• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2010.03a
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• pp.17-17
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• 2010

The amorphous $Bi_5Nb_3O_{15}$ film grown at room temperature under an oxygen-plasma sputtering ambient (BNRT-$O_2$ film) has a hydrophobic surface with a surface energy of $35.6\;mJm^{-2}$, which is close to that of the orthorhombic pentacene ($38\;mJm^{-2}$, resulting in the formation of a good pentacene layer without the introduction of an additional polymer layer. This film was very flexible, maintaining a high capacitance of $145\;nFcm^{-2}$ during and after 10s bending cycles with a small curvature radius of 7.5 mm. This film was optically transparent. Furthermore, the flexible, pentacene-based, organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) fabricated on the polyethersulphone substrate at room temperature using a BNRT-$O_2$ film as a gate insulator exhibited a promising device performance with a high field effect mobility of $0.5\;cm^2V^{-1}s^{-1}$, an on/off current modulation of $10^5$ and a small subthreshold slope of $0.2\;Vdecade^{-1}$ under a low operating voltage of -5 V. This device also maintained a high carrier mobility of $0.45\;cm^2V^{-1}s^{-1}$ during the bending with a small curvature radius of 9 mm. Therefore, the BNRT-$O_2$ film is considered a promising material for the gate insulator of the flexible, pentacene-based OTFT.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 2020

This present study was conducted to investigate protective effect of discontinuous Percoll gradient containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) before freezing process on viability, acrosome damage, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. The separation of spermatozoa by discontinuous Percoll gradient was performed by different concentration of Percoll solution (45/90%) containing ALA combined with bovine serum albumin (BSA), and collected sperm in each Percoll layer was cryopreserved. To evaluate viability, acrosome damage, mitochondrial activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of frozen-thawed sperm, flow cytometry was used. Morphological abnormalities were observed under light microscope. In results, viability of sperm from 90% Percoll layer was higher than control and 45% Percoll group (p < 0.05). Separated sperm in 90% Percoll layer had lower acrosome damage and morphological abnormalities than control as well as viability, whereas 45% Percoll group was higher (p < 0.05). Similar with acrosome damage and abnormalities, mitochondrial activity was slightly enhanced and the population of live sperm with high ROS level was decreased by 90% Percoll separation, however, there was no significant difference. Supplementation of 3 ng/mL ALA into Percoll solution increased sperm viability and decreased population of live sperm with high ROS compared to control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, discontinuous Percoll gradient before freezing process could improve efficiency of cryopreservation of boar sperm through selection of sperm with high freezing resistance, and supplement of ALA during Percoll gradient might contribute suppression of ROS generation via stabilizing of plasma membrane during cryopreservation.

• Journal of Chitin and Chitosan
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.256-261
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• 2018

Recently, the number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths worldwide has increased. Therefore, the importance of percutaneous cardiovascular intervention and drug-eluting stents (DES) has been highlighted. Despite the great clinical success of DES, the re-endothelialization at the site of stent implantation is retarded owing to the anti-proliferative effect from the coated drug, resulting in late thrombosis or very late restenosis. In order to solve this problem, studies have been actively carried out to excavate new drugs that promote rapid re-endothelialization. In this study, we introduced hydrophilic drug, tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA), that improves the proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells and promotes apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, we utilized shellac, which is a natural resin from lac bug to coat TUDCA on the surface of the metal. When using conventional coating method including biodegradable polymers and organic solvents, phase separation between polymer and drug occurred in the coating layer that caused incomplete incorporation of drug into the polymer layer. However, when using shellac as a coating polymer, no phase separation was observed and drug was fully covered with the polymer matrix. In addition, by adjusting the composition of coating solution and modifying the hydrophilicity of the metal surface using oxygen plasma, the surface roughness decreased due to the increased affinity between coating solution and metal surface. This result provides a method of depositing a hydrophilic drug layer on the stent.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.66-69
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• 2018

This study was researched the electrical properties of semiconductor devices such as ITO, $SiO_2$, $V_2O_5$ thin films. The films of ITO, $SiO_2$, $V_2O_5$ were deposited by the rf magnetron sputtering system with mixed gases of oxygen and argon to generate the plasma. All samples were cleaned before deposition and prepared the metal electrodes to research the current-voltage properties. The electrical characteristics of semiconductors depends on the interface's properties at the junction. There are two kinds of junctions such as ohmic and schottky contacts in the semiconductors. In this study, the ITO thin film was shown the ohmic contact properties as the linear current-voltage curves, and the electrical characteristics of $SiO_2$ and $V_2O_5$ films were shown the non-linear current-voltage curves as the schottky contacts. It was confirmed that the electronic system with schottky contacts enhanced the electronic flow owing to the increment of efficiency and increased the conductivity. The schottky contact was only defined special characteristics at the semiconductor and the interface depletion layer at the junction made the schottky contact which has the effect of leakage current cutoff. Consequently the semiconductor device with shottky contact increased the electronic current flow, in spite of depletion of carriers.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.25-31
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• 2020

