• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.10
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• pp.1245-1252
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• 2022

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from somatic cells using Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM). Small molecules can enhance reprogramming. Licochalcone D (LCD), a flavonoid compound present mainly in the roots of Glycyrrhiza inflata, acts on known signaling pathways involved in transcriptional activity and signal transduction, including the PGC1-α and MAPK families. In this study, we demonstrated that LCD improved reprogramming efficiency. LCD-treated iPSCs (LCD-iPSCs) expressed pluripotency-related genes Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Prdm14. Moreover, LCD-iPSCs differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro and formed chimeras. The mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) is critical for somatic cell reprogramming. We found that the expression levels of mesenchymal genes (Snail2 and Twist) decreased and those of epithelial genes (DSP, Cldn3, Crb3, and Ocln) dramatically increased in OR-MEF (OG2^+/+/ROSA26^+/+) cells treated with LCD for 3 days, indicating that MET effectively occurred in LCD-treated OR-MEF cells. Thus, LCD enhanced the generation of iPSCs from somatic cells by promoting MET at the early stages of reprogramming.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.362-370
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• 1999

Propolis, a natural resinous compound collected from honey bees, contains many biochemical constituents(wax, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, etc.) and has been used in traditional medicines as early as 300 B.C. It was been demonstrated that ethanol, acetylsalicylic acid, ischemia reperfusion, non-steroidal antiin-flammatory drugs and stress induce gastric lesions by promoting the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. Therefore, some drugs that are capable of scavenging or inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen radicals might be expected to prevent the gastric mucosal injury. The aim of this study was 1) to examine the antiulcer effect of propolis, 2) to investigate the mechanism of action by determining gastric acid secretion, lipid per-oxidation, mucus content and proton pump ($H^+$/$K^+$-ATPase) activity on gastric mucus in varios experimental models, and finally, 3) to isolate and identify the pure compounds that exert antiulcer activity. Step 2-1 and 2-3 sub-sub fraction shoed a significant reduction of severity of gastirc damage at the dose of 25 mg/kg in various experimental models. We isolated 4 sub-sub-sub fractions by flash column chromatography of Step 2-1 sub-sub fraction and one sub-sub-sub fraction by recrystalization of Step 2-3 sub-sub fraction. The protective effects of propolis sub-sub-sub fraction manifested sifnificant effects in HCl-ethanol induced gastric erosion model and aspirin induced gastric ulcer model. These results showed that the gastric mucosal protective effect of propolis might result from the increase of mucus secretion, free radical scavenging effect as well as the reduction of acid secretion in accordance with the reduction of $H^+$/$K^+$-ATPase activitv. Three compounds were isolated and identified from sub-sub fraction of propolis which showed antiulcer effects. Subsequently, these compounds were identified as a flavonoid, namely, 2-acetoxy-5,7,-dihydroxy-flavanone, galangin and chrysin.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Illuminating and Electrical Installation Engineers
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.130-136
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• 2002

A novel ozonizer has been developed using a high frequency surface discharge and a high purity Ti-Si-Al ceramic catalyst as its dielectric component. A cylindrical thin compound ceramic catalyst in reactor is adhered to inside of the film-like outside electrode. And, when experiment condition are oxygen gas temperature of 20 ［$^{\circ}C$］, inner reactor pressure of 1.6 atm 600［Hz］ and flow late of 2［l/min］. the ozonizer can easily produce ozone concentration(50～60［g/㎥］for oxygen) and power efficiency(180［g/kWh］for oxygen) without using a special enrichment means. At 2［l/min］, 20［$^{\circ}C$］, 1.6［atm］, 600［Hz］and 40［W］, the result of simulation to gas temperature of reactor using general code Phoenics, the maximum temperature of reactor was 132［$^{\circ}C$］in reactor. Ant the result electric field simulation of Ti-Si-Al type reactor using general code Flux 2D, maximum electric field was 0.131E.08［V/m］.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.247-250
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• 2008

