• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.216-222
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• 2018

Desmodium heterocarpon is one of vines belongs to Fabaceae family, mainly distributed in Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. This study was conducted to explore new nutraceutical resources from the plant kingdom possessing biological activities. To fulfill this purpose, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of D. heterocarpon ethanol extract (DHEE) were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity assay, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity assay, and the analysis of related protein expressions by Western blot hybridization. DHEE exhibited potent anti-oxidative activity as confirmed by DPPH radical scavenging capacity against DPPH similar with ascorbic acid, a well-known anti-oxidative agent, used as a positive control. DHEE also effectively suppressed hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced ROS on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Furthermore, DHEE induced the expression of the anti-oxidative enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and its upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a dose dependent manner. DHEE inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) formation as a consequence of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) down regulation. Taken together, these results suggest that DHEE has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities and thus appears to be useful sources as potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. The identification of active compounds that confer biological activities of DHEE might be needed.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1016-1021
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• 2018

Clostridium difficile toxin A causes pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogenesis of toxin A-induced colonic inflammation includes toxin A-dependent epithelial cell apoptosis, resulting in the loss of barrier function provided by epithelial cells against luminal pathogens. Toxin A-dependent epithelial cell apoptosis has been linked to toxin A-induced production of reaction oxygen species and subsequent p38MAPK activation; $p21^{CIP1/WAF1}$ upregulation-dependent cell cycle arrest; cytoskeletal disaggregation; and/or the induction of Fas ligand on epithelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying toxin A-induced apoptosis remain poorly understood. This study tested whether toxin A could block the Wnt signaling pathway, which is involved in gut epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation and antiapoptotic progression. Toxin A treatment of nontransformed human colonocytes (NCM460) rapidly reduced ${\beta}$-catenin protein, an essential component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Exposure of mouse ileum to toxin A also significantly reduced ${\beta}$-catenin protein levels. MG132 inhibition of proteasome-dependent protein degradation resulted in the recovery of toxin A-mediated reduction of ${\beta}$-catenin, indicating that toxin A may activate intracellular processes, such as $GSK3{\beta}$, to promote degradation of ${\beta}$-catenin. Immunoblot analysis showed that toxin A increased active phosphorylation of $GSK3{\beta}$. Because the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for gut epithelial cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic processes, our results suggest that toxin A-mediated inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway may be required for maximal toxin A-induced apoptosis of gut epithelial cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2009.06a
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• pp.151-151
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• 2009

Recently, there has been increasing interest in amorphous oxide semiconductors to find alternative materials for an amorphous silicon or organic semiconductor layer as a channel in thin film transistors(TFTs) for transparent electronic devices owing to their high mobility and low photo-sensitivity. The fabriction of amorphous oxide-based TFTs at room temperature on plastic substrates is a key technology to realize transparent flexible electronics. Amorphous oxides allows for controllable conductivity, which permits it to be used both as a transparent semiconductor or conductor, and so to be used both as active and source/drain layers in TFTs. One of the materials that is being responsible for this revolution in the electronics is indium-zinc-tin oxide(IZTO). Since this is relatively new material, it is important to study the properties of room-temperature deposited IZTO thin films and exploration in a possible integration of the material in flexible TFT devices. In this research, we deposited IZTO thin films on polyethylene naphthalate substrate at room temperature by using magnetron sputtering system and investigated their properties. Furthermore, we revealed the fabrication and characteristics of top-gate-type transparent TFTs with IZTO layers, seen in Fig. 1. The experimental results show that by varying the oxygen flow rate during deposition, it can be prepared the IZTO thin films of two-types; One a conductive film that exhibits a resistivity of $2\times10^{-4}$ ohm${\cdot}$cm; the other, semiconductor film with a resistivity of 9 ohm${\cdot}$cm. The TFT devices with IZTO layers are optically transparent in visible region and operate in enhancement mode. The threshold voltage, field effect mobility, on-off current ratio, and sub-threshold slope of the TFT are -0.5 V, $7.2\;cm^2/Vs$, $\sim10^7$ and 0.2 V/decade, respectively. These results will contribute to applications of select TFT to transparent flexible electronics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.893-898
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• 2002

