• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has rapidly escalated in Asia (including Korea) due to increasing westernized diet patterns subsequent to industrialization. Factors associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are demonstrated to be one of the major causes of IBD. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) on ER stress. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and polarized Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with crude extract of the L. chinense fruit (LF). Paracellular permeability was measured to examine the effect of tight junction (TJ) integrity. The regulatory pathways of ER stress were evaluated in MEF knockout (KO) cell lines by qPCR for interleukin (IL) 6, IL8 and XBP1 spliced form (XBP1s). Immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP), XBP1s and CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP) expressions were measured by RT-PCR. Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) at high resolution was applied to observe morphological changes after treatments. RESULTS: Exposure to LF extract strengthened the TJ, both in the presence and absence of inflammation. In polarized Caco-2 pretreated with LF, induction in the expression of proinflammatory marker IL8 was not significant, whereas ER stress marker XBP1s expression was significantly increased. In wild type (wt) MEF cells, IL6, CHOP and XBP1 spliced form were dose-dependently induced when exposed to $12.5-50{\mu}g/mL$ extract. However, absence of XBP1 or $IRE1{\alpha}$ in MEF cells abolished this effect. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that LF treatment enhances the barrier function and reduces inflammation and ER stress in an $IRE1{\alpha}$-XBP1-dependent manner. These results suggest the preventive effect of LF on healthy intestine, and the possibility of reducing the degree of inflammatory symptoms in IBD patients.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.277-290
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• 2018

In this study, Pd-Ni-Ag alloy hydrogen separation membranes were fabricated by Pd/Ag/Pd/Ni/Pd multi-layer sputter deposition on the modified MIM(Metal Injection Molding)-PSS(Porous Stainless Steel) support and followed heat treatment. Nickel, used as an alloying element in Pd alloy membranes, is inexpensive and stable material in a hydrogen isotope environment at high temperature up to 1123 K. Hydrogen perm-selectivity of Pd-Ni-Ag alloy membranes is affected not only by composition of membrane films but also by other factors such as surface properties of PSS support, microstructure of membrane films and inter-diffused impurities from PSS support. In order to clarify the effect of surface Ni composition on hydrogen perm-selectivity of Pd-Ni-Ag alloy membranes, the other effects were significantly minimized by the formation of dense and homogeneous Pd-Ni-Ag alloy membranes. Hydrogen permeation test showed that hydrogen permeability decreased from $7.6{\times}10^{-09}$ to $1.02{\times}10^{-09}mol/m{\cdot}s{\cdot}Pa^{0.5}$ as Ni composition increased from 0 to 16 wt% and the selectivity for $H_2/N_2$ was infinite.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.21-28
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• 2021

The factors of landslides depend on rainfall intensity, duration, and the characteristics of the soil slope. The conventional slope stability analysis has been carried out by assuming that the slope is saturated. But, a site slope consisting of unsaturated ground must be imitated and interpreted in order to explain a proper behavior of the slope due to rainfall. In this study, by using two major categories of soils in Korea, such as granite and gneiss weathered soils, landslide model test and numerical analysis have been compared with the difference of seepage and volumetric water content. In general, the permeability of gneiss weathered soil, which contains a lot of fines content, is slower than that of granite weathered soil. As a result, in extreme rainfall, numerical analysis can show results that can penetrate quickly, resulting in saturation or more dangerous collapse.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.262-276
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• 2023

This study aims to develop a multi-functional cage for dogs as a house to reduce their anxiety when they go out using cages. This study investigates the types and characteristics of cages and cage preference by surveying men and women in their 20s who use them. The cage product reviews are also analyzed. The research results are as follows: First, domestic dog cages are classified into crate, shoulder, cross (sling bag), backpack, carrier, and stroller types. The crate type is easy to clean and can be used as a house, but it is bulky and therefore inconvenient to carry when using public transportation. The shoulder type is a fabric material with good air permeability but has the disadvantage of being easily soiled. It can be used as a house and is light weight, making it convenient when using public transportation. Second, as a result of consumer research, respondents prefer the shoulder-type fabric over the crate-type plastic material. Third, from the shoulder-type product review, the shape stability, companion dogs' psychological safety, the wearability of companions, and management convenience are derived. Fourth, based on the survey results, a multi-functional cage is developed taking into account the companion dog, companion person, and functional factors.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.145-156
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to select candidate herbal medicines to be used in preclinical studies of cerebral infarction using the network pharmacology research method. Methods : Oral bioavailability (OB), drug likeness (DL), Caco-2, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were employed in this study's network pharmacology analysis method to choose compounds with potential efficacy. The following formulas were utilized for the values of each variable used in this study: OB ≥ 20%, DL ≥ 0.18, Caco-2 ≥ 0, and BBB ≥ -0.3. The relationships between target proteins and diseases that are assumed to be involved in the chosen bioavailable chemicals were built in a network manner using the aforementioned factors, and proteins thought to play a significant role were identified. Results : Sudan III was obtained as a result of selecting compounds related to ischemic stroke in consideration of pharmacokinetic characteristics such as digestion and absorption and practicality using the TCMSP database. Medicinal herbs Gardeniae Fructus (GF) contains sudan III, and it was confirmed that compounds in GF were highly related to brain diseases, and the mechanism involved through the KEGG pathway was confirmed. GF, which has sudan III related to ischemic stroke and is also involved in other neurological diseases, is expected to be used for ischemic stroke treatment. Conclusions : GF has been predicted to have potential for ischemic stroke treatment, and can be used for future preclinical studies.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.240-247
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• 2023