[Purpose] Epidemiological evidence has shown that leisure-time physical activity and structured exercise before and after breast cancer diagnosis contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Thus, in this review, we aimed to summarize the physical activity-dependent regulation of systemic factors to understand the biological and molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation, progression, and survival of breast cancer. [Methods] We systematically reviewed the studies on 1) the relationship between physical activity and the risk of breast cancer, and 2) various systemic factors induced by physical activity and exercise that are potentially linked to breast cancer outcomes. To perform this literature review, PubMed database was searched using the terms "Physical activity OR exercise" and "breast cancer", until August 5th, 2020; then, we reviewed those articles related to biological mechanisms after examining the resulting search list. [Results] There is strong evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer, and the protective effect of physical activity on breast cancer has been achieved by long-term regulation of various circulatory factors, such as sex hormones, metabolic hormones, inflammatory factors, adipokines, and myokines. In addition, physical activity substantially alters wholebody homeostasis by affecting numerous other factors, including plasma metabolites, reactive oxygen species, and microRNAs as well as exosomes and gut microbiota profile, and thereby every cell and organ in the whole body might be ultimately affected by the biological perturbation induced by physical activity and exercise. [Conclusion] The understanding of integrative mechanisms will enhance how physical activity can ultimately influence the risk and prognosis of various cancers, including breast cancer. Furthermore, physical activity could be considered an efficacious non-pharmacological therapy, and the promotion of physical activity is probably an effective strategy in primary cancer prevention.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.20-27
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• 2024

Objective: While sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is an effective method for preserving fertility, it can potentially harm the structure and function of sperm due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeONPs) on various sperm functional parameters, including motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome membrane integrity (ACi), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 20 Albino Wistar rats. These samples were then divided into six groups: fresh, cryopreservation control, and groups supplemented with SeONPs (1, 2, 5 ㎍/mL) and ZnONPs (0.1, 1, 10 ㎍/mL). Results: Statistical analysis revealed that all concentrations of SeONPs increased total motility and progressive reduction of MDA levels compared to the cryopreservation control group (p<0.05). However, supplementation with ZnONPs did not affect these parameters (p>0.05). Conversely, supplements of 1 and 2 ㎍/mL SeONPs and 1 ㎍/mL ZnONPs contributed to the improvement of PMI and ACi (p<0.05). Yet, no significant change was observed in MMP with any concentration of SeONPs and ZnONPs compared to the cryopreservation control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that optimal concentrations of SeONPs may enhance sperm parameters during the freezing process.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.233-239
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• 2017

Intracellular calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) oscillation is an initial event in digestive enzyme secretion of pancreatic acinar cells. Reactive oxygen species are known to be associated with a variety of oxidative stress-induced cellular disorders including pancreatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ accumulation in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Perfusion of $H_2O_2$ at $300{\mu}M$ resulted in additional elevation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels and termination of oscillatory $Ca^{2+}$ signals induced by carbamylcholine (CCh) in the presence of normal extracellular $Ca^{2+}$. Antioxidants, catalase or DTT, completely prevented $H_2O_2$-induced additional $Ca^{2+}$ increase and termination of $Ca^{2+}$ oscillation. In $Ca^{2+}$-free medium, $H_2O_2$ still enhanced CCh-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels and thapsigargin (TG) mimicked $H_2O_2$-induced cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ increase. Furthermore, $H_2O_2$-induced elevation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels was abolished under sarco/endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase-inactivated condition by TG pretreatment with CCh. $H_2O_2$ at $300{\mu}M$ failed to affect store-operated $Ca^{2+}$ entry or $Ca^{2+}$ extrusion through plasma membrane. Additionally, ruthenium red, a mitochondrial $Ca^{2+}$ uniporter blocker, failed to attenuate $H_2O_2$-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ elevation. These results provide evidence that excessive generation of $H_2O_2$ in pathological conditions could accumulate intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ by attenuating refilling of internal $Ca^{2+}$ stores rather than by inhibiting $Ca^{2+}$ extrusion to extracellular fluid or enhancing $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization from extracellular medium in mouse pancreatic acinar cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.669-676
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• 2004

