapatellar pouch and femoral intercondylar notch in all cases, respectively, infrapatellar fat pad in 3 cases and medial para patellar gutter in 2 cases. Two patients had a fibrous nodule, "cyclops" lesion, which formed anterior to the ACL graft. 4. Range of motion and Lysholm knee score were much improved following passive manipulation or arthroscopic adhesiolysis under anesthesia for LOM.