• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.1064-1072
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• 2013

Circadian rhythm is controlled by hormonal oscillations governing the physiology of all living organisms. In mammals, the main function of the pineal gland is to transform the circadian rhythm generated in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus into rhythmic signals of circulating melatonin characterized by a largely nocturnal increase that closely reflects the duration of night time. The pineal gland has lost direct photosensitivity, but responds to light via multi-synaptic pathways that include a subset of retinal ganglion cells. Rhythmic control is achieved through a tight coupling between environmental lighting and arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) expression, which is the rhythm-controlling enzyme in melatonin synthesis. Previous studies on the nocturnal expression of AANAT protein have described transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulatory mechanisms. Molecular mechanisms for dependent AANAT expression provide novel aspects for melatonin's circadian rhythmicity. Extensive animal research has linked pineal melatonin for the expression of seasonal rhythmicity in many mammalian species to the modulation of circadian rhythms and to sleep regulation. It has value in treating various circadian rhythm disorders, such as jet lag or shift-work sleep disorders. Melatonin, also, in a broad range of effects with a significant regulation influences many of the body's physiological functions. In addition, this hormone is known to influence reproductive, cardiovascular, and immunological regulation as well as psychiatric disorders.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2006

This study is about the preparation and characterization of sulfonated random copolymer membranes containing perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB), fluorenyl, and sulfonyl units. The polymers were prepared through three synthetic steps, that is, the synthesis of a trofluorovinylether-terminated monomer, its thermal polymerization, and post-sulfonation using chlorosulfonic acid. A series of sulfonated random copolymers with different ion exchange capacity (IEC) were prepared by changing contents of fluorenyl uints in polymers with fixed molar ratio of chlorosulfonic acid during the post-sulfonation reaction. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-lR, $^1H-NMR$, $^{19}F-NMR$, and Mass spectroscopy. As the content of sulfonated fluorenyl units increased, the IEC, water uptake, and ion conductivity of the sulfonated random copolymer membranes increased. The sulfonated random copolymer S-1 and S-2 showed higher values of ion conductivity than the Nafion-115 in a wide range of temperatures ($25{\sim}80^{\circ}C$).

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1057-1072
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• 2018

In this study, micro-sized $CeO_2$ particles were synthesized by spray pyrolysis, and EG(ethylene glycol) and CA(citric acid) as organic additives were added to obtain hollow and porous particle during spray pyrolysis, and characteristics of obtained ceria were investigated according to the amount of added organic additives. Spray pyrolysis, postheat and ball-milling were combined to give 6 paths. $CeO_2$ nano-sized particle was obtained by the path which has sequence of Spray Pyrolysis with 0.5 M of EG and CA${\rightarrow}$Post-heat${\rightarrow}$Ball-milling${\rightarrow}$Post-heat among 6 paths. The average particle size(24 nm with standard deviation of 3.8 nm) of $CeO_2$ nano-sized particle by TEM analysis is close to the primary particle size(20 nm) which was calculated by Debye-Scherrer equation. To investigate the morphological characteristics and structure of the synthesized nanoparticle powders, SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy), XRD(X-Ray Diffractometer) and TEM(Transmission Electron Microscopy) were used.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.436-444
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• 2023

Scientific training, diet, and ergogenic aids are widely used to overcome the limits of humans' physical abilities and to achieve excellent sports records. The adoption of nutritional strategies is important for athletes to perform at their highest level, and one of the main factors determining endurance ability is increased fat metabolism. A ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrates) has thus been proposed as an alternative strategy to maximize fatty acid oxidation during prolonged periods of exercise. However, studies have shown mixed results regarding the ergogenic value of a ketogenic diet. For this reason, exogenous ketone supplements (EKS, ingestible forms of ketone bodies, ketone esters, and/or salts) have been suggested to obtain nutritional ketosis, an acute transient increase in circulating acetoacetate (AcAc) and b-hydroxybutyrate (bHB) concentrations, without limiting carbohydrate intake. Some studies have suggested the beneficial effects of EKS on the performance of endurance exercises by providing an additional fuel substrate for peripheral tissues, such as cardiac and skeletal muscles, sparing carbohydrates/increasing fat oxidation and post-exercise recovery by increasing glycogen resynthesis in the liver/muscle, attenuating protein degradation, stimulating protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle, etc. However, many studies have failed to observe the beneficial effects of EKS as an ergogenic aid. As such, this review summarizes the theoretical basis of, as well as the proposed and proven effects of EKS on exercise performance and recovery to date.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.185-189
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• 1987

