• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.185-192
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• 2019

Coculture with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can stimulate proliferation and migration of melanocytes. To enhance outcomes of skin disorders caused by melanocyte loss or death, mixed transplantation with ADSCs has been suggested. However, role of cocultured ADSCs in proliferation and migration of melanocytes remains unclear. This study determined the effect of ADSCs on production of growth factors and expression levels of intergrins in primary culture of adult human melanocytes with or without ADSCs and in nude mice grafted with such melanocytes. Higher amounts of growth factors for melanocytes, such as bFGF and SCF were produced and released from ADSCs by coculturing with melanocytes. Relative levels of integrins ${\beta}1$, ${\alpha}5$, and ${\alpha}6$ as well as adhesion to fibronectin and laminin were increased in melanocytes cocultured with ADSCs. Such increases were inhibited by neutralization of bFGF or SCF. Relative levels of bFGF, SCF and integrins were increased in nude mice skin after grafting with melanocyte+ADSC cocultures. Collectively, these results indicate that ADSCs can stimulate proliferation and migration of melanocytes by increasing expression of integrins in melanocytes through upregulation of production/release of melanocyte growth factors such as bFGF and SCF.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.282-290
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) is the major bioactive ingredient of Panax ginseng and has many pharmacological effects, including antiadipogenic, antiviral, and anticancer effects. However, the effect of G-Rg3 on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation has not been investigated. Method: The antiallergic effects of G-Rg3 on allergic inflammation were evaluated using the human and rat mast cell lines HMC-1 and RBL-2H3. Antiallergic effects of G-Rg3 were detected by measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), detecting calcium influx, and using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and in vivo experiments. Results: G-Rg3 decreased histamine release from activated mast cells by enhancing cAMP levels and calcium influx. Proinflammatory cytokine production was suppressed by G-Rg3 treatment via regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases/nuclear factor-kappa B and receptor-interacting protein kinase 2 (RIP2)/caspase-1 signaling pathway in mast cells. Moreover, G-Rg3 protected mice against the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction and compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock. Conclusion: G-Rg3 may serve as an alternative therapeutic agent for improving allergic inflammatory disorders.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.99-107
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• 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory degenerative joint disease that is accompanied by irreversible joint cartilage destruction. Recently, the antioxidant effects of Carpomitra costata, which is a type of brown algae, have been reported, but their effects on OA have not been investigated. In this study, the anti-osteoarthritic effect of the ethanol extract of C. costata (EECC) on SW1353 human chondrocytes was studied. Results showed that EECC significantly attenuated the interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide (NO), as well as expressions of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase. EECC also inhibited the IL-1β-induced expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -3, and -13 in SW1353 chondrocytes, which reduced their extracellular secretion. In addition, the oxidative stress induced by IL-1β was confirmed to be blocked by EECC due to the inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation. Moreover, EECC suppressed IL-1β-mediated translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) from cytosol into the nucleus and the degradation of IκB-α, which indicates that EECC exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results are the first to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activities of C. costata extracts in chondrocytes, thus suggesting that this algae extract may be used in the treatment of OA.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.135-142
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• 2020

The new method for evaluating the displacement tolerance of sky-bridges with pin-roller type supports was proposed considering both return period of phase difference between connected buildings and geometrical characteristics of skybridge. Because displacement tolerance is relative value, which is most affected by the phase difference of the connected buildings, the dynamic response of these building with time history analysis should be evaluated. However, the initial phase could not be specified, so the result of displacement tolerance would be varied with respect to initial value. Thus, the tolerance can be reasonably evaluated SRSS calculation with design displacements based on statistical approach and of each building. In addition, the geometrical characteristics of sky-bridge should be considered because the transverse displacement of sky-bridge span causes the shear deformation of the bridge and longitudinal displacement tolerance cannot release the shear deformation. Therefore, the some pin-end support in sky-bridge should have longitudinal displacement tolerance to accommodate the shear deformation. By resolving this shear deformation, it is possible not only to accommodate transverse displacement, but also to avoid the complicated joint details such as both pot bearing and guided supports with shear key.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.543-564
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• 2021

In this study free vibration analysis of a cracked Goland composite wing is investigated. The wing is modelled as a cantilevered beam based on Euler- Bernoulli equations. Also, composite material is modelled based on lamina fiber-reinforced. Edge crack is modelled by additional boundary conditions and local flexibility matrix in crack location, Castigliano's theorem and energy release rate formulation. Governing differential equations are extracted by Hamilton's principle. Using the separation of variables method, general solution in the normalized form for bending and torsion deflection is achieved then expressions for the cross-sectional rotation, the bending moment, the shear force and the torsional moment for the cantilevered beam are obtained. The cracked beam is modelled by separation of beam into two interconnected intact beams. Free vibration analysis of the beam is performed by applying boundary conditions at the fixed end, the free end, continuity conditions in the crack location of the beam and dynamic stiffness matrix determinant. Also, the effects of various parameters such as length and location of crack and fiber angle on natural frequencies and mode shapes are studied. Modal analysis results illustrate that natural frequencies and mode shapes are affected by depth and location of edge crack and coupling parameter.

• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.411-417
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• 2019

Graphene doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (G-ZnO) were prepared using modified hummer's technique together with the ultrasonic method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Different samples of epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced with G-ZnO nanoparticles were prepared and were marked as F1 (without adding nanoparticles), F2 (1% w/w G-ZnO), and F3 (2% w/w G-ZnO) in combination of ≈ 56:18:18:8w/w% with epoxy resin/hardener, ammonium polyphosphate, boric acid, and Chitosan. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) of the epoxy nanocomposites was observed to decrease dramatically with the increasing G-ZnO nanoparticles. However, the LOI values increased significantly with the increase in wt % of G-ZnO nanoparticles. From the UL-94V data, it was confirmed that the F2 and F3 samples passed the flame test and were rated as V-0. The results obtained in the present work clearly revealed that the synthesized samples can be used as efficient materials in fire-retardant coating technology.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.587-600
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• 2020

Shear-induced instability of jointed rock mass has greatly threatened the safety of underground openings. To better understand the failure mechanism of surrounding rock mass under shear, the flawed specimens containing a circular opening and two open joints are prepared and used to conduct direct shear tests. Both experimental and numerical results show that joint inclination (β) has a significant effect on the shear strength, dilation, cracking behavior and stress distribution around flaws. The maximum shear strength, occurring at β=30°, usually corresponds to a unifrom stress state around joint and an intense energy release. However, a larger joint inclination, such as β=90°~150°, will cause a more uneven stress distribution and a stronger stress concentration, thus a lower shear strength. The stress distribution around opening changes little with joint inclination, while the magnitude varys much. Both compression and tension around opening will be greatly enhanced by the 30°-joints. In addition, a higher normal stress tends to enhance the compression and suppress the tension around flaws, resulting in an earlier generation and a larger proportion of shear cracks.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.469-478
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• 2022

Tritium was extracted from tritium-contaminated aluminum samples by heating it in a high-temperature furnace at 200, 300, or 400 ℃ for 15 h. The extracted tritium was analyzed by using a liquid scintillation counter (LSC); the sample thicknesses were 0.4 and 2 mm. The differences in tritium extraction over time were also investigated by cutting aluminum stick samples into several pieces (1, 5, 10, and 15) with the same thickness, and subsequently heating them. The results revealed that there are most of the hydrated material based on tritium on the surface of aluminum. When the temperature was increased from 200 or 300 ℃-400 ℃, there are no large differences in the heating duration required for the radioactivity concentration to be lower than the MDA value. Additionally, at the same thickness, because the surface of aluminum is only contaminated to tritiated water, cutting the aluminum samples into several pieces (5, 10, and 15) did not have a substantial effect on the tritium extraction fraction at any of the applied heating temperatures (200, 300, or 400 ℃). The proportion of each tritium-release materials (aluminum hydrate based on tritium) were investigated via diverse analyses (LSC, XRD, and SEM-EDS).

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.493-500
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• 2022

The objective of this study was to derive derived concentration guideline levels (DCGLs) reflecting the site-specific characteristics of KRR-1&2. A total of 7 nuclides (H-3, C-14, Co-60, Sr-90, Cs-137, Eu-152, and Eu-154) were selected for DCGLs derivation. Radiation dose at the sites was evaluated with RESRAD-ONSITE program. The dose contribution due to direct external exposure was the highest during the entire evaluation period. Ingestion had the second effect. The DCGLs of Co-60 was derived to be 0.051 Bq/g, and DCGLs of Cs-137 was 0.193 Bq/g. The DCGLs of H-3 showed the highest value of 129 Bq/g. The ratio of DCGLs derived by applying site-specific values and default values ranged from 0.27 to 19.6. For six nuclides excluding H-3, KRR-1&2 sites and the overseas NPP sites showed similar DCGLs. H-3 showed large differences in DCGLs from this study and overseas NPPs. The large difference resulted from input parameter values applied to the sites. In conclusion, it is critical to apply site-specific parameter values reflecting the site characteristics to derive DCGLs for decommissioned site clearance. The result of this study can be used as a reference for nuclide selection and DCGLs derivation reflecting the site characteristics when decommissioning nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants in Korea.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.167-172
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• 2022

Pathophysiological reaction of platelets in the blood vessel is an indispensable part of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of death in the world. In this study, we performed in vitro assays to evaluate antiplatelet activity of artemether in human platelets and attempted to identify the mechanism responsible for protein phosphorylation. Artemether is a derivative of artemisinin, known as an active ingredient of Artemisia annua, which has been reported to be effective in treating malaria, and is known to function through antioxidant and metabolic enzyme inhibition. However, the role of artemether in platelet activation and aggregation and the mechanism of action of artemether in collagen-induced human platelets are not known until now. In this study, the effect of artesunate on collagen-induced human platelet aggregation was confirmed and the mechanism of action of artemether was clarified. Artemether inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and Mitogen-activated protein kinases, which are phosphoproteins that are known to act in the signal transduction process when platelets are activated. In addition, artemether decreased TXA₂ production and decreased granule secretion in platelets such as ATP and serotonin release. As a result, artemether strongly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, a strong aggregation inducer secreted from vascular endothelial cells, with an IC₅₀ of 157.92 μM. These results suggest that artemether has value as an effective antithrombotic agent for inhibiting the activation and aggregation of human platelets through vascular injury.