• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.420-427
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• 2011

The use of lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) is effective for preventing and curing immune disorders by activating the immune system in the digestive tract and the consequent immune response in the blood. In this study, LAB and mixed LABs were used in an atopic dermatitis (AD) mouse model. Alleviation of AD was observed based on the change in cytokine level and immunohistochemical staining. An ex vivo test showed that immunoglobulin-E and interleukin (IL)-4 levels were significantly lower in all groups treated with LAB than in the group treated with only 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Results of an in vivo test based on the ex vivo results showed that the scratch score decreased in all groups treated with the LAB and particularly decreased in the group treated with mixed LABs. Additionally, the T helper (Th) 1 cytokines interferon-gamma and IL-12p40 were upregulated by the LAB and mixed-LABs, whereas levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 were downregulated in a mouse model of AD-like skin lesions. Furthermore, hematoxylin & eosin and immunohistochemical staining of the dorsal area of the mice in each group showed that AD improved in the LAB-treated groups. These results suggest that LAB and mixed LABs inhibit the development of AD in NC/Nga mice by suppressing the Th2 cell response and increasing the Th1 cell response. Our results indicate that mixed LABs are better than LAB for treating AD-like skin lesions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.24.1-24.12
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• 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in immunocompromised, especially transplant recipients, may induce a weaker immune response. But there are limited data on the immune response after COVID-19 vaccination in liver transplant (LT) recipients, especially on the comparison of Ab responses after different vaccine platforms between mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines. Thus, we conducted a prospective study on LT recipients who received two doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (ChAdOx1), mRNA-1273, or BNT162b2 vaccines compared with healthy healthcare workers (HCWs). SARS-CoV-2 S1-specific IgG Ab titers were measured using ELISA. Overall, 89 LT recipients (ChAdOx1, n=16 [18%]) or mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273 vaccine, n=23 [26%]; BNT162b2 vaccine, n=50 [56%]) received 3 different vaccines. Of them, 16 (18%) had a positive Ab response after one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 62 (73%) after 2 doses. However, the median Ab titer after two doses of mRNA vaccines was significantly higher (44.6 IU/ml) than after two doses of ChAdOx1 (19.2 IU/ml, p=0.04). The longer time interval from transplantation was significantly associated with high Ab titers after two doses of vaccine (p=0.003). However, mycophenolic acid use was not associated with Ab titers (p=0.53). In conclusion, about 3-quarters of LT recipients had a positive Ab response after 2 doses of vaccine, and the mRNA vaccines induced higher Ab responses than the ChAdOx1 vaccine.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.123-145
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• 2017

Due to the increasing demand for spectrum resources, cognitive radio networks and dynamic spectrum access draw a lot of research into efficiently utilizing limited spectrum resources. To set up cluster-based CR ad-hoc common channels, conventional methods require a relatively long time to successfully exchange the initialization messages. In this paper, we propose a fast and reliable common channel initialization protocol for CR ad-hoc networks. In the proposed method, the cluster head sequentially broadcasts a system activation signal through its available channels with a predetermined correlation pattern. To detect the cluster head's broadcasting channels and to join the cluster, each member node implements fast Fourier transform (FFT) and computes autocorrelation of an FFT bin sequence for each available channel of the member node. This is compared to the predetermined reference pattern. The join request and channel decision procedures are also presented in this paper. In a simulation study, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems Conference
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• 1998.06a
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• pp.601-606
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• 1998

In this paper, we propose a new design method of an optimal fuzzy logic controller using co-evolutionary concept. In general, it is very difficult to find optimal fuzzy rules by experience when the input and/or output variables are going to increase. Futhermore proper fuzzy partitioning is not deterministic ad there is no unique solution. So we propose a co-evolutionary method finding optimal fuzzy rules and proper fuzzy membership functions at the same time. Predator-Prey co-evolution and symbiotic co-evolution algorithms, typical approaching methods to co-evolution, are reviewed, and dynamic fitness landscape associated with co-evolution is explained. Our algorithm is that after constructing two population groups made up of rule base and membership function, by co-evolving these two populations, we find optimal fuzzy logic controller. By applying the propose method to a path planning problem of autonomous mobile robots when moving objects applying the proposed method to a pa h planning problem of autonomous mobile robots when moving objects exist, we show the validity of the proposed method.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.1039-1049
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• 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by immune dysregulation. Meanwhile, the supernatant of lactic acid bacteria (SL) was recently reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) are widely used for studying AD-like responses. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of SL from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT keratinocytes, and then we investigated the strains' probiotic properties. SL was noncytotoxic and regulated chemokines (macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)) and cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-25, and IL-33) in TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT keratinocytes. SL from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4644, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MG4693, and Lactococcus lactis MG5474 decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Furthermore, the safety of the three strains was demonstrated via hemolysis, bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, and toxicity tests, and the stability was confirmed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, L. rhamnosus MG4644, L. paracasei MG4693, and Lc. lactis MG5474 have potential applications in functional food as they are stable and safe for intestinal epithelial cells and could improve atopic inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.273-281
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• 2022

