• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.318-329
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• 2013

This paper proposes a DNA watermarking method for the privacy protection and the prevention of illegal copy. The proposed method allocates codons to random circular angles by using random mapping table and selects triplet codons for embedding target with the help of the Lipschitz regularity value of local modulus maxima of codon circular angles. Then the watermark is embedded into circular angles of triplet codons without changing the codes of amino acids in a DNA. The length and location of target triplet codons depend on the random mapping table for 64 codons that includes start and stop codons. This table is used as the watermark key and can be applied on any codon sequence regardless of the length of sequence. If this table is unknown, it is very difficult to detect the length and location of them for extracting the watermark. We evaluated our method and DNA-crypt watermarking of Heider method on the condition of similar capacity. From evaluation results, we verified that our method has lower base changing rate than DNA-crypt and has lower bit error rate on point mutation and insertions/deletions than DNA-crypt. Furthermore, we verified that the entropy of random mapping table and the locaton of triplet codons is high, meaning that the watermark security has high level.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.185-211
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• 2002

We have found many beneficial effects of the long-tenn intake of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-I infected patients, including the maintenance of CD4+ T cell count for 10 years with KRG only and the delayed development of resistance mutation to ZDV. In this study, to investigate whether KRG-intake could affect the clinical progression and nef gene variation, we determined 200nef sequences from 70 patients. Follow-up period was $8.8{\pm}2.9$ years and annual decrease in CD4+T cell was $41{\pm}57/ul.$ Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing were perfonned with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained at times during the study period. First, there was a significant correlation between survival duration and duration of KRG-intake $(36.8{\pm}38$ months)(P=0.000). There were significant correlations between the last NefProg score and CD4+ T cell count (r= 0.208, P<0.05) and annual decrease in CD4+ T cell count (r =0.346, P<0.01) in 70 patients. In addition, there were significant correlations between KRG-intake and annual decrease (r= 0.323, P<0.01), and the CD4+ T cell count itself (r=0.229, p<0.05). Furthennore, there was also a mild significance between the NefProg score and the duration of KRG-intake in only SP and RP (n=30, r=-0.281, P=0.067). In addition, we detected various defects in 21 patients $(30.0\%),$ not including 5 premature stop codons. Ten $(12.5\%)$ patients showed repeated deletion of an amino acid. Four of 10 patients were gross deletions and they were treated with KRG for more than 20 months. The number of patients with repeated gross deletions was significantly higher in the order of slow progressors $(18\%)$, typical progressors($3\%$), and rapid progressors($0\%$) (P<0.05). We also observed that long-tenn intake of KRG might make the change from A or D to T at position 54 and decrease NefProg score. Taken together, our results show clear evidence that the long-term intake of KRG has effects on nef gene variation as well as definite clinical usefulness.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.227-234
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• 2003

Silicone composites for high voltage insulator (HVI SC) were prepared by adding aluminum trihydrate(ATH) treated by surface treatment agent to base silicone compound at the ratio oi 100:20, 100:40, 100:60, 100:80, and 100:100, respectively And also, ATH was treated by various surface treatment agents, such as stearic arid, acryl silane, and vinyl silane under compounding process. Mechanical properties and electrical properties were investigated for the various contents of ATH and surface-treatment agents. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and tear strength decreased as the load of ATH increased. Volume resistivity, AC break down strength, and tracking resistance for HVI SC containing ATH treated by vinyl silane were better than those for HVI SC containing ATH treated by other surface treatment agents, such as stearic acid and acryl silane. Polymer-filler interaction of silicone composites according to surface treatment agents was studied by measuring bound rubber contend(BR). From the experimental results, BR of silicone composite containing ATH treated with vinyl silane was higher than that of the others. The degree of rule for silicone composite was investigated using Rheometer. Maximum torque of silicone composites contaning ATH treated with vinyl silane was higher than that of silicone composite contaning ATH treated with other surface agents.

