• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.276-281
• /
• 2021

In order to manufacture a semiconductor circuit, etching, cleaning, and deposition processes are repeated. During these processes, the inside of the processing chamber is exposed to corrosive plasma. Therefore, the coating of the inner wall of the semiconductor equipment with a plasma-resistant material has been attempted to minimize the etching of the coating and particle contaminant generation. In this study, we synthesized yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) powder by a solid-state reaction using Y₂O₃ and YF₃ as raw materials. Mixing ratio of the Y₂O₃ and YF₃ was varied from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:1.6. Effects of the mixing ratio on crystal structure and microstructure of the synthesized YOF powder were investigated using XRD and FE-SEM. The synthesized YOF powder was successfully applied to plasma spray coating process on Al substrate.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.10
• /
• pp.762-770
• /
• 2022

Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes can be alleviated by promoting cellular glucose uptake. Betulinic acid (3β,-3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid) is a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid compound. Although there have been studies on the antidiabetic activity of betulinic acid, studies on cellular glucose uptake are lacking. We investigated the effects of betulinic acid on glucose uptake and its mechanism of action in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Betulinic acid significantly stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by increasing the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor substrate 1-tyrosine (IRS-1tyr) in the insulin signaling pathway, which in turn stimulated the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt). The activation of PI3K and Akt by betulinic acid translocated glucose transporter 4 to the plasma membrane (PM-GLUT4), thereby increasing the expression of PM-GLUT4 and thus stimulating cellular glucose uptake. Betulinic acid also significantly increased the phosphorylation/activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The activation of PI3K and AMPK by betulinic acid was confirmed using the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and the AMPK inhibitor compound C. The increase in glucose uptake induced by betulinic acid was significantly decreased by wortmannin and compound C in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results suggest that betulinic acid stimulates glucose uptake by activating PI3K and AMPK in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.275-283
• /
• 2021

This study presents the development of cell-based microfluidic chips for the performance of acute eye irritation tests due to chemicals and examined some of their applications. Microfluidic chips were fabricated by photolithography and soft lithography, and they had three compartments with different areas for cell culture. Rabbit corneal epithelial cells were used for the eye irritation test. The death of cells cultured inside the chip was monitored at regular time intervals after treatment with an aqueous solution of chemicals, and the cell death rate constants were calculated based on the viability curve. The performance of the microfluidic chip was verified by examining the effects of cell-cell junctions, cell-substrate adhesion, and initial cell numbers compared to cell death rates. Eye irritation tests were performed at various concentrations of an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a standard substance for the eye irritant test. The cells were exposed to the SDS aqueous solution for 300 s, and the resulting eye irritation was assessed by cell viability. Finally, the equation for calculating the toxicity score (TS) was derived based on the weighting factor for each compartment in the chip. The cell-based microfluidic chip developed in this study may be used for eye irritation tests from chemicals used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 2022

In this study, a new lactic acid bacterium (LAB) that could produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was isolated from Oenanthe javanica (water celery) and identified as an Enteroccoccus casseliflavus strain. Until recently, there have been many studies on the gamma-aminobutyric acid producing lactic acid bacterium, as well as on some lactic acid bacterium in Enteroococcs genus, but none on the species E. casseliflavus. Therefore, in the purpose of finding the optimal conditions for GABA production of E. casseliflavus PL05, the effects of several conditions including the type of mediums, growth temperatures, initial pH, growth time, L-mono sodium glutamate (MSG) concentration, and carbon source were tested. The study revealed that the PL05 strain grew better in the Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) medium than in the Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) or Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) medium. Also, similar results were obtained with GABA production conditions. As a result of analysis on the GABA production yield by concentration of MSG, a GABA substrate, the highest production was found at 7% of MSG concentration. However, since similar level of production was found at 5%, it is considered to be more efficient to use 5% MSG concentration. The analysis on the growth and GABA production yield by carbon sources showed the highest results when maltose was used. From the final test under the optimal conditions found, 140.06±0.71 mM of GABA was produced over 24 hours with the conversion rate of 78.95%. Lastly, from the sensitivity analysis on the 10 different antibiotics, including vancomycin, it was found that there were not confirmed cases of resistance.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.101-108
• /
• 2018

