• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.263-272
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• 2024

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is one of the amyloidogenic intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that self-assemble to protein aggregates, incurring cell malfunction and cytotoxicity. While Aβ has been known to regulate multiple physiological functions, such as enhancing synaptic functions, aiding in the recovery of the blood-brain barrier/brain injury, and exhibiting tumor suppression/antimicrobial activities, the hydrophobicity of the primary structure promotes pathological aggregations that are closely associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ proteins consist of multiple isoforms with 37-43 amino acid residues that are produced by the cleavage of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). The hydrolytic products of APP are secreted to the extracellular regions of neuronal cells. Aβ 1-42 (Aβ42) and Aβ 1-40 (Aβ40) are dominant isoforms whose significance in AD pathogenesis has been highlighted in numerous studies to understand the molecular mechanism and develop AD diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the differences between Aβ42 and Aβ40 in the molecular mechanism of amyloid aggregations mediated by the two additional residues (Ile41 and Ala42) of Aβ42. The current comprehension of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in AD progression is outlined, together with the structural features of Aβ42/Aβ40 amyloid fibrils, and the aggregation mechanisms of Aβ42/Aβ40. Furthermore, the impact of the heterogeneous distribution of Aβ isoforms during amyloid aggregations is discussed in the system mimicking the coexistence of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.213-232
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• 2000

The development of the knee joint was studied by electron microscopy in human fetuses ranging from 20 mm to 260 mm crown-rump length ($7\sim30$ weeks of gestational age). The appearance of the primordium of the meniscus and cruciate ligament was conspicuous as the mesenchymal cells , preceeding that of joint space at 30 mm fetus. The primitive joint cavity was first seen in the interzone from the 40 mm fetus and its intermediate layer proceeded developing as a narrow cleft which was closely incorporated with two chondrogenic layers. Poorly differentiated mesenchymal cells of the meniscus at 40 mm fetus containing predominantly free ribosomes differentiated into fibroblasts at 60 mm fetus. By 100 mm fetus, the fibroblast in inner zone of the meniscus presented as oval profiles with a short cell processes, whereas middle and peripheral zones presented as elongated cells. Differentiation of the synovial membrane coincided with clarification of the joint cavity When dilatation of the synovial cavity occurred, the two types of synovial cells were identified at 60 mm fetus. By 100 mm fetus a majority of the intimal cells were B-type. B-type cells were clearly distinguishable from A-type cells by their content of extensive rough endoplasmic reticula and well developed Golgi complexes. In contrast, A-type cells had numerous filopodia, pinocytotic vesicles, lysosomes and large vacuoles. At 260 mm fetus the B-type cells were also a majority of intimal cells. At 260 mm fetus the inner zone of the meniscus was filled with parallel oriented fascicles of collagenous fibers and oval fibroblasts. The middle zone was constituted of parallel and radially arranged fibers and fibroblasts. The outer zone was populated by elongated fibroblasts encircled by crossed collagenous fibers with the blood vessels. At 30 mm fetus the fibroblasts of the cruciate ligament contained rough endoplasmic reticula and mitochondria. Collagen fibrils were noted within narrow cytoplasmic processes which were continued with the extracellular space. Collagen fibrils of ligament were filled in the bulk of extracellular space at 100 mm fetus. By $150\sim260mm$ fetus, the cruciate ligaments were constituted of longitudinally oriented bundle of collagen fibrils with irregular rows of round cells between.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 1980

The purpose of this study was carried out to examine the systematic trends in fibril angle which existed within the trunk of Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. In 1937 I. W. Bailey reported that crystalline aggregates of iodine may be induced to form within the elongated interstices of the cellulose matrix of the secondary wall, and that these elongated crystals are oriented parallel to the long axis of the fibrils of cellulose. The authors tried a simple method (Yaichi kobayashi method) of demonstrating the fibrillar orientation in lignified walls in which Schulze's reagent was used. The results were summarized as follows. 1. Fibril angles were greater for earlywood (avg. $23.38^{\circ}$) than for latewood (avg. $17.85^{\circ}$). 2. The average fibril angles of consecutive rings decreased consistently and markedly from pith to bark. 3. Differences of the fibril angle between in springwood and in summerwood were greater in corewood than in middle or outerwood.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2002

Silver doped vanadium pentoxides with a doping ratio Ag/V ranging from 0.03 to 0.11 were synthesized by sol-gel process, and $Li/Ag_xV_2O_5$ cell was investigated by the electrochemical methods. It appears to be amorphous layered material and entangled fibrous textures has been grown to form anisotropic corrugated fibrils. NMR measurements revealed that several different kinds of $Li^+$ ions exist in the lithium intercalated xerogel electrodes and the average cell potential was about 3.0V vs. $Li/Li^+$. The cell capacity of the silver doped $Ag_xV_2O_5$ xerogel cathodes was more than 359 mAh/g at discharge current 10mA/g and cycle efficiency $94\%$ was achieved.