Mantle heterogeneity is closely related to the distribution and circulation of volatile components in the Earth's interior, and the behavior of volatiles in the mantle strongly influences the rheological properties of silicate rocks. In mantle xenoliths, these physicochemical properties of the upper mantle can be recorded in the form of microstructures and fluid inclusions. In this paper, I summarized and reviewed the results of previous studies related to the characteristics of microstructures and fluid inclusions from peridotite xenoliths beneath the Rio Grande Rift (RGR) in order to understand the evolution and heterogeneity of upper mantle. In the RGR, the mantle peridotites are mainly reported in the rift axis (EB: Elephant Butte, KB: Kilbourne Hole) and rift flank (AD: Adam's Diggings) regions. In the case of the former (EB and KB peridotites), the type-A lattice preferred orientation (LPO), formed under low-stress and low-water content, was reported. In the case of the latter (AD peridotites), the type-C LPO, formed under low-stress and high-water content, was reported. In particular, in the case of AD peridotites, at least two fluid infiltration events, such as early (type-1: CO₂-N₂) and late (type-2: CO₂-H₂O), have been recorded in orthopyroxene. The upper mantle heterogeneity recorded by these microstructures and fluid inclusions is considered to be due to the interaction between the North American plate and the Farallon plate.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2021

Glucosylceramides (GluCer) are known to play an important role in both water retention and epidermal permeability barrier function in the mammalian stratum corneum. In this study, we investigated the effects of pineapple fruit extract containing glucosylceramides (PFEG) on the maintenance and recovery of skin barrier function using atopic dermatitis-induced animal models. Five-week-old male Hos:HR-1 mice were divided into four groups fed on standard diet, unsaturated fatty acids-deficient (HR-AD) diet, and HR-AD diet supplemented with 0.01% or 0.1% pineapple-GluCer. Skin barrier function was evaluated by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dermal moisture content, moisture content of the stratum corneum and wrinkle formation. The control group (HR-AD administration group) showed increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), while the epidermal moisture content and the moisture content of the stratum corneum slowly decreased. However, in the PFEG groups (with 0.1% or 0.01% glucosylceramide), the TEWL levels were significantly reduced at 2 weeks. The PFEG also helped maintain skin moisturizing function by significantly suppressing the decrease of the epidermal moisture content and the moisture content of the stratum corneum. These results show that the PFEG is effective for maintaining and improving the function of the skin barrier. Therefore, this study suggests that PFEG is a potential candidate material for skin functional foods.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.12-17
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• 1990

A mutant of Mycobacterium sp. has been isolated which is capable of degrading cholesterol and plant sterol to androst-4-ene-3, 17-dione and 9-hydroxyandrostene-3, 17-dione. Also this mutant hydroxylated the steroidal nucleus at the 9 $\alpha$ position. No ring degradation inhibitory agents are required for these processes.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.402-409
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• 2001

Different bioligands carrying synthetic adsorbents have been reported in the literature for protein separation, We have developed a novel and new approach to obtain high protein ad-sorption capacity utilizing 2-methacrylamidohistidine(MAH) as a bioligand. MAH was synthe-sized by reacting methacrylocholride and histidine, Spherical beads with an average size of 150-200㎛ were obtained by the radical suspension polymerization of MAH and 2-hydrosyethyl-methacrylate(HEMA) conducted in an aqueous dispersion medium. p(HEMA-co-MAH) beads had a specific surface area of 17.6㎡/g . Synthesized MAH monomer was characterized by NMR. p(HEMA-co-MAH) beads were characterized by swelling test, FTIR and elemental analysis. Then Cu(II) ions were incorporated onto the beads and Cu(II) loading was found to be 0.96 mmol/g.These affinity beads with a swelling ration of 65% and containing, 1.6 mmol MAH/g were used in the adsorption/desorption of human serum albumin(HSA) from both aqueous solutions and hu-man serum. The adsorption of HSA onto p(HEM-co-MAH) was low(8.8 mg/g). Cu(II) chelation onto the beads significantly increased the HSA adsorption (56.3 mg/g). The maximum HSA ad-sorption ws observed at pH 8.0 Higher HSA adsorption was observed from human plasma(94.6 mgHSA/g) Adsorption of other serum proteins were obtained as 3.7 mg/g for fibrinogen and 8.5mg/g for γ-globulin. The total protein adsorption was determined as 107.1mg/g. Desorption of HSA was obtained using 0.1 M Tris/HCl buffer containing 0.5 M NaSCN, High desorption rations(up to 98% of the adsorbed HSA) were observed. It was possible to reuse Cu(II) chelated-p(HEMA-co-MAH) beads without significant decreases in the adsorption capacities.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.154-161
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• 2014

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the chemical characteristics of Asian dust (hereafter called "AD") particles with the aid of the most advanced micro-PIXE (Particle-induced X-ray emission) analytical technique. To this end, size-selected particles were sampled on a rural peninsula of Korea (Byunsan, 35.37N; 126.27E) during AD and non-AD periods in 2004. The coarse particle (> $2{\mu}m$) number density during an AD event were 170 times higher than those of the non-AD counterpart. The average net-count of silica in individual particles collected on AD event was roughly 11 times higher than that of non-AD counterpart. The X-ray net-counts of trace elements (Zn, Co, Mn, and V) were also considerably high in AD relative to the non-AD day. Particle classification based on the inter ratio analysis of elemental net-count suggests that a large portion of the coarse particles collected during AD event underwent chemical transformation to a certain degree. The visual interpretation of micro-PIXE elemental maps and elemental localization data in and/or on individual AD particles clarified the internal mixture of AD particles with sea-salt and artificial metallic particles.