• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.33-40
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• 2017

Objectives : This study is aimed at establishing the discriminative criteria for Adenophorae Radix (AT; Sasam), Codonopsis Lanceolatae Radix (CL; Yangyu) and Adenophorae Remotiflori Radix (AR; Jeni). Because of confusable publications and the similitude of herb shape, CL and AR have been used as AT in the markets. Methods : We firstly discriminated and confirmed AT, CL and AR through observing the external morphology of original plants. Then, external-internal morphological features of the medicinal herbs were studied. A stereoscope was used to determine macroscopic features of dried herbal medicines and a microscope was conducted to examine internal features with the samples, which were embedded in paraffin and stained. Results : 1. The original plant of CL was discriminated with the stem shape in comparison with others. AT and AR were classified by the leaf position of original plant. 2. In the macroscopic morphological study of medicinal herbs, CL had lumps, which seem like a wart. Also, AT and AR were different in the density of cross section. 3. In the microscopic morphological study of the medicinal herbs, the phloem, fissures and the arrangement of xylem were selected as discriminative criteria for 3 kinds of herbs. With these contents, we suggested the identification keys, including further details. Conclusions : These results, especially identification keys, will be helpful to distinguish 3 kinds of herbs, referred to as a 'Sasam'. Moreover, macroscopic and microscopic methods used in this article would be applicable tools for the discrimination of other herbs.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 1995

This study was conducted to obtain the basic informations for developing new varieties and cultural techniques for vegetable soybean at the Crop Experiment Station, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea in 1992. Two vegetable soybean varieties, 'Hwaeom-putkong' and 'Seokryangputkong', and the other 'Jangyeobkong' for soy-paste were planted at three planting dates(April 15, May 15, June 15). The characteristics of growth, yield, and quality were compared between vegetable and soy-paste soybean genotypes in response to different planting dates.Vegetable soybean varieties, 'Hwaeomputkong' and 'Seokryangputkong' were more resistant to lodging, earlier in maturity, higher in the density of pod set on stem and percentage of poded nodes, and larger in grain size than Jangyeobkong for soy-paste. Earlier planting (April 15) of vegetable soybean varieties increased the yield of green pod as well as improved quality in number of green pods per 500g and length and width of green pod.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.96-105
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• 2023

Probiotic supplements have promising therapeutic effects on chronic diseases. In this study, we demonstrated the anti-obesity effects of two potential probiotics, Bifidobacterium bifidum DS0908 (DS0908) and Bifidobacterium longum DS0950 (DS0950). Treatment with DS0908 and DS0950 postbiotics significantly induced the expression of the brown adipocyte-specific markers UCP1, PPARγ, PGC1α, PRDM16 and beige adipocyte-specific markers CD137, FGF21, P2RX5, and COX2 in C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, both potential probiotics and postbiotics noticeably reduced body weight and epididymal fat accumulation without affecting food intake. DS0908 and DS0950 also improved insulin sensitivity and glucose use in mice with HFD-induced obesity. In addition, DS0908 and DS0950 improved the plasma lipid profile, proved by reduced triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, DS0908 and DS0950 improved mitochondrial respiratory function, confirmed by the high expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins, during thermogenesis induction in the visceral and epididymal fat in mice with HFD-induced obesity. Notably, the physiological and metabolic changes were more significant after treatment with potential probiotic culture-supernatants than those with the bacterial pellet. Finally, gene knockdown and co-treatment with inhibitor-mediated mechanistic analyses showed that both DS0908 and DS0950 exerted anti-obesity-related effects via the PKA/p38 MAPK signaling activation in C3H10T1/2 MSCs. Our observations suggest that DS0908 and DS0950 could potentially alleviate obesity as dietary supplements.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.20-37
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• 2023