• 한국약용작물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.09a
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• pp.31-45
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• 2011

The amyloid ${\beta}$-peptide ($A{\beta}$), which originates from the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mounting evidence indicates that different species of $A{\beta}$, such as $A{\beta}$ oligomers and fibrils, may contribute to AD pathogenesis via distinct mechanisms at different stages of the disease. Importantly, elevation and accumulation of soluble $A{\beta}$ oligomers closely correlate with cognitive decline and/or disease progression in animal models of AD. In agreement with these studies, oligomers of $A{\beta}$ have been shown to directly affect synaptic plasticity, a neuronal process that is known to be essential for memory formation. Our previous studies showed that $A{\beta}$ induces the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a phospholipid that regulates key aspects of neuronal function. PI(4,5)P2 breakdown was found to be a key step toward synaptic and memory dysfunction in a mouse model of AD. To this end, we seek to identify small molecules that could elevate the levels of PI(4,5)P2 and subsequently block $A{\beta}$ oligomer-induced breakdown of PI(4,5)P2 and synaptic dysfunction.. We found that (20S)Rg3, an active triterpene glycoside from heat-processed ginseng, serves as an agonist for phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIalpha (PI4KIIalpha), which is a lipid kinase that mediates a rate-limiting step in PI(4,5)P2 synthesis. Consequently, (20S)Rg3 stimulates PI(4,5)P2 synthesis by directly stimulating the activity of PI4KIIalpha. Interestingly, treatment of a mouse model of AD with (20S)Rg3 leads to reversal of memory deficits. Our data suggest that the PI(4,5)P2-promoting effects of (20S)Rg3 may help mitigate the cognitive symptoms associated with AD.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2018

To survey the prevalence of Sarcocystis infections, 210 heart samples were collected from Korean native cattle (Bos taurus coreanae) at an abattoir in Daejeon Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea. Sarcocysts were detected form 31 specimens (14.8%) and identified as Sarcocystis cruzi via transmission electron microscopy. The wall of S. cruzi has flattened protrusions that did not contain fibrils or microfilaments. The protrusions arose irregularly from the base, contained a fine granular substance, lacked internal microfilaments, and measured approximately $0.21-1.25{\mu}m$ in length and $0.05-0.07{\mu}m$ in width. Sequence analysis revealed 99.5% homology to S. cruzi. This is the first report on the prevalence of S. cruzi in native cattle from the Republic of Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1227-1233
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• 2011

Cellulose Electro-Active Paper (EAPap) has been known as a new smart material that is attractive for a bio-mimetic actuator due to its merits in terms of lightweight, dry condition, large displacement output, low actuation voltage and low power consumption. Cellulose EAPap is made by regenerating cellulose and aligning its micro-fibrils. This paper introduces several EAPap materials, which are based on natural cellulose and its hybrid nanocomposites mixed/blended with inorganic functional materials. By chemically bonding and mixing with carbon nanotubes and inorganic nanoparticles, the cellulose EAPap can be a hybrid nanocomposite that has versatile properties and can meet material requirements for many applications. Recent research trend of the cellulose EAPap is introduced in terms of material preparations as well as application devices including actuators, temperature and humidity sensors, biosensors, chemical sensors, and so on. This paper also explains wirelessly driving technology for the cellulose EAPap, which is attractive for bio-mimetic robotics, surveillance and micro-aerial vehicles.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 1993

An experimental study was performed for the preparation of living skin-equivalent by the using collagen gel contraction with human fibroblasts as neodermls and cultured human keratinocytes as neoderm is . The results were as follows ; 1) The rate of collagen gel contraction was dependent on the number of fibroblasts into the lattice and collagen contraction was progressed according to the increment of the number of the cells. 2) The rate of collagen gel contraction was progressed according to the decrement of the contraction of the collagen. 3) The rate of gel contraction was progressed according to the increment of serum concentration in the fixed concentration of the fibroblasts and collagen. 4) The lattice contraction was decreased according to the increment of the population doublings of the fibroblasts. 5) Macroscopically, the artificial dermis was gray white in color and tissue-like consistency and elas- ticity. 6) Microscopically, three dimensionally contracted artificial dermis showed more dense fibroblasts and its newly formed collagen fibrils in the matrix than one dimensionally contracted one. 7) Finally prepared skin-equivalent showed good attachment of living stratified keratinocytes to the dermal equivalent microscopically. It has been proposed that newly formed skin-equivalent is suitable for the graft of extensively and deeply burned patients. Shortening of the manufacturing period of skin-equivalent and development of conservation technique as a readily usable state are to be solved for our ongoing works.

• Composites Research
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.53-64
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• 1999

Microstructural morphology and bending strengths of moulded composites of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer(LCP) and polyamide 6 (PA6) have been studied as a function of epoxy fraction. Injection-moulding of a composite plaque at a temperature below the melting point of the LCP fibrils generated a multi-layered structure: the surface skin layer with thickness of $65\;-\;120{\mu\textrm{m}}$ exhibiting a transverse orientation; the sub-skin layer with an orientation in the flow direction; the core layer with arc-curved flow patterns. The plaques containing epoxy 4.8vol% exhibited superior bending strength and large fracture strain. With an increase of epoxy fraction equal to and beyond 4.8vol%, geometry of LCP domains was changed from fibrillar shape to lamella-like one, which caused a shear-mode fracture. An analysis of the bending strength of the composite plaques by using a symmetric layered model beam suggested that addition of epoxy component altered not only the microstructural geometry but also the elastic moduli and strengths of the respective layers.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2002

Amyloidosis comprises a diverse group of systemic and local diseases characterized by organ involvement by the extracellular deposition of fibrils composed of subunits of a variety of normal serum proteins. Secondary amyloidosis is caused by the deposition of amyloid A(AA) protein in chronic inflammatory disease. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis(JRA) has been known to be the most common cause of secondary amyloidosis. We experienced one case of secondary renal amyloidosis in a 12-year-old girl who had suffered from JRA for several years who had visited our renal clinic to evaluate the proteinuria with microscopic hematuria which was detected by chance at school urine screening examination. Apple green birefringence was observed under polarized light with Congo red stain at)d characteristic electron microscopic findings was also noted in renal tissues which was obtained by percutaneous renal biopsy. In our knowledge, this is the first case report of secondary renal amyloidosis developed in pediatric age in Korea.