We have previously shown that the specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 (LY29), and its inactive analog LY303511 (LY30), inhibit a monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells; these results suggest the potential of LY30 as an anti-inflammatory drug. In this study, we determined the effects of LY30 on the production of various inflammatory cytokines in human macrophagic THP-1 cells which were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LY30 selectively suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-12 p40, TNF-α, and MCP-1 without affecting the expression of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8. Inhibition of the production of IL-12 and TNF-α by LY30 was also demonstrated using ELISA assays. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of the action of LY30, we examined the role played by the mitogen-activated protein kinases and the key transcription factors, AP-1 and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. The results revealed that LY30 inhibited LPS-induced activation of ERK, but not p38 or JNK. Furthermore, the AP-1 DNA binding activity was suppressed by LY30 based upon the dosage, whereas NF-κB DNA binding was not affected. These results suggest that LY30 selectively inhibits cytokine production in the LPS-stimulated macrophagic THP-1 cells by downregulating the activation of ERK and AP-1.

Skin barrier function can be assessed non-invasively, including by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and sebum level. The aim of this study was to evaluate day-to-day variation in measurements of TEWL, skin hydration, and sebum level at various anatomic sites and the relationship between these parameters in normal dogs. Measurements were repeated five times on two separate days in five clinically normal Beagle dogs at seven anatomic sites, i.e., the left and right pinnae, left and right axillae, left and right groin areas, and ventrum. Coefficient of variation was used to show the variation in measurements. Correlations between each of the measurements were analyzed to determine the contribution of skin hydration and sebum level to TEWL. There was no variation in the measurements obtained according to time or anatomic site (P>.0.05). The coefficient of variation was highest for sebum level (209.0 ± 81.8%) followed in descending order by skin hydration (62.7 ± 34.5%) and TEWL (41.1 ± 6.9%). Of the seven anatomic sites sampled, the left and right pinnae showed the lowest variation in repeated measurements for TEWL (39.2%), skin hydration (29.6%), and sebum level (75.5%). There was no significant relationship between the results for each measurement (P>.0.05). Because of its relatively low variation on repeated measurement, TEWL might be the most useful way of evaluating skin condition in dogs.

We explore the shock acceleration model for giant radio relics, in which relativistic electrons are accelerated via diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) by merger-driven shocks in the outskirts of galaxy clusters. In addition to DSA, turbulent acceleration by compressive MHD modes downstream of the shock are included as well as energy losses of postshock electrons due to Coulomb scattering, synchrotron emission, and inverse Compton scattering off the cosmic background radiation. Considering that only a small fraction of merging clusters host radio relics, we favor a reacceleration scenario in which radio relics are generated preferentially by shocks encountering the regions containing low-energy ( e . 300) cosmic ray electrons (CRe). We perform time-dependent DSA simulations of spherically expanding shocks with physical parameters relevant for the Sausage radio relic, and calculate the radio synchrotron emission from the accelerated CRe. We find that significant level of postshock turbulent acceleration is required in order to reproduce broad profiles of the observed radio flux densities of the Sausage relic. Moreover, the spectral curvature in the observed integrated radio spectrum can be explained, if the putative shock should have swept up and exited out of the preshock region of fossil CRe about 10~Myr ago.

This study was carried out to explore possibilities of cultivating horticultural crops in the air-dome greenhouse in comparison to the common iron-frame greenhouse as the standard. The levels of carbon dioxide and atmospheric pressure measured inside the air-dome greenhouse turned out to be higher than those measured inside the iron-frame greenhouse. Contrastingly, light intensity was relatively weaker inside the air-dome greenhouse due to the air-inflated double layers. Plants of melon and cherry tomato were cultivated from May 2 to August 12, 2016, respectively in the two greenhouses. For melon plants, growth in the air-dome greenhouse effectively increased fruit weight as well as trunk circumference compared to iron-frame greenhouse. Moreover, soluble sugar content of melon fruit was significantly higher when cultivated in the air-dome greenhouse. For cherry tomato plants, fruit yield of cherry tomato was significantly increased inside the air-dome greenhouse. Furthermore, it has been found that the air-dome greenhouse was considerably effective in shortening the growing period of melon and cherry tomato plants in comparison to the iron-frame greenhouse.

