• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.401-409
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• 2013

Smilax china L., a native plant found in Asian countries, has several medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Although the root of the plant is commonly used as traditional herbal medicine in Korea and China, the medicinal properties of the leaves have not gained the same attention. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidant activity, ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory effect and lipid accumulation inhibition effect of Smilax china L. leaf water extract (SCLE) and its solvent fractions. SCLE was fractionated by using a series of organic solvents, including ethylacetate (EA) and n-butanol (BuOH). The EA fraction had the highest total polyphenol content ($440.20{\pm}12.67$ mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content ($215.14{\pm}24.83$ mg QE/g). The radical scavenging activity $IC_{50}$ values of the EA fraction for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were 0.022 mg/mL and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Further, SOD-like activity and reducing power values of the EA fraction were higher than those of the other fractions. However, both the ${\alpha}$-glucosidase and lipid accumulation inhibition assays showed that the BuOH fraction ($83.35{\pm}4.18%$ at 1 mg/mL) and water extract ($11.27{\pm}2.67%$) were more effective than the EA fraction ($64.13{\pm}6.35%$, and $45.66{\pm}7.20%$). These results provide new insights into the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of Smilax china L. leaf.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.140-150
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• 2021

Objectives : The increase of osteoclasts could cause osteoporosis and bone-related diseases. Also, the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation is important in treating bone-related diseases. Traditionally, Psoraleae Semen has been used for geriatric diseases, aging and musculoskeletal diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Psoraleae Semen ethanol extract (PS) on osteoclast differentiation and its function. Methods : To confirm the effect of PS on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption activity, various levels of concentrations of PS (5, 10, 20 and 40 ㎍/ml) were tested on RAW 264.7 cells cultured with RANKL. We measured tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, TRAP activity, pit formation and F-actin ring formation. The expressions of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1) and c-Fos were confirmed through western blot and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, the expression of bone resorption and fusion-related genes in osteoclast was confirmed by RT-PCR. Results : PS decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and the TRAP activity. In addition, PS significantly inhibited the formation of pit and F-actin ring. Furthermore, PS decreased the expression of osteoclast related genes. Conclusions : PS inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability through inhibition of the expression of osteoclast-related genes. This indicates that PS may be a potential therapeutic agent to osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis.

• (The) Research of the performance art and culture
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• no.35
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• pp.287-338
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• 2017

Gojong' Birth Anniversary Memorial Banquet in the 1910s was forced to be performed differently from the performance style in Joseon Dynasty period that featured a harmonious majestic beauty of etiquette music. The banquet was separated into three different sessions of ceremony, luncheon and performance', which clearly revealed a distinctive pattern of etiquette music. The performance was accompanied by the dinner party or was lightly implemented as part of evening entertainment. With the use of the term entertainment, the performances belonging to this category fell into nothing but something to enjoy, amusement, fun and play. The contents of such performances were not closely woven into the fabric of the entire banquet but were individualized and scattered in a way of putting the performances in a state of flux in line with the circumstances. Therefore, it became increasingly hard to expect a high degree of completion and solid structure of performances. The items of performance included western music, popular vocal music, popular instrumental music, magic, and film, which were not played in traditional court banquet in the presence of Gojong rather than traditional music and dance performed in court. In other words, the court performance could not maintain its traditional heritage but was transformed into a mixture of popular performance and new forms of art. It was driven by the Japanese imperialism toward the atmosphere of entertainment in oblivion of tradition but not toward the external extension of court performances.

• The Journal of Korean Philosophical History
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• no.25
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• pp.411-437
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• 2009

