• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.402-409
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• 2019

Korean red ginseng made from steaming and drying fresh ginseng has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine due to its effects on the immune, endocrine, and central nerve systems and its anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of a formulated Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) in response to lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a cell wall component of gram-positive bacteria. RGE inhibited LTA-induced nitric oxide (NO) secretion and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in BV-2 microglial cells, without affecting cell viability. RGE also inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$) p65 and degradation of $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$. In addition, RGE increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of RGE on iNOS expression was abrogated by small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HO-1. Moreover, RGE induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates HO-1 expression. Furthermore, the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors suppressed RGE-mediated expression of HO-1, and RGE enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), p38, and c-JUN N-terminal kinases (JNKs). These results suggested that RGE suppressed the production of NO, a proinflammatory mediator, by inducing HO-1 expression via PI-3K/Akt- and MAPK-dependent signaling in LTA-stimulated microglia. The findings indicate that RGE could be used for the treatment of neuroinflammation induced by grampositive bacteria and that it may have therapeutic potential for various neuroinflammation-associated disorders.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.295-302
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• 2019

Liquiritigenin (LG) is a chiral flavonoid isolated from the roots of licorice. It exhibits multiple biological activities including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. In particular though, the anti-cancer activity of LG in oral squamous cell carcinoma has yet to be elucidated, and LG-induced apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma remains poorly understood. In the present study, we tested the role of LG in inducing apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. LG treatment of HN22 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability as detected by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The induction of apoptosis in terms of Annexin V/7-Aminoactinomycin D staining, sub-G1 population, and multi-caspase activity were assessed with a $Muse^{TM}$ Cell Analyzer. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that LG treatment resulted in G2/M arrest in cell cycle progression and downregulation of cyclin B1 and CDC2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. It also resulted in significant upregulation of p27. In addition, LG was seen to trigger the generation of reactive oxygen species and induce CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein in concentration-dependent upregulation. The LG treatment of HN22 cells led to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (${\Delta}{\Psi}m$); it also reduced the levels of anti-apoptotic protein and increased the expression of apoptotic protease activating factor-1, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose)polymerase and Bax. Overall, our results indicate that the pro-apoptotic effects of LG in HN22 cells depend on the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways. Thus, our results suggest that LG constitutes a natural compound with a potential role as an anti-tumor agent in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.369-375
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• 2019

Microtubules form through the polymerization of ${\alpha}-$ and ${\beta}-tubulin$, and tubulin transport plays an important role in defining the rate of microtubule growth inside cellular appendages, such as the cilia and flagella. Heterotrimeric kinesin 2 is a molecular motor member of the kinesin superfamily (KIF) that moves along the microtubules to transport multiple cargoes. It consists of two motor subunits (KIF3A and KIF3B) and a kinesin-associated protein 3 (KAP3), forming a heterotrimeric complex. Heterotrimeric kinesin 2 interacts with many different binding proteins through the cargo-binding domains of the KIF3s, but these binding proteins have not yet been specified. To identify these proteins for KIF3A, we performed yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening and found a specific interaction with ${\beta}2-tubulin$ (Tubb2), a microtubule component. Tubb2 was found to bind to the cargo-binding domain of KIF3A but did not interact with KIF3B, KIF5B, or kinesin light chain 1 in the Y2H assay. The carboxyl-terminal region of Tubb2 is essential for interaction with KIF3A. Other Tubb isoforms, including Tubb1, Tubb3, Tubb4, and Tubb5, also interacted with KIF3A in the Y2H screening. However, ${\alpha}1-tubulin$ (Tuba1) did not interact with KIF3A. In addition, an antibody to KIF3A specifically co-immunoprecipitated the KIF3B and KAP3 associated with Tubb2 from mouse brain extracts. In combination, these results suggest that a heterotrimeric kinesin 2 motor protein is capable of binding to tubulin and may transport it in cells.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1487-1495
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated collagen production and hyaluronic acid production effects for wrinkle improvement test on 50 kinds of land plants and 10 kinds of marine plants native to Jeju Island as a part of developing customized cosmetic materials. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are recognized as major factors affecting skin aging. Cerastium holosteoides var. hallaisanense Mizushima extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen in the extracts of 50 kinds of land plants. Vicia angustifolia var. segetilis K. Koch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 160% of collagen. Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Euonymus japonica Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Elaeagnus umbelellata Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Sedum oryzifolium Makino extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Vicia unijuga A. Br. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Brassica juncea var. integrifolia Sinsk. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Sargassum macrocarpum C. Agardh extract ($50{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen, and Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production. Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed the effect of producing hyaluronic acid more than 140%, and Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($20{\mu}g/mL$) and Wistaria floribunda A.P. DC extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 130% hyalunonic acid production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Peyssonnelia capensis Montagne extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) was the most effective. Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 120% hyalunonic acid production. Jeju resources, which have good collagen and hyaluronic acid production, showed the potential to be applied to solve the skin troubles of customized cosmetics in the future.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.142-157
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• 2016