Functional characteristics of citrus products fermented with lactic acid bacterium and yeast were investigated. Flavonoid composition of fermented citrus extracts increased significantly compared to control, leading to increases of naringenin and hesperetin concentrations. All citrus extracts showed anti-apoptotic effects in HepG2 cells regardless of fermentation, with citrus-fermented products showing greater anti-apoptotic effect and intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species content reduction compared to native citrus extracts. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally dosed with native or fermented citrus extracts. Singnificantly higher body weight reductions were observed in higher fermented citrus-dosed (100 mg/kg body weight) group compared to the other groups. Plasma total cholesterol level was slightly, but not significantly, reduced. Fatty liver formation induced by high-fat diet was significantly suppressed in rats administered with fermented citrus extracts. Results suggest fermented citrus extracts have potent anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities in vitro, and inhibitory activity against fatty liver formation by high-fat diet in vivo.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.65-71
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• 2012

Oxygen is the final acceptor of electron transport from fat and carbohydrate oxidation, which is the rate-limiting factor for cellular ATP production. Under altitude hypoxia condition, energy reliance on anaerobic glycolysis increases to compensate for the shortfall caused by reduced fatty acid oxidation [1]. Therefore, training at altitude is expected to strongly influence the human metabolic system, and has the potential to be designed as a non-pharmacological or recreational intervention regimen for correcting diabetes or related metabolic problems. However, most people cannot accommodate high altitude exposure above 4500 M due to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and insulin resistance corresponding to a increased levels of the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamine [2]. Thus, less stringent conditions were evaluated to determine whether glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity could be improved by moderate altitude exposure (below 4000 M). In 2003, we and another group in Austria reported that short-term moderate altitude exposure plus endurance-related physical activity significantly improves glucose tolerance (not fasting glucose) in humans [3,4], which is associated with the improvement in the whole-body insulin sensitivity [5]. With daily hiking at an altitude of approximately 4000 M, glucose tolerance can still be improved but fasting glucose was slightly elevated. Individuals vary widely in their response to altitude challenge. In particular, the improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by prolonged altitude hiking activity is not apparent in those individuals with low baseline DHEA-S concentration [6]. In addition, hematopoietic adaptation against altitude hypoxia can also be impaired in individuals with low DHEA-S. In short-lived mammals like rodents, the DHEA-S level is barely detectable since their adrenal cortex does not appear to produce this steroid [7]. In this model, exercise training recovery under prolonged hypoxia exposure (14-15% oxygen, 8 h per day for 6 weeks) can still improve insulin sensitivity, secondary to an effective suppression of adiposity [8]. Genetically obese rats exhibit hyperinsulinemia (sign of insulin resistance) with up-regulated baseline levels of AMP-activated protein kinase and AS160 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle compared to lean rats. After prolonged hypoxia training, this abnormality can be reversed concomitant with an approximately 50% increase in GLUT4 protein expression. Additionally, prolonged moderate hypoxia training results in decreased diffusion distance of muscle fiber (reduced cross-sectional area) without affecting muscle weight. In humans, moderate hypoxia increases postprandial blood distribution towards skeletal muscle during a training recovery. This physiological response plays a role in the redistribution of fuel storage among important energy storage sites and may explain its potent effect on changing body composition. Conclusion: Prolonged moderate altitude hypoxia (rangingfrom 1700 to 2400 M), but not acute high attitude hypoxia (above 4000 M), can effectively improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance for humans and antagonizes the obese phenotype in animals with a genetic defect. In humans, the magnitude of the improvementvaries widely and correlates with baseline plasma DHEA-S levels. Compared to training at sea-level, training at altitude effectively decreases fat mass in parallel with increased muscle mass. This change may be associated with increased perfusion of insulin and fuel towards skeletal muscle that favors muscle competing postprandial fuel in circulation against adipose tissues.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.530-534
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• 2011

The synthesis of dimethyl carbonate by liquid phase oxidative carbonylation of methanol was studied under batch reaction system. Reaction factors such as effect on various metals, anion containing in copper catalyst, temperature, carbon monoxide and oxygen molar ratio and copper content were investigated. In particular $CuCl_2{\cdot}2H_2O$ showed the excellent of the methanol conversion 65.2%, DMC selectivity 96.6% reaction condition under 1.0 g, $150^{\circ}C$, MeOH/CO/$O_2$=0.2/0.215/0.05 (molar ratio). $CuCl_2$ led to corrosion of the reactor. Thus, a new catalyst system using supports was investigated to resolve these corrosion problem. Influence on various supports were examined and copper catalyst supported on zeolite Y showed the most excellent activity on the formation of dimethyl carbonate. The amount of Fe dissolved during the reaction using ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer) was compared with catalysts, calcined Cu/zeolite Y showed the lower value below 5% than $CuCl_2-2H_2O$.