Biomass gasification is a promising technology for producing a fuel gas which is useful for power generation systems. In biomass gasification processes, tar formation often causes some problems such as pipeline plugging. Thus, proper tar treatment is necessary. So far, nickel (Ni)-based catalysts have been intensively studied for the catalytic tar removal. However, the deactivation of Ni-based catalysts takes place because of coke deposition and sintering of Ni metal particles. To overcome these problems, we have been using ruthenium (Ru)-based catalyst for tar removal. It is reported by Okada et al., that a Ru/$Al_2O_3$ catalyst is very effective for preventing the carbon deposition during the steam reforming of hydrocarbons. Also, this catalyst is more active than the Ni-based catalyst at a low steam to carbon ratio (S/C). Benzene was used for the tar model compound because it is the main constituent of biomass tar and also because it represents a stable aromatic structure apparent in tar formed in biomass gasification processes. The steam reforming process transforms hydrocarbons into gaseous mixtures constituted of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), carbon monoxide (CO), methane ($CH_4$) and hydrogen ($H_2$).

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2014

Curcumin is naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in turmeric and has many pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-allergic inflammatory activity of curcumin, and to investigate its inhibitory mechanisms in immunoglobulin E (IgE)/Ag-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and in a mouse model of IgE/Ag-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA). Curcumin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandin $D_2$ ($PGD_2$) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) dependent leukotriene $C_4$ ($LTC_4$) generation dose-dependently in BMMCs. To probe the mechanism involved, we assessed the effects of curcumin on the phosphorylation of Syk and its downstream signal molecules. Curcumin inhibited intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ influx via phospholipase $C{\gamma}1$ ($PLC{\gamma}1$) activation and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) pathway. Furthermore, the oral administration of curcumin significantly attenuated IgE/Ag-induced PSA, as determined by serum $LTC_4$, $PGD_2$, and histamine levels. Taken together, this study shows that curcumin offers a basis for drug development for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.127-136
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• 2013

Ionizing radiation, including that evoked by gamma (${\gamma}$)-rays, induces oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This study aimed to elucidate the radioprotective effects of hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) against ${\gamma}$-ray radiation-induced apoptosis in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts, V79-4 and demonstrated that the compound reduced levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species in ${\gamma}$-ray-irradiated cells. Hyperoside also protected irradiated cells against DNA damage (evidenced by pronounced DNA tails and elevated phospho-histone H2AX and 8-oxoguanine content) and membrane lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, hyperoside prevented the ${\gamma}$-ray-provoked reduction in cell viability via the inhibition of apoptosis through the increased levels of Bcl-2, the decreased levels of Bax and cytosolic cytochrome c, and the decrease of the active caspase 9 and caspase 3 expression. Taken together, these results suggest that hyperoside defend cells against ${\gamma}$-ray radiation-induced apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.984-992
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• 2015

Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid originally isolated from the roots of Sanguinaria canadensis. It has multiple biological activities (e.g., antioxidant and antiproliferative) and immune-enhancing potential. In this study, we explored the proapoptotic properties and modes of action of sanguinarine in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Our results revealed that sanguinarine inhibited HepG2 cell growth and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of apoptosis by sanguinarine was associated with the up-regulation of Fas and Bax, the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, sanguinarine activated caspase-9 and -8, initiator caspases of the intrinsic and death extrinsic pathways, respectively, and caspase-3, accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Sanguinarine also triggered the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The elimination of ROS by N-acetylcysteine reversed sanguinarine-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, sanguinarine induced the dephosphorylation of Akt and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. The growth inhibition was enhanced by the combined treatment of sanguinarine with a phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and an ERK inhibitor but not JNK and p38 inhibitors. Overall, our data indicate that the proapoptotic effects of sanguinarine in HepG2 cells depend on ROS production and the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways, which is mediated by blocking PI3K/Akt and activating the ERK pathway. Thus, our data suggest that sanguinarine may be a natural compound with potential for use as an antitumor agent in liver cancer.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.219-243
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• 1988

