• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 1999

Silk fibroin dissolved in highly concentrated calcium chloride and ethanol mixture aqueous solution turned into gel under suitable conditions. Preparation conditions and properties of gel were investigated as a function of parameters such as pH of solution, fibroin concentration, glycerol concentration and molecular weight. When pH of silk fibroin aqueous solution was near the isoelectronic point(pH 3.9~4.0), gelation occurred rapidly and strength of gel was stonger than that of pH-unadjusted due to electrostatic repulsion decrease between silk fibroin macromolecules. As concentration of silk fibroin and glycerol was higher, gelation occurred more rapid. FT Infra-red spectra of freeze-dried fibroin gel showed that gelation was derived by intermolecular anti-parallel ${\beta}$-sheet structure formation. In addition to, it was found that white-precipitate occurred instead of gelation when aqueous silk fibroin was treated by enzyme(flavouzyme), however, after flavouzyme-treated silk fibroin aqueous solution was centrifugated gelation occurred instantly. The results of differential scanning thermal analysis and infra-red spectroscopy showed that thermal stability and crystallinity of enzyme-hydrolyzed fibroin are superior to those of unhydrolyzed fibroin.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.188-194
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• 2012

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the competition relationships of main paddy weeds with transplanted rice grown in paddy conditions. Data were used to predict crop yield as a function of weed density using a rectangular hyperbola model and determine weed economic threshold (ET) levels. The rectangular hyperbola (equation 2) was fitted to rice yield to estimate weed-free rice yield ($Y_o$) and weed competitivity (${\beta}$). Its competitivity for M. vaginalis was 0.0007445, 0.0005713, 0.000988 and 0.0008846 in Daejeon, Suwon, Iksan and Naju, respectively. The competitivity at harvest represented by parameter ${\beta}$ ranged from 0.001611 in Naju to 0.002437 in Iksan for S. trifolia. The ET levels of main paddy weeds in machine transplanted rice cultivation were well estimated based on the herbicides applied and its application cost. Therefore, our results can be used to support decision-making on herbicide application for weed management in transplanted rice cultivation.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.253-260
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• 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that can be described by the occurrence of dementia due to a decline in cognitive function. The disease is characterized by the formation of extracellular and intracellular amyloid plaques. Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD, and microglia can be activated in the presence of Aβ. Activated microglia secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, S100A9 is an important innate immunity pro-inflammatory contributor in inflammation and a potential contributor to AD. This study examined the effects of metformin and α-LA on the inflammatory response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Aβ- and S100A9-induced BV-2 microglial cells. Metformin and α-LA attenuated inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, metformin and α-LA inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38. They activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Moreover, metformin and α-LA reduced the marker levels of the M1 phenotype, ICAM1, whereas the M2 phenotype, ARG1, was increased. These findings suggest that metformin and α-LA are therapeutic agents against the Aβ- and S100A9-induced neuroinflammatory responses.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.205-213
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• 1999

Effective dose conversion coefficients from unit activity radionuclides contaminated on the ground surface were calculated by using MCNP4A rode and male/female anthropomorphic phantoms. The simulation calculations were made for 19 energy points in the range of 40 keV to 10 MeV. The effective doses E resulting from unit source intensity for different energy were compared to the effective dose equivalent $H_E$ of previous studies. Our E values are lower by 30% at low energy than the $H_E$ values given in the Federal Guidance Report of USEPA. The effective dose response functions derived by polynomial fitting of the energy-effective dose relationship are as follows: $f({\varepsilon})[fSv\;m^2]=\;0.0634\;+\;0.727{\varepsilon}-0.0520{\varepsilon}^2+0.00247{\varepsilon}^3,\;where\;{\varepsilon}$ is the gamma energy in MeV. Using the response function and the radionuclide decay data given in ICRP 38, the effective dose conversion coefficients for unit activity contamination on the ground surface were calculated with addition of the skin dose contribution of beta particles determined by use of the DOSEFACTOR code. The conversion coefficients for 90 important radionuclides were evaluated and tabulated. Comparison with the existing data showed that a significant underestimates could be resulted when the old conversion coefficients were used, especially for the nuclides emitting low energy photons or high energy beta particles.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.643-652
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• 2017