The number of splenic lymphocyte, serum prostaglandin $E_2$ level and natural killer cell activity were assayed after single whole body irradiation of a sublethal dose of $^{60}Co-{\gamma}$ ray to C57BL/6J mice. With a view to knowing the relationships between radiation induced prostaglandin $E_2$ level and the normal natural killer cell activity after natural killer cell-target cell conjugation, The change of normal natural killer cell activity were measured by administration of prostaglandin $E_2$ containing serum from irradiated mice. The results were summarized as follows; 1. The total number of splenic lymphocyte was significantly decreased by irradiation and the number was not affected by indometacin, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, treatment. 2. Serum prostaglandin $E_2$ level was increased in irradiated mice, but indometacin treated mice group showed low level of prostaglandin $E_2$. 3. In the case of irradiated mice, natural killer cell activity was not shown any difference between irradiated group and indometacin combined group. But when natural killer cell-target cell conjugations were exposed to the serum of each group during cytotoxic activity assay, whereas the normal natural killer cell activity was significantly decreased by treatment of serum from irradiated mice, the activity was not changed by treatment of indometacin pretreated mice serum. This result indicated that the prostaglandin $E_2$ induced by the radiation inhibited the post-target binding cytolytic process of natural killer activity.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2012

It is suggested that carbohydrate metabolites may involve in the development of morula to blastocyst but many of the mechanisms are not unmasked. Two-cell stage embryos were collected and examined the effects of lactate on the development of blastocyst in vitro. The expression profiles of lactate dehydrognase (Ldh) genes and aquaporin (Aqp) genes were analyzed with RT-PCR. The successful development from morula to blastocyst was dependent on lactate concentrations. The expression profiles of Ldh genes were changed by the lactate concentration. Ldha was expressed in morula stage at 10 mM lactate, and in blastocyst stage at lactate free condition. Ldhb was expressed in morula stage at 10 mM and 20 mM lactate, and in blastocyst stage at 10 mM lactate. Aqp genes were also showed different expression patterns by the lactate concentrations. Aqp3 was expressed in hatching embryo at 120 hr post hCG administration (hph) which was cultured in BWW medium and lactate free condition. Aqp7 was expressed in hatching embryos at 120 hph which was cultured at 10 mM lactate condition. Also Aqp8 was expressed in hatching embryo at BWW and 20 mM lactate condition. Aqp9 was expressed in morula at BWW and 10 mM lactate condition, and in blastocyst at BWW. Based on these results, it is suggested that concentration of lactate in the medium and the level of lactate synthesis in embryo is critical factor for blastocoels formation. In addition it is suggested that LDH may involve the AQPs expression in embryos.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.150-150
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• 2016

Mankind is enjoying a great convenience of their life by the rapid growth of secondary industry since the Industrial Revolution and it is possible due to the invention of huge power such as engine. The automobile which plays the important role of industrial development and human movement is powered by the Engine Module, and especially Diesel engine is widely used because of mechanical durability and energy efficiency. The main work mechanism of the Diesel engine is composed of inhalation of the organic material (coal, oil, etc.), combustion, explosion and exhaust Cycle process then the carbon compound emissions during the last exhaust process are essential which is known as the major causes of air pollution issues in recent years. In particular, COx, called carbon oxide compound which is composed of a very small size of the particles from several ten to hundred nano meter and they exist as a suspension in the atmosphere. These Diesel particles can be accumulated at the respiratory organs and cause many serious diseases. In order to compensate for the weak point of such a Diesel Engine, the DPF(Diesel Particulate Filter) post-cleaning equipment has been used and it mainly consists of ceramic materials(SiC, Cordierite etc) because of the necessity for the engine system durability on the exposure of high temperature, high pressure and chemical harsh environmental. Ceramic Material filter, but it remains a lot of problems yet, such as limitations of collecting very small particles below micro size, high cost due to difficulties of manufacturing process and low fuel consumption efficiency due to back pressure increase by the small pore structure. This study is to test the possibility of new structure by direct infiltration of SiC Whisker on Carbon felt as the next generation filter and this new filter is expected to improve the above various problems of the Ceramic DPF currently in use and reduction of the cost simultaneously. In this experiment, non-catalytic VS CVD (Vapor-Solid Chemical Vaporized Deposition) system was adopted to keep high mechanical properties of SiC and MTS (Methyl-Trichloro-Silane) gas used as source and H2 gas used as dilute gas. From this, the suitable whisker growth for high performance filter was observed depending on each deposition conditions change (input gas ratio, temperature, mass flow rate etc.).

