• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.69.1-69.11
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• 2023

Background: Kalkitoxin (KT) is an active lipopeptide isolated from the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula found in the bed of the coral reef. Although KT suppresses cell division and inflammation, KT's mechanism of action in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is unidentified. Therefore, our main aim was to investigate the impact of KT on vascular calcification for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: Using diverse calcification media, we studied the effect of KT on VSMC calcification and the underlying mechanism of this effect. Methods: VSMC was isolated from the 6 weeks ICR mice. Then VSMCs were treated with different concentrations of KT to check the cell viability. Alizarin red and von Kossa staining were carried out to examine the calcium deposition on VSMC. Thoracic aorta of 6 weeks mice were taken and treated with different concentrations of KT, and H and E staining was performed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to examine KT's effect on VSMC mineralization. Calcium deposition on VSMC was examined with a calcium deposition quantification kit. Results: Calcium deposition, Alizarin red, and von Kossa staining revealed that KT reduced inorganic phosphate-induced calcification phenotypes. KT also reduced Ca⁺⁺-induced calcification by inhibiting genes that regulate osteoblast differentiation, such as runtrelated transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), SMAD family member 4, osterix, collagen 1α, and osteopontin. Also, KT repressed Ca²⁺-induced bone morphogenetic protein 2, RUNX-2, collagen 1α, osteoprotegerin, and smooth muscle actin protein expression. Likewise, Alizarin red and von Kossa staining showed that KT markedly decreased the calcification of ex vivo ring formation in the mouse thoracic aorta. Conclusions: This experiment demonstrated that KT decreases vascular calcification and may be developed as a new therapeutic treatment for vascular calcification and arteriosclerosis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 2017

A diversity of synthetic cathinones has flooded the recreational drug marketplace worldwide. This variety is often a response to legal control actions for one specific compound (e.g. methcathinone) which has resulted in the emergence of closely related replacement. Based on recent trends, the nitrogen atom is one of the sites in the cathinone molecule being explored by designer type modifications. In this study, we designed and synthesized two new synthetic cathinones, (1) ${\alpha}-piperidinopropiophenone$ (PIPP) and (2) ${\alpha}-piperidinopentiothiophenone$ (PIVT), which have piperidine ring substituent on their nitrogen atom. Thereafter, we evaluated whether these two compounds have an abuse potential through the conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice and self-administration (SA) in rats. We also investigated whether the substances can induce locomotor sensitization in mice following 7 days daily injection and challenge. qRT-PCR analyses were conducted to determine their effects on dopamine-related genes in the striatum. PIPP (10 and 30 mg/kg) induced CPP in mice, but not PIVT. However, both synthetic cathinones were not self-administered by the rats and did not induce locomotor sensitization in mice. qRT-PCR analyses showed that PIPP, but not PIVT, reduced dopamine transporter gene expression in the striatum. These data indicate that PIPP, but not PIVT, has rewarding effects, which may be attributed to its ability to affect dopamine transporter gene expression. Altogether, this study suggests that PIPP may have abuse potential. Careful monitoring of this type of cathinone and related drugs are advocated.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2008

Peel strength of epoxy adhesives can be increased by adding some amounts of XNBR. In this case, thermal resistance of the adhesive will be decreased by decrease of glass transition temperature of the adhesive. Epoxy resin modified with siloxane-imide was synthesized to improve thermal resistance and peel strength of the adhesive, after that the properties of modified epoxy resin were compared with the commercial epoxy resin. When 5% XNBR was added to 30% modified epoxy resin, this adhesive showed 0.42 N/mm of peel strength and $155^{\circ}C$ of glass transition temperature. These properties are enough compared to the required properties by the industry, i.e., 0.3 N/mm and $150^{\circ}C$, respectively. Weight loss of the modified epoxy resin by the treatment of nitric acid and 0.1N NaOH was reduced, but weight gain by the humid condition was increased by the presence of benzene ring and imide ring. 30% modified epoxy resin blended with 5% XNBR showed 220% improvement in tensile strength and elongation compared to the case of common epoxy resin. This is due to the flexibility of the siloxane in the modified epoxy resin.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.338-351
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• 2018

