• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.340-346
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• 2021

The initial electrochemical performance of ceramic fuel cell with thin-film electrolyte fabricated by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition method was evaluated in terms of peak power density ratio, open circuit voltage ratio, and activation/ohmic resistance ratios at 500℃. Hydrogen and air were used as anode fuel and cathode fuel, respectively. The peak power density ratio reduced as ~52% for 30 min, which continually decreased as time increased but degradation rate gradually decreased. The open circuit voltage ratio decreased with respect time; however, its behavior was evidently different from the reduction behavior of the peak power density. The activation resistance ratio increased as ~127% for 30 min, which was almost similar with the reduction behavior of the peak power density ratio.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.8.1-8.17
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• 2024

Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) play a crucial role in generating high-affinity antibodies (Abs) and establishing immunological memory. Cytokines, among other functional molecules produced by Tfh, are central to germinal center (GC) reactions. This review focuses on the role of cytokines, including IL-21 and IL-4, in regulating B cell responses within the GC, such as differentiation, affinity maturation, and plasma cell development. Additionally, this review explores the impact of other cytokines like CXCL13, IL-10, IL-9, and IL-2 on GC responses and their potential involvement in autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer. This review highlights contributions of Tfh-derived cytokines to both protective immunity and immunopathology across a spectrum of diseases. A deeper understanding of Tfh cytokine biology holds promise for insights into biomedical conditions.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.190-201
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• 2024

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2011.07a
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• pp.1463-1464
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• 2011

An indium thin oxide(ITO) is used as a substrate material for organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs) and organic photovoltaic cells. This study examined the effects of an $O_2$ plasma treatment on the electrical properties of an organic photovoltaic cell. The four probe method and Atomic force microscope(AFM) revealed the lowest surface resistance at the plasma treatment intensity of 250 [W] and the lowest average surface roughness of 2.0 [nm] at 250 [W]. The lowest average resistance of 17 [${\Omega}$/sq] was also observed at 250 [W] 40 [sec]. The $O_2$ plasma treatment device and a basic device in a structure of CuPc/C60/BCP/Al on ITO glass were fabricated by thermal evaporation, respectively. When the $O_2$ plasma treatment was used to the ITO, The experimental results revealed that the power conversion efficiency(PCE) indicated 65 [%] higher in the PCE than that without the plasma treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.22-31
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of silver spike point (SSP) low frequency electrical stimulation on plasma ${\beta}-endorphin$ activities measured by radio- immunoassay from normal volunteer and the effects of ${\beta}-endorphin$ on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)-induced contraction investigated by isometric tension methode in rats. The current of 3 Hz continue type, but not 100 Hz continue type, of SSP low frequency electrical stimulation significantly increased in plasma ${\beta}-endorphin$ from normal volunteer. The endothelial cell-dependent 5-HT-induced contractions were inhibited by ${\beta}-endorphin$ $1{\mu}M$. These results suggest that the ${\beta}-endorphin$ regulates nociceptive-like substance, such as 5-HT, in part and that the SSP low frequency electrical stimulation, specifically current of low frequency of 3 Hz continue type, significantly increases plasma ${\beta}-endorphin$ from normal volunteer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 2021

Plasma cell mucositis is a very rare benign disease characterized by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the submucosa layer. It appears as a reddish ulcer on the mucous membrane or as a cobblestone or nodular mass on the affected mucosa. When it involves the pharynx or larynx, the patient presents with dysphagia, voice change and dyspnea. Clinically, it is important to differentiate with malignant diseases such as extramedullary plasmacytoma, amyloidosis and sarcodosis. Several cases of mucositis in the larynx have been reported in English literature, but none have been reported in Korea. We report a case of plasma cell mucositis in the larynx with a review of literature.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.27-35
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• 2010

Objectives : The present study investigated anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisia Capilaris Thunberg in lipopolysaccharide-exposed rats. Methods : We divided lipopolysaccharide-exposed Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 groups. They were normal group, feed with 100 mg/kg Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg group, feed with 200 mg/kg Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg group and feed with 300 mg/kg Artemisia capilaris Thunberg group. They were administered for 6 weeks. We measured counts of red blood cell(RBC), the values of hemoglobin(Hb) and packed cell volume(PCV), plasma total protein concentration, albumin concentration, the ratio of albumin/globulin, the activities of plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), the counts of white blood cell(WBC), the ratio of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils, the concentration of plasma interleukin-$1{\beta}$($IL-1{\beta}$), plasma interleukin-6(IL-6), plasma tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$($TNF-{\alpha}$), plasma interleukin-10(IL-10), the concentration of liver $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-10. Results : Counts of RBC and the values of Hb and PCV, plasma total protein concentration and albumin concentration, the activities of plasma GOT, GPT and LDH showed no significant difference in the treatment groups. and the ratio of albumin/globulin was increased in Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg groups. The counts of WBC showed lower values in Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg groups than those of control group, In the ratio of neutrophils Thunberg groups. The ration of monocytes, basophils and eosinophils were below 5%, and showed no characteristic trend. The concentration of plasma interleukin-$1{\beta}$($IL-1{\beta}$), plasma inerleukin-6(IL-6) and plasma tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$($TNF-{\alpha}$) showed a lower values in the Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg groups than those of control group, and the concentration of plasma interleukin-10(IL-10) showed no significant difference in the treatment groups. The concentration of liver $IL-1{\beta}$ and IL-6 showed a lower values in the Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg groups than those of control group, however the concentration of liver $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-10 showed no significant difference in the treatment groups. Conclusions : The Artemisia Capillaris Thunberg groups gives positive results of anti-inflammatory response by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) derivation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2015.08a
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• pp.158-158
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• 2015

