A prostaglandin (PG), PGE2, mediates both cellular and humoral immune responses of insects. Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) biosynthesizes PGE2 by an unknown enzyme. This study predicted the enzyme, which is a novel membrane-bound prostaglandin E synthase-2 (mPGES-2). The transcriptional expression analysis showed the mPGES-2 is inducible to immune challenge. After RNA interference (RNAi), the hemocyte nodulation and expression of eleven antimicrobial peptides were significantly impaired. The RNAi effect was rescued by addition of PGE2 suggesting that mPGES-2 is crucial for immune responses mediated by PGE2.

식품 중 곰팡이 이물에 대한 연구를 위하여 식품 제조 및 유통/보관 현장에서의 곰팡이 오염수준 및 주요 곰팡이류를 조사하였다. 측정은 식품유형별 총 8장소(과자류, 젓갈류, 식초류, 빵류, 쌀류, 밀가루류, 냉동만두류, 생면류)와 유통/보관현장 총 8장소(물류창고)에서 진행하였고, 각 생산라인에서 부유곰팡이, 표면 곰팡이 오염도를 조사하였다. 측정결과, 젓갈류 생산현장에서 부유곰팡이 오염도는 5.5 × 102 CFU/m3 로 가장 높게 측정되었으며, 쌀류 생산현장에서 의 부유곰팡이 오염도는 38 CFU/m3 로 가장 낮게 측정되었다. 설비 및 벽면에서의 표면 곰팡이 오염도의 경우, 식품 제조 및 유통/보관 현장에 관계없이 거의 검출되지 않았다. 현장에서 검출된 주요곰팡이류를 조사한 결과, 총 42종의 곰팡이가 검출되었고, 그 중 Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp. 종이 우점종 곰팡이로 조사되었다. 기존 문헌에서 알려진 식품제조현장에서의 곰팡이 종과 공통적으로 발견된 종은 총 8종이고 새롭게 발견된 종은 총 34종으로 조사되었다.

Heterodera trifolii, mostly known as clover cyst nematode, is currently a serious problem for Chinese cabbage growers of the highland area in Korea. Due to lack of readily information about the nematode on Chinese cabbage in Korea, the pest steadily spread within the highland areas and has become a serious setback. Occurrence, spatial aggregation, egg hatching and the pathogenicity of this nematode are depicted in this study from ecological point of view. The study results suggest site-specific control and a potential planting time for the cabbage to avoid severe damage caused by this nematode.

Orius spp. (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) prey on small arthropods such as aphids, thrips, whitefly, and mites both in greenhouse and field. Use of chemical attractants to natural enemies can improve the efficacy of biological control through push-pull strategy. We compared attractiveness of three synthetic herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), i.e., nonanal, methyl anthranilate, and methyl salicylate for thrips natural enemies, O. laevigatus (Fieber) and O. minutus (L.), in Y-tube olfactometer. Mated unfed adult females of O. laevigatus showed higher choice rate to methyl anthranilate or methyl salicylate than nonanal. Orius minutus showed higher choice rate to methyl anthranilate than methyl salicylate or nonanal. These results suggest that, among the three HIPVs, methyl anthranilate can be used for the attractant of both O. laevigatus and O. minutus.

Large-size graphene samples are successfully prepared by combining ultrosonic assisted liquid phase exfoliation process with oxidation-deoxidation method. Different from previous works, we used an ultrasound-treated expanded graphite as the raw material and prepared the graphene via a facile oxidation-reduction reaction. Results of X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirm the crystal structure of the as-prepared graphene. Scanning electron microscopy images show that this kind of graphene has a large size (with a diameter over 100 μm), larger than the graphene from graphite powder and flake graphite prepared through single oxidation-deoxidation method. Transmission electron microscopy results also reveal the thin layers of the prepared graphene (number of layers ≤3). Furthermore, the importance of preprocessing the raw materials is also proven. Therefore, this method is an attractive way for preparing graphene with large size.

Gold functionalized graphene oxide (GOAu) nanoparticles were reinforced in acrylonitrilebutadiene rubbers (NBR) via solution and melt mixing methods. The synthesized NBR-GOAu nanocomposites have shown significant improvements in their rate of curing, mechanical strength, thermal stability and electrical properties. The homogeneous dispersion of GOAu nanoparticles in NBR has been considered responsible for the enhanced thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of NBR nanocomposites. In addition, the NBR-GOAu nanocomposites were able to show a decreasing trend in their dielectric constant (ε´) and electrical resistance on straining within a range of 10–70%. The decreasing trend in ε´ is attributed to the decrease in electrode and interfacial polarization on straining the nanocomposites. The decreasing trend in electrical resistance in the nanocomposites is likely due to the attachment of Au nanoparticles to the surface of GO sheets which act as electrical interconnects. The Au nanoparticles have been proposed to function as ball rollers in-between GO nanosheets to improve their sliding on each other and to improve contacts with neighboring GO nanosheets, especially on straining the nanocomposites. The NBR-GOAu nanocomposites have exhibited piezoelectric gauge factor (GFε´) of ~0.5, and piezo-resistive gauge factor (GFR) of ~0.9 which clearly indicated that GOAu reinforced NBR nanocomposites are potentially useful in fabrication of structural, high temperature responsive, and stretchable strain-sensitive sensors.

