• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.36-40
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• 2005

Poly(amino acid) derivatives have been widely investigated as a drug carrier in drug delivery system. Particularly,polysuccinimide (PSI) is one of the most promising drug carriers since it possesses suitable physicochemical characteristics for development of macromolecular prodrugs, due to biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, we deal with the synthesis of polyaspartamide having various functional groups such as methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) via ring closing of PSI. PSI was synthesized by polyonensation polymerization of spartic acid. The variety of average molecular weight was confirmed with reacion time and catalyst content to observe the optimum condition of synthesis. MPEG, hydrophilic chain, was bonded to fabricate polymeric micell composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer. All materials were characterized by 1H-NMR, FT-IR and GPC. In addition, the formation of nanoparticle micelle as drug carrier were also examined. Micelle size was measured by ELS and AFM. The functionalized polysparamide formed nanoparticle micelle whose size ranged from 90 to 130 nm. In conclusion, we prepared polyaspartamide functionalized with PEG examined the possibility as drug carriers.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.821-827
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• 2018

In devices used for re-forming osteoblasts to treat osteoporosis, a magnetic field is applied from the outside of the bone, and the minerals contained in the bone are aligned in a certain direction and undergo precessional motion. When a $90^{\circ}$ RF pulse is applied by using an RF coil, protons of minerals are brought to an excited state, and phosphorus activity promoting the deposition of osteoblasts in the bone is increased, thereby reshaping the bone. Miniaturizing the RF coil that generates a signal corresponding to the harmonic of the precessional motional frequency by means of the $90^{\circ}$ RF pulse can drastically reduce the overall size of the bone reshaping system. In this study, we propose a methodology for the miniaturization of the RF coil that can be used for osteoblast re-formation using a bone reshaping system. The capacitance of the designed RF coil is 25 pF, the inductance is approximately 100 nH, and the resonance frequency is 96 MHz. The radius of the end ring of the designed RF coil is 18 cm, and the total length of the leg is $2{\times}11.6cm$. The performance of the coil is verified through post-design measurement.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.474-483
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• 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in pathologic ocular neovascularization and vascular leakage via activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic mechanisms and effects of the tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE), a VEGFR2 inhibitor, in the development of vascular permeability and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), treatment with RLYE blocked VEGF-A-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, ERK, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to suppression of VEGF-A-mediated hyper-production of NO. Treatment with RLYE also inhibited VEGF-A-stimulated angiogenic processes (migration, proliferation, and tube formation) and the hyperpermeability of HRMECs, in addition to attenuating VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability in mice. The anti-vascular permeability activity of RLYE was correlated with enhanced stability and positioning of the junction proteins VE-cadherin, ${\beta}$-catenin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, critical components of the cortical actin ring structure and retinal endothelial barrier, at the boundary between HRMECs stimulated with VEGF-A. Furthermore, intravitreally injected RLYE bound to retinal microvascular endothelium and inhibited laser-induced CNV in mice. These findings suggest that RLYE has potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV by preventing VEGFR2-mediated vascular leakage and angiogenesis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.371-378
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• 1987

Free and total amino acids of before and after the heating of the small shrimps were analysed quantitatively, in order to confirm the role of amino acids as important precursors of cooked odor components. Differences of free amino acids contents of the three samples were slightly reconized but free amino acids contents of all sample decreased as about half by heating, It seems that decreased amino acids participate In volatile components of the Small Shrimps. (Sergia lucens Hancen, Euphausia Surperba and Euphausia pacifica Hancen). The amino-carbonyl model reaction was carried out, in order to confirm formation mechanism of volatile compounds of the small shrimps during cooking. The model systems constituted by diluted solutions. of glucose and amino acids (proline, taurine and betaine) the most containing in small shrimps. The volatile odor concentrates of model system were obtained by simultaneous distillation and extraction with Nickerson's apparatus. The odor concentrates of model systems(I, III) had not small shrimp-like odor and main compounds were 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-acetopyridine and 2-acetyl pyridine. In model system II, hetero ring nitrogen and sulfur compounds identified in small shrimps were not did.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.251-277
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• 2019

