Abstract In this study, micro-defects on/in carbon fibers were modified by irradiation with an electron beam, which improved the mechanical strength of single carbon fibers. The electron beam irradiation was 10 kGy (using a 1.5 MeV accelerator in the air). The total doses ranged from 100 to 500 kGy. The tensile strength of the single carbon fiber was measured using a universal testing machine. The micro-defects on the fiber surface were observed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and those in the fiber were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy. In conclusion, the electron beam treatment produced changes in the micro-defects on/in the carbon fibers, resulting in up to 14% improvement in the tensile strength of single carbon fiber.

분화국화 ‘솔라에그(등록번호 8569)’는 2015년 경상남도농 업기술원 화훼연구소에서 분홍색 ‘포인트에그’를 감마선 처리 를 하여 육성하였다. 특성검정과 형질 안정성은 2017년에서 2018년까지 3회를 수행하였다. ‘솔라에그’는 분홍색 꽃잎(54D) 과 적자색 중심부(59B)를 가진 ‘아네모네’ 형태이다. 꽃과 잎 색깔과 모양에서는 ‘솔라에그’와 ‘포인트에그’ 간의 차이는 거 의 없었다. ‘솔라에그’의 식물체와 개화 연구에서 조명과 억제 재배를 했을 때 약 42일로 개화소요시간은 비슷했다. 그러나 초장, 꽃 크기, 꽃 중심부 크기와 착화수에서 ‘포인트에그’와 비교했을 때 차이가 있었다. 특히, 자연재배조건에서 꽃 크기 는 4cm으로 대조품종과 비교했을 때 컸다. 국화 품종에서는 꽃의 크기가 상업적으로 중요한 형질이다. ‘솔라에그’의 표현 형과 개화기 연구와 비교하여 배수성, RAPD, 세포 크기 및 수 분석을 하였다. 이들 결과에서는 표현형의 변화는 작은 유전 적 변이와 세포 분열 증가와 관련이 있을 것이라고 추정하고 있다. 중형 크기의 ‘솔라에그’는 분화국화로 이용되며 농가의 평균소득 증대를 기대할 수 있다.

Coccidiosis is caused by infection of Eimeria species and an significant parasitic disease in poultry. Various kinds of natural products have been studied to find alternative treatments for coccidiosis in chickens, but the effect of Houttuynia cordata on Eimeria infection has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to study the anticoccidial effect of H. cordata extract (HCE) in chickens after oral infection by Eimeria tenella. Anticoccidial effects of the HCE was evaluated in chickens after oral infection with E. tenella. This study was performed on threeday- old chicks (n = 30). These animals were divided into 3 groups; HCE 0.2% treated/infected (n = 10), HCE untreated/infected (n = 10) and non-infected control (n = 10). The effect of HCE on E. tenella infection was assessed by two parameters; fecal oocysts shedding and body weights gain. the chicks fed HCE significantly reduced fecal oocysts when compared to the E. tenella-infected group fed standard diets (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HCE-based diet improved weight loss due to E. tenella infection. Our data shows that HCE had significant antiprotozoal activity against E. tenella. These findings may have implications for the development of anticoccidial drugs.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder with diverse symptoms but no structural or organic manifestations. Benachio-F® (herein named ‘BF-1’) is an over-the-counter liquid digestive formulated with multiple herbal extracts, which has been reported to improve symptoms of FD. A total two experiments were conducted. First, we examined whether BF-1 can modulate the progression of FD through two experimental rat models. A total of three doses (0.3x, 1x, 3x of the human equivalent dose) were used. In the gastric emptying model, both 1x (standard) or 3x (3-fold-concentrated) BF-1 enhanced gastric emptying was compared with that of vehicle-treated animals. In a feeding inhibition model induced by acute restraint stress, treatment with 1x or 3x BF-1 led to a similar degree of restoration in food intake that was comparable to that of acotiamide-treated animals. Among the constituents of BF, fennel is known for its choleretic effect. Thus, we next investigated whether a novel BF-based formula (named ‘BF-2’) that contains an increased amount of fennel extract (3.5-fold over BF-1), has greater potency in increasing bile flow. BF-2 showed a superior choleretic effect compared to BF-1. Furthermore, the postprandial concentration of serum secretin was higher in animals pretreated with BF-2 than in those pretreated with BF-1, suggesting that the increased choleretic effect of BF-2 is related to secretin production. Our results demonstrate that BF-1 can modulate the pathophysiological mechanisms of FD by exerting prokinetic and stress-relieving effects, and that BF-2 has a better choleretic effect than BF-1.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii (Tg), is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases worldwide. Currently, safe and efficient therapeutic options for this disease are still being developed, and are urgently needed. Agrimonia pilosa (A. pilosa) is a rosaceous plant, and widely distributed in Asia. The bioactive compounds in A. pilosa Ledeb include flavonoid, triterpenoids, and isocoumarin, and have been reported to show many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities.The aim of this study was to determine Anti-protozoal efficacy of Agrimonia pilosa ethanol extract (APE) against Toxoplasma gondii (Tg). In this study, APE was examined and screened for anti-Tg activity. Seventy percent ethanol was used for herbal extraction. For anti-Tg activity screening, in vitro study with APE using tachyzoit of Tg RH strain infected HeLa cells were performed. Also, in vivo anti- Tg study using the mouse infection model was conducted. As the results, the selectivity of APE was 3.35, which was higher than Sulfadiazine selectivity (2.08). Also, we performed in vivo animal study to evaluate the anti-Tg activity of APE with mouse model. As the results, Anti-toxoplasma activity of the APE was as high as sulfadiazine. These results demonstrate that it can be successfully cured against Tg infection with APE. It could be a promising native herb treatment for the prevention of Tg infection.

