• Title/Summary/Keyword: Micro-features

Search Result 387, Processing Time 0.034 seconds

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Euphorbia paralias (L.): a bioprospecting study with phytoconstituents analysis

  • Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Youssef;Thabet Hasan Ahmad Althneibat;Doaa Ahmed Mohamed Maaty;Yasser Gaber
    • Journal of Pharmacopuncture
    • /
    • v.27 no.3
    • /
    • pp.223-233
    • /
    • 2024
  • Objectives: The phytochemicals in the aerial parts of Euphorbia paralias (also known as Sea Spurge) and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Methods: The methanolic extract was characterized using GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The anti-inflammatory feature was estimated through a Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique, while the antimicrobial feature was evaluated by the disc diffusion agar technique, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via micro-broth dilution method. Results: The GC/MS results demonstrated the existence of various phytochemicals, such as n-hexadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, and methyl stearate, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features. The similarity of the phytochemical composition with other Euphorbia species emphasizes the genus-wide similarity. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited a noteworthy inhibitory effect comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. The extract's antimicrobial potential was tested against a range of microorganisms, demonstrating significant action against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids further supported the therapeutic potential of the extract. Conclusion: The methanolic extract from E. paralias emerges as a successful natural source of important active constituents with potential applications as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. This research provides a first step to valorize Euphorbia paralias insights as a source of worthwhile phytochemicals that have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of micro-environment in ridge and southern slope on soil respiration in Quercus mongolica forest

  • Lee, Jae-Seok
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
    • /
    • v.42 no.4
    • /
    • pp.210-218
    • /
    • 2018
  • Background: Soil respiration (Rs) is a major factor of the absorption and accumulation of carbon through photosynthesis in the ecosystem carbon cycle. This directly affects the amount of net ecosystem productivity, which affects the stability and sustainability of the ecosystem. Understanding the characteristics of Rs is indispensable to scientifically understand the carbon cycle of ecosystems. It is very important to study Rs characteristics through analysis of environmental factors closely related to Rs. Rs is affected by various environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, litter supply, organic matter content, dominant plant species, and soil disturbance. This study was conducted to analyze the effects of micro-topographical differences on Rs in forest vegetation by measuring the Rs on the ridge and southern slope sites of the broadly established Quercus mongolica forest in the central Korean area. Method: Rs, Ts, and soil moisture data were collected at the southern slope and ridge of the Q. mongolica forest in the Mt. Jeombong area in order to investigate the effects of topographical differences on Rs. Rs was collected by the closed chamber method, and data collection was performed from May 2011 to October 2013, except Winter seasons from November to April or May. For collecting the raw data of Rs in the field, acrylic collars were placed at the ridge and southern slope of the forest. The accumulated surface litter and the soil organic matter content (SOMC) were measured to a 5 cm depth. Based on these data, the Rs characteristics of the slope and ridge were analyzed. Results: Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation pattern in both the ridge and southern slope sites. In addition, Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation with high and low Ts changes. The average Rs measurements for the two sites, except for the Winter periods that were not measured, were $550.1\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the ridge site and $289.4\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the southern slope, a difference of 52.6%. There was no significant difference in the Rs difference between slopes except for the first half of 2013, and both sites showed a tendency to increase exponentially as Ts increased. In addition, although the correlation is low, the difference in Rs between sites tended to increase as Ts increased. SMC showed a large fluctuation at the southern slope site relative to the ridge site, as while it was very low in 2013, it was high in 2011 and 2012. The accumulated litter of the soil surface and the SOMC at the depth range of 0~5 cm were $874g\;m^{-2}$ and 23.3% at the ridge site, and $396g\;m^{-2}$ and 19.9% at the southern slope site. Conclusions: In this study, Rs was measured for the ridge and southern slope sites, which have two different results where the surface litter layer is disturbed by strong winds. The southern slope site shows that the litter layer formed in autumn due to strong winds almost disappeared, and while in the ridge site, it became thick due to the transfer of litter from the southern slope site. The mean Rs was about two times higher in the ridge site compared to that in the southern slope site. The Rs difference seems to be due to the difference in the amount of litter accumulated on the soil surface. As a result, the litter layer supplied to the soil surface is disturbed due to the micro-topographical difference, as the slope and the change of the community structure due to the plant season cause heterogeneity of the litter layer development, which in turn affects SMC and Rs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce and understand these micro-topographical features and mechanisms when quantifying and analyzing the Rs of an ecosystem.

