• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2020

Objectives Depletion of ovarian function after menopause in women induces estrogen deficiency leading to increased fat and decreased muscle mass. In this study, we examined the effect of herbal medicines by measuring hormone expression in muscle tissue of estrogen-deficient rats induced by ovariectomy. Methods Ovariectomy was performed to induce estrogen deficiency, and mice were given herbal prescription (HP) for 6 weeks. Estrogen-deficient rats were divided into two groups: one group (HPH) which were orally administered HP 200 mg/kg and the other group (HPL) administered HP 40 mg/kg. Weight changes in both groups were measured using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After extraction of the femoral muscles in mice, the expression of the leptin, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), diacyl glycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, NADH dehydrogenase (NDH), farnesyl diphosphate farnesyltransferase (FDFT)1, lanosterol synthase (LSS), phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT), and peroxiredoxin (Prdx6) were measured using PCR. Results HP increased the expression of leptin, LPL, DGAT1, PGC-1α, NDH, FDFT1, LSS, PEMT, and Prdx6. HP affects body fat metabolism and is effective in improving menopausal obesity and obesity complications caused by estrogen deficiency. However, HP does not affect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, and thus will not be effective in obesity-related metabolic diseases. Conclusions HP is thought to inhibit weight gain by regulating hormone expression related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in muscle tissue of estrogen-deficient rats.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.30 no.11
• /
• pp.2549-2554
• /
• 2009

The structures of 1,n-alkanedithiol (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a Au(111) substrate were investigated by electrochemical measurements and theoretical calculations. The results of the experimental techniques indicated that the dithiols, except n = 2, showed an upright molecular structure in the SAMs, in which alkanedithiols were bound to the Au surface via only one thiol functionality and the other one faced up to the air. The results also suggested that the formed dithiol SAMs were densely packed and highly oriented. Except ethanedithiol, which was thought to form a bilayer, the reductive desorption peak potentials of 1,n-alkanedithiol (n = 4, 6, 8, 10) SAMs were more negative than those of the corresponding monothiol ones in 0.1 M KOH solutions. This illustrates that the dithiol SAMs had higher stability than the corresponding monothiol ones. The major part of the high stability may be attributed to the van der Waals interaction among the sulfur atoms on top of the dithiol SAMs. The molecular modeling calculation showed that the structures of dithiol SAMs were similar to those of the corresponding monothiol SAMs and that all the dithiol SAMs, except ethanedithiol, were more stable than the corresponding monothiol SAMs. The calculated energy differences between dithiol and monothiol SAMs decreased with the increment of alkyl-chain length.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.405-416
• /
• 2021

Background: This study investigated the effect of intrathecal Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) on the p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-related inflammatory responses, and autophagy in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model. Methods: The continuous administration of intrathecal SOG via an osmotic pump was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) with SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Rats were randomized into four groups after the 7th day following SNL and treated for 2 weeks as follows (each n = 10): Group S, sham-operated; Group D, 70% dimethylsulfoxide; Group SOG96, SOG at 96 ㎍/day; and Group SOG192, SOG at 192 ㎍/day. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) test was performed to assess neuropathic pain. Western blotting of the spinal cord (L5) was performed to measure changes in the expression of signaling pathway components, cytokines, and autophagy. Additional studies with naloxone challenge (n = 10) and cells were carried out to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of SOG. Results: Continuous intrathecal SOG administration increased the PWT with p38/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition, which induced a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines with the concomitant downregulation of autophagy. Conclusions: SOG alleviates mechanical allodynia, and its mechanism is thought to be related to the regulation of p38/JNK MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, associated with autophagy during neuroinflammatory processes after SNL.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.241-248
• /
• 2019

Objective: To isolate and identify new methanogens from the rumen of Holstein steers in Korea. Methods: Representative rumen contents were obtained from three ruminally cannulated Holstein steers ($793{\pm}8kg$). Pre-reduced media were used for the growth and isolation of methanogens. Optimum growth temperature, pH, and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration as well as substrate utilization and antibiotic tolerance were investigated to determine the physiological characteristics of the isolated strain. Furthermore, the isolate was microscopically studied for its morphology. Polymerase chain reaction of 16S rRNA and mcrA gene-based amplicons was used for identification. Results: One strain designated as KOR-2 was isolated and found to be a non-motile irregular coccus with a diameter of 0.2 to $0.5{\mu}m$. KOR-2 utilized $H_2+CO_2$ and formate but was unable to metabolize acetate, methanol, trimethylamine, 2-propanol, and isobutanol for growth and methane production. The optimum temperature and pH for the growth of KOR-2 were $38^{\circ}C$ and 6.8 to 7.0, respectively, while the optimum NaCl concentration essential for KOR-2 growth was 1.0% (w/v). KOR-2 tolerated ampicillin, penicillin G, kanamycin, spectromycin, and tetracycline. In contrast, the cell growth was inhibited by chloramphenicol. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and mcrA genes revealed the relatedness between KOR-2 and Methanoculleus bourgensis. Conclusion: Based on the physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, KOR-2 was thought to be a new strain within the genus Methanoculleus and named Methanoculleus bourgensis KOR-2.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.17-25
• /
• 2014

Wide spread application and non-biodegradability of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) generate a huge amount of waste and disposal, posing serious environmental problems. Disposal of the PET wastes also can be thought as an economic loss of valuable chemical resources. We present various ways of feedstock recycling of PET waste to deal with environmental and economic problems. Feedstock recycling is one of promising technologies. It is based on the concept of depolymerizing the condensation polymer such as PET through solvolytic chain cleavage into low molecular products which can be purified and reused as raw materials for the production of high quality chemical products.