우리나라 정원의 식물 이용 현황을 알아보고자 전국 36개 정원을 대상으로 정원식물을 조사하였다. 정원은 6가지 유형 으로 구분하였다. 그 결과, 36개소 정원에는 정원식물 712종 류가 식재되고 있었다. 교목, 관목, 초본의 비중은 평균 1:2:7 이었다. 개별 정원(10×10㎡)에서 교목은 평균 2.5종으로 12.6%, 관목은 4.1종 20.7%, 초본은 13.2종 66.7%를 차지했다. 식재 빈도 상위 5%에 40여 종이 포함되었으며, 맥문동, 일본조팝나 무, 수국, 회양목, 단풍나무, 옥잠화, 에키네시아, 산철쭉이 대 표적이었다. 양지형 정원에는 관목이 상대적으로 적고 초본이 많았으며 다른 유형보다 20~40% 이상 다양했다. 그늘형은 초 본보다 교목이 많았으며, 건조형 및 습지형과 마찬가지로 식 재 다양성이 20% 감소했다. 옥상정원의 도시형 정원은 초본 이 전체의 80~90%를 차지하고, 해안형 정원에는 목본과 초본 이 1:1로 목본 중심의 식재 특성을 보였다. 결과적으로 정원 유형에 따라 식재 다양성과 구성 비율이 명확한 차이를 나타 냈다.

Humulus japonicus (HJ) is a widely used herbal medicine for pulmonary tuberculosis, hypertension, leprosy, and venomous wounds in Asia, particularly in China. Although HJ has certain physiological activities, such as longitudinal bone growth, antioxidation and alleviation of rheumatism, its anticancer activities, other than in colorectal and ovarian cancer, are yet to be studied. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer activity and mechanism of methanol extracts of HJ (MeHJ) against human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. MeHJ suppressed FaDu cell viability without affecting normal cells (L929), which was demonstrated using the MTT and Live & Dead assays. Furthermore, MeHJ effectively inhibited colony formation of FaDu cells, even at non-cytotoxic concentrations, and significantly induced apoptosis through the proteolytic cleavage of caspase-9, -3, -7, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and through the downregulation of BCL-2 and upregulation of BAX in FaDu cells, as determined by DAPI staining, flow cytometry, and western blot analyses. Collectively, these findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of MeHJ on the growth and colony formation of oral cancer cells may be mediated by caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Therefore, MeHJ has the potential to be used as a natural chemotherapeutic drug against human oral cancer.