Myoblast are myogenic precursors that proliferate, activate, and differentiate on muscle injury to sustain the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle; The neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, termed also NOS-I) is expressed in normal adult skeletal muscle, suggesting important functions for Nitric oxide (NO) in muscle biology1,2,3. However, the expression and subcellular localization of NO in muscle development and myoblast differentiation are largely unknown. In this study, we examined effects of the nitric oxide generated by a microwave plasma torch, on proliferation/differentiation of rat myoblastic L6 cells. Experimental data pertaining to nitric oxide production are presented in terms of the oxygen input in units of cubic centimetres per minute. The various levels of nitric oxide are observed depending on the flow rate of nitrogen gas, the ratio of oxygen gas, and the microwave power4. In order to evaluate the potential of nitric oxide as an activator of cell differentiation, we applied nitric oxide generated from the microwave plasma torch to L6 skeletal muscles. Differentiation of L6 cells into myotubes was significantly enhanced the differentiation after nitric oxide treatment. Nitric oxide treatment also increase the expression of myogenesis marker proteins and mRNA level, such as myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC), as well as cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), However during the myotube differentiation we found that NO activate oxidative stress signaling erks expression. Therefore, these results establish a role of NO and cGMP in regulating myoblast differentiation and elucidate their mechanism of action, providing a direct link with oxidative stress signalling, which is a key player in myogenesis. Based on these findings, nitric oxide generated by plasma can be used as a possible activator of cell differentiation and tissue regeneration.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.3
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• pp.104-110
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• 2013

Background: Osteopontin (OPN) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), which are expressed on the surface of tumor cells, are associated with hypoxia during tumor development and progression. However, the roles of these proteins in the plasma of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are poorly understood. Herein, we hypothesized that plasma OPN and CAIX levels could be used as diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Fifty-three patients with NSCLC and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled. We selected controls without malignancy and matched them with NSCLC patient cases according to age and gender. Blood samples were collected at the time of diagnosis; the plasma levels of OPN and CAIX were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: The plasma levels of OPN in the patients with NSCLC were significantly elevated as compared to those in the controls (p=0.016). However, there was no difference in the plasma level of CAIX between the NSCLC patients and controls. NSCLC patients with a distant metastasis had a remarkable increase in plasma OPN compared with patients without metastasis (p=0.026), but no such correlation was found for CAIX. There was no difference in overall survival rates according to the plasma level of OPN between the two groups (by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). Conclusion: Plasma OPN levels were elevated in patients with NSCLC as compared with the controls, with greater elevation of OPN levels in the advanced stages of disease. Therefore, plasma OPN may have utility as a diagnostic, but not prognostic, biomarker of advanced NSCLC.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.08a
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• pp.145-145
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• 2011

Recently, multi-hole electrode RF capacitively coupled plasma discharge is being used in the deposition of microcrystalline silicon for thin film solar cell to increase the speed of deposition. To make efficient multi-hole electrode RF capacitively coupled plasma discharge, the hole diameter is to be designed concerning the plasma parameters. In past studies, the relationship between plasma parameters such as pressures and gas species, and hole diameter for efficient plasma density enhancement is experimentally shown. In the presentation, the relationship between plasma deriving frequency and hole diameter for efficient multi-hole electrode RF capacitively coupled plasma discharge is shown. In usual capacitively coupled plasma discharge, plasma parameter, such as plasma density, plasma impedence and plasma temperature, change as frequency increases. Because of the change, the optimum hole diameter of the multi-hole electrode RF capacitively coupled plasma for high density plasma is thought to be modified when the plasma deriving frequency changes. To see the frequency effect on the multi-hole RF capacitively coupled plasma is discharged and one of its electrode is changed from a plane electrode to a variety of multi-hole electrodes with different hole diameters. The discharge is derived by RF power source with various frequency and the plasma parameter is measured with RF compensated single Langmuir probe. The shrinkage of the hole diameter for efficient discharge is observed as the plasma deriving frequency increases.