• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.794-798
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• 1996

Solid solutions of the nonstoichiometric Dy1-xSrxCoO3-y system with the compositions of x=0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 have been synthesized by the solid state reaction at 1000 ℃ under atmospheric air pressure. The crystallographic structures of the solid solutions are analyzed by the powder X-ray diffraction patterns at room temperature. The analyses assign the compositions of x=0.00 and 0.25 to the orthorhombic system with space group of Pbnm/D2h16, the compositions of x=0.50 and 0.75 to the tetragonal system like a typical SrCoO2.86, and the composition of x=l.00 or SrCoO2.50 to the brownmillerite type system with space group of I**a. The reduced lattice volumes increase with x value due to the larger radius of Sr2+ ion than that of Dy3+ ion. The mole ratio of Co4+ ion to total Co ion with mixed valence state between Co3+ and Co4+ ions at B sites or τ value has been determined by an iodometric titration. All the samples except for the DyCoO3 compound show the mixed valnce state and thus the composition of x=0.50 has the maximum τ value in the system. The oxygen vacancies increasing with x value are randomly distributed over the crystal lattice except for the composition of x=l.00 which have the ordering of the oxygen vacancies. The nonstoichiometric chemical formulas of the Dy1-xSrxCo3+1-τCo4+τO3-(x-τ)/2 system are formulated from the x, τ, and y values. The electrical conductivity in the temperature range of 100 to 900 K increases with τ value linearly because of positive holes of the Co4+ ions in π* band as a conducting carrier. The activation energy of the x=0.50 as Ea=0.17 eV is minimum among other compouds. Broad and high order transition due to the overlap between σ* and π* bands broadened by the thermal activation is observed near 1000 K and shows a low temperature-semiconducting behavior. Magnetic properties following the Currie-Weiss law show the low to high spin transition in the cobaltate perovskite. Especially, the composition of x=0.75 presents weak ferromagnetic behavior due to the Co3+-O2--Co4+ indirect superexchange interaction.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.471-483
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• 1994

A sodium fire facility with a test chamber of 1.7㎥ volume was constructed and operated to carry out experiments of sodium fires such as pool, spray, and columnar fires which might take place in sodium-related facilities. The experimental results of pool fires showed that the increase of temperature and pressure in the test chamber was much smaller than that of spray and columnar fires even though their amount of sodium injection in the chamber was much larger compared to other types of fires. And it was found in pool fires that the temperatures of sodium pool and the gas temperature in the test chamber had been maintained much longer than other types of fires, and that the chamber pressure had come to vacuum due to depletion of the oxygen for a large amount of sodium injection in the chamber. The experimental results of spray fires showed that sprayed sodium of small particles instantly reacted with oxygen, and that its reaction heat increased gas temperature and pressure of the test chamber rapidly and decreased them shortly. And the maximum gas temperature and pressure of the test chamber in spray fires ore greatly changed according to the inlet sodium temperature in the test chamber. The characteristics of the columnar fires were almost similar to those of spray fires, but the maximum temperature and pressure of the test chamber were much smaller even for a large amount of sodium injection. And it was shown in spray and columnar fires that the temperatures at each measurement position in the test chamber were quite different due to the instantaneous sodium oxidation in comparision with pool fires. Finally, the graphex powder was proved to be a very effective extinguisher against sodium pool fires.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.63 no.4
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• pp.327-334
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• 2020