The PoN (Proof of Nonce) distributed consensus algorithm basically uses a non-competitive consensus method that can guarantee an equal opportunity for all nodes to participate in the block generation process, and this method was expected to resolve the first trilemma of the blockchain, called the decentralization problem. However, the decentralization performance of the PoN distributed consensus algorithm can be greatly affected by the network transaction transmission delay characteristics of the nodes composing the block chain system. In particular, in the consensus process, differences in network node performance may significantly affect the composition of the congress and committee on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, in this paper, we presented a problem by analyzing the decentralization performance of the PoN distributed consensus algorithm, and suggested a fairness control algorithm using a learning-based probabilistic acceptance rule to improve it. In addition, we verified the superiority of the proposed algorithm by conducting a numerical experiment, while considering the block chain systems composed of various heterogeneous characteristic systems with different network transmission delay.

We have prepared MIL-101/graphene oxide (GO) composites with various mixing molar ratio of Fe-containing metal– organic frameworks (MOFs) against GO. When synthesizing MOFs, it was possible to synthesize uniform crystal powders using hydrothermal method. MIL-101 consists of a terephthalic acid (TPA) ligand, with the central metal composed of Fe, which was the working electrode material for supercapacitors. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis had been done to ascertain microstructures and morphologies of the composites. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements were performed to analyze the electrochemical properties of the composite electrodes in 6 M KOH electrolyte. By controlling the metal ligand mole ratio against GO, we prepared a changed MOF structure and a different composite morphology, which could be studied as one of the promising optimized electrode materials for supercapacitors.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the expressive elements and techniques of graffiti appearing in the Moschino collection by Jeremy Scott. A theoretical examination of graffiti art and Moschino’s creative designer Jeremy Scott was conducted using previous studies and publications. Accordingly, keywords about the expressive elements and techniques of graffiti and Moschino were identified, as follows: expressive elements of ‘message (slogan)’, ‘symbolized letters or forms’, ‘logo and brand symbol’, ‘graffiti (scribbles)’, ‘child-like elements’, ‘daily element’s and expressive techniques of ‘using primary colors (color contrast)’, ‘deformation’, ‘distortion’, ‘exaggeration’, ‘illusion (trompe l'oeil)’, ‘collage (repetition)’, ‘simplification (flattening)’, and ‘borrowing heterogeneous objects’. These keywords were then used to analyze Moschino’s collection, comprising seven years of Moschino’s collection photographs officially recorded in the fashion magazine Vogue, ranging from the 2014 F/W to 2020 F/W collections. A total of 761 photos were initially collected, from which 561 were selected by the researcher. Expressive characteristics of graffiti in Moschino’s collection were analyzed, and identified in the following categories: ‘child-like playfulness’, ‘commercial satire’, ‘using daily elements’, and ‘borrowing non-representative techniques’. Accordingly, it was confirmed that expressive characteristics of graffiti were found in the Moschino collection by Jeremy Scott. This study anticipates the possibility of various interpretations from which fashion that communicates closely with contemporary art can be understood.

Background: Short foot exercise, which is an intrinsic foot muscle exercise proposed by the foot core system, is used to improve the strength of intrinsic foot muscles and sensory input and function of the foot. However, there is a lack of studies that assessed the improvement in foot function after short foot exercise in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Objectives: To investigate the effects of short foot exercise on intrinsic foot muscle cross-sectional area and balance ability in patients who had undergone a modified Broström operation of the ankle joint. Design: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixteen patients who were undergoing ankle rehabilitation exercises following the modified Broström operation were randomized into two groups. General physical therapy, short foot exercises, and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the experimental group (n=8), whereas general physical therapy and ankle rehabilitation programs were performed in the control group (n=8). For outcome measures, the intrinsic muscles of the foot were imaged using the Sonimage HS1 musculoskeletal ultrasound system. The Y-balance test and RS-foot scan system were used to confirm dynamic balance ability and static balance ability. Results: The cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis and dynamic balance ability significantly improved in the experimental group that underwent short foot exercise compared to the control group (P<.05). In contrast, static balance ability was not significantly different between the two groups (P>.05). Conclusion: Short foot exercise successfully increased the cross-sectional area of the abductor muscle and improved dynamic balance after a modified Broström operation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as a therapeutic tool for various diseases due to its unique ability for tissue regeneration and immune regulation. However, poor survival during in vitro expansion and after being administrated in vivo limits its clinical uses. Accordingly, protocols for enhancing cell survivability is critical for establishing an efficient cell therapy is needed. CDDOMe is a synthetic C-28 methyl ester of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid, which is known to stimulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)- antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Herein, report that CDDO-Me promoted the proliferation of MSCs and increased colony forming units (CFU) numbers. No alteration in differentiation into tri-lineage mesodermal cells was found after CDDO-Me treatment. We observed that CDDO-Me treatment reduced the cell death induced by oxidative stress, demonstrated by the augment in the expression of Nrf2-downstream genes. Lastly, CDDO-Me led to the nuclear translocation of NRF2. Our data indicate that CDDO-Me can enhance the functionality of MSCs by stimulating cell survival and increasing viability under oxidative stress.

