• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.73-84
• /
• 2012

Thyroid hormones are important for the development of the brain including the cerebellum. In the present study, we investigated the effect of treadmill exercise on the survival of Purkinje neurons and the activation of astrocytes in the cerebellar vermis of hypothyroidism-induced rat pups. On the day of perinatal 14, pregnant rats were divided into two groups (n = 5 in each group): the pregnant control group and the pregnantmethimazole (MMI)-treated group. For the induction of hypothyroidism in the rat pups, MMI was added to the drinking water (0.02% wt/vol), from the day of perinatal 14 to postnatal 49. After delivery, male rat pups born from the pregnant control group were assigned to the control group. Male rat pups born from the MMI-treated group were divided into the hypothyroidism-induction group, the hypothyroidism-induction with treadmill exercise group, and the hypothyroidism-induction with thyroxine (T4) treatment group (n = 10 in each group). The rat pups in the exercise group were forced to run on a treadmill for 30 min once a day for 4 weeks, starting on postnatal day 22. In the hypothyroidism-induced rat pups, motor coordination was reduced and Purkinje cell death and reactive astrocytes in the cerebellar vermis were increased. Treadmill exercise enhanced motor coordination, increased the survival of Purkinje neurons, down-regulated reactive astrocytes, and enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) expressions in the hypothyroidism-induced rat pups. These results suggest that treadmill exercise has beneficial effects in terms of protecting against thyroid dysfunction by increasing T3 and T4 and the related protein, BDNF, as well as TrkB, inhibition on astrocyte activation and the reduction of Purkinje cell loss regarding the cerebellum in hypothyroidism rat pups.

• Journal of English Language & Literature
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.641-659
• /
• 2009

Since Plath killed herself in 1963, the theme of death has become one of the central motifs and allusions in her work. The biographical emphasis continues to blur the boundary between the artistic world and the material world. While approaching Plath's work from the perspective of personal experience, the objective of this paper is not to suggest that we encounter Plath's personal voice and emotions directly in her work. Rather, I emphasize how Plath's work of mourning is substantiated in the act of writing. Plath protects herself from the unnamable or the existential void by writing poems. She shows the way in which art or writing enables the subject to confront traumatic memory. While the death drive propels Plath towards destruction, artistic formation serves to alleviate her psychic crisis. What I shall suggest in the paper is how works of art lead the melancholic subject to challenge traumatic events. Plath herself suggests the therapeutic power of language. Plath's hostility toward women as well as men situates her work nearer to the Kristevan psychoanalytic theory which examines depressive anxieties intrinsically linked to the loss of maternal objects. Kristeva's particular focus on the concept of "death-bearing mother" or the unnamable offers a fruitful reading of the representation of infantile fantasies, sexuality, anger, and ambivalence toward lost loved object which clearly dominates most of Plath's poems. Kristeva elaborates mourning and melancholia through the framework of signification and it is of especial relevance in deciphering the recurring death drive and melancholic rage in Plath's work. Melancholic subjects in Plath's work are characterized by an amorphous state, occupying a borderline state regulated by the death drive.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2023.04a
• /
• pp.55-55
• /
• 2023

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increasing interest in anti-obesity strategies. According to the National Statistical Office, the obesity rate in Korea was 38.3% in 2020 and 37.1% in 2021. Obesity is a risk factor for several severe diseases, including stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Pinus rigida × Pinus taeda is a hybrid of Pinus rigida Mill and Pinus taeda Linn, and its cones are considered a by-product. Although previous studies have investigated their pharmacological effects on antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative DNA damage, few researchers have explored their potential as functional natural materials. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of the cone of ethyl acetate fraction of P. rigida × P. taeda (ERT), specifically its ability to inhibit lipid accumulation. Our analysis showed that ERT contains phytochemicals (catechin and caffeic acid) which are known to improve immune function and inhibit cell damage. ERT inhibited lipid droplet accumulation at the cellular levels through Oil Red O staining. Furthermore, ERT suppressed the expression of adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ and CEBP/α) as well as downstream lipogenic target genes (FAS and SREBP-1) thereby inhibiting adipogenesis. ERT also down-regulated key adipogenic markers, including aP2α, while inducing the phosphorylation of AMPK. It has been reported that PPARγ and CEBP/α are expressed in the early stages of adipose differentiation, while SREBP-1 is expressed in the late stage. Therefore, our findings suggest that ERT activates AMPK signaling pathways, which inhibits adipogenic transcription factors (PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP1) and lipogenic genes (FAS and aP2α), thereby blocking lipid accumulation and preventing obesity and related disorders. ERT showed potential as a new resource for developing a functional material for anti-obesity agents.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.111-115
• /
• 2001