본 연구는 공기주입 이중피복온실과 관행 이중피복온실의 생육환경과 단열성능을 비교하기 위하여 수 행하였다. 두 온실의 온도, 상대습도, 포차, 이산화탄소농도, 일사량, 딸기 생산량 및 난방연료소비량을 비교하 였다. 공기주입온실이 관행온실보다 야간에 상대습도가 더 높고 포차는 더 낮게 나타나 딸기의 생육에 좋지 않은 환경을 보여주었다. 이산화탄소농도는 공기주입온실이 관행온실보다 더 높게 나타났으며, 이는 공기주입 온실이 더 밀폐되어 있어 환기량이 적기 때문인 것으로 판단된다. 관행온실의 광투과율이 77%로 공기주입온실 의 72%보다 더 높아 관행온실의 광환경이 더 우수한 것으로 나타났다. 관행온실의 딸기 생산량이 더 높게 나 타났으며, 이는 관행온실의 생육환경이 공기주입온실보다 더 우수한 결과로 판단된다. 난방연료는 공기주입온 실에서 더 적게 소모되어 공기주입온실의 단열성능이 더 우수한 것으로 나타났다.

Sociocultural and demographic shifts have resulted in a changing perception of older age. Older women, historically subjected to age-ordering rules of dress, have increasingly refused to be marginalized fashion consumers and have been striving to construct a more positive age identity. Although studies have examined consumers’ negotiation of marginalized identities, age identity has not received much attention as a type of marginalized identity. This study argues that Pinterest acts as a platform for identity work by allowing older women to creatively reconstruct their sense of self by saving images and organizing them into thematic boards. Drawing on symbolic interactionism theory and notions of digital self-presentation, this paper seeks to explore the discursive practices that older women employ on Pinterest to resist ageist fashion discourses. The sample consisted of 15 fashion-oriented Pinterest profiles of older women. Netnographic inquiry was employed first to examine what images were saved and what thematic boards were created. Three analytical frameworks for visual data analysis were integrated to further scrutinize the visual texts within the thematic boards. The analyses revealed three main themes-rejecting age, accepting age, and consuming age. The themes that emerged formed the basis for an age identity reconstruction process whereby women attempted to bridge the existing gap between older age and mainstream fashion discourse.

커피와 다류에 대한 소비는 전 세계적으로 해마다 증가 하는 추세이며, 한국을 포함하여 아시아권에도 물 다음으로 가장 많은 소비가 이루어지는 음료는 커피와 차(녹차, 케모마일차, 페퍼민트차, 둥글레차, 보이차, 홍차, 대추차) 이다. 본 연구는 국내에서 시판되는 커피전문점의 브랜드 커피 5종과 침출차 20종(녹차 4종, 홍차 3종, 보이차 3종, 케모마일차 3종, 페퍼민트차 3종, 둥글레차 3종, 대추차 1 종), 고형차 2종(대추차 2종)에 대하여 각 음료 1잔에 함유되어 있는 비타민C, 카페인, 총폴리페놀, 플라보노이드 를 분석하였고, 이들의 항산화활성을 측정하여 서로의 상관관계를 살펴보았다. 추가적으로 항산화활성이 높은 커 피와 다류 총 4종을 대상으로 과산화수소(H2O2)로 유도된 산화적 스트레스로부터 세포 보호효과를 평가하여 시판 커피와 다류의 항산화 연구를 위한 기초자료를 확보하고자 하였다. 녹차와 홍차 각각 1잔당 비타민 C 함량은 0.04~ 1.58 mg 이었고 커피와 나머지 차는 비타민 C가 검출되지 않았다. 카페인 함량은 브랜드 커피가 1잔당 150.17~ 202.75 mg으로 다른 종류의 음료보다 높았다. 음료에 함 유된 총 폴리페놀 함량은 gallic acid의 등량값(GAE)으로 표시할 때 브랜드 커피 A(BCA)가 265.54 mg / serving size 으로 가장 높았고, 플라보노이드 함량은 quercetin 등량값 (QE)으로 브랜드 커피 B(BCB)가 12.14 mg / serving size 으로 가장 높았다. 음료 4종(브랜드 커피 A, C 그리고 녹 차 D, 홍차 A) 시료의 농도가 높아질수록 HeLa 세포 내 활성산소종(reactive oxygen species, ROS) 생성 억제효과 및 H2O2의 소거활성이 증가하였다. 본 연구결과 브랜드 커피 및 홍차, 녹차는 각각 1잔당 비타민 C의 등량값으로 590, 330, 300 mg의 항산화능을 가지며, HeLa 세포 내에 서도 활성산소 감소효과가 확인되는 우수한 항산화 음료로 평가되었다.