• Asia Marketing Journal
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.185-197
• /
• 2012

Caffe Bene, one of the most notable coffeehouse chain brands in Republic of Korea, gives us some thought-provoking issues in terms of sustainable success. Despite harsh competition among various coffeehouse brands, Caffe Bene has been accomplished astonishing outcomes in domestic market and now ranked 2^nd place in sales among the global coffeehouse franchise in 2010 and 2011. These achievements were possible mainly because Caffe Bene adopted distinctive shop design, maintained aggressive marketing strategy, developed new menu, and combined the unique Korean culture with ordinary concept of café to make its place attractive. However, since Korean coffeehouse market is getting saturated and consumers are becoming savvy about coffee, Caffe Bene needs to find a new solution to overcome growth stagnation. Besides, many experts pointed out that irrational increase in the number of stores might hurt its business in the aspect of managing distribution channel and providing consistent services. Also, customers of Caffe Bene have shown that it has to complement its critical weaknesses: inferior coffee taste and relatively high price for a cup of coffee. Especially, some people view that the company is shifting its high rental fee, interior cost and PPL marketing cost to consumers by charging high price for coffee. To get over the problems, Caffe Bene is currently using C/S Consumer Management System though experts are questioning about the efficacy because of the conflict between purpose of the system and the headquarters' plan. Present CEO Kim also announced that the company will complete its logistics system in the latter half of 2012 to provide stores with more high quality coffee beans to improve taste of coffee. Thus, in this case, we describe how Caffe Bene succeeded in Korean market and enumerate its key success factors. Also, we specify the long-term goals of Caffe Bene and introduce the current policies and strategies to show how the company is working on to achieve its ultimate goal. By reading and analyzing this business case, students could get useful insights regarding franchise management and think about issues on competing in a saturated market. Also, it would be worthwhile to generate creative solutions for the problems that Caffe Bene is now facing to broaden the practical perspective.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.107-114
• /
• 2011

Closed kinematic chain exercises such as squatting have been widely indicated for knee rehabilitation in patients with patellofemoral disorders such as osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain. Patellofemoral disorders are thought to be associated with abnormal patellar kinematics. In addition, the Q-angle may be undervalued in patients with patellofemoral pain and a laterally displaced patella. The purpose of this study was to assess patellar kinematics and the Q-angle during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. In this study, 28 asymptomatic subjects(16 male, 12 female) were assessed. Patellar tilt, patellar spin, and Q-angle were recorded using a motion analysis system during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. The Q-angle and patellar tilt were significantly increased, whereas patellar spin was significantly decreased, at $45^{\circ}$ of knee flexion compared with $0^{\circ}$. No differences were observed for the Q-angle, patellar tilt, and patellar spin during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises. However, a significant interaction was observed between squat type and knee angle for patellar spin. We found that the patella is laterally tilted during semi-squat exercises and that there was no difference in patellar tracking between knee flexion during double-leg semi-squat and wall-slide semi-squat exercises.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Illuminating and Electrical Installation Engineers
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.30-37
• /
• 2002

This paper reports on the results of weathering test, tracking test and salt-fog test of various kinds of cycloaliphatic epoxy systems. UV irradiation dramatically induced the loss of surface hydrophobicity due to the chain scission attack at the surface under UV irradiation. It could be seen that samples containing an UV absorbent/antioxidant and a silicone oil additive have a good performance in weathering test, while ATH(alumina tri-hydrate) filled ones have high resistance against tracking failure than others. Under salt fog chamber test, specimens mixed with silicone oil are able to suppress leakage current development. It was thought that silicone oil mixed into cycloaliphatic epoxy system could lead to lower the surface energy and to retain hydrophobic properties for a long time, which are desirable for outdoor use.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.159-162
• /
• 2001

The genetic relationships of Korean native Orostachys species collected from various regions were analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. Eighteen Orostachys species analysed with UPGMA were clustered into three groups A, B, and C. However, four species were not clustered into any group. O. iwarenge species in group A (No. 18-No. 22) showed low similarity with 66.3-73.9% according to the cluster analysis. O. malacophyllus species in group B (No. 12-No. 17) showed low similarity with 66.7-83.7% according to the cluster analysis. The similarity coefficient value of O. japonicus (No. 3-No. 8) except Anmyeondo collected variety (No. 9) showed higher level with 84.2-92.3% than O. iwarenge or O. malacophyllus. Therefore, O. japonicus is thought to be genetically stable, and have less regional variation.