Overseas R&D subsidiaries contribute to the cross -border knowledge sourcing of MNC headquarter by providing tacit and context specific knowledge and reducing the searching cost of the headquarter

The purpose of this study was to effects of hippotherapy on functional ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Fifty-seven children with CP participated were randomly divided into two groups. All of the groups received thirty minutes of conventional physical therapy program for three times a week per twelve weeks, however experimental group received additional fifteen minutes of the hippotherapy. Gross Motor Function Measure(GMFM) was used to compare the effects of hippotherapy. The results were as followings: GMFM score in dimensions A and B significantly increased in the control group after intervention. All dimensions of GMFM was significantly increased in experimental group after intervention. All dimensions of GMFM were significantly different between experimental group and control group. These results suggest that hippotherapy can be considered as a therapeutic method for physical therapy for the children with CP to improve the functional movements.

DNA-based markers have been used in various fields like molecular biology and crop breeding program. DNA marker is able to be used for protection of genetic resource and quantification of specific cultivar. Eleven DNA markers have been developed for Korean wheat cultivar identification in 2013-2014. 27 of 32 wheat cultivars were distinguished by 11 DNA markers. In this study, we developed four DNA markers, KWSM0012, KWSM0013, KWSM0014 and KWSM0015, derived from SSR and SNP analysis. Consequently, 32 Korean wheat cultivars were identified by 15 DNA markers. We are convinced that these new DNA markers are very useful for wheat varieties DNA fingerprinting and are able to be applied to marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding program in Korea.

Despite extensive research attention that has been paid to second language (SL) or foreign language (FL) learners’ argumentative writing, most research has focused on the structural features characteristic of such writers. There have not been many systematic attempts to identify the quality of argument features SL or FL writers rely on, and how they contribute to the overall writing qualities. This study was designed to examine the relationship between the Toulmin elements, widely used measures of content qualities in arguments which include claims, data, warrants, rebuttals, qualifiers, and backings, and the overall qualities of advanced Korean high school EFL learners’ argumentative writing. Each of the thirty three participants’ argumentative writing was analyzed, applying the Toulmin model, and the results demonstrate that their overall argument qualities were closely related to the uses of the fundamental Toulmin elements, especially data and predicted best by the degree to which each claim was supported with relevant and sufficient data. These findings shed light on the need for instruction on the use of Toulmin elements in enhancing the overall quality of Korean EFL learners’ argumentative writing.

The aim of this plan was the creation of a series of forests landscape within the forest-damaged areas in Janggye Neighborhood Park (132,000㎡), located in Jangsu-gun, Jeollabuk-do, for improving the quality of rural landscape and promoting leisure activities. Additional objectives included developing forest-related local festivals and energizing the local economy. In establishing these plans, the researcher considered analyses of the following designating the project areas: forests, types of forest landscape damage, views, landscape quality, and topographical characteristics. Local residents were given survey questions, and 58 sets of response sheets were incorporated into the construction plans for the forest landscape. The goal of the plan was established as the construction of specialized forests that offer outstanding landscape quality and healing effects. The selected trees were the Acer palmatum Thunb. (beautiful foliage), Chamaecyparis obtusa (outstanding healing effects), and Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (related festival applicability). The Acer palmatum Thunb. forest design reflects consideration for the highlighting of seasonal landscape changes and wintertime outdoor ambulation; thus, its location is planned along the trail in linear. Considerations for the Chamaecyparis obtusa forest were visitor accessibility and distribution of phytoncide; hence, placement is mostly in the valley near existing park facilities, with trees placed in rows for user convenience. For visual impact, the Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. forest must be seen from nearby highways; thus, it was allocated to the higher elevation sites within forest-damaged areas using natural-looking patterns of planting. Local festivals featuring the Chamaecyparis obtusa and Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. forests as themes were planned. Such programs were envisioned as contributing to revitalization of rural economy.

A reliable and selective liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection method for determination of antiprotozoals (selamectin, doramectin and fenbendazol) has been described. HPLC separation of active constituents was achieved on various C18 columns using methanol, acetonitrile, 0.1% phosphoric acid, acetic acid and distilled water as mobile phase, with UV detection at 243, 245 and 224 nm. The analytical procedure has been successfully identified. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability and intermediated precision. All calibration curves showed good linearity (R2 of 0.9999) within the concentrations ranges (0~200, 0~200 and 50~400 μg/mL). The accuracy and repeatability showed 99%, 100%, 100% and below 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, respectively. The precision tests conducted for 3 days in three different concentrations with standard also revealed below 3.5%, 2.4% and 2.7%. The method has also been applied successfully to monitor post-market 5 veterinary products of which active ingredient are selamectin, doramectin and fenbendazol. There were no non-compliant products.