The Gogunsan Archipelago is composed of two island groups; the first group includes Mal-do, Myeong-do, Gwangdae-do, and Bangchuk-do islands consisting of Neoproterozoic rocks, and the second group includes Yami-do, Sinsi-do, Muneo-do, Jangja-do, and Seonyu-do islands consisting of Cretaceous rocks. The first group mainly consists of the Bangchuk formation which can be divided into two layers; the lower layer was more deformed than the upper layer. The former was intruded by mafic and felsic volcanic rocks formed in the volcanic arc tectonic setting 930-890 Ma and the latter was deposited ca. 825-800 Ma. In these islands, large scale folds with east-west fold axes were beautifully formed; the Maldo island fold was designated as natural monument and large scale beautiful chevron fold was developed on the Gwangdae-do island. In addition, there are unique zebra-shaped outcrop formed by a mixing of basic and acidic magma and Independent Gate shaped outcrop formed by coastal erosion. On the other hand, the Yami-do, Sinsi-do, Muneo-do, Jangja-do and Seonyu-do islands consist of 92-91Ma Cretaceous volcanic rocks and, in Sinsi-do island, the Nanshan formation deposited ca. 92 Ma. These Cretaceous volcanic rocks formed by melting of the continental crust by the heat supplied from the uplifting mantle due to the extension caused by a retreat of subducting ocean slab. Yami-do and Sinsi-do islands are composed of rhyolite. In Yami-do island, bands with vertical joint formed by cooling of the bottom part of the lava, are shown. In Sinsi-do island, large-scale vertical joints formed by cooling of lava flow, were developed. The Jangja-bong of Jangja-do island and Mangju-bong of Seonyu-do island are composed of brecciated rhyolite and formed a ring shaped archipelago contributing to the development of marine culture by providing natural harbor condition. They also provide beautiful views including 'Seonyu 8 views' along with other islands. As mentioned above, the Gogunsan archipelago is rich in geoheritages and associated cultural and historical resources, making it worth as a National Geopark.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 1978

In an attempt to elucidate the fate of 3,4-DCA and TCAB in various French soils, uniformly $^{14}C-ring-labeled$ 3,4-DCA and TCAB mere utilized and the following results obtained. 1) The rate of breakdown of $^{14}C-3,4-DCA$ into $^{14}CO_2$ was relatively higher in the early stage than that in the later stage. In 6 months of incubation in alkaline soil (pH 7.9), the rate was as high as 6.5% at dose 1 (1.5 ppm) and as low as 1.92% at dose 2(94 ppm), whereas in organic acid soil (pH 5.5) the rate was 4.91% at dose 1 and 4.24% at dose 2, respectively, without making any great difference between the two levels. 2) At dose 1, 47.70% of the initial radioactivity of $^{14}C-3,4-DCA$ was bound to soil in organic acid soil and 29.49% bound in alkaline soil, whereas at dose 2, 38.40% in organic acid soil and 20.30% in alkaline soil, respectively. 3) The amount of formation of $^{14}C-TCAB$ from $^{14}C-3,4-DCA$ seems to depend largely on the concentration of 3,4-DCA applied rather than on soil types. At dose 2, the amount was 50% of the total radioactivity extracted in organic acid soil and 30% in alkaline soil, corresponding to 1.8% and 1.4% of the initial radioactivity applied to soil, respectively. Cis-TCAB also seemed to be formed at dose 2 in both soils. Meanwhile, at dose 1, even though $^{14}C-TCAB$ was detected in trace on tlc and glc in both soils, the amount does not exceed 2 to 3% of the radioactivity extracted, corresponding to 0.05 to 0.1% of the initial radioactivity. 4) The rate of breakdown of $^{14}C-TCAB$ into $^{14}CO_2$ ranged from 0.05 to 0.20% in all the four soils. Most of the applied $^{14}C-TCAB$ remained intact after 3 months, not producing any detectable metabolites. 5) The fact that much more $^{14}C-TCAB$ was adsorbed to alkaline soil than to the other soils strongly indicates that in alkaline condition trans-isomer was converted tocisisomer which has the higher adsorption affinity than the former.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2015