Effect of Glucose Level on Brain FDG-PET Images (FDG를 이용한 Brain PET에서 Glucose Level이 영상에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, In-Yeong;Lee, Yong-ki;Ahn, Sung-Min
    • Journal of radiological science and technology
    • /
    • v.40 no.2
    • /
    • pp.275-280
    • /
    • 2017
  • In addition to tumors, normal tissues, such as the brain and myocardium can intake $^{18}F$-FDG, and the amount of $^{18}F$-FDG intake by normal tissues can be altered by the surrounding environment. Therefore, a process is necessary during which the contrasts of the tumor and normal tissues can be enhanced. Thus, this study examines the effects of glucose levels on FDG PET images of brain tissues, which features high glucose activity at all times, in small animals. Micro PET scan was performed on fourteen mice after injecting $^{18}F$-FDG. The images were compared in relation to fasting. The findings showed that the mean SUV value w as 0.84 higher in fasted mice than in non-fasted mice. During observation, the images from non-fasted mice showed high accumulation in organs other than the brain with increased surrounding noise. In addition, compared to the non-fasted mice, the fasted mice showed higher early intake and curve increase. The findings of this study suggest that fasting is important in assessing brain functions in brain PET using $^{18}F$-FDG. Additional studies to investigate whether caffeine levels and other preprocessing items have an impact on the acquired images would contribute to reducing radiation exposure in patients.

A Study on the Treatment of Oil Contaminated Soils with Micro-nano Bubbles Soil Washing System (유류오염토양 처리를 위한 마이크로나노버블 토양세척에 관한 연구)

  • Choi, Ho-Eun;Jung, Jin-Hee;Han, Young-Rip;Kim, Dae-Yong;Jung, Byung-Gil;Choi, Young-Ik
    • Journal of Environmental Science International
    • /
    • v.20 no.10
    • /
    • pp.1329-1336
    • /
    • 2011
  • The objectives of this study are to examine the processing of oils contamination soil by means of using a micronano-bubble soil washing system, to investigate the various factors such as washing periods, the amount of micro-nano bubbles generated depending on the quantity of acid injection and quantity of air injection, to examine the features involved in the elimination of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) contained in the soil, and thus to evaluate the possibility of practical application on the field for the economic feasibility. The oils contaminated soil used in this study was collected from the 0~15 cm surface layer of an automobile junkyard located in U City. The collected soil was air-dried for 24 hours, and then the large particles and other substances contained in the soil were eliminated and filtered through sieve No.10 (2 mm) to secure consistency in the samples. The TPH concentration of the contaminated soil was found to be 4,914~5,998 mg/kg. The micronano-bubble soil washing system consists of the reactor, the flow equalization tank, the micronano- bubble generator, the pump and the strainer, and was manufactured with stainless material for withstanding acidic phase. When the injected air flow rate was fixed at 2 L/min, for each hydrogen peroxide concentrations (5, 10, 15%) the removal percents for TPH within the contaminated soil with retention times of 30 minutes were respectively identified as 4,931 mg/kg (18.9%), 4,678 mg/kg (18.9%) and, 4,513 mg/kg (17.7%). And when the injected air flow rate was fixed at 2 L/min, for each hydrogen peroxide concentrations (5, 10, 15%) the removal percents for TPH within the contaminated soil with retention times of 120 minutes were respectively identified as4,256 mg/kg (22.3%), 4,621 mg/kg (19.7%) and 4,268 mg/kg (25.9%).