Generally transition of Thought from Wang Yangming(王陽明) to Liu Zongzhou(劉宗周) is construed from emphasis of subjectivity to emphasis of intention(意; Yi). This Transition from emphasis of subjectivity to emphasis of intention is definitely expressed between Wang Yangming's Four-Sentence Teaching(四句敎) and Liu Zongzhou's explanation of Wang Yangming's Four-Sentence Teaching. Wang Yangming's Four-Sentence Teaching evoked much controversy among scholars of Yangming school. Consequently Four-Sentence Teaching's controversy caused Yangming school's division. Also this was a representative controversy on the transition period from The Ming Dynasty to The Ching Dynasty. Liu Zongzhou's critique and exposition of Four-Sentence Teaching was result from this controversy. The difference between Wang Yangming's Xinxue(心學) and Liu Zongzhou' Xinxue(心學) is due to different interpretation of intention. As is generally known Wang Yangming interprets intention is in heart stiring, but Liu Zongzhou interprets intention is being before heart stiring, immanence in heart. Liu Zongzhou suggests new exposition of Four-Sentence Teaching on intention being before heart stiring, immanence in heart. Liu Zongzhou's critique and exposition is not only criticizing Yangming's Four-Sentence Teaching, but also solves troubles of the times. As a result he promotes theory of Xinxue(心學) being peculiar his own.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.15-21
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate inhibitory effects of steamed Polygonatum odoratum extract (POE) on differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods : Polygonatum odoratum (P. odoratum) extract was extracted with ethyl acetate. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in POE were measured for antioxidant activity. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). MTT assay was examined for cell toxicity, oil red O staining was performed for intracelluar adipogenesis in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Western blot analysis for measurement of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ${\alpha}$ ($C/EBP{\alpha}$), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions were performed. Results : The results revealed that POE has antioxidant activities. Contents of total polyphenolics and flavonoids were $50.83{\pm}1.52$ GAE mg/100g dry weight of POE and $17.05{\pm}2.47$ RE mg/100g dry weight of POE, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP in 10 mg/ml concentration were $92.1{\pm}0.6%$, $244.8{\pm}9.0{\mu}M$ Fe(II) and ABTS inhibition in 5 mg/ml concentration was $84.8{\pm}4.1%$. Treatment of POE in adipocytes inhibited the differentiation and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes compared to those of vehicle control. Additionally, protein expressions of $C/EBP{\alpha}$ and $PPAR{\gamma}$, major transcription factor for the adipogenic genes, were significantly decreased compared to those of vehicle control (p<0.05). Futhermore, phosphorylation of AMPK was increased in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with POE compared to that of vehicle control (p<0.05). Conclusions : we demonstrate that steamed P. odoratum extract (POE) has potentiating antioxidant activities, inhibits differentiation and lipid accumulation and also induces energy expenditure in adipocytes, which may contribute to antiobesity property.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.253-275
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• 2022

Niklas Luhmann is one of the most contentious and difficult theorist in sociology but follow-up studies on his theory gradually increase for recent 10 years. The purpose of this study is to observe how follow-up studies use the difficult concepts of Luhmann. Unlike previous studies, this study adopted a keyword rather than an article as the unit of analysis because keywords are linguistic constructs that can make concepts observable. The study analyzed co-occurrence of keywords in 139 articles retrieved from social sciences category in Web of Science DB. The key findings were following: the most important keywords were the name of Luhmann(Niklas Luhmann) and theory(social systems); keywords were grouped into 4 clusters(social systems theory, systems theory, legal system and political system, the significant of Luhmann's theory from the viewpoint of the history of social theory); topic terms were systems theory, communication, Autopoiesis, risk, legal system, functional differentiation, environment, social theory, sociological theory, structural coupling, systems and evolution. The significance of the study is following: the study gives keywords as useful access point for beginners of Luhmann's theory; the study proves that content analysis by keywords network can be applied to trend analysis of difficult theoretical researches.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2023.04a
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• pp.51-51
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• 2023

The world-wide rate of obesity is increasing continuously, representing a serious medical threat since it is associated with a variety of diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and numerous cancers. Sophora japonicais used as a traditional herb for medicinal purposes in eastern Asia. However, the anti-obesity effects of S. japonicafruit have not been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by an ethanol extract of S. japonicafruit (EESF) in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Our results demonstrate that EESF suppressed the terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet number and lipid content through Oil Red O staining. EESF significantly reduced the accumulation of cellular triglyceride, which was associated with a significant inhibition of the levels of pro-adipogenic transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBPα and C/EBPβ. In addition, EESF potentially down regulated the expression levels of adipocyte-specific proteins, including aP2 and leptin. In particular, EESF treatment effectively enhanced the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway; however, the co-treatment with compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, significantly restored the EESF-induced inhibition of pro-adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte-specific genes. These results indicate that EESF may exert an anti-obesity effect by controlling the AMPK signaling pathway, suggesting that the fruit extract of S. japonica may be a potential anti-obesity agent.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.965-976
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• 2023