Objective: Prostaglandins (PGs) function in various reproductive processes, including luteolysis, maternal pregnancy recognition, conceptus development, and parturition. Our earlier study has shown that PG transporters ATP-binding cassette, subfamily C, member 4 (ABCC4) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family, member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) are expressed in the uterine endometrium in pigs. Since several other PG transporters such as ABCC1, ABCC9, SLCO4C1, and SLCO5A1 are known to be present in the uterine endometrium, this study investigated the expression of these PG transporters in the porcine uterine endometrium and placenta. Methods: Uterine endometrial tissues were obtained from gilts on day (D) 12 and D15 of the estrous cycle and days 12, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 114 of pregnancy. Results: ABCC1, ABCC9, SLCO4C1, and SLCO5A1 mRNAs were expressed in the uterine endometrium, and levels of expression changed during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Expression of ABCC1 and ABCC9 mRNAs was localized mainly to luminal and glandular epithelial cells in the uterine endometrium, and chorionic epithelial cells during pregnancy. Conceptuses during early pregnancy and chorioallantoic tissues from mid to late pregnancy also expressed these PG transporters. $Estradiol-17{\beta}$ increased the expression of ABCC1 and SLCO5A1, but not ABCC9 and SLCO4C1 mRNAs and increasing doses of $interleukin-1{\beta}$ induced the expression of ABCC9, SLCO4C1, and SLCO5A1 mRNAs in endometrial explant tissues. Conclusion: These data showed that several PG transporters such as ABCC1, ABCC9, SLCO4C1, and SLCO5A1 were expressed at the maternal-conceptus interface, suggesting that these PG transporters may play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by regulating PG transport in the uterine endometrium and placenta in pigs.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 2007

The p53 which is well known as tumor suppressor gene is located at 17p13. p53 is a sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor that responds to certain cytotoxic stresses, such as DNA damage, by enhancing the transcription of genes that regulate cell-cycle progression as well as programmed cell death. The p63 gene that is located at 3q27-29, is recognized members of the p53 family, and responsible for the transcription of 6 isoforms. Three isoforms ($TAp63{\alpha}$, $TAp63{\beta}$, $TAp63{\gamma}$) contain an N-terminal transactivation (TA) domain and can induce apoptosis. The other 3 isoforms (${\Delta}Np63{\alpha}$, ${\Delta}Np63{\beta}$, ${\Delta}Np63{\gamma}$) lack the TA domain and may function in a dominant-negative fashion by inhibiting the transactivation functions of p53 and TAp63 proteins, and thus act as oncoproteins. A number of studies have investigated the role of p63 in human squamous cell carcinomas from different organs. Only a few studies have examined ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform in oral squamous cell carcinoma including normal epithelium. This study aimed to evaluate expression of ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform in human oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue and normal mucosa. The 3 cases of well differenciated oral squamous cell carcinoma specimen including adjacent normal mucosa were examined, and immunohistochemical study with monoclonal antibody(4A4) and tumor cell apoptosis analysis with Transmission Electon Microscopy were studied. And, RT-PCR analysis was done for expression of ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform. The results were as followed. 1. Normal gingiva showed the restricted p63 expression in basal cell layer. 2. Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma showed mainly p63 expression in overall area of malignancy, especially in basal cell layer to adjacent stromal tissue. 3. Tumor cells around keratinized area with no p63 expression disclosed less micro-organelle in decreased size cytoplasm and severe chromatin margination with nuclear destruction that means apoptosis. 4. Comparison of mRNA expression of ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform by RT-PCR showed variable expression of ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform, but ${\Delta}Np63{\alpha}$ was most highly expressed in all 3 tumor specimen. From theses results, it should be suggested that ${\Delta}Np63$ isoform expression in well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was closely related to tumor oncogenesis, expecially overexpression of ${\Delta}Np63{\alpha}$ is a most important factor in tumor genesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.151-162
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• 2009

Herba Artemisiae Capillaris is the dried bud of Artemisia capillaris Thunb, which has been used for expelling heat to loosen the bowels and normalizing gallbladder function to cure jaundice in traditional oriental medicines. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extracts of Herba Artemisiae Capillaris (HAC) in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells. Cells were treated with $1\;{\mu}g/ml$ of LPS 1 h before adding HAC extract. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and the relative level of NO was measured with Griess reagent. TNF-$\alpha$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 cytokines were detected by ELISA. During the entire experimental period, all three doses of HAC extract (0.03, 0.10 and 0.30 mg/ml) had no significant cytotoxicity. LPS-activated cells showed increased NO levels and iNOS expressions compared to control. However, these increases were dramatically attenuated by treatment with HAC extract. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of HAC extract occurred in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, HAC extract reduced the translocation of $NF{\kappa}B$ into nuclear. HAC reduced production of IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 by LPS, although it had no effects on TNF-$\alpha$. These results demonstrate that liquiritigenin exerts anti-inflammatory effects, which results from the inhibition of $NF{\kappa}B$ activation in macrophages, thereby decreasing production of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results indicate that the aqueous extracts of Herba Artemisiae Capillaris warrant further development as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2014