This study was designed to clone the SNF2/SW12 helicase-related genes from the fission yeast Schizosaccha-romyces pombe and thereafter to elucidate the common functions of the proteins in this family. The $hrp^{2+}$gene was cloned by polymerase chain reaction amplification using degenerative primers from conserved SNF2 motifs within the ERCC6 gene, which encodes a protein involved in DNA excision repair. Like other SNF2/SW12 family proteins, the deduced amino acid sequence of Hrp2 contains DNA-dependent ATPase/7 helicase domains as well as the chromodomain and the DNA binding domain. This configuration is similar to that of mCHD1 (mouse chromo-ATPase/helicase-DNA-dinding protein 1), suggesting that Hrp2 is a S. pombe homolog of mCHD1, which is thought to function in altering the chromatin structure to control the gene expression. To characterize the function of Hrp2, 4 Uracil-Hrp2 fusion protein, it was purified near homogeneity by affinity chromatography on $Ni^{2+}$-NTA agarose, DEAE-Sepharose ion exchange arid Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration chromatographies. The purified fusion protein exhibited DNA-dependent ATPase activity, which was stimulated by both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA. To determine the steady-state level of $hrp^{2+}$ transcripts during growth, cells were cultured in medium and collected at every 2hr to prepare total RNAs. The northern blot analysis showed that the level of $hrp^{2+}$ transcripts reached its maximum before the cells entered the exponential growth phase and then decreased gradually, This result implies that Hrp2 may be required at early stages of cell growth.h.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.855-869
• /
• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 ㎍/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.172-180
• /
• 2024

Since the beginning of 2015, corporate social responsibility (CSR) models have been changing in connection with the trend towards the transition of joint value creation of corporate activities and consideration of stakeholders' interests. The purpose of the academic paper lies in empirically studying the current practice of social responsibility of transnational corporations (TNCs). The research methodology has combined the method of qualitative analysis, the method of cases of agricultural holdings in emerging markets within the framework of resource theory, institutional theory and stakeholders' theory. The results show that the practice of CSR is integrated into the strategy of sustainable development of TNCs, which determine the methods, techniques and forms of communication, as well as areas of stakeholders' responsibility. The internal practice of CSR is aimed at developing norms and standards of moral behaviour with stakeholders in order to maximize economic and social goals. Economic goals are focused not only on making a profit, but also on minimizing costs due to the potential risks of corruption, fraud, conflict of interest. The system of corporate social responsibility of modern TNCs is clearly regulated by internal documents that define the list of interested parties and stakeholders, their areas of responsibility, greatly simplifying the processes of cooperation and responsibility. As a result, corporations form their own internal institutional environment. Ethical norms help to avoid the risks of opportunistic behaviour of personnel, conflicts of interest, cases of bribery, corruption, and fraud. The theoretical value of the research lies in supplementing the theory of CSR in the context of the importance of a complex, systematic approach to integrating the theory of resources, institutional theory, theory of stakeholders in the development of strategies for sustainable development of TNCs, the practice of corporate governance and social responsibility.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.12
• /
• pp.1690-1697
• /
• 2009

CD11c and costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 express mainly in dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we investigated the biologic effects of recombinant Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (Flt-3) ligand on the expression of DC surface markers, including CD11c in leukemia cell lines, such as KG-1, HL-60, NB4, and THP-1 cells. The expression of the Flt-3 receptor was found in NB4 and HL-60 cells, as well as KG-1 cells, but not in THP-1 cells. When KG-1 cells were cultured in a medium containing Flt-3 ligand or granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, cell proliferation was inhibited and the expression levels of CD11c, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I, and MHC-II were increased in the cells. Flt-3 ligand also increased the expression level of CD11c on HL-60 and NB4 cells, but not on THP-1 cells. In comparison with CD11c expression, the expression level of CD11b on KG-1 cells, but not on NB4 and HL-60 cells, was slightly increased by Flt-3 ligand. Flt-3 ligand induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2) and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) in KG-1 cells, and the up-regulation of CD11c expression by Flt-3 ligand in the cells was abrogated by PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK. The results suggest that Flt-3 ligand up-regulates DC surface markers on $CD34^+$ myelomonocytic KG-1 cells, as well as promyelocytic leukemia cells, and that the differentiation of the leukemia cells into DC-like cells by Flt-3 ligand is mediated by ERK-1/2 activity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.720-732
• /
• 2001