We investigated the effect of a synthetic complement peptide C3a on the outcome of Brucella abortus 544 infection in a murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cell. First, we determined the highest non-cytotoxic concentration of the peptide in the cell line. We also found that the peptide significantly increased the growth of the bacteria at 8 and 24 h. Although the number of bacterial CFU was also elevated at 48 and 72 h, the increases were not significant as compared to controls. We further investigated the effect of C3a peptide on the growth of Brucella by pre-incubating the peptide at various temperatures and found that the effect was reversed at 24 h post-incubation suggesting that incubation of peptide at high temperatures including 65°C or 95°C could inactivate its action. This also could indicate the beneficial effect of high temperature during infection. Although several studies reported the inhibitory effect of different antimicrobial peptides including C3a, the present study preliminarily revealed that it had no positive contribution on the control of B. abortus 544 infection in vitro and indirectly to its receptor, CD88, which belongs to GPCR. Moreover, the encouraged further exploration of the effect of other similar peptides would be performed for the purpose of finding Brucella-host cell interaction for the control of disease progression.

This study aims to investigate the effects of exogenous succinic acid (SCA) on Brucella (B.) abortus infection in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and ICR mice. Firstly, the in vitro experiment was conducted by MTT cytotoxicity and bacterial internalization assay to evaluate the uptake of B. abortus into macrophage cells. Two non-cytotoxic concentrations of SCA demonstrated attenuated invasion of Brucella into macrophages at 30 and 45 min post- infection (pi). Secondly, ICR mice were treated with SCA and infected with B. abortus. On day-14 pi, spleen and blood serum were collected to evaluate the bacterial burden and total spleen weight as well as the production of cytokine/chemokine, respectively. The results showed that SCA treatment promoted bacterial growth and reduced the total spleen weight in mice. Furthermore, SCA treatment increased the level of IL-10 cytokine in the sera, while dampening the production of MCP-1 chemokine compared to the control. The results of bacterial load in spleen and spleen weight together with cytokine/chemokine production profile in the sera indicated that SCA induced the host anti-inflammatory response which is beneficial for the survival of Brucella. Therefore, these findings suggest that SCA contributed to host immunity against Brucella infection and the emerging potential topic-immunometabolism should be invested for further investigations.

Patient-controlled sedation systems, in which the patient has control of sedative administration, have been shown to be effective and safe for patients undergoing minor procedures. Safety depends on the adequacy of the step-wise increase in dose of the sedative, the lockout time and patient’s ability to adjust the effective activation of the handset. While there is no patient-controlled sedation (PCS) system available domestically, we have developed a new purpose-built PCS pump, and determined its degree of precision using a microweight measuring scale. The PCS system was designed to be applied to most intravenous sedatives and work through a newly developed operating software algorithm that titrates the doses and lockout times. Our system titrates the doses through software modification, and for experimental purposes, the number of steps for handset activation by the patient was set to four, and the lockout time was set to 30 s. The degree of precision of the PCS system was tested using an electronic weighing scale. The comparison of the amount infused via the PCS system with weight on the scale showed nearly same patterns at the four infusion stages, and the difference was minimal (3% on average at each infusion step). We designed and manufactured a pilot button-type PCS pump capable of use by the patient for optimal sedation, and confirmed the precise working mechanism of the pump, thereby reducing the margin of error for infusion accuracy to 3% or less on average