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate reliability of eye exam for visual acuity as a function of distance. Methods: There were 39 patients (78 eyes) who had visual acuity 1.0 or more at 5 meters. We measured refractive power of patients at each distances, 5 meters, 4 meters and 3 meters. Automatic chart (LCD-700, Hyeseong Optic. Co., Korea) used for visual acuity, skiascope (Beta 200, Heine, Germany) and auto refractometer (RK-5, Canon, Japan) used as for objective refraction. Accommodation was examined by minus lens addition methods, and Accommodative lag was examined by grid chart for reading distance. Results: Being compared to 3 meter test, Amount of corrected spherical refractive power decreased by $0.10{\pm}0.38$ D, astigmatism decreased by $0.05{\pm}0.10$ D, and axis of astigmatism rotated toward to temporal by $2.64{\pm}18.75$ degrees for right eyes, by $11.43{\pm}48.55$ degrees for left eyes in case of 5 meter test. Changes of corrected refraction and astigmatism were slightly correlated (r=-0.31, r=-0.29). Conclusions: Because corrected refraction power and amount of astigmatism decreased and axis of astigmatism tends to turn the temporal direction according to exam distance, examination distance of visual acuity should improved as to 5 meters.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.722-729
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• 2004

Leptin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone and its plasma levels correlate with total body fat mass, however, it also plays a regulatory role in immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Chemokine is known as a chemoattractant cytokine in inflammatory reaction, but its role in leptin reaction has not been well studied. In this study, the direct effect of leptin on the expression of chemokine mRNAs and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chemokine KC mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages was investigated. Leptin did not induce the expression of lymphotactin, RANTES, eotaxin, MIP-1$\beta$, MIP-1$\alpha$, MIP-2, MCP-1, IP-10, TCA-3, and KC mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages, and had no direct effect on the expression of these LPS-induced chemokine mRNAs except KC mRNA. The synergistic effect of leptin on the expression of LPS-induced KC mRNA occurred late in the time course of response to LPS. The increased expressions of Ob-Rb mRNA and leptin receptor protein were detected during the LPS treatment. Leptin produced a substantial increase in the stability of the LPS-induced KC mRNA, and the synergistic effect of leptin on LPS-induced KC mRNA expression was further augmented by cycloheximide (CHX). Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) did not block the synergistic effect of leptin on LPS-induced KC mRNA expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. These data suggest that although leptin has no direct effect on the expression of lymphotactin, RANTES, eotaxin, MIP-1$\beta$, MIP-1$\alpha$, MIP-2, MCP-1, IP-10, TCA-3, and KC mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages, the synergistic effect of leptin on the expression of LPS-induced KC mRNA has the possibility that LPS might induce the expression of the Ob-Rb receptor or an unknown gene(s) that sensitizes macrophages to the synergistic function of leptin. Therefore, further studies are necessary to examine leptin as a regulatory factor of chemokine production.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.119-126
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• 2016

In this study, we investigated the effects of mouth breathing on brain activity through electroencephalogram (EEG). EEG was performed on 12 healthy volunteers of age ranging from 21 to 27 years (male: female = 6:6, non-smoker). Brain waves on resting state (Rest_N/Rest_M) and auditory-language stimuli state (Eng_N/Eng_M) were recorded during mouth and nose breathing. Four different regions (R1~R4) were classified based on the brain functionality. And each channel (e.g., Pf1 and Pf2) and frequency (${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$, ${\gamma}$, and ${\theta}$) were analyzed using their absolute power ratios of fast Fourier transform (FFT). The results showed that there was no significant difference between Rest_N and Rest_M. Eng_N had significantly higher brain activity than Rest_N; on the other hand, there was no significant difference between Rest_M and Eng_M. These results demonstrate that mouth-breathing on resting state does not induce any significant effects on brain activity and/or functionality, even though it causes subtle temporary inconvenience. In addition to the uncomfort, the brain activity can be adversely influenced by mouth-breathing, which could lower the cognitive skills under certain circumstances.