An Evaluation of Energy Quality for Distributed Powersystem (분산형 발전설비 병열운전 에너지 품질평가)

  • Hur, Kwang-Beom;Park, Jung-Keuk;Yoon, Gi-Gab;Rhim, Sang-Kyu;Choi, In-Kyu
    • Journal of Energy Engineering
    • /
    • v.19 no.1
    • /
    • pp.8-15
    • /
    • 2010
  • As environmental friendly energy system, distributed micro gasturbine is focused on new energy source for overcoming brand new construction area of power generation. This distributed micro gasturbine system has the powerful characteristics as belows; 1) environmental friendly features NOx < 9 ppm, noise < 65 db 2) various fuel flexbility which is used such as natural gas, diesel, low calory new & renewable fuel, kerosene. 3) high specific output power based on small area and is avilable for very easy and compact installation. There are many new installation sites in USA and Japan from 1998. On the other hand the exhisting large power system was constructued by the sea side, this compact power system is now installed by enduser in downtown area and supplying combined heat & power, has the various apllication on-site power generation. In recently, there is the very important issue for new & reliablbe energy development and spreading out. This paper represent as belows for important system characteristics; 1) grid connection modeling 2) system operation characteristics 3) on-site operation result and evaluation output of power quality analysis.

Shape Magnetic Anisotropy on Magnetic Easy Axis of NiFe/Cu/NiFe/IrMn Spin Valve Thin Film (NiFe/Cu/NiFe/IrMn 스핀밸브 박막소자의 자화 용이축에 따른 형상 자기이방성)

  • Choi, Jong-Gu;Kwak, Tae-Joon;Lee, Sang-Suk;Sim, Jung-Taek
    • Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
    • /
    • v.20 no.2
    • /
    • pp.35-40
    • /
    • 2010
  • The GMR-SV (giant magnetoresistance-spin valve) device depending on the micro patterned features according to two easy directions of longitudinal and transversal axes has been studied. The GMR-SV multilayer structure was Ta(5 nm)/NiFe(8 nm)/Cu(2.3 nm)/NiFe(4 nm)/IrMn(8 nm)/Ta(2.5 nm). The applied anisotropy direction of the GMR-SV thin film was performed under the magnitude of 300 Oe using by permanent magnet during the deposition. The size of micro patterned device was a $1\;{\times}\;18\;{\mu}m^2$ after the photo lithography process. In the aspects of the shape magnetic anisotropy effect, there are two conditions of fabrication for GMR-SV device. Firstly, the direction of sensing current was perpendicular to the magnetic easy axis of the pinned NiFe/IrMn bilayer with the transversal direction of device. Secondly, the direction of shape magnetic anisotropy was same to the magnetic easy axis of the free NiFe layer with the longitudinal direction of device.

EZH2-Mediated microRNA-139-5p Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Lymph Node Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer

  • Ma, Jin;Zhang, Jun;Weng, Yuan-Chi;Wang, Jian-Cheng
    • Molecules and Cells
    • /
    • v.41 no.9
    • /
    • pp.868-880
    • /
    • 2018
  • Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive cancers presenting with high rates of invasion and metastasis, and unfavorable prognoses. The current study aims to investigate whether EZH2/miR-139-5p axis affects epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in PC, and the mechanism how EZH2 regulates miR-139-5p. Human PC and adjacent normal tissues were collected to determine expression of EZH2 and miR-139-5p, and their relationship with clinicopathological features of PC. Human PC cell line was selected, and treated with miR-139-5p mimics/inhibitors, EZH2 vector or shEZH2 in order to validate the regulation of EZH2-mediated miR-139-5p in PC cells. Dual-luciferase report gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were employed to identify the relationship between miR-139-5p and EZH2. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine the expression of miR-139-5p, EZH2 and EMT-related markers and ZEB1/2. Tumor formation ability and in vitro cell activity were also analyzed. Highly-expressed EZH2 and poorly-expressed miR-139-5p were detected in PC tissues, and miR-139-5p and EZH2 expressions were associated with patients at Stage III/IV, with LNM and highly-differentiated tumors. EZH2 suppressed the expression of miR-139-5p through up-regulating Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation (H3K27me3). EMT, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were impeded, and tumor formation and LNM were reduced in PC cells transfected with miR-139-5p mimics and shEZH2. MiR-139-5p transcription is inhibited by EZH2 through up-regulating H3K27me3, thereby down-regulation of EZH2 and up-regulation of miR-139-5p impede EMT and LNM in PC. In addition, the EZH2/miR-139-5p axis presents as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PC.