In 2008, the oldest wooden tablets, in the Baekje area, were uncovered from the Bogam-ri site in Naju. This paper defines wooden tablets to as objects with inking inscriptions. Of 65 wooden tablets contained in the excavation report of this site, this paper examines the meanings of 13 tablets with inscriptions written in ink by comparing them with other tablets found in the Baekje area. All tablets were unearthed from Pit Feature No. 1, a large-scale feature, at this site. Vertical stratigraphy of the feature is divided into 43 layers; but it seems that it does not reflect the chronological order, since unearthed artefacts, including wooden tablets, pottery, and roof tiles, turned out to be produced at the same age. Wooden tablets were not found in other features, and intentionally buried in this feature. Typological characteristics of wooden tablets indicate that the pit was the secondary refuse place. The inscription of the wooden tablets labeled 'gyeongonyeon(庚午年)' and the radiocarbon dates of them indicate that these tablets were created in the early 7th century AD, centered in 610 AD. On the basis of contents and typological characteristics, these are classified into six documents, six tags, and one tablet for other purpose. Total 89 pieces of wooden tablets have been unearthed in the Baekje area. Except tablets found in Naju and Geumsan, all have been collected in palaces, royal gardens, and temples inside and outside of the Sabi Capital. The significant wooden tablets of Baekje, which can be compared with tablets from Bogam-ri, were unearthed at from the Gwanbuk-ri site, the Gungnamji site, and the Ssangbuk-ri 280-5 site. Comparative studies on wooden tablets have revealed that the place name during the Wungjin Commandery Period, the status marking method standardized in the order of place name, official rank and person's name, the fact that Baekje operated the system of prefecture(郡), and Bogam-ri was one of the places where prefecture was established, and the evidence of family register system. Wooden tablets at Bogam-ri record the documented date (610 AD), the documented place (Duhilseong where the prefecture established), and the writers (advisors and staffs of the prefecture). The recorded contents of them are invaluable data showing the local administrative system of Baekje, such as the status marking method, the means of description, the family-register system, and the land surveying system.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.64-81
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• 2015

The Treasure No.165 of Ojukhen is a separate house(別堂) which was still remained as a gentry house in the earliest day. The formative aspects have the important meaning as the history of Korean architecture. Specially the place is famous for Shin, Saim-dang(申師任堂) gave birth to Yulgok(栗谷) Yi, I(李珥). The house was built by one's family of Gangneung Choi clan(江陵崔氏) but Son-in-law inherited the house because there was the practice of inheritance by equal distribution and the mother of Shin, Saim-dang, Yongin Lee clan(龍仁李氏) inherited Gwon, Cheo-kyun(權處均) who was her hrandson under the condition of looking after the tomb. The reason why house name was Ojukhen is that Gwon, Cheo-kyun's another name is Ojukhen. Ojukhen is cultural properties which showed the change of practicing inheritance and ancestral rites. Ojukhen has the special relationship of one's grandson and did not have such of immediate family. This is because there were customs husband had to go to married woman's house and live there during short time. Yongin Lee clan and Shin, Saimdang has lived in the Ojukhen. Yongin Lee clan lived there after marrying. Shin Saimdang also spent a time of living her house after marrying and his son(Yi, I) was born in the place. Yi, I spent their time under Yongin Lee clan and one's mother's parents. Therefore he had a good relationship with his maternal grandmother. This is why his maternal grandmother became a descendant offering sacrifice to his ancestors. The reason why Gwon, Chen-kyun looked after the tomb of Yongin Lee clan was also Gwon, Hwa(權和) became sonin-law who lives with his wife's family. Ojukhen is the showcase of finding the marriage and living manage in the early Joseon Dynasty. The most village of Buk-Pyeong(北坪村) in the Gangneung called by Yi, I's one's mother's parents' home. Since after, the place was changed as the clan village immediate family of Andong Kwang clan(安東權氏) of Gwon, Cheokyun of Chumilgong family(樞密公派). After 17C, there were social historic changings focused on relative group. Ojukhen was the start of changing the clan village. Ojukhen is cultural properties which showed inheritance, relative, marriage in the turning point of Joseon Dynasty.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.146-169
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• 2018

Artificial or natural artifacts, which have historical, artistic, academic or scenic value as national, ethnic or global assets, are designated as "cultural heritages" under the Act on the Protection of Cultural Heritage. Cultural heritages can be divided into tangible cultural heritages, intangible cultural heritages, and monument and folklore heritages. In addition, depending on the object of designation, a cultural heritage can be designated either as a city or a provincial cultural heritage or a cultural heritage material, by a city mayor or provincial governor, and as a state-designated heritage by the administrator of the Cultural heritage Administration. The regular survey is a part of the policy for the preservation and management of state-designated heritages, which requires that surveys be undertaken every three to five years for the preservation, repair and maintenance of cultural heritages. It was stipulated in the Act on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in 2006, and since then has substantially contributed to the preservation and management of state-designated heritages based on the identification of damage to cultural heritages and the application of appropriate treatment measures. However, some parts of the guidelines on the regular survey, legislated in 2006, occasionally give rise to confusion in managing the regular survey system of state-designated movable cultural heritages, and need to be modified to facilitate the systematic management and improvement of the regular survey system. This study attempts to analyze the structure and operation of the regular survey system of state-designated movable cultural heritages, and proposes plans for improving the way of specifying each department which leads, manages and executes the regular survey, the process of entrusting the survey, and its guidelines and forms. I hope that these plans concerning the regular survey of state-designated movable cultural heritages will contribute to improving the quality and management of the system.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.479-499
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• 2019