The sacrificial rite has its origin in the old China's primitive folkways faith based upon animism (B.C. 25c). From the animistic faith, Confucianism made its appearance in B.C. 551. Inevitably, the procedure of Confucian sacrificial rite was developed on the basis of the preceding primitive faith. In Korean culture, the god of Chinese Confucianism introduced to Korea in A.D. 108 was mixed properly with that of Buddhism imported in A.D. 372. Traditionally, Korean primitive religion (from B.C. 10c to B.C. 2c) was the sacrificial rite practiced by 'shaman.' The 'shaman' who was able to utilize ecstasy for the good of community was gods itself, and naturally the main form of the sacrificial rite was an exorcism with a sacrificial offering (food). After Korean primitive religion had been grafted to Buddhism and Confucianism, the character of Korean culture had to become compound. The most essential conception in sacrificial rite is a discrimination of a ghost, one is the evil spirit and the other is the good spirit. According to this conception, the good spirit is a spirit which ascended to heaven, in contrast, the evil spirit is a one which did not ascend to heaven and dispersed into this world. The sacrificial rite is a method to help the evil spirit ascend to heaven or to prevent harms from it. The mode of sacrificial rite especially the dead ancestor worship was transmitted from generation to generation as a purpose of the wealth and honors of descendants. Descendants believed that the evil spirit would not harm them only after receiving sufficient food and the right sacrifice. As a result, the sacrificial rite food was the sign of filial piety and a compensation for the evil spirit. How did the Korean religious culture which was consisted of three different religions-Shamanism, Buddhism. Confucianism-be combined and transformed? The author focused the mixture and transformation of the procedure of sacrificial rite and the arrangement of sacrificial food in each religion. In this thesis, the author studied first, the conception in sacrificial rite, second, the items of sacrificial rite food according to each period. In consequence of the research, each religion had lost its uniqueness and became mixed to each other and settle down in Korean culture.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.14-32
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) has a central role in regulating muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism. PGC-1α stimulates muscle growth and muscle fiber remodeling, concomitantly regulating lactate and lipid metabolism and promoting oxidative metabolism. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thumb.) has been widely employed as a traditional herbal medicine and possesses antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. We investigated whether G. pentaphyllum extract (GPE) and its active compound, gypenoside L (GL), affect muscle differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism via activation of the PGC-1α pathway in murine C2C12 myoblast cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: C2C12 cells were treated with GPE and GL, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels. Myh1 was determined using immunocytochemistry. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation was measured using the 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. RESULTS: GPE and GL promoted the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes and elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of Myh1 (type IIx). GPE and GL also significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the PGC-1α gene (Ppargc1a), lactate metabolism-regulatory genes (Esrra and Mct1), adipocyte-browning gene fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 gene (Fndc5), glycogen synthase gene (Gys), and lipid metabolism gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b gene (Cpt1b). Moreover, GPE and GL induced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, p38, sirtuin1, and deacetylated PGC-1α. We also observed that treatment with GPE and GL significantly stimulated the expression of genes associated with the anti-oxidative stress response, such as Ucp2, Ucp3, Nrf2, and Sod2. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GPE and GL enhance exercise performance by promoting myotube differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism through the upregulation of PGC-1α in C2C12 skeletal muscle.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.277-282
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• 2010

In this paper, we proposed ZnO trench Static Induction Transistor(SIT). Because The compound semiconductor had superior thermal characteristics, ZnO and SiC power devices is next generation power semiconductor devices. We carried out modeling of ZnO SIT with 2-D device and process simulator. As a result of modeling, we obtained 340V breakdown voltage. The channel thickness was 3um and the channel doping concentration is 1e17cm-3. And we carried out thermal characteristics, too.