Even among gas separation methods, CO₂ capture and separation via membranes is an ever-growing field, with many different membrane compositions continually being developed. Ionic liquid (IL) based composite membranes show excellent performance values in separating CO₂. Similarly, various copolymer/IL composite membranes also display improved performance. The addition of fillers such as graphene oxide to these copolymer/IL composite membranes shows a further enhanced version of these fillers, most likely due to the strong interactions that occur between ILs and organic fillers, which consequently improves factors such as the affinity, selectivity, and adsorption of CO₂. Copolymer/IL composite membranes utilizing a metal-organic framework (MOF) showed improved CO₂ permeability. This review discusses the study of various combinations of ionic liquid and copolymer composite membranes for carbon dioxide separation.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.5-11
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• 2024

Due to the high proportion of mountainous terrain in Korean territory and the concentration of heavy rainfall during the summer season, concerns arise about the potential decrease in slope stability caused by rainfall. Installing slope drainage facilities mitigates the rise in groundwater levels due to infiltration, thus enhancing slope stability. Horizontal drains, classified as auxiliary facilities among drainage systems, lack established installation standards and related research. Slopes with installed horizontal drains have been confirmed to exhibit higher safety factors compared to those without. Furthermore, the safety factor of mimicking horizontal drains by increasing the permeability coefficient of the surrounding ground was compared with that of the conventional simulation method using the Drain function. As a result of the comparison, it was confirmed that the installation length showed better drainage performance than the installation angle in the drainage performance of the horizontal drainage hole, and it was judged that the installation length was a more important factor.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.189-196
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• 2009

Purpose : The pathophysiologic mechanism of nephrotic syndrome is not yet known clearly. At least in some cases, certain 'circulating factors' are thought to increase the glomerular protein permeability. Considering the systemic effect of the circulating factor on peritoneal membrane, we evaluated the loss of protein through peritoneal membrane in patients on peritoneal dialysis due to the end stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis ensued during the period from 2001 to 2007 at our clinic. Twelve patients had SRNS, while 14 patients had ESRD caused by the congenital anomalies of urinary system. Results : While the other parameters including nPNA indicating the adequacy of protein intake were similar between the two groups, serum albumin was lower in SRNS patients than the non-SRNS patients ($3.7{\pm}0.3$ g/dL vs. $4.0{\pm}0.4$ g/dL, P=0.021). Peritoneal protein loss was higher in SRNS patients than in non-SRNS patients ($3,044.4{\pm}837.6\;mg/m^2$/day vs. $1,791.6{\pm}1,244.0\;mg/m^2$/day, P=0.007). The protein permeability of the peritoneal membrane measured by the ratio of total protein concentration in dialysate to plasma was twice as high in SRNS patients as the non-SRNS ($1.06{\pm}0.46%$ vs. $0.58{\pm}0.43%$, P=0.010). After 1 year, peritoneal protein loss increased in both patient groups, but to a significantly greater degree in non-SRNS patient (P=0.023). Conclusion : The results of our study support the notion that in nephrotic syndrome there are some 'circulating factors' with the systemic effect. Since the greater protein loss through peritoneal membrane in SRNS was confirmed in this study, more meticulous nutritional support and close monitoring on the nutrition are required in these patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2020

This paper suggests a proper hydraulic filling method in downtown areas. Road subsidence on roadways and sidewalks in downtown areas can result in vehicle damage and casualties. The representative cause of road subsidence is the fraudulent construction in nearby construction sites. A deficiency of excavation restoration causes approximately 25~49% of subsidence. This is performed by equipment or manpower. Hydraulic filling is used in backfilling narrow pipe conduits and spaces between structures. On the other hand, standard specifications and quality assurance standards regarding hydraulic filling principles and construction conditions are insufficient. Therefore, in-door model experiments on hydraulic filling principles, backfilling material, and compaction efficiency were performed. This paper suggests guidelines by investigating and analyzing construction status. In conclusion, thrown backfilling material has a particle size distribution and permeability coefficient as major factors, and detailed standards of the factors are suggested. To improve the compaction efficiency, 90% or more, compaction by the floor should be in units of 0.3m while ensuring a lower drainage layer. When an H-shape stabilizing pile is pulled out after filling, additional hydraulic filling should be in the disturbance range.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1073-1082
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• 2015

The behavior of the unsaturated soil slope can be influenced by the various factors such as the hydraulic characteristics, the mechanical characteristics, the coefficient of conductivity, the stratifications, the rainfall conditions i.e. the rainfall intensity, the rainfall pattern, the duration time of the rainfall and the antecedent rainfall etc. It is known that the slope failure is influenced greatly by the antecedent rainfall rather than the rainfall condition at the failure time, so the antecedent rainfall is supposed to be a very important factor in slope stability analysis among these factors. To predict and to prevent the slope failure by the rainfall, the distribution of the matric suction by the antecedent rainfall must be considered first of all and the slope stability analysis should be carried out by considering the successive rainfall characteristics. In this research, 3 samples with different quantity (5%, 10%, 20%) of silts were prepared and the SWCC (Soil-water characteristic curve) tests were carried out and the associated parameters were analyzed. After analyzing the distribution of the matric suction and the change of the mechanical characteristics such as the stress and the strength when applying the antecedent rainfall for one month and the successive intensive rainfall for 12 hours, the slope stability analyses were carried out numerically. And the influence of the antecedent rainfall for one month and the SWCC on the stability of a slope were compared and analyzed.