• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2012

It has been reported that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) can mediate endocannabinoid-induced short-term depression of synaptic transmission in cerebellar parallel fiber (PF)-Purkinje cell (PC) synapse. mGluR1 has signaling pathways involved in intracellular calcium increase which may contribute to endocannabinoid release. Two major mGluR1-evoked calcium signaling pathways are known: (1) slow-kinetic inward current carried by transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel which is permeable to $Ca^{2+}$; (2) $IP_3$-induced calcium release from intracellular calcium store. However, it is unclear how much each calcium source contributes to endocannabinoid signaling. Here, we investigated whether calcium influx through mGluR1-evoked TRPC channel contributes to endocannabinoid signaling in cerebellar Purkinje cells. At first, we applied SKF96365 to inhibit TRPC, which blocked endocannabinoid-induced short-term depression completely. However, an alternative TRP channel inhibitor, BTP2 did not affect endocannabinoid-induced short-term depression although it blocked mGluR1-evoked TRPC currents. Endocannabinoid signaling occurred normally even though the TRPC current was mostly blocked by BTP2. Our data imply that TRPC current does not play an important role in endocannabinoid signaling. We also suggest precaution in applying SKF96365 to inhibit TRP channels and propose BTP2 as an alternative TRPC inhibitor.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.264-269
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• 2006

Basic rheological data of dandelion leaf concentrates were determined to predict processing aptitude and usefulness of dandelion leaf concentrates as functional food materials. Hot water and 70% ethanol extracts of dandelion leaves were concentrated at 5, 20, and 50 Brix, and their static and dynamic viscosities, and Arrhenius plots were investigated. Most concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with hot water and 70% ethanol showed flow behaviors close to Newtonian fluid based on power law model evaluation. Apparent viscosity of concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with hot water and 70% ethanol decreased with increasing temperature. Yield stresses of concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with hot water and 70% ethanol by Herschel-Bulkley model application were 0.020-0.641 and 0.017-0.079 Pa, respectively. Activation energies of concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with hot water and 70% ethanol were $2.102-32.669{\times}10^3$ and $1.657-5.382{\times}10^3\;J/mol{\cdot}kg$ with increasing concentration, respectively. Loss modulus (G") predominated over storage modulus (G') at all applied frequencies, showing typical flow behavior of low molecular solution. G' and G" of concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with hot water slowly increased with increasing frequency compared to those of concentrated dandelion leaves extracted with 70% ethanol.

• Ocean policy research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.123-145
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• 2018

Maritime tourism destinations need to improve image as well as enhance competitiveness through development of new marine tourism attraction due to the decrease of the number of passengers. The maritime city is trying to combine dynamic marine leisure activities as an alternative. For this purpose, it is possible to realize clear marine tourism activation policy and improve the identity of local community through the accurate analysis of the interest of the stakeholder groups of local residents in Songjeong beach in Busan. In this study, we first analyzed the language network based on the expression language related to the conflict between the stakeholders of Songjeong beach. Second, we analyzed the individual characteristics of the structure of conflict frames of stakeholders and suggested solutions by comparing the differences and similarities between perception frames of conflict parties. Third, we distinguish and compare differences of perception among the conflict parties through the detailed frame type. Based on the relationship structure between the detailed frame types of the conflict parties, we suggested an alternative for conflict resolution by restructuring the conflicts and negative perceptions among the stakeholders.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.11
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• pp.964-973
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• 2020