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.60 no.7
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• pp.18.1-18.12
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• 2018

Background: Xanthosine treatment has been previously reported to increase mammary stem cell population and milk production in cattle and goats. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the increase in stem cell population and milk production remain unclear. Methods: Primiparous Beetal goats were assigned to the study. Five days post-partum, one mammary gland of each goat was infused with xanthosine (TRT) twice daily ($2{\times}$) for 3 days consecutively, and the other gland served as a control (CON). Milk samples from the TRT and CON glands were collected on the 10th day after the last xanthosine infusion and the total RNA was isolated from milk fat globules (MEGs). Total RNA in MFGs was mainly derived from the milk epithelial cells (MECs) as evidenced by expression of milk synthesis genes. Significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) terms using PANTHER and gene networks were generated using STRING db. Results: Preliminary analysis indicated that each individual goat responded to xanthosine treatment differently, with this trend being correlated with specific DEGs within the same animal's mammary gland. Several pathways are impacted by these DEGs, including cell communication, cell proliferation and anti-microbials. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into transcriptomic changes in milk producing epithelial cells in response to xanthosine treatment. Further characterization of DEGs identified in this study is likely to delineate the molecular mechanisms of increased milk production and stem or progenitor cell population by the xanthosine treatment.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.256-262
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• 2005

We examined the signaling molecules involved in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neuronal cell death and increase in cellular glutathione (GSH) level in SK-N-SH cells. The 6-OH-DA-induced cell death was significantly prevented by the pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant, and BAPTA, an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator. Although 6-OHDA induced ERK phosphorylation, the pretreatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, did not block 6-OHDA-induced cell death. In addition, the 6-OHDA-induced activation of caspase-3, a key signal for apoptosis, was blocked by the pretreatment with NAC and BAPTA. While the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly increased in the 6-OHDA-treated cells, the cellular GSH level was not altered for the first 6-hr exposure to 6-OHDA, but after then, the level was significantly increased, which was also blocked by the pretreatment with NAC and BAPTA, but not by PD98059. Depletion of GSH by pretreating the cells with DL-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione synthesis inhibitor, rather significantly potentiated the 6-OHDA-induced death. In contrast to the pretreatment with NAC, 6-OHDA-induced cell death was not prevented by the post-treatment with NAC 30 min after 6-OHDA treatment. The results indicate that the GSH level which is increased adaptively by the 6-OHDA-induced ROS and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ is not enough to overcome the death signal mediated through ROS-$Ca^{2+}$ -caspase pathway.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.117-124
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• 2001

Serum thyroglobulin measurement and I-131 whole-body scintigraphy (WBS) are well-established methods for the detection of recurrence in the follow-up of patients with thyroid carcinoma. However, inconsistent results are observed frequently, and these two methods are not always able to detect recurrence. In some patients, serum thyroglobulin level is elevated but the WBS is negative, because the recurrent tumor is too small and below the sensitivity of the diagnostic scan, or there is a dissociation between thyroglobulin synthesis and the iodine frapping mechanism. In such cases, various nuclear imaging methods including Tl-201 Tc-99m-sestamibi, and F-18-FDG PET can be used besides anatomical imaging methods. Among them, FDG PET localizes recurrent lesions in WBS-negative thyroid carcinoma with high accuracy. Several studies have suggested that empirical high-dose I-131 therapy resulted in a high rate of visualization in post-therapy scans with evidence of subsequent improvement. An important question is when to operate on patients with recurrent tumor. We believe that surgical removal is the best means of treatment for patients with localized persistent tumor, despite the high-dose I-131 therapy. with tumor in thyroid remnant, and with isolated recurrence in the lymph node, lung or bone. In addition, we recommend palliative resection of locally unresectable mass with subsequent treatment with high-dose I-131 therapy. Before I-131 therapy, the evaluation of sodium-iodide symporter expression in thyroid carcinoma can predict iodine uptake. Retinoic acid is known to induce redifferentiation, and to enhance I-131 uptake in thyroid carcinoma. Retinoic acid therapy may represent an alternative approach before high-dose I-131 therapy.