• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.281-285
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• 2016

CD4⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for normal immune surveillance, and their dysfunction can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as type-1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by islet b cell destruction, hypoinsulinemia, and severely altered glucose homeostasis. Tregs play a critical role in the development of T1D and participate in peripheral tolerance. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be utilized to obtain a renewable source of healthy Tregs to treat T1D as they have the ability to produce almost all cell types in the body, including Tregs. However, the right conditions for the development of antigen (Ag)-specific Tregs from PSCs (i.e., PSC-Tregs) remain undefined, especially molecular mechanisms that direct differentiation of such Tregs. Auto Ag-specific PSC-Tregs can be programmed to be tissue-associated and infiltrate to local inflamed tissue (e.g., islets) to suppress autoimmune responses after adoptive transfer, thereby avoiding potential overall immunosuppression from non-specific Tregs. Developing auto Ag-specific PSC-Tregs can reduce overall immunosuppression after adoptive transfer by accumulating inflamed islets, which drives forward the use of therapeutic PSC-Tregs for cell-based therapies in T1D.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.4204-4212
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• 2023

Background: Storage reservoirs of radioactive waste could be the source of atmospheric pollution due to the efflux of aqueous aerosol from their water areas. The main mechanism of formation of aqueous aerosols is the collapse of gas bubbles at the water surface. In this paper, we discuss the potential influence of biological factors on gas ebullition in the water areas of the radioactively contaminated industrial reservoirs R-9 (Lake Karachay) and R-4 (Metlinsky pond) of the Mayak PA. The emission of the released non-dissolved gases captured with gas traps in reservoir R-9 was (88-290) ml/m² per day (2015) and in reservoir R-4 (270-460) ml/m² per day (2016). The analysis of gas composition in reservoir R-4 (60% methane, 35% nitrogen, 2.4% oxygen, 1.5% carbon dioxide) confirms their biological origin. It is associated with the processes of organic matter destruction in bottom sediments. The major source of organic matter in bottom sediments is the dying phytoplankton developing in these reservoirs. Conclusion: The obtained results form the basis to set a task to quantify the relationship between the phytoplankton development, gases ebullition and radioactive atmosphere contamination.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.51-54
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• 1990

Human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs are active participant in the active phase of inflammations like rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema and glomerular injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for treatment of these inflammatory diseases. Mechanism of action of NSAIDs for treatment of inflammatory diseases, especially like rheumatoid arthritis, are known as the inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. Inhibitions of the activities of human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, however, were not same as the known pharmacological effects (inhibition of cyclooxygenase) of these drugs. Among them, especially, sulindac, salicylate, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, and salicyluric acid inhibited human leukocyte cathepsin-Gs effectively. $IC_{50}s$ of each drug were 4.3mM, 14.3mM, 6.5mM, 11mM and 15mM respectively. The drugs which have same chemical structure and same degree of inhibition effect on cyclooxygenase showed different degree or no effect on inhibition of cathepsin G. These inhibition effect might be, beside of inhibition of cyclooxygenase in the prostaglandin synthesis pathway, another benefitial antiinflammatory effect of NSAIDs by direct protection against tissue destruction in inflammatory diseases.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.577-584
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• 1998