As diethylnitrosamine (DEN) effect on cell proliferation, DNA damage and stem cell marker(s) expression have been largely unknown in mouse normal hepatocytes (AML-12 cells) cultured over a short-term period, this study was conducted to examine the cell proliferation, Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and Neighbor of Punc E 11 (Nope) expression in AML-12 cells treated with DEN for 24 and 48 h. Cells were treated with DEN (25-800 μg/mL) and cell phenotype was determined, and the MTT assay was used to quantify the proliferation of cells treated with DEN. Expression and distribution of ATM in AML-12 cells were determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. And Western blot analysis of EpCAM and Nope was performed. Cell viability was significantly increased in response to all doses of DEN treatment compared to control at 24 h (p<0.05 or p<0.01). However, there was no significant increase at 48 h, even though it showed increased trend. Immunofluorescence staining of ATM showed that there was an increase of ATM expression at doses of 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL of DEN treatment, showing strong nuclear staining. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that DEN treatment showed increased trend of EpCAM and Nope expression. Taken together, DEN treatment increased cell proliferation in AML- 12 cells, and it was associated with increased ATM expression.

While many scholars paid attention to L2 learner beliefs about grammar learning and error correction, there has been little research on both teacher and learner beliefs about types of grammar instructions in Korean EFL contexts. This study aimed to investigate the beliefs about types of instructions as well as grammar learning and error correction using a questionnaire adapted from Jean and Simard (2011). A total of four hundred and eighty-seven participants in Korea participated in the study and were divided into five groups: three teacher subgroups (non-native Korean high school, non-native Korean college, and native college) and two student subgroups (high school and college). The participants in general highly valued accuracy in L2 learning, but they disliked grammar learning or teaching. While both students and teachers believed that grammar instructions such as discovery learning, and mechanical practice could be useful in grammar learning, Korean teachers reported more positive views on grammar instructions than Korean students. The majority of the participants reported that they had a tendency to prefer error correction in the written production rather than in the spoken one. The results also revealed opinion gaps among the subgroups. The pedagogical and theoretical implications will be discussed.

This study aimed to investigate antioxidant activity of various extracts from fruiting bodies and mycelia of two Phellinus linteus strains and P. baumii. The Phellinus strains have cultivated on oak and mulberry logs. The fruiting bodies species were harvested from each Phellinus strain and used in this study. The tested items include: 2, 2’-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), free radical scavenging assay and determination of total phenolics contents (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activities. Different extractions with 60% Ethyl alcohol, 70% methyl alcohol and heat water were done on the mycellial and fruiting bodies samples of the mushroom species. The methyl alcohol extraction from fruiting body of P. linteus KACC93057P displayed the highest antioxidant activity on ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays. The ethyl acetate fraction was concentrated and subjected to an ODS column chromatography, followed by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Finally six compounds 1-6 were detected by preparative reversed-phase HPLC.

To determine the medicinal properties of Pleurotus cornucopiae and Safflower Oil (PS), the osteoblast effect was investigated. PS can prevent estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. It was taken the measurements of biochemical factors such as serum osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, IGF-1, and bone status. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups for 12 weeks of treatment: (1) sham operation (SHAM) + vehicle; (2) ovariectomy (OVX) + vehicle; (3) OVX + 17β-estradiol (25 μg/kg); (4) OVX + PS (300 mg/kg/d, PO). At the end of the experiment, bone turnover, and trabecular microarchitecture were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histopathology, respectively. Ovariectomized rats experienced remarkable increases in global volumetric bone density, and trabecular microarchitecture deterioration. These OVX-induced pathological changes are reversible in that most of them could be mostly corrected upon 17β-estradiol treatment. PNS treatment significantly prevented bone mass loss and microarchitecture deterioration. Moreover, PS enhanced osteoblast activity but suppressed osteoclast turnover, as evidenced by decreased levels of serum C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase. PS mitigates estrogen deficiency-induced deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.

Two dimensional finite element method with quadrilateral basis functions was applied to the spherical high order filter on the spherical surface limited area domain. The basis function consists of four shape functions which are defined on separate four grid boxes sharing the same gridpoint. With the basis functions, the first order derivative was expressed as an algebraic equation associated with nine point stencil. As the theory depicts, the convergence rate of the error for the spherical Laplacian operator was found to be fourth order, while it was the second order for the spherical Laplacian operator. The accuracy of the new high order filter was shown to be almost the same as those of Fourier finite element high order filter. The two-dimension finite element high order filter was incorporated in the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model as a hyper viscosity. The effect of the high order filter was compared with the built-in viscosity scheme of the WRF model. It was revealed that the high order filter performed better than the built in viscosity scheme did in providing a sharper cutoff of small scale disturbances without affecting the large scale field. Simulation of the tropical cyclone track and intensity with the high order filter showed a forecast performance comparable to the built in viscosity scheme. However, the predicted amount and spatial distribution of the rainfall for the simulation with the high order filter was closer to the observed values than the case of built in viscosity scheme.