In this study, we tried to separate the photosensitizer that induces apoptosis of leukemia cells (U937) from perilla leaves. Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens Britt var. japonica Hara) are a popular vegetable in Korea, being rich in vitamins (A and E), GABA, and minerals. Dried perilla leaves were extracted with methanol to separate the photosensitizer by various chromatographic techniques. The structure of the isolated compound (PL9443) was identified by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and FAB-mass spectroscopy. Absorbance of the UV-Vis spectrum was highest at 410 nm and was confirmed by the 330, 410, and 668 nm. PL9443 compound was determined to be pheophorbide, an ethyl ester having a molecular weight of 620. It was identified as a derivative compound of pheophorbide structure when magnesium comes away from a porphyrin ring. Observation of morphological changes in U937 cells following cell death induced by treated PL9443 compound revealed representative phenomena of apoptosis only in light irradiation conditions (apoptotic body, vesicle formation). Results from examining the cytotoxicity of PL9443 substance against U937 cells showed that inhibition rates of the cell growth were 99.9% with the concentration of 0.32 nM PL9443. Also, the caspase-3/7 activity was 99% against U937 cells with the concentration of 0.08 nM of PL9443 substance. The result of the electrophoresis was that a DNA ladder was formed by the PL9443. The PL9443 compound is a promising lead compound as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.242-251
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to isolate a photosensitizer from Pueraria thunbergiana leaves that induces apoptosis in SK-HEP-1 cells. Column chromatography and thin layer chromatography were used to isolate active compounds from extracts of P. thunbergiana leaves. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and FAB-mass spectroscopy. A substance, named M4-3, was purified from the leaves of P. thunbergiana using various chromatography methods, and the absorbance of the substance was measured. The absorbance was highest at 410 nm, suggesting that the M4-3 substance was a different compound from chlorophyll a and b, which absorb at 410, 502, 533, and 607 nm. Further analyses revealed that the M4-3 compound was a $13^2$-hydoxy pheophorbide, a methyl ester with a molecular weight of 662. M4-3 was identified as a derivative compound of pheophorbide, with a structure that magnesium comes away from the porphyrin ring. The results of the analysis of the cytotoxicity of the M4-3 substance against the SK-HEP-1 cells revealed that it inhibited rates of cell growth by 40% and 80% at a concentration of 0.04 ${\mu}M$ and 0.08 ${\mu}M$, respectively. The M4-3 compound was found to be a photosensitizer for cytotoxicity because it was appeared only in light condition as examining activity in different irradiation conditions (light condition and nonlight condition) under the same concentration. Analysis of morphological changes in the cells following cell death induced by exposure to the M4-3 substance reveled representative phenomena of apoptosis (nuclear condensation, vesicle formation, and fragmentation of DNA). The induction of apoptosis was attributed to the compound's photodynamic activity.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.125-134
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• 2020

To study the fairy ring and genet characteristics of Suillus bovinus based on thinning intensity in Pinus densiflora forests, a simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis was performed on the fruiting bodies of the plant. In pine wood production forests, the thinning strengths applied were 34%, 45%, and 60%. As a result, the number of fruiting bodies in the 34% treatment area was 104, which was higher than that in the other treatment areas. In the 34% treatment area, fruiting bodies occurred in a circular shape, within a diameter of approximately 5 meters (m) of the trees. In the 45% treatment area, the fruiting bodies were randomly distributed between 6 to 7 m from the trees, while in the 60% treatment, fruiting bodies occurred in a narrow oval shape, 6 m from the trees. In the control area, two fruiting bodies were present around the root collar. Hybridity was confirmed in the SSR markers of Sb-CA1 and Sb-CA3. The fruiting bodies in the 34% treatment area had a He / Ho value lower than that in the 60% treatment area. In fruiting bodies of the 34% treatment area, a total of 20 genets were identified, with an average size of 14±11 ㎡; 60% of genets were formed by a single fruiting body. In fruiting bodies of the 45% treatment area, a total of 6 genets were identified and the average size was 11±12 ㎡; 50% of genets were formed by a single fruiting body. In fruiting bodies of the 60% treatment area, a total of 10 genets were identified, with an average size of 1.1±0.8 ㎡; 70% of genets were formed by a single fruiting body. Thus, the formation ratio of a new genet increases when the thinning intensity is increased.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.602-614
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• 2023

Purpose: The balance between synthesis and degradation of proteins plays a critical role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been closely associated with skeletal muscle atrophy caused by aging, cancer, and chemotherapy. Polygalacin D is a saponin derivative isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polygalacin D on myoblast differentiation and muscle atrophy in association with mitochondrial function in in vitro and in zebrafish models in vivo. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in differentiation media containing different concentrations of polygalacin D, followed by the immunostaining of the myotubes with myosin heavy chain (MHC). The mRNA expression of markers related to myogenesis, muscle atrophy, and mitochondrial function was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Wild type AB^* zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with or without polygalacin D, and immunostained to detect slow and fast types of muscle fibers. The Tg(Xla.Eef1a1:mitoEGFP) zebrafish expressing mitochondria-targeted green fluorescent protein was used to monitor mitochondrial morphology. Results: The exposure of C2C12 myotubes to 0.1 ng/mL of polygalacin D increased the formation of MHC-positive multinucleated myotubes (≥ 8 nuclei) compared with the control. Polygalacin D significantly increased the expression of MHC isoforms (Myh1, Myh2, Myh4, and Myh7) involved in myoblast differentiation while it decreased the expression of atrophic markers including muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)2, and Smad3. In addition, polygalacin D promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (Pgc1α) expression and reduced the level of mitochondrial fission regulators such as dynamin-1-like protein (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1). In a zebrafish model of FOLFIRI-induced muscle atrophy, polygalacin D improved not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also slow and fast muscle fiber atrophy. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that polygalacin D promotes myogenesis and alleviates chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy by improving mitochondrial function. Thus, polygalacin D could be useful as nutrition support to prevent and ameliorate muscle wasting and weakness.