• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2003

In this work, the effect of PMR-15 content on the variation of surface free energy of the DGEBA/PMR-15 blend system was investigated in terms of contact angles and mechanical interfacial tests. Based on FT-IR result of the blend system. C=O (1,772, $1,778cm^{-1}$) and C-N ($1,372cm^{-1}$) peaks appeared with imidization of PMR-15 and -OH ($3,500cm^{-1}$) peak showed broadly at 10 phr of PMR-15 by ring-opening of epoxy. Contact angle measurements were performed by using deionized water and diiodomethane as testing liquids. As a result, the surface free energy of the blends gave a maximum value at 10 phr of PMR-15, due to the significant increasing of specific component. The mechanical interfacial properties measured from the critical stress intensity factor ($K_{IC}$) and the critical strain energy release rate ($G_{IC}$) showed a similar behavior with the results of surface energetics. This behavior was probably attributed to The improving of the interfacial adhesion between intermolecules, resulting from increasing the hydrogen bondings of the blends.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.112-112
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• 2019

Baicalein is one of the main flavonoids derived from roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a traditional Oriental medicine. Although baicalein has high antitumor effect on several human carcinomas, the mechanism responsible for this property is not unclear. In this study, the data revealed that baicale-ininduced growth inhibition was associated with the induction of apoptosis connecting with cytochrome c release, down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xl and increased the percentage of cells with a loss of mitochondria membrane permeabilization. Baicalein also induced the proteolytic activation of caspases and cleavage of PARP; however, blockage of caspases activation by z-VAD-fmk inhibited baicalein-induced apoptosis. In addition, baicalein enhanced the formation of autophagosomes and up-regulated LC3-II/LC3-I ratio. Interestingly, the pretreatment of bafilomycin A1 recovered baicalein-induced cell death suggesting that autophagy by baicalein roles as protective autophagy. Taken together, our results indicated that this flavonoid induces apoptosis and cell protective autophagy. These data means combination treatment with baicalein and autophagy inhibitor might be a promising anticancer drug.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.527-537
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• 2018

Column tests of a sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) bioreactor were conducted to determine the design factors for sulfate-rich mine drainage. Various substrates were applied to the bioreactor, including cow manure and its mixture with a mushroom compost, with rice straw and limestone as subsidiary materials. This procedure provided a removal efficiency of up to 82% of the total sulfur with the mixture of cow manure (70%), mushroom compost (10%) and rice straw (20%), and higher efficiencies were observed after 2 days of retention time. In the downflow condition of the flow direction, oxygen supply and re-oxidation of the sulfates occurred, causing a decrease in sulfate removal efficiency. The addition of an inorganic sludge containing heavy metals, which was intended for production of metal-sulfides in the bioreactor, had a negative effect on the long-term operation owing to arsenic release and toxicity to the SRB. The results thus show that a bioreactor using a mixed substrate with cow manure and operating in the downflow direction could reduce sulfates and total dissolved sulfur content; this process confirms the applicability of the SRB bioreactor to sulfate-rich saline drainage.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.209-220
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• 2019

Objectives: As a general emotion, everyone can temporarily experience depression, but depressive disorder is a disease that excessively affects daily life. Among the various causes of depression, the deficiency of monoamine-based neurotransmitters such as serotonin and epinephrine are considered significant. Thus, antidepressants that target monoamines are used frequently. However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction are observed. Thus, it is necessary to develop a new therapeutic agent with fewer side effects. In this study, we investigated the antidepressant effect of JG02, used to treat depression by normalizing the flow of qi (氣) in Korean medicine. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into six groups: normal, control, amitriptyline, and JG02 (50, 125, 250 mg/kg), respectively. Except for normal, depression was induced by applying restraint stress at the same time for six hours daily for 14 consecutive days. Saline, amitriptyline or JG02 samples were orally administered two hours before applying the stress. After that, a forced swimming test and an open field test were performed. Additionally, serum corticosterone, serotonin mRNA, BDNF mRNA, and protein in the hippocampal region were measured and compared. Results: JG02 decreased immobility time rate in the FST and increased the zone transition number and travel distance in the OFT. Also, JG02 inhibited the release of serum corticosterone, and increased serotonin, BDNF gene expression, and BDNF protein in the hippocampus. Conclusions: In this study, JG02 showed significant antidepressant effects on the chronic restraint stress mice model. When further research is performed based on JG02, the development of a new antidepressant is considered highly possible.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.685-696
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a heme precursor, on inflammatory and oxidative stress activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages by estimating nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also evaluated the molecular mechanisms through analysis of the expression of their regulatory genes, and further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of ALA against LPS in the zebrafish model. Our results indicated that ALA treatment significantly attenuated the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators including NO and PGE2, which was associated with decreased inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. ALA also inhibited the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, reducing their extracellular secretion. Additionally, ALA abolished ROS generation, improved the mitochondrial mass, and enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the activation of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, zinc protoporphyrin, a specific inhibitor of HO-1, reversed the ALA-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines production and activation of mitochondrial function in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, ALA significantly abolished the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and showed strong protective effects against NO and ROS production in zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ALA exerts LPS-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and that ALA can be a potential functional agent to prevent inflammatory and oxidative damage.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.61-72
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• 2021