To examine the antioxidant activity of grape seed ethanol extract, the antioxidative index (AI) by the active oxygen method (AOM) and peroxide value (POV) of linoleic acids containing the extract at levels of 100, 500, 1000 ppm was measured during storage at 6$0^{\circ}C$ for 12 days. When comparing with BHT, the extract at levels of 500 ppm showed similar or better antioxidant activity (AI: 2.25, POV: 57 meq/kg oil) than that (AI: 1.21, POV:58 meq/kg oil ) of BHT at 200 ppm level. The mixture of 500 ppm of the extract and 500 ppm of ascorbic acid showed intense synergistic antioxidant activity (AI: 6.21, POV: 14 meq/kg oil) compared with using 1000 ppm of the extract only (AI: 3.39, POV 43 meq/kg oil). Also to determine the feasibility of using the extract for natural antioxidant, the oxidative stability of roasted peanut and Ramyon was investigated by measuring the POV of crude oils from the samples stored at 60"C for 18 days. The oxidative stability of roasted peanut and Ramyon seemed to be enhanced by treatment with the extract at level of 1000 ppm, especially with the 1 : 1 mixture of extract and ascorbic acid. This study suggested that grape seed ethanol extract could be used as the natural antioxidant for the improvement of overall oxidation stability of fat containing foods.oods.

• BMB Reports
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.450-455
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• 2003

Antioxidant enzymes are scavenger reactive-oxygen intermediates and are involved in many cellular defense systems. We previously reported that a crude extract of Garnoderma lucidum, a medicinally potent mushroom, profoundly increased the catalase gene expression and enzyme activities in mouse livers (Park et al., J. Biochem. Mol. Biol. 34. 144-149, 2001). In this study, we elucidated the detailed mechanism whereby G. lucidum stimulates the catalase activity and expression. The major active fraction was isolated from G. lucidum and methyl linoleate was considered the most major component of the fraction. In order to determine whether methyl linoleate increases mRNA and protein synthesis of catalase, Northern and Western blot analyses were performed in vivo with methyl linoleate-treated mouse liver homogenate after feeding methyl linoleate to the mice. Northern and Western blot analyses of the crude liver homogenates in the mice that were administered methyl linoleate revealed that the expression catalase was significantly increased when compared to the untreated controls. In addition, the catalase protein levels and enzymatic activities increased in the mouse liver homogenates. These results suggest that methyl linoleate that is produced by G. lucidum stimulates the catalase expression at the transcription level.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.233-242
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• 2003

The southeasternmost coastal area of the Korean peninsula has been regarded as a seismologically stable area as neither Quaternary faults nor earthquake activity has been reported. To clarify whether the active tectonic movement has occurred or not, a digital marine terrace mapping and fracture mapping have been done in the coastal area. Bed rocks are composed of the Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary rocks and the Paleogene granite. Wave-cut platform in the area is smaller and narrower relative to that of the northern coastal area. Most of the platforms in the area have little Quaternary sediment. The platforms except the Holocene terrace (1 st terrace) can be divided into three steps. The lowest platform (2nd terrace) has an altitude of 8-11 m. The broad middle one (3rd terrace) is 17 to 22 m high. The highest terrace (4th terrace) is a narrow and sporadic bench with an altitude of about 44 m high. The lowest terrace is correlated to the 2nd terrace of the northern area, which corresponds to the oxygen isotopic stage 5a. The uplift rate calculated from a graphic method is 0.19 m/ky. This low uplift is typical of an intra-plate, suggesting that the area is tectonically stable. The elevation of the platforms tends slightly lower from the north to the south in the survey area. The decreasing altitude of the platforms towards the south is interpreted to result from a local block tilting during the Latest Pleistocene. This also indicates that the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula has been suffering a subsidence to the south.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.333-341
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• 2018