Detection of Long Period Seismic Events by Using a Portable Gravity Meter, gPhone (이동식 중력계(gPhone)를 활용한 장주기 지진 이벤트 관측)

  • Lee, Won Sang;Seo, Ki-Weon;Eom, Jooyoung;Sheen, Dong-Hoon;Lee, Choon-Ki;Park, Yongcheol;Yun, Sukyoung;Yoo, Hyun Jae
    • Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
    • /
    • v.18 no.1
    • /
    • pp.31-34
    • /
    • 2015
  • A gravity meter has been used for exploring subsurface mineral resources and monitoring long-period events such as Earth tides. Recently, researchers found several other intriguing features that we could even detect large teleseismic earthquakes and monitor seismic ambient noise using gravimeters. The zero-length spring suspension technology gives the gPhone (Micro-g LaCoste) excellent low frequency sensitivity, which may have implications for investigating much longer-period natural events (e.g., Earth's hum, tsunami waves, etc.). In this study, we present preliminary results through temporary operation of the gPhone at Geumsan in South Korea for 9 months (Nov. 2008-Jul. 2009). The gPhone successfully recorded large teleseismic events and showed a clear seasonal variation of the Double frequency microseisms during its operation period.

Study on the Development and Property of Epoxy Putty with Excellent Low Shrinkage and Cutting Force Using Mercaptan Type and Diamine Type (Mercaptan계와 Diamine계를 이용한 저수축·절삭력이 우수한 Epoxy Putty의 개발 및 물성에 관한 연구)

  • Oh, Seung-Jun;Wi, Koang-Chul
    • Journal of Adhesion and Interface
    • /
    • v.16 no.4
    • /
    • pp.137-145
    • /
    • 2015
  • This study aimed to develop epoxy putty as a multi-purpose connection and restoration material that can be used for material-specific restoration work such as metal, wood, ceramics, earthenware and stone artifacts by replacing synthetic resins currently being used for preservation treatment of cultural assets. Existing synthetic resins have the issue of cutting force resulting from high strength, deflection resulting from long hardening time, contaminating the surface of artifacts through staining on tools or gloves and need for re-treatment resulting from material discoloration. Accordingly, paste type restoration material most widely being used in the field of cultural assets preservation treatment was selected and examined the property to select it as an object of comparison. Based on such process, epoxy putty was developed according to the kind of agent, hardener and filler. For the purpose of solving the issues of existing material and allowing the epoxy putty developed to have similar property, property experiments were conducted by selecting agents and hardeners with different characteristics and conditions. The study findings showed that both kinds are paste type that improved work convenience and deflection issue as a result of their work time of within 5~10 minutes that are about 3~10 times shorter than that of existing material. In regards to wear rate for increasing cutting force, it improved by about 3 times, thereby allowing easy molding. For the purpose of improving the issue of surface contamination that occurs during work process, talc and micro-ballon were added as filler to reduce the issue of stickiness and staining on hand. Furthermore, a multi-purpose restoration material with low shrinkage, low discoloration and high cutting force was developed with excellent coloring, lightweight and cutting force features.

Post-annealing Effect of Giant Magnetoresistance-Spin Valve Device for Sensor (센서용 거대자기저항 스핀밸브소자의 열처리 효과)

  • Lee, Sang-Suk;Park, Sang-Hyun;Soh, Kwang-Sup;Joo, Ho-Wan;Kim, Gi-Wang;Hwang, D.G.
    • Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
    • /
    • v.17 no.4
    • /
    • pp.172-177
    • /
    • 2007
  • In order to detect of the magnetic property in the cell unit, we studied the GMR-SV (giant magnetoresistance-spin valves) biosensor, which was depended on the micro patterned features according to two easy directions of longitudinal and transversal axes. Here, the multi layer structure was glass/NiO/NiFe/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/NiFe. The uniaxial anisotropy direction was applied to the patterned biosensor during the deposition and vacuum post-annealing at $200^{\circ}C$ under the magnitude of 300 Oe, respectively. Considering the magnetic shape anisotropy effect, the size of micro patterned biosensor was a $2{\times}5{\mu}m^2$ after the photo lithography process. By our experimental results, we confirmed that the best condition of GMR-SV biosensor should be the same direction of the axis sensing current and the easy axis of pinned NiO/NiFe/CoFe triple layer oriented to the width direction of device, and the direction of the easy axis of free CoFe/NiFe bilayer was according to the longitudinal direction of device.