We give a detailed description of the installation and operation of a double-station meteor detection system which formed part of a research & education project between Korea Astronomy Space Science Institute (KASI) and Daejeon Science Highschool. A similar system is currently not existing in South Korea. A total of six light-sensitive CCD cameras were installed with three cameras at SOAO and three cameras at BOAO observatory. A double-station observation of a meteor event enables the determination of the three-dimensional heliocentric orbit in space. This project was initiated in response to the Jinju reball event in March 2014. The cameras were installed in October/November 2014. The two stations are identical in hardware as well as software. Each station employes sensitive \Watec-902H2" cameras in combination with relatively fast f/1.2 lenses. Various elds of views were used for measuring dierences in detection rates of meteor events. We employed the SonotaCo UFO software suite for meteor detection and their subsequent analysis. The system setup as well as installation/operation experience is described and rst results are presented. We also give a brief overview of historic as well as recent meteor (fall) detections in South Korea. For more information please consult http://meteor.kasi.re.kr.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by low bone mass resulting from an increase in bone resorption relative to bone formation. The most current therapies for osteoporosis have focused on inhibiting bone resorption by osteoclasts. The purpose of this study is to develop new anabolic agents for treatment of osteoporosis that have fewer risks compared to conventional therapies. We searched the natural products that were derived from the traditional Asian medicines which have been used for treatment of bone related diseases. Icaritin is a flavonoid glycoside derived from the herb Epimedium which has beneficial effects on bone formation. To determine the effect of icaritin on bone formation, we examined the effect of icaritin on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation. For determining the effects of icaritin on proliferation, we performed the MTT assay using MC3T3-E1 cells. To evaluate whether icaritin could promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA expressions of Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), RANKL, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were determined. Icaritin increased MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation. Icaritin increased the ALP activity of MC3T3-E1 cells on 72 hour culture in osteogenic media. mRNA expression of Runx2 was increased after 24 hour culture with icaritin. mRNA expression of osteocalcin was increased after 72 hour culture with icaritin. In addition, icaritin increased the mRNA expressions of OPG and RANKL. However, icaritin increased the mRNA expression of OPG much more than that of RANKL, and then, it increased the OPG/RANKL ratio. These results suggest that icaritin promotes osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts and decreases osteoclast formation regulated by osteoblasts.

The electronic and optical characteristics of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) film significantly vary with its thickness, and thus a rapid and accurate estimation of the number of MoS2 layers is critical in practical applications as well as in basic researches. Various existing methods are currently available for the thickness measurement, but each has drawbacks. Transmission electron microscopy allows actual counting of the MoS2 layers, but is very complicated and requires destructive processing of the sample to the point where it will no longer be useable after characterization. Atomic force microscopy, particularly when operated in the tapping mode, is likewise time-consuming and suffers from certain anomalies caused by an improperly chosen set point, that is, free amplitude in air for the cantilever. Raman spectroscopy is a quick characterization method for identifying one to a few layers, but the laser irradiation causes structural degradation of the MoS2. Optical microscopy works only when MoS2 is on a silicon substrate covered with SiO2 of 100~300 nm thickness. The last two optical methods are commonly limited in resolution to the micrometer range due to the diffraction limits of light. We report here a method of measuring the distribution of the number of MoS2 layers using a low voltage field emission electron microscope with acceleration voltages no greater than 1 kV. We found a linear relationship between the FESEM contrast and the number of MoS2 layers. This method can be used to characterize MoS2 samples at nanometer-level spatial resolution, which is below the limits of other methods.

This study was investigated Quality characteristic of “pickled garlic shoots” manufactured using Vacuum impregnation (VI) and Pressure impregnation (PI) technology. Pickled garlic shoots were manufactured by impregnation solution which concentration were dark soy sauce (39.5 %), apple vinegar (39.5 %), brown sugar (19.8 %), soju (1.2 %). Pressure Impregnation carried out 30 Mpa for 5min or Vacuum Impregnation carried out 360 mmHg for 5min, analyzed treated garlic shoots properties. Impregnation condition were chosen by pre-test (Vacuum Impregnation: 160, 360, 560, 680 mmHg, Pressure Impregnation: 40 MPa, 60 MPa, 80 MPa, 100 MPa). Quality characteristics were pH, Brix, salinity, acidity, color, texture and sensory evaluation. In results of quality characteristics, brix, salinity, sensory evaluation were significantly difference between Pressure Impregnation, Vacuum impregnation and Control. According to sensory evaluation, which parameter were taste, flavor, mouthfeel and overall acceptability, Pressure impregnation were scored highest and Vacuum impregnation were second. In the texture analyze, Hardness of “pickled garlic shoots” which were manufactured using Impregnation technology were 4.3 × 105±784.271 N/m2. This was possible to manufacture “pickled garlic shoots” in a short time which were Universal Design food (UDF) 1 class.