A sensitive membrane strip assay for plasma lipoprotein cholesterol that can be performed without handling reagents has been investigated. We previously developed an assay system with immobilized enzymes (cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase) on the surfaces of nitrocellulose membrane(1). In such a case, the amount of enzymes present on the membrane was limited by its surface area and, thus, the detection capability was relatively poor (> 50 mg/dL cholesterol). To overcome this problem, we devised a new system with non-immobilized enzymes by placing them within interstitial spaces of a celullose membrane pad in a dry state. Upon contact with sample medium, the enzymes were immediately dissolved and participated in the reactions with cholesterol in a liquid phase. We constructed a user-friendly system consisting of four membrane pads fro sample application, cholesterol decomposition, color development as signal, and medium absorption to invoke a continuous flow (sequential location from the bottom). A sample containing lipoproteins was added into the application pad by capillary action and transferred to the next pad for decomposition. The decomposition pad (namely, enzyme pad) contained a detergent (sodium cholate) for the destruction of lipoprotein particles, the two enzymes for cholesterol decomposition, and a chromogen (3,3'-diaminobenzidine). As a consequence of the enzyme reactions, hydrogen peroxide was produced, and then reacted in the presence of the chromogen with horseradish peroxidase immobilized on the signal generation pad. Finally, a colorimetric signal directly proportional to the cholesterol concentration was produced. The detection limit determined from this system under optimal conditions was at least 2 times lower than of the enzyme-immobilized system.

• Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.471-481
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the compression behaviors of SSC (stiffened steel plate-concrete) and NSC (non-stiffened steel plate-concrete) structures, and to identify the effects of the increment in the structural performance of SSC structures. SCC structures are structures that integrate steel plates with line support from ribs (H-shape) and point supports from studs with concretes. On the other hand, NSC structures are structures that integrate steel plates with point supports from studs with concrete. The following results were obtained in this study. First, compared with NSC structures, it was shown that SSC structures have advantages in terms of preventing steel plate buckling and delaying quick destruction through the brittleness of concrete. In addition, the SSC structures showed a 5-28% increment in maximum compressive strength, which far surpassed that shown by the NSC structures.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.205-216
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of large scale marine sand mining on the marine ecological community. For the study, four stations along the coast were selected and monitored in 1998 and 2001 at mining areas and non-mining areas about the Gyeonggi Bay. The result revealed that in 1998, 9 species of fishes, 16 species of crustaceans, and 6 species of mollusks were collected where as in 2001, 11 species of fishes, 5 species of crustaceans, and 2 species of mollusks were collected, uncovering the fact that fishes have diversified while crustaceans and mollusks have reduced on a grand scale. Also, there were two key characteristics regarding the changes of biological communities in mining and nonmining areas. The first was the dwindling of crustaceans inhabiting the sand area. This outcome may be accounted for by the facts that physical removal of seabed sediments and re-sediment due to expansion of floating particles cause direct influence on the ocean floor ecosystem and have continuous effect on the communities of crustaceans which feed on them. Secondly, the newly arrived species and their population during spring and summer seasons have increased in the non-mining areas and have decreased in the mining area. It can be concluded that highly nomadic fish species migrate toward areas with less disturbance or destruction of ecosystem from marine sand mining, and consequently, the communities of fishes change in the sea area. Setting aside the characteristics of the investigated sea areas where the arriving conditions of species vary by seasons, the clear differences of population of organisms in those areas are due to environmental alterations owing to the marine sand mining ; if those large-scale marine sand mining activities continue in the Gyeonggi Bay, their effects on biological communities in the areas will only grow.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.63-74
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• 2018

Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease with the destruction of periodontal ligament, alveolar bone loss and inflammation of gingva, leading to teeth loss. Eclipta prostrata L. (Ecliptae Herba) has been used to treat the inflammatory disease as a Korean traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of E. prostrata L. on periodontitis. Methods: E. prostrata L. was extracted with water and lyophilized. The aqueous extract of E. prostrata L. (EP) was topically applied to the periodontal lesion for 2 weeks. To induce the periodontitis, a 3-0 nylon ligature was placed around the cervix of the lower first molar in rat. Rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 7); NL group (non-ligatured and non-treated), L group (ligatured and vehicle-treated) and EP group (ligatured and EP-treated). After sacrifice, the mandibles was dissected and stained with methylene blue solution to analyze the alveolar bone loss. The expression of MMP-9 was determined in gingival tissues. To confirm the effect of EP on recovery of gingiva, mRNA expressions of type I pro-collagen and MMP-9 levels were investigated in LPS-treated HS68 fibroblast cells. In addition, inflammatory mediators were evaluated in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Results: Alveolar bone loss was significantly inhibited by EP treatment. The mRNA expression of MMP-9 was attenuated in rats treated with EP. In addition, treatment with EP increased the expression of type I pro-collagen, while the expression of MMP-9 was decreased in LPS-stimulated HS68 fibroblast cells. Furthermore, EP down-regulated the LPS-induced IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, COX-2 and iNOS production in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that EP have ameliorative effects on periodontitis through inhibiting alveolar bone loss and modulating the inflammatory mediators. Therefore, E. prostrata L. may be an alternative on patients with periodontitis.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.168-178
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• 2015

