• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.222-227
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• 2008

In this work we have studied the antifouling properties of the hydrophobic sol-gel modified sensing membrane and its optical properties for sensor application. E. coli JM109, B. cereus 318 and P. pastoris X-33 were cultivated in confocal cultivation dishes with glass surface, respectively. The glass surface was coated with the hydrophobic sol-gels prepared by the dimethoxy-dimethyl-silane (DiMe-DMOS) and tetramethyl-orthosilicate (TMOS). After cultivation, microorganisms adhered on the surface coated with sol-gels and glass surface were dyed by gram-staining method and the numbers of microorganisms were analyzed based on the image data of the scanning electronic microscope (SEM). A great number of microorganisms, about $2{\sim}3{\times}10^4/mm^2$, was adhered on the glass surfaces which no hydrophobic sol-gels were coated. However, the antifouling effect of the hydrophobic sol-gels was large, that microorganisms of less than $200{\sim}300/mm^2$ were adhered on the coated glass surface. The performance of the sensing membranes for detection of pH and dissolved oxygen was enhanced by recoating the light insulation layer prepared with the mixture of the hydrophobic sol-gel and graphite particles.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.254-262
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• 1998

Multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films coated on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) of octa-substituted metallophhtalocyanines ($MPc(OEH)_8$, M = Cu, Co, and Sn) and dihydrogen phthalocyanines ($H_2Pc(OEH)_8$) were used to quantify $NO_2$ concentrations. They were exposed to various concentrations of $NO_2$ in dry $N_2$. Among the four phthalocyanines we tested, the metal-free $H_2Pc(OEH)_8$ was observed to be most sensitive to $NO_2$. However, its LB film showed a partially irreversible behavior, that is part of the frequency change due to $NO_2$ adsorption could not be recovered even after purging with pure $N_2$ gas for an extended period. Examining the spectra of NMR and FTIR revealed fact that the irreversible portion of frequency change was due to ether groups in the linkage between side chains and the Pc unit. In order to remove the effect of such initial deactivation, on $NO_2$ quantification experiment, a freshly fabricated LB film was treated at a high concentration of $NO_2$ so that the ether sites were saturated. A pretreated LB film showed a reproducible performance for repeated uses. The $CuPc(OEH)_8$ LB film showed a satisfactory sensing performance down to as low as 4 ppm. For the $H_2Pc(OEH)_8$ LB film, the lower detection limit was found to be 35ppb of $NO_2$. In order to make the experimental condition more realistic, the carrier gas, dry nitrogen, was replaced by air. It was observed that the presence of oxygen, a weak electron acceptor, reduced the sensitivity and thus increased the sensing limit to hundreds of ppb. Results of experiments with moisture added showed that the interference of moisture was quite severe.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.251-256
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• 2011

EGCG, catechins in green tea, is a kind of phytochemical. Through the regulation of signal pathways, EGCG has been known to show anti-oxidant and anti-tumor effects in cells. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic effects of EGCG through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal pathways, including hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-$1{\alpha}$). The experiments were performed in B16F10 melanoma cells in a hypoxic state. AMPK is activated by ATP consumption such as nutrient deficiency, exercise, heat shock, etc. The activated AMPK that plays an important role as an energy sensor inhibits proliferation of cancer cells, as well as inducing apoptosis. HIF-$1{\alpha}$, the primary transcriptional regulator of the response to oxygen deprivation, plays a critical role in modulating tumor growth and angiogenesis in a hypoxic state. The apoptotic effects of EGCG were studied in B16F10 cells in a hypoxic state. The results show that EGCG inhibits the transcriptional activity of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and induces apoptosis. These observations suggest that EGCG may exert inhibitory effects of angiogenesis and control tumor cell growth in hypoxic melanoma cells.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitously distributed and play important functions in diverse cellular signaling systems. The proteins are largely classified into three groups, such as typical 2-Cys Prx, atypical 2-Cys Prx, and 1-Cys Prx, that are distinguished by their catalytic mechanisms and number of Cys residues. From the three classes of Prxs, the typical 2-Cys Prx containing the two-conserved Cys residues at its N-terminus and C-terminus catalyzes $H_2O_2$ with the use of thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor. During the catalytic cycle, the N-terminal Cys residue undergoes a peroxide-dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfinic acid at the presence of high concentrations of $H_2O_2$ and a Trx system containing Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH. The sulfinic acid form of 2-Cys Prx is reduced by the action of sulfiredoxin which requires ATP as an energy source. Under the strong oxidative or heat shock stress conditions, 2-Cys Prx in eukaryotes rapidly switches its protein structure from low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight protein structures. In accordance with its structural changes, the protein concomitantly triggers functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone, which can protect its substrate denaturation from external stress. In addition to its N-terminal active site, the C-terminal domain including 'YF-motif' of 2-Cys Prx plays a critical role in the structural changes. Therefore, the C-terminal truncated 2-Cys Prxs are not able to regulate their protein structures and highly resistant to $H_2O_2$-dependent hyperoxidation, suggesting that the reaction is guided by the peroxidatic Cys residue. Based on the results, it may be concluded that the peroxidatic Cys of 2-Cys Prx acts as an '$H_2O_2$-sensor' in the cells. The oxidative stress-dependent regulation of 2-Cys Prx provides a means of defense systems in cells to adapt stress conditions by activating intracellular defense signaling pathways. Particularly, 2-Cys Prxs in plants are localized in chloroplasts with a dynamic protein structure. The protein undergoes conformational changes again oxidative stress. Depending on a redox-potential of the chloroplasts, the plant 2-Cys Prx forms super-molecular weight protein structures, which attach to the thylakoid membranes in a reversible manner.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.79-87
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• 2019