• Clean Technology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2019

A.C (activated carbon) is mainly used to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds), however, it has many problems such as fire risk due to increasing of adsorbent surface temperature during VOCs ad/desorption, increased cost by frequent replacement cycles requirement and performance degradation when containing moisture. In order to solve these problems, many researches, hydrophobic zeolite adsorbents, have been reported. In this study, $NH_4{^+}Y$-zeolite was synthesized with Y-zeolite through steam treatment and acid treatment, which is one of the hydrophobic modification methods, to secure high surface area, thermal stability and humidity resistance. The Y, Y-550-HN, Y-600-HN and Y-650-HN had adsorption capacities of $23mg\;g^{-1}$, $38mg\;g^{-1}$, $77mg\;g^{-1}$, $61mg\;g^{-1}$. The change of Si/Al ratio, which is an index to confirm the degree of modification, was confirmed by XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometer) analysis. As a result, the adsorbtion performance was improved when Y-zeolite modified, and the Si/Al ratio of Y, Y-550-HN, Y-600-HN, Y-650-HN were increased to 3.1765, 6.6706, 7.3079, and 7.4635, respectively. Whereas it was confirmed that structural crystallization due to high heat treatment temperature affected performance degradation. Therefore, there is an optimal heat treatment temperature of Y-zeolite, optimum modification condition study could be a substitute for activated carbon as a condition for producing an adsorbent having high durability and stability.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.395-411
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• 2020

Background: This study investigated the anti-obesity effect of the flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) and its constituent, rutin obtained from the leaf of Morus alba L., on the lipid accumulation mechanism in 3T3-L1 adipocyte and C57BL/6 mouse models. Methods and Results: In Oil Red O staining, FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) treatments showed inhibition rate of 35.39% in lipid accumulation compared to that in the control. AdipoRedTM assay indicated that the triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with FRF (1,000 ㎍/㎖) was reduced to 23.22%, and free glycerol content was increased to 106.04% that of the control. FRF and its major constituent, rutin affected mRNA gene expression. Rutin contributed to the inhibition of Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) gene expression, and inhibited the transcription factors SREBP-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, the effect of FRF administration on obesity development in C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) was investigated. FRF suppressed weight gain, and reduced liver triglyceride and leptin secretion. FRF exerted potential anti-inflammatory effects by improving insulin resistance and adiponectin levels, and could thus be used to help counteract obesity. The mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, FAS, ACC, and CPT-1 were determined in liver tissue. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was also performed to evaluate the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in epididymal adipose tissue. Compared to the control group, mice fed the HFD showed the up-regulation in PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α genes, and down-regulation in CPT1 gene expression. FRF treatement markedly reduced the expression of PPAR-γ, FAS, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to those in HFD control, whereas increased the expression level of CPT1. Conclusions: These results suggest that the FRF and its major active constituent, rutin, can be used as effective anti-obesity agents.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.135-146
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• 2022

Obesity is closely associated with profound dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. Recent reports have suggested that alterations in gut microbiota can be linked to diet-induced obesity. In this study, the anti-obesity effects of Weissella confusa WIKIM51 isolated from kimchi were investigated, as evidenced by: i) reduced lipid accumulation and downregulated adipogenesis-related genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes; ii) suppressed gains in body weight and epididymal fat mass; iii) reduced serum lipid levels, for example, triglyceride and total cholesterol; iv) increased serum adiponectin levels and reduced serum leptin levels; v) downregulated lipogenesis and upregulated β-oxidation-related genes in the epididymal fat; and vi) altered microbial communities. The collective evidence indicate the potential value of W. confusa WIKIM51 as a functional food supplement for the prevention and amelioration of obesity.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.179-191
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• 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) poses an increasing public health threat and has limited treatment options with high associated mortality. Genotypes of carbapenemase that threaten public health (bla_KPC, bla_NDM, bla_IMP, and bla_VIM) and bla_OXA-48-like genes were detected by phenotypic and molecular diagnosis, and related gene distribution patterns were investigated. Phenotypic testing using the modified Hodge test confirmed positivity in all 41 strains examined, and carbapenemase inhibitory testing using meropenem+phenyl boronic acid or meropenem+EDTA confirmed positivity in 18 and 8 strains, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of amplification products in 28 strains of bla_KPC, 25 strains of bla_NDM, 5 strains of bla_IMP, 1 strain of bla_VIM, and 13 bla_OXA-48-like strains. In addition, 7 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM, 1 strain of bla_KPC+bla_IMP, 1 strain of bla_NDM+bla_OXA-48-like, 1 strain of bla_NDM+bla_VIM, 4 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM+bla_IMP, and 4 strains of bla_KPC+bla_NDM+bla_OXA-48-like were identified. Melting curve analysis using real-time PCR was wholly consistent with PCR results. The study shows genetic identification of highly specific CRE by real-time PCR could be used to provide early diagnoses and infection control, improve surveillance, and prevent the transmission of CRE.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2021