Oxidative stress is common cause of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vitro free radical scavenging activity and protective effect of three Glycyrrhiza species including Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra, and a new variety of Glycyrrihza (Shinwongam, SW) against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in C6 glial cells. In vitro assays, radical scavenging activities of G. uralensis, G. glabra, and SW against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ·OH, and O2- increased as concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the SW was found to contain the highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents. The treatment of H2O2 to C6 glial cell induced oxidative stress, whereas G. uralensis, G. glabra, and SW significantly increased the cell viability as dose-dependent manner. In particular, SW exerted stronger protective effect on H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, than G. uralensis and G. glabra. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was significantly elevated by H2O2 in C6 glial cells. However, treatments of G. uralensis, G. glabra, and SW decreased ROS formation. In addition, SW decreased pro-inflammatory related protein expression levels such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, compared to H2O2-treated control group. These results indicated that G. uralensis and G. glavra, especially SW, may be useful for preventing from oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage by regulating inflammatory reaction.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-45
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginseng extract (GSE) and taurine (TR) are widely used antifatigue resources in functional foods. However, the mechanism underlying the antifatigue effects of GSE and TR are still unclear. Hence, we investigated whether GSE and TR have synergistic effects against fatigue in mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: L6 cells were treated with different concentrations of TR and GSE, and cell viability was determined using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium. Oxidative stress was analyzed by immunocytochemistry using MitoTracker^TM Red FM and an anti-8-oxoguanine antibody. Respiratory gas analysis was performed to investigate metabolism. Expression of an activated protein kinase was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Gene expression of cluster of differentiation 36 and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Mice were orally administered TR, GSE, or their combination for 30 days, and then fatigue-related parameters, including lactate, blood urea nitrogen, and glycogen, were measured after forced swimming. RESULTS: TR and GSE reduced oxidative stress levels in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated L6 cells and enhanced the oxygen uptake and lipid metabolism in mice after acute exercise. After oral administration of TR or GSE for 30 days, the fatigue-related parameters did not change in mice. However, the mice administered GSE (400 mg/kg/day) alone for 30 days could swim longer than those from the other groups. Further, no synergistic effect was observed after the swimming exercise in mice treated with the TR and GSE combination for 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that TR and GSE may exert antifatigue effects in mice after acute exercise by enhancing oxygen uptake and lipid oxidation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2022

The thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system is essential for cell survival and function by playing a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis of cellular redox and regulating signal transduction pathways. The TrxR system comprises thioredoxin (Trx), TrxR, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Trx reduced by the catalytic reaction of the TrxR enzyme reduces downstream proteins, resulting in protection against oxidative stress and regulation of cell differentiation, growth, and death. Cancer cells survive by improving their intracellular antioxidant capacity to eliminate excessively generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to infinite cell proliferation and a high metabolic rate. Therefore, cancer cells have high dependence and sensitivity to antioxidant systems, suggesting that focusing on TrxR, a representative antioxidant system, is a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Several studies have revealed that TrxR is expressed at high levels in various types of cancers, and research on anticancer activity targeting the TrxR system is increasing. In this review, we discuss the feasibility and value of the TrxR system as a strategy for anticancer activity research by examining the relationship between the function of the intracellular TrxR system and the development and progression of cancer, considering the anticancer activity and mechanism of TrxR inhibitors.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.97-105
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• 2023

Background: Hyperactivated airway mucosa cells overproduce mucin and cause severe breathing complications. Here, we aimed to identify the effects of saponins derived from Panax ginseng on inflammation and mucin overproduction. Methods: NCI-H292 cells were pre-incubated with 16 saponins derived from P. ginseng, and mucin overproduction was induced by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Mucin protein MUC5AC was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, we performed a transcriptome analysis of PMA-treated NCI-H292 cells in the absence or presence of Rg5, and differential gene expression was confirmed using qPCR. Phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, and the abundance of lipid droplets, were measured by western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg5 effectively reduced MUC5AC secretion and decreased MUC5AC mRNA levels. A systematic functional network analysis revealed that Rg5 upregulated cholesterol and glycerolipid metabolism, resulting in the production of lipid droplets to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS), and modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor (NF)-kB signaling pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Rg5 induced the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased cellular ROS levels, and N-acetyl-ⳑ-cysteine, a ROS inhibitor, reduced MUC5AC secretion via Rg5. Furthermore, Rg5 hampered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 proteins, affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Rg5 alleviated inflammatory responses by reducing mucin secretion and promoting lipid droplet-mediated ROS clearance. Therefore, Rg5 may have potential as a therapeutic agent to alleviate respiratory disorders caused by hyperactivation of mucosa cells.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.97-103
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• 2023