This article analysis the aesthetics of metal-body of (1989) and its metamorphosis of dehumanization through visual desires expressed by body images. This paper suggests theoretical analysis based on aesthetic views to understand the underlying meanings. The research categorizes three types of images; surreal image, grotesque image and eros image from the metamorphosis of dehumanization and transformation throughout the film. As the surreal image, the metamorphic process of transformation, demolition, derangement, illusion, and human desire continues to reflect the evil side of a human in everyday life. It also visualizes the images of exaggeration through weakness and bizarre side of metal-body. The grotesque image of body metamorphosis displays and symbolizes double-sides of bizarre and weak side of human in the everyday environment when malformation reaches its peak when Tetsuo finally shows his transforming figure. Finally, the eros image is analogized as a man's inner self and self-destruction in surreal world and a grotesque figure when overwhelming desire of transforming into rebirth of a perfect metal-body, Tetsuo. The surreal image, grotesque image, and eros image portraits human desires inner and outer-self into visualized image and that represents the means of excessive desire for dreaming of world domination with merging non-organic medium of metal and organic body to create a perfect body-image.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.2996-3005
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to set the Hallabong tangor's quality standards based on consumer preference survey. Until now the Hallabong tangor's quality standards has been based on the fruit size. Hallabong tangor's quality in agricultural cooperative, citrus agricultural cooperative, and some agricultural corporation has been selected in accordance with its own brand of quality grade using a non-destruction sorting machine. But, setting the Hallabong tangor's quality standards has been based on the convenient and routine method rather than the scientific and objective method, consumer's preference. According to the grade contents, more than sugar $13^{\circ}Bx$ and less than acid 1.10% has been used uniformly. Thus, in this study, based on the consumers' preference of Hallabong tangor, 5-level grades of sugar and 7-level grades of acidity were divided into the total 35-level grades. Based on this, 5-level grades were set and were divided into selling product grades(1~3) and non-selling product grades(4~5).

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.191-193
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• 2008

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease characterized by single or multiple ulcerations. Secondary bacterial infections are one of the complications that can increase the tissue destruction and the resulting scar. To better determine the incidence of real secondary bacterial infections in CL, we designed the current study. This was a cross-sectional study performed in Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, Isfahan, Iran. A total of 1,255 patients with confirmed CL enrolled in the study. Sterile swaps were achieved for ulcer exudates and scraping was used for non-ulcerated lesions. All samples were transferred to tryptic soy broth medium. After 24 hr of incubation at $37^{\circ}C$ they were transferred to eosin methylene blue agar (EMB) and blood agar. Laboratory tests were used to determine the species of bacteria. Among 1,255 confirmed CL patients, 274 (21.8%) had positive cultures for secondary bacterial infections. The bacteria isolated from the lesions were Staphylococcus aureus in 190 cases (69.3%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus in 63 cases (23.0%), E. coli in 10 cases (3.6%), Proteus sp. in 6 cases (2.2%), and Klebsiella sp. in 5 cases (1.9%). The results show that the overall incidence of secondary bacterial infections in the lesions of CL was 21.8%, considerably high. The incidence of secondary bacterial infections was significantly higher in ulcerated lesions compared with non-ulcerated lesions.