Reynoutria japonica is a perennate plant belonging to Polygonaceae and grows wild in East Asia containing Korea. Roots of Reynoutria japonica (R. japonica), part of roots of Reynoutria japonica, has been used for anti-inflammation and antispasmodics and contains emodin as active compound. Epidermis of skin is crucial roles to defense our body against stimulants, harmful substance and prevent water loss. In this study, we examined the effect of R. japonica and emodin, its active compound, on skin-barrier and moisturizing on HaCaT cells. First, antioxidant effect of R. japonica was prominent by scavenging ABTS⁺ radicals. Next, we conducted real time PCR and expression of filaggrin mRNA which is crucial role in differentiation of keratinocyte increased by R. japonica and emodin dose-dependently. In addition, R. japonica and emodin significantly elevated the expression of HAS-2 mRNA which play a role in hyaluronic acid synthesis on HaCaT cells. Taken together, R. japonica containing emodin, as active compound has potential as a cosmetic material for enhancing the function of skin-barrier and moisturizing in epidermis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.356-364
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• 2024

Lymph nodes (LNs) are crucial sites where immune responses are initiated to combat invading pathogens in the body. LNs are organized into distinctive compartments by stromal cells. Stromal cell subsets constitute special niches supporting the trafficking, activation, differentiation, and crosstalk of immune cells in LNs. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) are a type of stromal cell that form the three-dimensional structure networks of the T cell-rich zones in LNs, providing guidance paths for immigrating T lymphocytes. FRCs imprint immune responses by supporting LN architecture, recruiting immune cells, coordinating immune cell crosstalk, and presenting antigens. During inflammation, FRCs exert both spatial and molecular regulation on immune cells through their topological and secretory responses, thereby steering immune responses. Here, we propose a model in which FRCs regulate immune responses through a three-part scheme: setting up, supporting, or suppressing immune responses. FRCs engage in bidirectional interactions that enhance T cell biological efficiency. In addition, FRCs have profound effects on the innate immune response through phagocytosis. Thus, FRCs in LNs act as gatekeepers of immune responses. Overall, this study aims to highlight the emerging roles of FRCs in controlling both innate and adaptive immunity. This collaborative feedback loop mediated by FRCs may help maintain tissue function during inflammatory responses.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.193-207
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• 1990

Transforming growth factor ${\beta}(TGF-{\beta})$ is a multifunctional polypeptide with diverse effects on the proliferation, differentiation and other functions in many cell types. $TGF-{\beta}$ is highly abundant in bone matrix and induces divergent responses in many aspects of bone cell metabolism . Several lines of investigation indicate that matrix-associated $TGF-{\beta}$ is the products of bone cells themselves. However, exact bone cell type reponsible for the production of $TGF-{\beta}$ is still in controversy, The present study was undertaken to determine the cellular origin of matrix-associated $TGF-{\beta}$ and to assess how different bone cells respond to $TGF-{\beta}$. As a prerequisite for this, 5 bone cell populations of distinct phenotype were isolated from fetal calvaria with sequential enzyme digestion protocol and biochemical characterization. Calvarial cell populations released in early stage showed fibroblastic features whereas populations relesed later was enriched with osteoblast-like cell as judged by their acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, cAMP responsiveness to parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and prostaglandin $E_2$ and collagen synthesis rate. By polyacylamide gel and immunoblot analysis of bone and calvarial cell extracts, presence of $TGF-{\beta}$ in bone tissues and production of $TGF-{\beta}$ by bone cells were confirmed again. Subsequent analysis of calvarial cell extracts prepared as individual population revealed that all calvarial cell populations synthesize $TGF-{\beta}$. Exogenously added $TGF-{\beta}$ induced biphasic response upon bone cell proliferation under serum-free condition. In osteoblastic cell populations, it was stimulatory whereas inhibitory in fibroblastic cell populations. In contrast, collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis of all calvarial cell populations were stimulated by $TGF-{\beta}$. Enhancement of protein synthesis was found to be more general rather than specific for collagen synthesis. In addition, effects of $TGF-{\beta}$ on protein synthesis were independent to its effects on cell proliferation. In summary, production of $TGF-{\beta}$ by bone cells and differential actions on various cell populations observed in this study suggest that $TGF-{\beta}$ may play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism by modulating the specific cellular functions in autocrine and paracrine fashion.