This study was conducted in a long-term experimental forest in the central hardwoods region of southwestern Michigan to retrospectively examine the role of past forest management practices and climate on red oak (Quercus rubra L.) productivity. Initially, in 1971, plots within the experimental forest were treated separately with a clearcut and shelterwood regeneration harvest in an attempt to increase red oak regeneration. From 1987-1989, a new study was initiated within a portion of the clearcut and shelterwood plots to evaluate the effectiveness of additional oak crop tree release using mechanical and chemical applications. Cumulative diameter and mortality rates of 719 red oaks were monitored across the four silvicultural treatments: Clearcut-A (clearcut without additional release treatment), Clearcut-B (clearcut with additional release treatment), Shelterwood-A (shelterwood without additional release), and Shelterwood-B (shelterwood with additional release) plus an untreated control. Increment cores were obtained from red oak trees and neighboring competitor species. Tree-ring analyses (dendrochronology) were applied to examine the effect of these silvicultural treatments and climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) on red oak productivity. The results indicated that crop tree release following a clearcut or shelterwood harvest reduced mortality rates and thus increased survival of red oak. Red oak in control plots or plots only receiving the initial regeneration harvesting treatment and no additional competition release were negatively affected by climatic stress, which included summer moisture stress. In contrast, red oak in plots that received the competition release treatment from shade tolerant tree species not only had higher tree level productivity (i.e., tree basal area) and lower mortality rates, but were also relatively more resilient to climatic stress by showing limited or no associations between climate and growth.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 1986

We have isolated two new metabolites of territrem, designated as territrem $A'\;(TRA';\;C_{28}H_{30}O_{10})$ and $B'\;(TRB';\; C_{29}H_{34}O_{10})$ from chloroform extract of rice culture of Aspergillus terreus 23-1, using the same isolation procedure as that for territrem A, B and C(TRA, TRB, TRC). The present isolation procedure gave about 5 mg of TRA' and 10 mg of TRB' from 4 kg of rice culture per batch. Analysis of the high resolution mass spectrum showed that the molecular composition of TRA' and TRB' are $C_{28}H_{30}O_{10}$ and $C_{29}H_{34}O_{10}$ respectively, Some results of physicochemical properties were presented in this paper. Single crystal X-ray diffractometry of TRB' showed that the three dimensional structure of TRB' has not changed significantly from that of $TRB\;(C_{29}H_{34}O_9)$, except for the insertion of one oxygen atom into TRB to make additional pyran in the E-ring. It is also suggested that the aromatic moiety of TRA' is similar to that of $TRA\;(C_{28}H_{30}O_9)$ and the rest non-aromatic portions resemble to those of TRB'. The tremorgenic activity, lethality and inhibitory effect on acetylcholine esterase of TRA' and TRB' are greatly reduced comparing to that of TRA and TRB.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.1-2
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• 2000

In chip plating, several parameters must be taken into consideration. Current density, solution concentration, pH, solution temperature, components volume, chip and media ratio, barrel geometrical shape were most likely found to have an effect to the process yields. The 3 types of barrels utilized in chip plating industry are the onventional rotating barrel, vibrational barrel(vibarrel), and the centrifugal type. Conventional rotating barrel is a close type and is commonly used. The components inside the barrel are circulated by the barrel's rotation at a horizontal axis. Process yield has known to have higher thickness deviation. The vibrational barrel is an open type which offers a wide exposure to electrolyte resulting to a stable thickness deviation. It rotates in a vertical axis coupled with multi-vibration action to facilitate mixed up and easy transportation of components. The centrifugal barrel has its plated work centrifugally compacted against the cathode ring for superior electrical contact with simultaneous rotary motion. This experiment has determined the effect of barrel vibration intensity to the plating thickness distribution. The procedures carried out in the experiment involved the overall plating process., cleaning, rinse, Nickel plating, Tin-Lead plating. Plating time was adjusted to meet the required specification. All other parameters were maintained constant. Two trials were performed to confirm the consistency of the result. The thickness data of the experiment conducted showed thatbthe average mean value obtained from higher vibrational intensity is nearer to the standard mean. The distribution curve shown has a narrower specification limits and it has a reduced variation around the target value. Generally, intensity control in vi-barrel facilitates mixed up and easy transportation of components. However, it is desirable to maintain an optimum vibration intensity to prevent solution intrusion into the chips' internal electrode. A cathodic reaction can occur in the interface of the external and internal electrode. 2H20 + e $\rightarrow$M/TEX> 20H + H2.. Hydrogen can penetrate into the body and create pressure which can cause cracks. At high intensity, the chip's motion becomes stronger, its contact between each other is delayed and so plating action is being controlled. However, the strong impact created by its collision can damage the external electrode's structure there by resulting to bad plating condition.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.132-145
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• 2024