Recent studies have highlighted that early enhancement of the glycolytic pathway is a mode of maintaining the proinflammatory status of immune cells. Thiamine, a wellknown co-activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, a gatekeeping enzyme, shifts energy utilization of glucose from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, we hypothesized that thiamine may modulate inflammation by alleviating metabolic shifts during immune cell activation. First, using allithiamine, which showed the most potent anti-inflammatory capacity among thiamine derivatives, we confirmed the inhibitory effects of allithiamine on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and maturation process in dendritic cells. We applied the LPS-induced sepsis model to examine whether allithiamine has a protective role in hyper-inflammatory status. We observed that allithiamine attenuated tissue damage and organ dysfunction during endotoxemia, even when the treatment was given after the early cytokine release. We assessed the changes in glucose metabolites during LPS-induced dendritic cell activation and found that allithiamine significantly inhibited glucose-driven citrate accumulation. We then examined the clinical implication of regulating metabolites during sepsis by performing a tail bleeding assay upon allithiamine treatment, which expands its capacity to hamper the coagulation process. Finally, we confirmed that the role of allithiamine in metabolic regulation is critical in exerting anti-inflammatory action by demonstrating its inhibitory effect upon mitochondrial citrate transporter activity. In conclusion, thiamine could be used as an alternative approach for controlling the immune response in patients with sepsis.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2020

Oxidative degradation of phenol, three monochlorophenols (2-chlorophenol, 2-CP; 3-chlorophenol, 3-CP; 4-chlorophenol, 4-CP), four dichlorophenols (2,3-dichlorophenol, 2,3-DCP; 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4-DCP; 2,5-dichlorophenol, 2,5-DCP; 2,6-dichlorophenol, 2,6-DCP), and two trichlorophenols (2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,4,5-TCP; 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-TCP) was conducted with heat activated persulfate. As the number of chlorinations increased, the reaction rate also increased. The reaction rate was relatively well fitted to the zero-order kinetic model, rather than the pseudo-first order kinetic model for the reactions at 60 ℃, which can be explained by insufficient activation of the persulfate at 60 ℃, and the oxidation reaction of 2,4,6-TCP at 70 ℃ was relatively well fitted to the pseudo-first order kinetic model. The oxidation reaction rate generally increased with increase of persulfate concentration in the solution. 2,6-dichloro-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione was found as a degradation product in a GC/MS analysis. This compound is a non-aromatic compound, and one chlorine was removed. This result is similar to the result of previous studies. The current study proved that heat activated persulfate activation could be an alternative remediation technology for phenol and chlorophenols in soil and groundwater.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2016

This study analyses characteristics of space to facilitate community centering on cases of collective houses in Japan and uses the results as basic data to activate collective houses as an alternative form of housing in our country. To identify the characteristics of space for active communities with collective living space, this study conducted a theoretical examination on collective houses and housing, derived territoriality, accessibility, comfort and safety as factors of community activation and analysed various cases, and the results are presented as follows: First, territoriality is a necessary condition for formation of community, and a confined and physical space. It indicates the proper size of a space and diverse spacial areas which meet the needs of residents with the proper size and amount of space (space which can accommodate diverse generations including women, the aged and the young, flexible space which changes according to the purposes and program, space which supports leisure and hobby activities, and space which can accommodate outsiders). Second, accessibility indicates an environment which supports residents' easy use of space. As the more accessible it is, the higher the frequency of its use, spatial factors (piloti, backyards, benches and tables) should be provided, community space should be arranged in a central or decentralized way and community living space should be made for each floor. As for exits, accessibility should be considered in every way; entrances connected with community spaces, open entrances and entrances accessible from outside or individual living spaces. Third, comfort satisfies the physical and mental needs of residents through separation of floors and flows between the community and individual spaces for privacy and formation of eco-friendly spaces including vegetable gardens, gardens and plant arrangements. Fourth, safety should be considered for a higher quality environment with psychological stability and comfort, for which the following are recommended: installation of hand-rails, removal of thresholds, spacial design for the socially weak, duplex and open type structures for community space, open stages and halls, as well as indoor and outdoor openness through the use of windows.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.451-464
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• 2009

Background and Objective : Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. The present study was designated to evaluate the direct effects of CR on helper T cell activities and on Th1/Th2 lineage development in vitro. Materials and Methods : Spleen cells from 8 week BALB/c mice were cultured in CR extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA expression levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, T-bet and GATA-3 by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 by ELISA. Results : The results demonstrated that CR had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4+ T cells, but augmented CD4+ T-cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies in a dose-dependent manner. CR treatment significantly increased CD4+ T cell population and the IFN-$\gamma$ expression was significantly enhanced, while IL-4 expression was significantly decreased. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that CR enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ secretion in Th1 cells, but reduced the IL-4 in Th2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that CR treatment could be a desirable alternative therapy for the prevention or correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders, such as allergy and asthma.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.681-693
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• 2007