Purpose: Our pilot study showed that a 3-dimensional dual drug delivery scaffold (DDDS) loaded with Chinese herbs significantly increased the regenerated bone volume fraction. This study aimed to confirm the synergistic anti-inflammatory and osteogenic preclinical effects of this system. Methods: The targets and pathways of parthenolide and naringin were predicted. Three cell models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of parthenolide and the osteogenic effects of naringin. First, the distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) and the bone mineral density (BMD) of surgical defects were measured in a rat model of periodontitis with periodontal fenestration defects. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Furthermore, the number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts, as well as the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and levels of ALP were determined. Results: Target prediction suggested prostaglandin peroxidase synthase (PTGS2) as a potential target of parthenolide, while cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A1 (CYP19A1) and taste 2 receptor member 31 (TAS2R31) were potential targets of naringin. Parthenolide mainly targeted inflammation-related pathways, while naringin participated in steroid hormone synthesis and taste transduction. In vitro experiments revealed significant antiinflammatory effects of parthenolide on RAW264.7 cells, and significant osteogenic effects of naringin on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and MC3T3-E1 cells. DDDS loaded with parthenolide and naringin decreased the CEJ-ABC distance and increased BMD and ALP levels in a time-dependent manner. Inflammation was significantly alleviated after 14 days of DDDS treatment. Additionally, after 56 days, the DDDS group exhibited the highest BMD and ALP levels. Conclusions: DDDS loaded with parthenolide and naringin in a rat model achieved significant synergistic anti-inflammatory and osteogenic effects, providing powerful preclinical evidence.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.447-457
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• 2023

Single-atom Pd clusters anchored on t-BaTiO₃ material was synthesized using hydrothermal and ultrasonic methods for the effective piezoelectric catalytic degradation of pollutants using vibration energy. XRD patterns of BaTiO₃ loaded with monoatomic Pd were obtained before and after calcining, and showed typical cubic-phase BTO. TEM and HAADF-STEM images indicated single-atom Pd clusters were successfully introduced into the BaTiO₃. The piezoelectric current density of the prepared Pd-BaTiO₃ binary composite was significantly higher than that of the pristine BaTiO₃. Under mechanical vibration, the nanomaterial exhibited a tetracycline decomposition rate of ~95 % within 7 h, which is much higher than the degradation rate of 56.7 % observed with pure BaTiO₃. Many of the piezo-induced electrons escaped to the Pd-doped BaTiO₃ interface because of Pd's excellent conductivity. Single-atom Pd clusters help promote the separation of the piezo-induced electrons, thereby achieving synergistic catalysis. This work demonstrates the feasibility of combining ultrasonic technology with the piezoelectric effect and provides a promising strategy for the development of ultrasonic and piezoelectric materials.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.19-30
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• 2024

Background: Although an understanding of the proliferation and differentiation of fish female germline stem cells (GSCs) is very important, an appropriate threedimensional (3D) research model to study them is not well established. As a part of the development of stable 3D culture system for fish female GSCs, we conducted this study to establish a 3D aggregate culture system of ovarian cells in marine medaka, Oryzias dancena. Methods: Ovarian cells were separated by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and two different cell populations were cultured in suspension to form ovarian cell aggregates to find suitable cell populations for its formation. Ovarian cell aggregates formed from different cell populations were evaluated by histology and gene expression analyses. To evaluate the media supplements, ovarian cell aggregate culture was performed under different media conditions, and the morphology, viability, size, gene expression, histology, and E2 secretion of ovarian cell aggregates were analyzed. Results: Ovarian cell aggregates were able to be formed well under specific culture conditions that used ultra-low attachment 96 well plate, complete mESM2, and the cell populations from top to 50% layers after separation of ovarian cells. Moreover, they were able to maintain minimal ovarian function such as germ cell maintenance and E2 synthesis for a short period. Conclusions: We established basic conditions for the culture of O. dancena ovarian cell aggregates. Additional efforts will be required to further optimize the culture conditions so that the ovarian cell aggregates can retain the improved ovarian functions for a longer period of time.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.479-497
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) can protect against obesity and obesity-related metabolic conditions. Cryptotanshinone (CT) regulates lipid metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance. Adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a receptor for cellular energy metabolism, is believed to regulate brown fat activity in humans. MATERIALS/METHODS: The in vivo study included high-fat-fed obese mice administered orally 200/400 mg/kg/d CT. They were evaluated through weight measurement, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), cold stimulation test, serum lipid (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein) measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the in vitro study investigated primary adipose mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with incubation of CT and AMPK agonists (acadesine)/inhibitor (Compound C). Cells were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Alizarin red staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining to identify and observe the osteogenic versus adipogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the Western blot were used to observe related gene expression. RESULTS: In the diet-induced obesity mouse model mice CT suppressed body weight, food intake, glucose levels in the IPGTT and IPTT, serum lipids, the volume of adipose tissue, and increased thermogenesis, uncoupling protein 1, and the AMPK pathway expression. In the in vitro study, CT prevented the formation of lipid droplets from MSCs while activating brown genes and the AMPK pathway. AMPK activator enhanced CT's effects, while the AMPK inhibitor reversed the effects of CT. CONCLUSION: CT promotes adipose tissue browning to increase body thermogenesis and reduce obesity by activating the AMPK pathway. This study provides an experimental foundation for the use of CT in obesity treatment.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.419-430
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• 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition considered by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, resultant in motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Despite current treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals and various therapies, a definitive cure remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigates the therapeutic potential effect of Apelin-13 in HD management. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: a control group, a group with HD, and a group with both HD and administered Apelin-13. Apelin-13 was administered continuously over a 28-day period at a dosage of around 30 mg/kg to mitigate inflammation in rats subjected to 3-NP injection within an experimental HD model. Behavioral tests, such as rotarod, electromyography (EMG), elevated plus maze, and open field assessments, demonstrated that Apelin-13 improved motor function and coordination in rats injected with 3-NP. Apelin-13 treatment significantly increased neuronal density and decreased glial cell counts compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed reduced gliosis and expression of inflammatory factors in the treatment group. Moreover, Apelin-13 administration led to elevated levels of glutathione and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the treated group. Apelin-13 demonstrates neuroprotective effects, leading to improved movement and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic factors in the HD model.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.448-453
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• 2013