Sarcopenia, the age-related muscle atrophy, is a serious concern as it is associated with frailty, reduced physical functions, and increased mortality risk. Protein supplementation is essential for preserving muscle mass, and horse meat can be an excellent source of proteins. Since sarcopenia occurs under conditions of oxidative stress, this study aimed to investigate the potential anti-muscle atrophy effect of horse meat hydrolysate using C2C12 cells. A horse meat hydrolysate less than 3 kDa (A4<3kDa) significantly increased the viability of C2C12 myoblasts against H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity. Exposure of C2C12 myoblasts to lipopolysaccharide led to an elevation of cellular reactive oxygen species levels and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6, and these effects were attenuated by A4<3kDa treatment. Additionally, A4<3kDa activated protein synthesis-related proteins through the protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway, while decreasing the expression of activity and degradation-related proteins, such as Forkhead box O3, muscle RING finger protein-1, and Atrogin-1 in dexamethasone-treated C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, the natural material A4<3kDa has the potential of protecting against muscle atrophy, while further in vivo study is needed.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 1999.10a
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• pp.15-15
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• 1999

In chip plating, several parameters must be taken into consideration. Current density, solution concentration, pH, solution temperature, components volume, chip and media ratio, barrel geometrical shape were most likely found to have an effect to the process yields. The 3 types of barrels utilized in chip plating industry are the conventional rotating barrel. vibrational barrel (vibarrel), and the centrifugal type. Conventional rotating barrel is a close type and is commonly used. The components inside the barrel are circulated by the barrel's rotation at a horizontal axis. Process yield has known to have higher thickness deviation. The vibrational barrel is an open type which offers a wide exposure to electrolyte resulting to a stable thickness deviation. It rotates in a vertical axis coupled with multi-vibration action to facilitate mixed up and easy transportation of components, The centrifugal barrel has its plated work centrifugally compacted against the cathode ring for superior electrical contact with simultaneous rotary motion. This experiment has determined the effect of barrel vibration intensity to the plating thickness distribution. The procedures carried out in the experiment involved the overall plating process., cleaning, rinse, Nickel plating, Tin-Lead plating. Plating time was adjusted to meet the required specification. All other parameters were maintained constant. Two trials were performed to confirm the consistency of the result. The thickness data of the experiment conducted showed that the average mean value obtained from higher vibrational intensity is nearer to the standard mean. The distribution curve shown has a narrower specification limits and it has a reduced variation around the target value, Generally, intensity control in vi-barrel facilitates mixed up and easy transportation of components, However, it is desirable to maintain an optimum vibration intensity to prevent solution intrusion into the chips' internal electrode. A cathodic reaction can occur in the interface of the external and internal electrode. $2HD{\;}+{\;}e{\;}{\rightarrow}20H{\;}+{\;}H_2$ Hydrogen can penetrate into the body and create pressure which can cause cracks. At high intensity, the chip's motion becomes stronger, its contact between each other is delayed and so plating action is being controlled. However, the strong impact created by its collision can damage the external electrode's structure thereby resulting to bad plating condition. 1 lot of chip was divided into two equal partion. Each portion was loaded to the same barrel one after the other. Nickel plating and tin-lead plating was performed in the same station. Portion A maintained the normal barrel vibration intensity and portion B vibration intensity was increased two steps higher. All other parameters, current, solution condition were maintained constant. Generally, plating method find procedures were carried out in a best way to maintained the best plating condition. After plating, samples were taken out from each portion. molded and polished. Plating thickness was investigated for both. To check consistency of results. 2nd trial was done now using different lot of another characteristics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Toxicology Conference
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• 2006.11a
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• pp.46-54
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• 2006

The methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic environmental pollutant, causing serious neurological and developmental effects in humans. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that ingestion of MeHg in fish during pregnancy can result in neuroethological effects in the offspring. However, the mechanism underlying the MeHg-toxicity is not fully understood. To elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity of MeHg and of defense against MeHg, we searched for factors that determine the sensitivity of yeast cells to MeHg, and found that overexpression of Cdc34, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) that is a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, induces a resistance to MeHg toxicity in both yeast and human cells. The UP system is involved in the intracellular degradation of proteins. When Cdc34 is overexpressed in cells, ubiquitination reactions are activated and the degradation of certain proteins by the UP system is enhanced. Therefore, it seems likely that certain as-yet-unidentified proteins that increase MeHg toxicity might exist in cons and that toxicity might be reduced by the enhanced degradation of such proteins, mediated by the UP system, when Cdc34 is overexpressed. SCF ubiquitin-ligase is a component of UP system and consists of Skpl, the scaffold protein Cdc53, the RING-finger protein Hrt1, and one member of the family of F-box proteins. The F-box proteins directly bind to the substrates and are the determinants of substrate specificity of SCF. Therefore, we searched for the f-box protein that cofers resistance to MeHg, and found that overexpression of Hrt3 or Yi1224w induced resistance to MeHg toxicity in yeast cells. Since the protein(5) that enhance toxicity of MeHg might plausibly be induced in substrates of both f-box proteins, we next searched for substrate proteins that are recognized by Hrt3 or Y1r224w using two-hybrid screen. We found that Did3 or Crsl interacts with Hrt3; and Eno2 interacts with Yir224w. The yeast cells that overexpressed each those proteins showed hypersensitivity to MeHg, respectively, indicating that those proteins enhance the MeHg toxicity. Both Dld3 and Eno2 are proteins involved in the synthesis of pyruvate, and overexpression of both proteins might induce increase in interacellular levels of pyruvate. Deletion of Yi1006w that transports pyruvate into the mitochondria induced aresistance to MeHg. These results suggest that the promotion of the pyruvate irdlowinto the mitochondria might enhance MeHg toxicity. This study providesimportant keyfor the elucidauon of the molecular mechanism of MeHg toxicity.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1635-1647
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• 2023

Muscle atrophy, which is defined as a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is caused by an imbalance between the anabolism and catabolism of muscle proteins. Thus, modulating the homeostasis between muscle protein synthesis and degradation represents an efficient treatment approach for this condition. In the present study, the protective effects against muscle atrophy of ethanol extracts of Morus alba L. (MA) and Angelica keiskei Koidz. (AK) leaves and their mixtures (MIX) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that MIX increased 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide-induced C2C12 myotube thinning, and enhanced soleus and gastrocnemius muscle thickness compared to each extract alone in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, although MA and AK substantially improved grip strength and histological changes for dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vivo, the efficacy was superior in the MIX-treated group. Moreover, MIX further increased the expression levels of myogenic factors (MyoD and myogenin) and decreased the expression levels of E3 ubiquitin ligases (atrogin-1 and muscle-specific RING finger protein-1) in vitro and in vivo compared to the MA- and AK-alone treatment groups. Furthermore, MIX increased the levels of phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that were reduced by dexamethasone, and downregulated the expression of forkhead box O3 (FoxO3a) induced by dexamethasone. These results suggest that MIX has a protective effect against muscle atrophy by enhancing muscle protein anabolism through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and attenuating catabolism through the inhibition of FoxO3a.