State assessment of an operational tunnel is usually done by performing visual inspection and durability tests by following the detailed guideline for safety inspection (SI) and/ or precision inspection for safety and diagnosis (PISD). In this study, 12 NATM tunnels, which have been operational for more than 10 years, were inspected to figure out the cause of longitudinal cracks for the purpose of modifying the scoring items in the state assessment NATM tunnel related to the longitudinal crack and the thickness of concrete lining. All investigated tunnels were classified into four groups depending on the shape and usage of each tunnel. The causes of longitudinal crack occurrence were analyzed by investigating the correlations between the longitudinal crack and the following four factors: the patterns of ground excavation; construction state of primary support system; characteristics of material properties of the concrete lining; and thickness of lining which was obtained by Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) tests. It was found that influencing factors causing longitudinal cracks in the lining were closely related with the construction condition of the primary support system, i.e. shotcrete, rockbolt, and steel-rib; crack occurrences were not much affected by the excavation patterns. As for the properties of concrete lining materials, occurrence of the longitudinal crack was mostly affected by the following three items: w/c ratio; contents of cement; and strength of lining. When estimating the lining thickness of the concrete lining by GPR tests and taking thickness effect into account in the statement assessment, it was concluded that increase of the index score by an average of 0.03 (ranging from 0.01 up to 0.071) is needed; a more realistic way of state assessment should be proposed in which the increased index score caused by lack of lining thickness should be taken into account.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.152-158
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• 2019

This study was conducted to develop and prove the effects of an agronomical pest control measure on ginseng cultivated by direct seeding in paddy field, and the results obtained are as follows. Decomposition of ginseng in field during overwintering was due to gray mold rot caused by Botrytis cinerea, which occurred in October or November of 2016 and intensified in February and March the following year. The occurrence rate of gray mold rot based on shading materials was 6.5%, 16.8%, and 29.5% with light-proof paper, PE shade net, and rice straw shade, respectively. The initial infection occurred in the leaves prior to wintering and secondary infection occurred in the stems after wintering. The rate of screrotium formation by gray mold in the above-ground parts of ginseng tended to increase: 26.6% on October 20, 33.7% in November 20, and 41.8% on December 20. The force needed to remove the leaves and stems from withered ginseng was 0.2, 0.94, 2.5, and 5 kg for 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4- and 5-year holds; the force required was 1 kg after wintering, making it relatively easy to remove. The disease incidence rate after the removal of leaves and stems was 2.5%, 1.2%, and 2.2% in 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old plants, respectively, and a disease high incidence rate of 8.8%, 13.0%, and 18.2%, respectively, was seen when the leaves and stems were not removed. In both transplanting and direct seeding, the miss-planted rate decreased and the germination rate increased when shading material was removed and the surface of ridge was covered with soil or vinyl.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.101-114
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• 2019

In this study, we carry out the numerical simulation to trace the yearly shoreline change of Mang-Bang beach, which is suffering from erosion problem. We obtain the basic equation (One Line Model for shoreline) for the numerical simulation by assuming that the amount of shoreline retreat or advance is balanced by the net influx of longshore and cross-shore sediment into the unit discretized shoreline segment. In doing so, the energy flux model for the longshore sediment transport rate is also evoked. For the case of cross sediment transport, the modified Bailard's model (1981) by Cho and Kim (2019) is utilized. At each time step of the numerical simulation, we adjust a closure depth according to pertinent wave conditions based on the Hallermeier's analytical model (1978) having its roots on the Shield's parameter. Numerical results show that from 2017.4.26 to 2017.10.15 during which swells are prevailing, a shoreline advances due to the sustained supply of cross-shore sediment. It is also shown that a shoreline temporarily retreats due to the erosion by the yearly highest waves sequentially occurring from mid-October to the end of October, and is followed by gradual recovery of shoreline as high waves subdue and swells prevail. It is worth mentioning that great yearly circulation of shoreline completes when a shoreline retreats due to the erosion by the higher waves occurring from mid-March to the end of March. The great yearly circulation of shoreline mentioned above can also be found in the measured locations of shoreline on 2017.4.5, 2017.9.7, 2017.11.7, 2018.3.14. However, numerically simulated amount of shoreline retreat or advance is more significant than the physically measured one, and it should be noted that these discrepancies become more substantial for the case of RUN II where a closure depth is sustained to be as in the most morphology models like the Genesis (Hanson and Kraus, 1989).