Skeletal muscle is of major economic importance since it is finally converted to meat for consumers. The increase in meat production with low costs of production may be achieved by optimizing muscle growth, whereas a high meat quality requires, among other factors, the optimization of intramuscular glycogen and fat stores. Thus, research in energy metabolism aims at controling muscle metabolism, but also liver and adipose tissue metabolism in order to optimize energy partitioning in favour of muscles. Liver is characterized by high anabolic and catabolic rates. Metabolic enzymes are regulated by nutrients through short-term regulation of their activities and long-term regulation of expression of their genes. Consequences of liver metabolic regulation on energy supply to muscles may affect protein deposition (and hence growth) as well as intramuscular energy stores. Adipose tissues are important body reserves of triglycerides, which result from the balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis. Both processes depend on the feeding level and on the nature of nutrients, which indirectly affect energy delivery to muscles. In muscles, the regulation of rate-limiting nutrient transporters, of metabolic enzyme activities and of ATP production, as well as the interactions between nutrients affect free energy availability for muscle growth and modify muscle metabolic characteristics which determine meat quality. The growth of tissues and organs, the number and the characteristics of muscle fibers depend, for a great part, on early events during the fetal life. They include variations in quantitative and qualitative nutrient supply to the fetus, and hence in maternal nutrition. During the postnatal life, muscle growth and characteristics are affected by the age and the genetic type of the animals, the feeding level and the diet composition. The latter determines the nature of available nutrients and the rate of nutrient delivery to tissues, thereby regulating metabolism. Physical activity at pasture also favours the orientation of muscle metabolism, towards the oxidative type. Consequently, breeding systems may be of a great importance during the postnatal life. Research is now directed towards the determination of individual tissue and organ energy requirements, a better knowledge of nutrient partitioning between and within organs and tissues. The discovery of new molecules (e. g. leptin), of new molecular mechanisms and of more powerful techniques (DNA chips) will help to achieve these objectives. The integration of the different levels of knowledge will finally allow scientists to formulate new types of diets adapted to sustain a production of high quality meat with lower costs of production.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.571-576
• /
• 2011

Characteristics of bubble driven wakes were investigated in a simulated GTL process(0.102 m ${\times}$ 1.5 m in height) with viscous liquid medium. Effects of gas velocity(0.04 ~ 0.12 m/s) and liquid viscosity(0.001 ~ 0.050 $Pa{\cdot}s$) on the wake characteristics such as rising velocity, frequency, size and holdup were determined by employing a resistivity probe method. The wake phase formed behind the rising multi-bubbles as well as single bubbles were detected effectively from the conductivity fluctuations measured by the probe. Compressed, filtered and regulated air and aqueous solutions of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose(CMC) were used as a dispersed gas phase and a continuous liquid medium, respectively. It was found that the rising velocity and size of wake phase increased with an increase in gas velocity or liquid viscosity. The holdup and frequency of wake phase increased with increasing gas velocity due to the increase of gas input into the process with increasing gas velocity. However, the values of holdup and frequency of wake phase decreased with increasing liquid viscosity, since the size of bubbles and thus that of wakes increased with increasing liquid viscosity. The ratio of wake holdup to that of gas phase, which was in the range of 0.25 ~ 0.48, increased with an increase in liquid viscosity but decreased with gas velocity. The wake characteristics were well correlated in terms of operating variables within this experimental conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.290-298
• /
• 2013

A Saemangeum Development Project, which is a national project in South Korea, has started with the objective of developing the reclaimed area mainly agricultural land use since the mid'80s. To develop a model of the global eco-reclamation, constructions of the eco-friendly counter facilities such as sluice gates and inner dikes, as well as environmental preservation measures for an estuary reservoir, have been carried out. However, reasonable measures of the water quality management for the Saemangeum area are required. Thus, the purpose of this study is to rigorously analyze and quantitatively evaluate the environmental problems due to the water level management associated with inner dike constructions. To achieve these objectives, the affecting factors on determination of water level management are described and a series of calibrated transient-state numerical simulations was performed to demonstrate the salinity distribution difference in the estuary before and after the construction of inner dikes. The overall salinity reduced about 2~5 psu, and the seawater intrusion was weakened by a well-regulated waterway after construction of the inner dikes compared to before construction of them.