Background and Objective : Atractylodes japonica (AJ) is a commonly-used herbal medicine in Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. The present study was designated to evaluate the direct effects of AJ on helper T cell activities and on Th1/Th2 lineage development in vitro. Materials and Methods : Spleen cells from 8-week BALB/c mice were cultured in CR extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA expression levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, T-bet and GATA-3 by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 by ELISA. Results : The results demonstrated that AJ had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4+ T cells, but augmented CD4+T-cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies in a dose-dependent manner. AJ treatment significantly increased CD4+ T cell population and IFN-$\gamma$ expression was significantly enhanced, while IL-4 expression significantly decreased. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that AJ enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ secretion in Th1 cells, but reduced the IL-4 in Th2 cells in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that AJ treatment could be a desirable alternative therapy for the prevention or correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders, such as allergy and asthma.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2018

Biomass waste-derived carbon is an attractive alternative with environmental benignity to obtain carbon material. In this study, we prepare carbon from coffee grounds as a biomass precursor using a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method through physical activation using only steam. The coffee-derived carbon, having a micropore-rich structure and a low extent of graphitization of disordered carbon, is developed and directly applied to lithium-ion battery anode material. Compared with the introduction of the Ketjenblack (KB) conducting agent (i.e., coffee-derived carbon with KB), the coffee-derived carbon itself achieves a reversible capacity of ~200 mAh/g (0.54 lithium per 6 carbons) at a current density of 100 mA/g after 100 cycles, along with excellent cycle stability. The origin of highly reversible lithium storage is attributed to the consistent diffusion-controlled intercalation/de-intercalation reaction in cycle life, which suggests that the bulk diffusion of lithium is favorable in the coffee-derived carbon itself, in the absence of a conducting agent. This study presents the preparation of carbon material through physical activation without the use of chemical activation agents and demonstrates an application of coffee-derived carbon in energy storage devices.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.13
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• pp.5455-5461
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• 2014

Background: Saponins are a major active component for the traditional Chinese medicine, Rubus parvifolius L., which has shown clear antitumor activities. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of saponins of Rubus parvifolius L. (SRP) remain unclear with regard to human chronic myeloid leukemia cells. The aim of this study was to investigate inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis induction effects of SRP in K562 cells and further elucidate its regulatory mechanisms. Materials and Methods: K562 cells were treated with different concentrations of SRP and MTT assays were performed to determine cell viability. Apoptosis induction by SRP was determined with FACS and DAPI staining analysis. Western blotting was used to detect expression of apoptosis and survival related genes. Specific inhibitors were added to confirm roles of STAT3 and AMPK pathways in SRP induction of apoptosis. Results: Our results indicated that SRP exhibited obvious inhibitory effects on the growth of K562 cells, and significantly induced apoptosis. Cleavage of pro-apoptotic proteins was dramatically increased after SRP exposure. SRP treatment also increased the activities of AMPK and JNK pathways, and inhibited the phosphorylation expression level of STAT3 in K562 cells. Inhibition of the AMPK pathway blocked the activation of JNK by SRP, indicating that SRP regulated the expression of JNK dependent oon the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of the latter significantly conferred resistance to SRP pro-apoptotic activity, suggesting involvement of the AMPK pathway in induction of apoptosis. Pretreatment with a STAT3 inhibitor also augmented SRP induced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis, further confirming roles of the STAT3 pathway after SRP treatment. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that SRP induce cell apoptosis through AMPK activation and STAT3 inhibition in K562 cells. This suggests the possibility of further developing SRP as an alternative treatment option, or perhaps using it as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent for chronic myeloid leukemia therapy.