Barrier films for transparent packaging materials with excellent moisture barrier properties are prepared, utilizing a nanoclay dispersion coating layer formed after a pretreatment process of plasma activation surface treatment process under vacuum at room temperature. Attention is paid on optimizing the coupling additive through the appropriate crosslinking process and optimal dispersion process of the coating process to enhance adhesion. Analysis of the functional coating thin film shows that the water vapor transmission rate is less than 10 g/m²/24 hrs (ASTM F-1249) and the oxygen transmission rate is less than 30 cc/m²/24 hrs (ASTM D3985). It is shown that water barrier properties of coating thin film prepared in this study are greater than conventional untreated films by 10 times or more. The thickness of the transparent gas barrier film is within 0.1 mm, and the transparent gas barrier complex is implemented in two layers. In the study of PET thin film interface characteristics, FT-IR experimental analysis shows the reaction activity was optimized at RDS 1.125 %.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.275-289
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro assessment of sperm fertilizing capacity of bulls and investigate the factors influencing sperm function and characteristics of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. in vitro fertilization (IVF), the evaluation of motility and normal morphology, HOST (hypoosmotic swelling test), Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, luminol and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence for the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the measurement of malondialdehyde formation for the analysis of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the evaluation of DNA fragmentation using the method of 747-mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) by flow cytometry were performed in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Correlations between the rates of fertilization, blastocyst formation after IVF and the values of respective assays were investigated. 1. IVF rate and blastocyst formation rate averaged 64.4% and 34.3% for spermatozoa from high -fertility bull group and averaged 18.5% and 6.2% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectively. There were significantly different between two bull groups. Sperm motility and percentage acrosome reaction averaged 79.0% and 66.2% for spermatozoa from high-fertility bull group and averaged 40.7% and 22.9% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectivitely. There were not different between two bull groups. 2. Luminol depenent chemiluminescence, LPO and DNA fragementation averaged 6.4, 2.0 nmol and 2.6% from spermatozoa from high-fertility bull group and averaged 6.5, 3.1 nmol and 7.4% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectively. There were significantly different between two bull groups. There was no significant difference in lucigenin dependent chemiluminescence between two bull groups. 3. Fertilization rate was positively correlated with motility and the rate of Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, but negatively correlated with the frequency of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, the rate of LPO, and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. There was no correlation between fertilization rate and the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, normal morphology, and the frequency of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. 4. Blastocyst formation rate was positively correlated with the rate of Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, but negatively correlated with the frequency of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, the rate of LPO, and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. There was no correlation between blastocyst formation rate and motility, the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, normal morphology, and the frequency of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. In conclusion, these data suggest that ROS significantly impact semen quality. The assays of this study may provide a basis fur improving in vitro assessment of sperm fertilizing capacity.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.306-310
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• 2015

In this research, hematite nanoparticles were synthesized by DC thermal plasma process to increase the overall surface area. The effect of binders on hematite electrodes was investigated by changing the type and composition of binders when preparing electrodes. Nitrogen gas was also added to the DC thermal plasma process in order to dope the hematite with N for enhancing photoelectrochemical properties of hematite nanoparticles. The efficiency of water splitting reaction was measured by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) under solar simulator. In LSV measurements, the onset potential and maximum current density at a fixed voltage were measured. The durability of electrodes was checked by repeating LSV measurements. CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) binder with 50 : 1 composition exhibits the highest current density of $12mA/cm^2$ and CMC binder with 20 : 1 composition, showing the initial current density of $3mA/cm^2$, endures 20 times of repetitive LSV measurements. Effects of nitrogen doping on hematite nanoparticles were proven to be insignificant.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.17-20
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• 2020

Developing effective and earth-abundant electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for the commercialization of a water splitting system. In particular, the overpotential of the OER is relatively higher than the HER, and thus, it is considered that one of the important methods to enhance the performance of the electrocatalyst is to reduce the overpotential of the OER. In this work, we present a simple synthetic route for triple perovskite Nd_1.5Ba_1.5CoFeMnO_x with high performance OER and HER activity. This triple perovskite structure which shows high crystallinity through combustion method shows superior bifunctional catalytic performance in alkaline media. We believe that the prepared triple provskite with high performance OER and HER activity can give further feasibility for the commercialization of a water splitting system.