Objectives : This study aimed to effects antioxidant activity of citrus peel extract (CPE) and effect on its glucose metabolism in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells. Methods : Antioxidative activities were evaluated by using 10 kinds of natural materials, and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were examined. The L6 muscle cells toxicity of CPE was examined by MTT assay. Expression of glucose-related genes in L6 muscle cells by CPE treatment was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting. Results : The $IC_{50}$ values of DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity of CPE were ($15.47{\pm}0.26{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ and $12.07{\pm}1.23{\mu}g/m{\ell}$, respectively), effectively clearing DPPH and ABTS. CPE showed total polyphenol and flavonoid contents ($20.30{\pm}0.38$ and $64.20{\pm}0.52$, respectively). The selected CPE were used in experiments using an effective concentration that is not toxic in L6 muscle cells. We investigated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory (PI3KR), Akt, and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). mRNA analysis by realtime PCR showed no significant difference, but CPE-treated cells showed a tendency to increase in concentration-dependent manner. However, analysis of protein expression of Akt and GLUT4 by western blotting showed that CPE treatment significantly increased concentration dependent (p<0.001). Conclusions : As a result, citrus peel extract with high antioxidant activity regulates glucose metabolism in L6 muscle cells. Therefore, CPE can be a potential treatment for the treatment of diabetes.

• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.163-171
• /
• 2011

The effects of a high-fat diet and fasting on resting energy expenditure and energy substrate utilization were examined using the method of measuring whole body energy metabolism and oxygen uptake. Eight 4-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the high-fat diet experiment. Energy metabolism was measured using acrylic metabolic chambers over 24 hours. After 1-week of preliminary feeding, 4 rats were fed a chow diet, whereas the remaining 4 rats were fed a high-fat diet (HF) ad libitum, which contained 40% (w/w, calorie base 60%) more fat than that in the chow diet. The flow rate to measure energy metabolism inside the chamber was controlled at a mean of 3.5 L/min, and five chambers were subjected to measurement. One of the five chambers was used to correct errors by measuring the atmosphere. As a result of 5 weeks of control diet and high-fat diet feeding, body weight of the high-fat diet group tended to increase more than that in the control diet fed group, but the difference was not significant. Oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production changed as time went on over the 24 hr. The respiratory exchange ratio also changed during the 24 hr, and the difference between the groups was significant. The control group showed significantly more carbohydrate oxidation than that of the high-fat diet fed group. A fasting experiment was conducted using six 7-week old Sprague-Dawley male rats. Energy metabolism measurements were performed using the same method as that used in the high-fat diet experiment; resting metabolism was measured prior to fasting, and a fasting condition began from 9:00 am the next day for 3 days to calculate energy metabolism. Both body weight and 24-hour oxygen uptake decreased significantly as a result of 3-day fasting. Total oxygen uptake in the first day decreased, and declined significantly on day 3 of fasting. Total 24-hour carbon dioxide production decreased significantly over the 3 days. The mean 24-hour respiratory exchange ratio decreased significantly. Additionally, energy expenditure during the dark period (20:00-08:00), which is the active period for rats, decreased significantly with fasting, whereas energy expenditure during the light period (08:00-20:00) did not increase by fasting.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.8-16
• /
• 2023

The importance of next-generation packaging technologies is being emphasized as a solution as the miniaturization of devices reaches its limits. To address the bottleneck issue, there is an increasing need for 2.5D and 3D interconnect pitches. This aims to minimize signal delays while meeting requirements such as small size, low power consumption, and a high number of I/Os. Hybrid bonding technology is gaining attention as an alternative to conventional solder bumps due to their limitations such as miniaturization constraints and reliability issues in high-temperature processes. Recently, there has been active research conducted on SiCN to address and enhance the limitations of the Cu/SiO₂ structure. This paper introduces the advantages of Cu/SiCN over the Cu/SiO₂ structure, taking into account various deposition conditions including precursor, deposition temperature, and substrate temperature. Additionally, it provides insights into the core mechanisms of SiCN, such as the role of Dangling bonds and OH groups, and the effects of plasma surface treatment, which explain the differences from SiO₂. Through this discussion, we aim to ultimately present the achievable advantages of applying the Cu/SiCN hybrid bonding structure.