The degree of cosmetic's oxidation depends on the storage conditions and external conditions when using the product. The microbial contamination and oxygen exposure often results in the quality deterioration of cosmetics. In addition, the problem is that consumers often use cream-type cosmetics, which have short expiration period (6-12 months), even after the product is expired. When using the deteriorated cosmetics, it can be fatal to consumers' safety including some symptoms such as folliculitis, rashes, edema, and dermatitis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop sealed smart packaging for cosmetics to prevent the deterioration of cosmetics and improve consumer safety. In this study, we have developed smart packaging design for cosmetics that can measure the surrounding environment and expiration date for the cosmetics in the real time. In addition, the smart packaging includes sensor, which are linked to the mobile application. Users can find out the measurement results through the application. Also, the packaging design and functions were set up based on the survey results by the user and feasible model can be produced based on user choice. The measurement in the three environment has been done after manufactured the sensor, PCB, and mobile application. As a result, it works normally within a certain range under all three environmental conditions. It is believed that the information on expiration dates and storage environment can be efficiently delivered to the consumers through developed cosmetics smart packaging and applications. The development of UI/UX design for consumer is further studied. The UX/UI design of the application plays an essential role in achieving this goal through the commercialization the cosmetic products in the wide range.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.245-249
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• 2010

Purpose: Numerous false alarms by pulse oximetry, which is widely used in neonatal intensive care unit, can delay response to true alarms. Masimo $SET^{(R)}$ was introduced lately, to overcome false alarms by motion. We compared the clinical performance of two devices (Nellcor $N-595^{(R)}$ and Masimo $SET^{(R)}$) for the evaluation of the false alarm frequency during usual motion artifacts and stable state. Methods: A total of 20 preterm infants weighing 1,000-2,500 g were enrolled in the study. The sensors of two devices were placed on the different feet on the same infants, and both devices were programmed to emit an alarm for episode of hypoxemia (SpO2$\leq$85%). The false alarms were defined as episodes of poor correlation with ECG heart rate, poor waveforms, and the absence of obvious signs of hypoxia. We compared the frequency of false alarms between the two devices. Results: The mean chronological age was 20.8 days and the mean body weight was 1,668 g on the study day. The frequency of total false alarm was significantly fewer for Masimo $SET^{(R)}$ pulse oximetry (48 in Nellcor $N-595^{(R)}$, 27 in Masimo $SET^{(R)}$) although the false alarm during usual motion artifacts was not significantly between two devices (32 in Nellcor $N-595^{(R)}$, 19 in Masimo $SET^{(R)}$). Conclusion: The Masimo $SET^{(R)}$ pulse oximetry has fewer false alarm rates and identified more true hypoxic events than Nellcor $N-595^{(R)}$ pulse oximetry. Therefore, it is useful for adequate oxygen therapy and helps to decrease unnecessary handling by clinicians and nurses.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.52-58
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• 2012