Ferulate is a phenolic compound abundant in wheat germ and bran and has been investigated for its beneficial activities. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of ferulate against the oxidative stress-induced imbalance of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs), protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), and serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), in connection with our previous finding that oxidative stress-induced imbalance of PTKs and PTPs is linked with proinflammatory nuclear factor-kappa B $(NF-{\kappa}B)$ activation. To test the effects of ferulate on this process, we utilized two oxidative stress-induced inflammatory models. First, YPEN-1 cells were pretreated with ferulate for 1 hr prior to the administration of 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Second, 20-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed ferulate for 10 days. After ferulate treatment, the activities of PTKs, PTPs, and PP2A were measured because these proteins either directly or indirectly promote $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Our results revealed that in YPEN-1 cells, ferulate effectively suppressed AAPH-induced increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and $NF-{\kappa}B$ activity, as well as AAPH-induced PTK activation. Furthermore, ferulate also inhibited AAPH-induced PTP and PP2A inactivation. In the aged kidney model, ferulate suppressed aging-induced activation of PTKs and ameliorated aging-induced inactivation of PTPs and PP2A. Thus, herein we demonstrated that ferulate could modulate PTK/PTP balance against oxidative stress-induced inactivation of PTPs and PP2A, which is closely linked with $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation. Based on these results, the ability of ferulate to modulate oxidative stress-related inflammatory processes is established, which suggests that this compound could act as a novel therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.301-310
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of work intensity on fit factor and affective quality of the dustproof Background: Among the victims who suffer pneumoconiosis due to the inhalation of toxic substances or the lack of oxygen during the work, the proportion of the victims is larger than the other causes. Wearing a respirator may prevent pneumoconiosis, but it can be hazardous to workers because of the leakage through filters, cartridges, exhaust valves, broken parts, and face-to-face contact. Despite leakage through the contact area between the mask and the face has various causes such as the wearer's activity, sweat accumulation, facial shape, etc., There is a lack of relevant research and regulation compared to developed countries that have already institutionalized the law 30 years ago and give the right to sell through a test Method: The work intensity was adjusted by walking or running at 6km/h and 11km/h on the treadmill, and tasks were defined with reference to the test procedure and the exercise sequence applied in the face leakage test of the dustproof mask. And fit factor was measured objectively using 'Respirator Fit Tester 8038' which measures fit factor calculated by dividing the number of dust present outside the mask by inside the mask. In addition, affective quality was classified by the ease of use, ease of breathing, and ease of wearing, and was measured using the 5-point likert scale questionnaire. Results: There was a significant difference in fit factor, ease of breathing, and wearing convenience according to work intensity and no significant difference in ease of use(${\alpha}=0.01$). And when the work intensity was high, fit factor, ease of breathing, and wearing convenience were all lower than when the work intensity was low. Conclusion: In Korea, it is necessary to consider consideration of the work intensity when testing the leakage rate of the face part for safety certification of the respiratory protective equipment, When developing a mask, it should be possible to maintain high adhesion even under intense, active situation and high temperature conditions by selecting materials, improving the wearing style, and expanding the adjustable range.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.23 no.12
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• pp.942-948
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• 2010

In this study we aims to examine the effects of 0.5 mol% $Cr_2O_3$ addition on the reaction, microstructure development, resultant electrical properties, and especially the bulk trap and interface state levels of ZnO-$Bi_2O_3-Sb_2O_3$ (Sb/Bi=0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) systems (ZBS). The samples were prepared by conventional ceramic process, and characterized by XRD, density, SEM, I-V, impedance and modulus spectroscopy (IS & MS) measurement. The sintering and electrical properties of Cr-doped ZBS (ZBSCr) systems were controlled by Sb/Bi ratio. Pyrochlore ($Zn_2Bi_3Sb_3O_{14}$) was decomposed more than $100^{\circ}C$ lowered on heating in ZBS (Sb/Bi=1.0) by Cr doping. The densification of ZBSCr (Sb/Bi=0.5) system was retarded to $800^{\circ}C$ by unknown Bi-rich phase produced at $700^{\circ}C$. Pyrochlore on cooling was reproduced in all systems. And $Zn_7Sb_2O_{12}$ spinel ($\alpha$-polymorph) and $\delta-Bi_2O_3$ phase were formed by Cr doping. In ZBSCr, the varistor characteristics were not improved drastically (non-linear coefficient $\alpha$ = 7~12) and independent on microstructure according to Sb/Bi ratio. Doping of $Cr_2O_3$ to ZBS seemed to form $Zn_i^{..}$(0.16 eV) and $V^{\bullet}_o$ (0.33 eV) as dominant defects. From IS & MS, especially the grain boundaries of Sb/Bi=0.5 systems were divided into two types, i.e. sensitive to oxygen and thus electrically active one (1.1 eV) and electrically inactive intergranular one (0.95 eV) with temperature.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.433-440
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• 1994

The exposure of Clamydomonas reinhardtii to low temperatures resulted in an accumulation of cellular pyruvate that dissipated when the chilled cells returned to ambient temperature. The dissipation of pyruvate accumulation was accompanied by an increase in the production level of superoxide radicals $(O_2^-)$ in cells. The formation of $O_2^-$ at an excessive level during the post-chilling period was apparently countered by a substantial activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD). All these results are similar to those observed previously in rice seedlings subjected to the cold-treatment, implicating that a common mechanism is probably underlying for the primary processes of chilling injury both in higher plants and in algae. It was also observed that the activation of Mn-containing SOD contributes the major share in the increase of SOD activity of whole algal cells. Because Mn-SOD is present only in mitochondria, the observation corroborates the concept that the $O_2^-$ scavenging enzyme would be induced to cope with the cold treatment-caused adverse situation in mitochondria where the toxic active oxygen is produced at rates far exceeding the normal rate.