A beautiful smile is made when it is symmetrical and gums are displayed less than 2 - 3 mm. Excessive gingival display also known as "gummy smile" is often recognized to be unaesthetic. Causes of gummy smile can be caused by delayed eruption, vertical maxillary excess, hypermobile upper lip, or a short upper lip. Meanwhile botulinum toxin which is an exotoxin produced from Clostridium botulinum, works by blocking the release of acetylcholine from the cholinergic nerve end plates leading to inactivity of the muscles. The application site and weakens the muscle tone is drawing attention as a gummy smile treatment caused by hypermobile upper lip. There have been many studies about the method of injecting botulinum toxin into muscles around the lips, but there is still no standardized research method and treatment method, so there is controversy over the therapeutic effect. The aim of this study is to review the previous studies about the predictors of indication and effects of gummy smile treatment using botulinum toxin injection. Especially we tried to propose a protocol for optimal dose and efficient injection point through the anatomical considerations for gummy smile treatment using botulinum toxin.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.165-170
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• 2021

In this study, the antioxidant effects of mineral-containing deep sea water (DSW) on kidney function was confirmed using a cell model. DSW samples were prepared with different mineral concentrations including calcium and magnesium-the main minerals found in DSW-to derive the following sample groups: trace minerals (TM), high magnesium (HM), high magnesium, low salt (HMLS) and high magnesium, high calcium (HMHC). The purpose of this preparation was to determine the optimal calcium/magnesium ratio in DSW. Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells were exposed to sodium chloride (NaCl) for 2 h to induce release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thereafter, the cells were treated with the respective DSW samples before ROS concentrations, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity and protein levels, were measured. Among the water samples, HMLS showed the most protective effect against ROS, whereas the intracellular glutathione content was highest in cells from the HMLS- and HMHC-treated groups. However, TM- and HMHC-treated cells showed similar tendencies to the control group, in terms of mRNA expression of antioxidant genes. These results suggested that DSW may aid in preventing renal oxidative stress caused by excessive sodium intake. Furthermore, it was determined that HMLS and HMHC water samples displayed good antioxidant effects in the kidney cell model, based on the combined results of ROS concentration and antioxidant marker measurements.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.707-719
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to find out how effect does the second-stage which is the intensive course program for sexual offenders of three-stage(basic, intensive and advanced remedial) on impulsivity, anger expression, rape myth and self-esteem of sexual offenders. To this end, 10 people waiting for the second-stage intensive education among sexual violence offenders serving at M prison located in J province were selected as subjects for the study. To verify the effectiveness of the program, repeated measurement design(pre, post and one month post test) was conducted, and a total of 200 hours of 'Intensive Course Program on the Sexual Violence' was conducted to the subjects. The results of this study are as follows. It was confirmed that the intensive course program on the sexual violence for the re-crime risky group in the sex offender is effective in reducing impulsivity and anger expression, which are risk factors of sexual crime, bringing positive changes to rape myths, which are distorted sexual perceptions of sexual violence criminals, and improving self-esteem. Finally, it suggested the necessity of continuous development and improvement of sexual violence preventive programs targeting sexual offenders, and construction of systematic supervision and related system to ensure the effectiveness of remedial after release of sexual offenders.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2022

With the recent increase in the spread of ESS (Electric Storage System), the damage to human life and property is also rapidly increasing due to continuous fires caused by ESS. In the manufacture of urethane sandwich panels used in ESS, it is necessary to improve the flame retardant performance. In this study, in order to realize the flame retardant properties of flexible polyurethane foam, the effect of the tissue density of the product due to the change of the isocyanate functional group parameter that changes the physical properties of the product on the fire performance was studied. The product was manufactured by changing the density of the urethane structure, and combustion performance tests, gas toxicity tests, and smoke density tests were performed. As a result, it was confirmed that the total amount of heat released had excellent performance when the isocyanate functional group was high, and had no correlation with the maximum heat release rate. When the value of the isocyanate functional group was 2.7 or more, the collapse of the shape could be prevented. In the gas hazard test, the performance was increased when the isocyanate functional group was relatively high, so a flame retardant for the Char system, which had a dense structure and easy to form a carbonized film, was added. confirmed to be. Therefore, as a result of this study, it is thought that it will be possible to lay the foundation for the development of a flame retardant to replace the cheap urethane sandwich panel used in the past.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.763-777
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• 2022

Objective: Excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes results in prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Curcumin (CUR), a naturally phenolic active ingredient, has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects. However, its underlying mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Therefore, the study aims to determine the effect of CUR on cellular lipid accumulation in porcine subcutaneous preadipocytes (PSPA) and to clarify novel mechanisms. Methods: The PSPA were cultured and treated with or without CUR. Both cell counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were used to examine cytotoxicity. Intracellular lipid contents were measured by oil-red-o staining extraction and triglyceride quantification. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-nick end labelling assay. Adipogenic and apoptosis genes were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Results: The CUR dose-dependently reduced the proliferation and lipid accumulation of PSPA. Noncytotoxic doses of CUR (10 to 20 μM) significantly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and expression of adipogenic genes peroxisome proliferation-activity receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, adipocyte protein-2, glucose transporter-4 as well as key lipogenic enzymes fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, while ERK1/2 activation significantly reversed CUR-reduced lipid accumulation by increasing PPAR-γ. Furthermore, compared with differentiation induced media treated cells, higher dose of CUR (30 μM) significantly decreased the expression of AKT and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2), while increased the expression of BCL-2-associated X (BAX) and the BAX/BCL-2 expression ratio, suggesting triggered apoptosis by inactivating AKT and increasing BAX/BCL-2 ratio and Caspase-3 expression. Moreover, AKT activation significantly rescued CUR inhibiting lipid accumulation via repressing apoptosis. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CUR is capable of suppressing differentiation by inhibiting ERK1/2-PPAR-γ signaling pathway and triggering apoptosis via decreasing AKT and subsequently increasing BAX/BCL-2 ratio and Caspase-3, suggesting that CUR provides an important method for the reduction of porcine body fat, as well as the prevention and treatment of human obesity.