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often have more aggravated symptoms in the supine position. We tried to investigate the clinical characteristics and the predictive factors for positional OSA. Polysomnographic data were reviewed for OSA patients (apnea hypopnea index, $AHI{\geq}5$) from April, 2008 to April, 2011 at the Asan Medical Center. Clinical data, comorbid medical condition data and questionnaires (SF-36, MFI-20, ESS, BDI, STAI) were assessed. All patients were classified into two groups: positional patients (PP) group and non-positional patients (NPP) group. PP was defined as a patient who had the AHI in the supine position was at least twice as high as that in the lateral position. The body position of patients was confirmed by sleep position sensor and video monitor. All patients had at least 30 minutes of positional and 30 minutes of non-positional sleep. We compared clinical, medical, polysomnographic data, and questionnaire results between two (PP and NPP) groups and investigated predictive factors for the PP group using binary logistic regression analysis. In total, 371 patients were investigated. 265 (71.4%) was categorized as PP group and 106 (28.5%) as NPP group. The mean age ($mean{\pm}SD$) was higher in the PP group ($52.4{\pm}9.8$) than in the NPP group ($49.5{\pm}11.9$) (p<0.05). Comparison of sleep parameters between the PP and the NPP group showed that the PP group had significantly lower BMI (PP: $26.1{\pm}3.2kg/m^2$; NPP: $27.8{\pm}4.3kg/m^2$, p<0.001), neck circumference (PP: $39.7{\pm}2.8cm$; NPP: $41.5{\pm}3.7cm$, p<0.001) and hypertension rate (PP: n=89/265 (33.5%); NPP: n=48/106 (45.2%), p=0.0240). In the PP group, the percentage of deep sleep (PP: $8.7{\pm}8.1%$; NPP: $5.6{\pm}7.0%$, P=0.001) and rapid eye movement (REM) (PP: $17.5{\pm}6.1%$; NPP: $14.0{\pm}6.9%$, p<0.001) were significantly higher whereas the percentage of light sleep (stage N1) was significantly lower than the NPP group (PP: $30.4{\pm}12.3$; NPP: $44.5{\pm}20.8%$, p<0.001). During the sleep, the AHI in the supine position (PP: $48.6{\pm}19.5$; NPP: $60.5{\pm}22.6$, p<0.001) and in the non-supine position (PP: $9.4{\pm}8.9$; NPP: $48.4{\pm}24.8$, p=<0.001) were significantly lower and the minimal arterial oxygen saturation in non-REM sleep was significantly higher in the PP group (PP: $80.3{\pm}7.6$; NPP: $75.1{\pm}9.9$, p=<0.001). There were no significant differences in all questionnaires including quality of life. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, the amount of REM sleep(%) and AHI were significant predictive factors for positional OSA. The significant predictive factors for positional OSA were older age, higher percentage of REM and lower AHI. The questionnaire results were not significantly different between the two groups.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

To evaluate accuracy and precision of determination of total alkalinity ($Alk_T$) and carbon dioxide ($TCO_2$) derived from present study, experiment was applied with $CO_2$ CRM (Batch 132, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; $Alk_T=2229.24{\pm}0.39{\mu}mol/kg$, $TCO_2=2032.65{\pm}0.45{\mu}mol/kg$). As the result, average concentration of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ was $2354.09{\mu}mol/kg$ (~5.6% difference with $CO_2$ CRM) and $2089.60{\mu}mol/kg$ (~2.3% difference with $CO_2$ CRM), respectively. For previous method (Gran Titration) by addition $NaHCO_3$ to deionized water($Alk_T$ $2023.33{\mu}mol/kg$), average concentration was $2193.39{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=57.15, n=7). Whereas, average concentration was $2017.02{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=10.98, n=7) for the present study. Recovery yield experiments of total alkalinity in deionized water and seawater were implemented by addition of $NaHCO_3$. The recovery yield of deionized water in the range 0 to $4952.39{\mu}mol/kg$ was 100.8% ($R^2$=0.999), and seawater in the range 0 to $2041.32{\mu}mol/kg$ was 102.3% ($R^2$=0.999). Comparison of $pCO_2$ sensor (PSI $CO_2-Pro^{TM}$) with present method showed very meaningful correlation coefficient ($R^2$=0.977) in the range of 427 to $705{\mu}atm$ and 9.16 to $15.24{\mu}mol/kg$ throught elapsed time for two weeks. Field experiment of diurnal variation of total carbon dioxide was accomplished at Sachon harbor in the coastal waters of East Sea of Korea. Concentration of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ was increased during night, and decreased during daylight hours. The results showed mirror type between $TCO_2$ and dissolved oxygen, which was attributable to photosynthesis and respiration of phytoplankton. Also, open ocean field study was performed to obtain vertical profile of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ in C-C zone (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone), Northeastern Pacific. Average concentrations of $Alk_T$ in the surface mixed layer (0~60 m) and deeper layer below 200 m were $2422.38{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=78.73, n=20) and $2465.87{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=57.68, n=103), respectively. And average concentrations of $TCO_2$ were $2134.47{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=65.4, n=20) and $2431.87{\mu}mol/kg$ (sd=65.02, n=103) in the same depth ranges such as $Alk_T$. Vertical distributions of $Alk_T$ and $TCO_2$ concentrations tended to increase with depth, and analyzed concentrations showed slightly higher than those of previous studies in this area.