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Allomyrina dichotoma larva (ADL), one of the many edible insects recognized as future food resources, has a range of pharmacological activities. In a previous study, an ADL extract (ADLE) reduced the hepatic insulin resistance of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice. On the other hand, the associated molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction remain unclear. This study examined the effects of ADLE on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in a beta cell line of a rat origin, INS-1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: ADLE was administered to high-fat diet treated mice. The expression of apoptosis-related molecules was measured by Western blotting, and reactive oxidative stress generation and nitric oxide production were measured by DCH-DA fluorescence and a Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of ADLE to HFD-induced diabetic mice reduced the hyperplasia, 4-hydroxynonenal levels, and the number of apoptotic cells while improving the insulin levels compared to the HFD group. Treatment of INS-1 cells with palmitate reduced insulin secretion, which was attenuated by the ADLE treatment. Furthermore, the ADLE treatment prevented palmitate-induced cell death in INS-1 cells and isolated islets by reducing the apoptotic signaling molecules, including cleaved caspase-3 and PARP, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. ADLE also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species generation, lipid accumulation, and nitrite production in palmitate-treated INS-1 cells while increasing the ATP levels. This effect corresponded to the decreased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS: ADLE helps prevent lipotoxic beta-cell death in INS-1 cells and HFD-diabetic mice, suggesting that ADLE can be used to prevent or treat beta-cell damage in glucose intolerance during the development of diabetes.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.442-455
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• 2022

High-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) has been studied as an alternative to low-temperature PEMFC due to its fast activation of electrodes and high resistance to electrode poisoning by carbon monoxide. It is highly required to develop stable PEMs operating at high temperatures even doped by ion-conducting materials for the development of high-performance and durable HT-PEMFC systems. A number of studies have been conducted to develop polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based PEMs for applications in HT-PEMFC due to their high interaction with doped ion-conducting materials and outstanding thermomechanical stability under high-temperature operation. This review focused on the development of PBI-based PEMs showing high performance and durability. Firstly, the characteristic behavior of PBI-based PEMs doped with various ion-conducting materials including phosphoric acid was systematically investigated. And then, a comparison of the physicochemical properties of the PEMs according to the different membrane manufacturing processes was conducted. Secondly, the incorporation of porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate and/or inorganic composites to PBI matrix to improve the membrane performances was studied. Finally, the construction of cross-linked structures into PBI-based PEM systems by polymer blending method was introduced to improve the PEM properties.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.1A
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• pp.75-84
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• 2009

The present study assesses the chloride threshold level for corrosion of steel in concrete by examining the properties of four different binders used for blended concrete in terms of chloride binding, buffering of cement matrix to a pH fall and the corrosion behaviour. As binders, ordinary Portland cement (OPC), 30% pulverised fuel ash (PFA), 60% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and 10% silica fume (SF) were used in a concrete mix. Testing for chloride binding was carried out using the water extraction method, the buffering of cement matrix was assessed by measuring the resistance to an artificial acidification of nitric acid, and the corrosion rate of steel in mortar with chlorides in cast was measured at 28 days using an anodic polarisation technique. Results show that the chloride binding capacity was much affected by $C_{3}A$ content and physical adsorption, and its order was 60% GGBS>30% PFA>OPC>10% SF. The buffering of cement matrix to a pH fall was varied with binder type and given values of the pH. From the result of corrosion test, it was found that the chloride threshold ranged 1.03, 0.65, 0.45 and 0.98% by weight of cement for OPC, 30% PFA, 60% GGBS and 10% SF respectively, assuming that corrosion starts at the corrosion rate of $0.1-0.2{\mu}A/cm^{2}$. The mole ratio of [$Cl^{-}$]:[$H^{+}$], as a new presentation of the chloride threshold, indicated the value of 0.008-0.009, irrespective of binder, which would be indicative of the inhibitive characteristic of binder.