• Journal of Mushroom
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.266-269
• /
• 2023

This study aimed to address the increasing demand for technologies preventing mushroom fly damage. By monitoring the annual occurrence patterns of pests over several years and accumulating data, we conducted an analysis to evaluate the efficacy of preventive measures applied before the surge in mushroom fly infestation, typically observed in May. For preemptive control, physical measures involved installing air curtains at cultivation facility entrances and placing sticky traps and insect traps around entry points to block external entry and reduce internal insect density. Additionally, we applied an organic agricultural material, Dalmatian chrysanthemum extract, weekly alongside chemical control measures. To assess the reduction in mushroom fly populations, yellow sticky traps (15×25 cm) were placed at three locations within the mushroom cultivation facility, and the occurrence patterns before and after implementing preventive measures were compared. Compared to conventional practices, the application of preventive techniques resulted in a significant reduction, with a 60% decrease from 15 levels of mushroom flies/m² to 6 levels of mushroom flies/m² in May and a 40% decrease from 10 levels of mushroom flies/m² to 6 levels of mushroom flies/m² in June. While achieving over 50% efficacy during the peak mushroom fly season with preventive measures, we identified complementary actions such as blocking external sources (gaps in cultivation facility doors) and maintaining cleanliness around cultivation facilities (proper disposal of spent substrate) for further improvement. Comprehensive analysis and safety studies, including correlation analysis with contaminants and pathogens, are recommended to ensure the widespread adoption of mushroom fly preventive techniques for safe and stable mushroom production in the agricultural sector.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.236-244
• /
• 2024

Melanin is a natural pigment found in most plants and animals, and it is involved in determining the color of the skin and hair. Melanogenesis is a reactive occurrence in melanocytes aiming to protect the skin from external stimuli, such as ultraviolet rays. Tyrosine is involved in the biosynthesis of the substrate tyrosine into melanin. However, melanin overproduction can lead to skin diseases, such as melasma, blotching, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Although many studies have been conducted on whitening substances, such as kojic acid and arbutin, some countries have banned or refrained from using them due to their side effects. Therefore, this study assessed the potential of horseradish (HR) as a new whitening agent in cosmetic products. For efficient extraction, subcritical water extraction was conducted. The results showed that the horseradish subcritical water 200℃ (SW 200) extract showed high DPPH radical scavenging ability, total phenolic contents (TPC), inhibiting tyrosinase activity and inhibiting melanin production of B16-F10 melanoma cell lines. To investigate its cytotoxicity to the B16-F10 melanoma cell lines, MTT reduction assay and morphological changes were observed. No cytotoxicity was found in horseradish methanol extract and SW 200. In conclusion, this research suggests the possibility of horseradish subcritical water may be useful as a natural whitening ingredient to be used in cosmetic products.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.25-40
• /
• 2024

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the effects of clean-diabetes mellitus 3 (C-DM3), a herbal formula with Trichosanthis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Crataegi Fructus, and Cinnamomi Cortex, on the pathological and serological symptoms of diabetes and its related molecular mechanisms in diet-induced obese mice. Methods: We prepared an obese mouse model using a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then administered the C-DM3 extract for 4 weeks. The changes of pathological and serological biomarkers for diabetes assessment were measured in the mice and histological changes were observed in the liver and pancreas tissues. We also identified the main compounds in the C-DM3 extract using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and analyzed the molecular mechanism of the disease condition by network pharmacological analysis. Results: In the in vivo, the administration of C-DM extract to obese mice significantly reduced body weight gain, fatty liver symptoms, and muscle loss, and decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspertate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In addition, C-DM extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase b (AKT), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and glucose transporter 4 in all pancreatic and liver tissues, with inhibition of histopathological changes in obese mice. HPLC analysis identified hyperoside, berberine, epiberberine, columbamin, coptisine, coumarin, jatrorrhizine, and citric acid as the main compounds. In the network pharmacological analysis, the molecular targets of C-DM3 extract on obesity and diabetes were shown as the insulin, AKT, PI3K, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways with the regulation of inflammatory molecules interleukin 6 (IL-6), jun proto-oncogene, and IL-1β, which matched our in vivo targets. Conclusions: Based on these results, C-DM3 extract is expected to be effective in improving obesity and preventing diabetic progression.