Background: Abdominal bracing exercise (ABE) and abdominal hollowing exercise (AHE) improve the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function in various patients, yet the efficacy of ABE or AHE have not yet been evaluated. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function during both ABE and AHE in healthy adults. Methods: The study included 40 healthy adults, who were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group, each with 20 subjects. All subjects performed ABE (experimental group) and AHE (control group). The lumbar flexibility such as trunk flexion test (sitting and standing position) and schober test and pulmonary function such as the spirometer including forced vital capacity (FVC) and force expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and chest circumference measurement (middle and lower chest) were measured, respectively. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to compare the lumbar flexibility and pulmonary function, respectively. Results: No significant effects of lumbar flexibility were observed on trunk flexion test from the sitting position (P=.478) and standing position (P=.096) in the ABE than in the AHE. However, the length of ABE was longer significantly than it of AHE (P=.024). No significant effects of lung function were observed on the FVC (P=.410) and FEV1 (P=.072) in the ABE group than in the AHE group. And also, no significant effects of chest circumference measurement were observed on the inspiration (P=.468) and expiration (P=.563) in middle chest circumference and inspiration (P=.104) and expiration (P=.346) in lower chest circumference. Conclusion: This study indicated that the ABE is only more effective in lumbar flexibility by lumbar length difference than AHE in healthy adults.

Background: Scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) is a common scapular alignment impairment that causes insufficient upward rotation and muscle imbalance, shortened levator scapulae (LS) and rhomboid, and lengthened serratus anterior (SA) and trapezius. A modified shrug exercise (MSE), performing a shrug exercise with the shoulders at 150° abduction, is known as an effective exercise to increase scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Previous studies revealed that scapular exercise are more effective when combined with trunk stabilization exercises in decreasing scapular winging and increasing scapular stabilizer muscle activation. Objects: The purpose of our study was to clarify the effect of MSE with or without trunk stabilization exercises in subjects with SDRS. Methods: Eighteen volunteer subjects (male=10, female=8) with SDRS were recruited for this experiment. All subjects performed MSE under 3 different conditions: (1) MSE, (2) MSE with an abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM), and (3) MSE with an abdominal expansion maneuver (AEM). The muscle thickness of the lower trapezius (LT) and the SA were measured using an ultrasonography in each condition. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the LT, LS, SA, and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activities. Data were statistically analysed using one-way repeated analysis of variance at a significance level of .05. Results: The muscle thickness of the LT and the SA were the significant different in the MSE, MSE with ADIM (MSE+ADIM) and MSE with AEM (MSE+AEM) conditions (p<.05) In both LT and SA, the order of thick muscle thickness was MSE+AEM, MSE+ADIM, and MSE alone. No significant differences were found in the EMG activities of the SA, UT, LS, and LT in all condition. Conclusion: In conclusion, MSE is more beneficial to people with SDRS when combined with trunk stabilization exercises by increased thickness of scapular stabilizer muscles.

Background: The MLA is supported by both the abductor hallucis (ABH) and the extrinsic muscles. Insufficient muscular support may lower the MLA when the body’s weight is applied to the foot. The short foot exercise (SFE) is effective in increasing the height of the MLA for people with flat feet. Most of the research related to the SFE has simply evaluated the efficiency of the exercise using enhanced ABH electromyography (EMG) activation. Since the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PER), and ABH are all involved in supporting the MLA, a new experiment design examining the EMG of the selected muscles during SFE should be applied to clarify its effect. Objects: Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effect of the SFE in different ankle position on the MLA angle and the activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles and to determine the optimal position. Methods: 20 healthy subjects and 12 subjects with flat feet were recruited from Yonsei University. The surface EMG and camera were used to collect muscle activation amplitude of TA, PER, and ABH and to capture the image of MLA angle during SFE. The subjects performed the SFE while sitting in three different ankle positions—neutral (N), dorsiflexion (DF) at 30 degrees, and plantar flexion (PF) at 30 degrees. Results: ABH EMG amplitudes were significantly greater in N and DF than in PF (p<.05). Muscle activation ratio of TA to ABH was the lowest in PF (p<.05). MLA angle in both groups significantly decreased in PF (p<.01). The TA and ABH was activated at the highest level in DF. However, in PF, subjects significantly activated the ABH and PER with relatively low activation of TA. Conclusion: Therefore, researchers need to discuss which SFE condition most effectively use the arch support muscle for flat foot.