We investigated the occurrence of major pests, 4 species of moths (Grapholita dimorpha Busck, Carposina sasakii Matsumura, Archips breviplicanus Walsingham, Adoxophyes orana Fischer von Roslerstamm), apple aphid (Aphis spiraecola Patch), two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and parasitoids in pear orchard with hairy vetch and cutting weeds in Yesan, Chungnam province during the flowering season and summer depression season of hairy vetch, in 2012 and 2013. The occurrence of 4 species of moths in hairy vetch plot and cutting weeds (major is finger grass, Digitaria sanguinalis, 80%) were little different but in case of apple aphid, the density in hairy vetch plot was just 95 aphids per stem at 20th June but low after then. The density of two spotted spider mite on pear leaf in hairy vetch plot was lower than in cutting weeds plot significantly. The number of parasitoids collected in hairy vetch plot during flowering season (May and June) were 398 and 798 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The number of parasitoids collected in hairy vetch plot during summer depression season (July and August) were 114 and 172, respectively. But in cutting weeds plot, 9 and 22 in May and June, 8 and 5 in July and August. We didn't know either hairy vetch in pear orchard affected the occurrence of 4 species of moths, apple aphid and two spotted spider mite or not but was acted to be favorable for wasps, the natural enemies on the contrary. The improvement of chemical control systems through the selection of low chemicals to natural enemies with cover and green manure plants would turn effective pest management into a possibility.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.39-46
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• 2003

Sn-Cu eutectic solder bump was fabricated by electroplating for flip chip and its characteristics were studied. A Si-wafer was used as a substrate and the UBM(Under Bump Metallization) of Al(400 nm)/Cu(300 nm)/Ni(400 nm)/Au(20 nm) was coated sequentially from the substrate to the top by an electron beam evaporator. The experimental results showed that the plating ratio of the Sn-Cu increased from 0.25 to 2.7 $\mu\textrm{m}$/min with the current density of 1 to 8 A/d$\m^2$. In this range of current density the plated Sn-Cu maintains its composition nearly constant level as Sn-0.9∼1.4 wt%/Cu. The solder bump of typical mushroom shape with its stem diameter of 120 $\mu\textrm{m}$ was formed through plating at 5 A/d$\m^2$ for 2 hrs. The mushroom bump changed its shape to the spherical type of 140 $\mu\textrm{m}$ diameter by air reflow at $260^{\circ}C$. The homogeneity of chemical composition for the solder bump was examined, and Sn content in the mushroom bump appears to be uneven. However, the Sn distributed more uniformly through an air reflow.