We propose an evaluation method of the relative content of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in SWCNT soot synthesized by arc discharge using UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectroscopy. In this method, we consider the absorbance of semiconducting and metallic SWCNTs together to calculate the relative content of SWCNTs with respect to a highly purified reference. Our method provides the more reliable and realistic evaluation of SWCNT content with respect to the whole carbonaceous content than the previously reported method.

This paper describes the traditional Ondol medical care, the specific combination of ancient and contemporary examples to be articulated. As a traditional Korean culture, to be extracted from the historical perspective, it described the relationship and origins between them, From a health perspective, in accordance with the logic and pharmacologyit introduced Ondol as the important principle of health care equipment. The modern architecture of some common harmful to the body, from the perspective of Ondol, it should be improved and based on scientific proof to the theory.

In this study, the cytotoxicity of commonly used local anesthetics was evaluated on odontoblasts which are essential for pulpal homeostasis in vitro. Local anesthetics, such as articaine, bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, and procaine, were tested on the odontoblast cell line, MDPC-23. The concentration-and time-dependent cytotoxic effects of local anesthetics on odontoblasts were measured by MTT assay. Among local anesthetics treated for 18 h, only bupivacaine significantly showed cell death in a concentration-(LC50=1.2mM) and time-dependent manner. To confirm cell death induced by bupivacaine, the observation of cell morphology and FACS using Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining were performed. As a result of Annexin V and PI staining, as well as the morphological change, only bupivacaine induced apoptotic cell death on odontoblasts when compared with levobupivacaine and lidocaine. These results suggest that bupivacaine might affect normal pulpal integrity even after uneventful local anesthesia.

Al t hough substance P(SP) , a potent pro- inflammatory peptide, is involved in inflammation and immune responses‘ t he eff'ect of SP on t he expression of macrophage inflammatory protein 3a (MIP- 3α CCL20) in periodontal liga ment(PDL) cell s a re unknown, Equally as enigmatic is the link between SP, t he stress protein heme oxygenase- l(HO-l) ‘ and CCL20 procluction, We investigated whether SP induces the release of chemokine CCL20 from immortal ized PDL(IPDL) ceJJ s‘ and fur ther c l a꺼 SP mediated pathways, We also examined the relationship between HO-l a ncl CCL20 by t reating PDL cells with SP, Incubating IPDL cells with SP increased expression of CCL20 mRNA a nd CCL20 protein in a dose-time dependent manner Highly selective p38 and ERKl/2 inhibitors abrogated SP-induced expression of CCL20 in IPDL cell s, SP is a lso responsible for ini t iating phosphorylation of I/C B, degradation of Iκ B‘ ancl activat ion of NF'-/C B, SP induced expression of HO-l in both a concentration- and time-dependent man nel ‘ and CCL20 refl ected s imilar patterns, The inductive effects o[ SP on HO- l and CCL20 wer e enhanced by HO- j inducer hemin and the membrane-permeable cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP, Conversely, this pathway was inJübited by t he 1-10난 inhi bitor zinc protoporphyrin IX(ZnPP IX) and the selective inl뼈itor of guanylate cyc1ase‘ lH-[l , 2, 4Joxad iazole[4‘ 3-aJquinoxal in-l-one (ODQ) , We report herein the pathway that connects SP along with other modulators 。f neuroimmunoregulationto the induction of HO-l and t he inflammatory mediator MIP-3a /CCL20 in IPDL cell s‘ which play an important role in the development 01' periodontitis or inflamrnation during orthodontic tooth movem

Interlellkin • 8(IL-8) is an important cytokine involved in tllmor growth and angiogenesis in a variety of malig nancies. bllt the regll lation of IL-8 in 01 외 cancer cells are llnderstood . We invesLigated whether mi togen-activated protein kinases pathway is involved in iron chelator-mediated lL-8 produdion in inunortalized and malignant oral keratinocytes. In this study we examined the role of p38 and extracellular signal- reglllated kinase• 1/2 in the expression of [L-8 by DFO. Incllbation of IHOK and HN12 cel ls with DF'O increased the expression of 11-8 mRNA. as well as the release of IL-8 protein. The signal transdllction study revealed that both p38 and ERK1/2 were significantly activated in response to DFO. Accord ingly. the selective inhibitors for both kinases‘ eit her a lone or combination. abolished DFO- induced lL-8 secretion. indicating an importance of MAP kinase pathway. Interestingly. however‘ inhibition of the p38 and ERK pathway more attenuated IL-8 secretion in IHOK than in HN12 cells. DFO induced NF-kB activation , suggesting a NF-kB- dependent mechanism in DFO- induced IL-8 production. In addition, p38 and ERK inhi bition resulted in the accelerated degradation of lL-8 mRNA, suggesting that in IHOK and HN12 cells, p38 and ERK cunLr iullLe Lo DFO imluced IL-8 secretion by IHOK and HN12 cells via a posttranscriptional mechanism that involves stabilization 01' the IL-8 transcript. Finally. we investigatecl llsing specific inhibitors : 8NP and G8NO for NO c1onor. PDTC for potent inhibitor of NF-kB. Cycloheximide for inhibition of de novo protein synthesis. We observecl 8NP ancl PD1'C clepenclent IL-8 gene incluction in IHOK cell s. but not in HN12 cells used specific inhibitors‘ Collectively. these results demonstrate that‘ targeting MAP kinase ancl NF-kB pathway may be a potentiaI approacb to controlling the angiogenes is ancl growth 이 human oral cancers

Five species of graptolites were discovered from the Jigunsan Shale of Taebaeg area, Korea. They are herein described as Archiclimacograptus riddellensis (Harris, 1924), Pseudamplexograptus distichus(Eichwald, 1840), Hustedograptus teretiusculus(Hisinger) sensu Jaanusson, 1960, Hustedograptus vikarbyensis (Jaanusson, 1960), and Hustedograptus sp. The graptolite assemblage from the Jigunsan Shale corresponds to those of the Pseudamplexograptus distichus zone in the Baltic and German areas and the geologic age of graptolites bearing beds of the Jigunsan Shale might be late Middle Llanvirn.

배추좀나방과 담배거세미나방 유충에 대한 30종 한방 식물체 메탄올 조추출몰의 살충활성 및 섭식 저해활성을 잎침지법을 이용하여 5,000ppm으로 검정하였다. 황련의 추출물은배추좀나방에 대해 살충작용을 보였다. 길경, 사삼, 세신, 오배자 및 자초의 추출물은 배추좀나방 유충에 대해, 목통 및 속새의 추출물은 담배거세미나방 유충에 대한 강한 섭식저해활성을 보였으나, 오배자와 황련의 추출물은 이들 나비목 유충 모두에 강한 섭식저해활성을 나타내었다.

중성지방(Triglyceride, TG)는 죽상동맥경화증과 같은 혈관의 만성 염증성 병변을 유발하는 인자 중 하나 이다. 종양괴사인자-알파 (TNF-α), 인터루킨-1 베터 (IL-1β)와 같은 염증성 사이토카인은 염증 질환의 주요 요인으로 염증 부위에 T 림프구, 단핵구등의 면역 세포의 침윤을 유도하거나 세포 및 조직 괴사를 일으킴으로써 질병을 더욱 악화시킨다. 본 연구에서는 혈관 염증에 관여하는 Jurkat T 림프구와 U937 단핵구에 T G를 처리하였을 때 TNF-α와 IL-1β의 발현에 미치는 영향을 조사하고자 했다. Jurkat T 세포에서 TG에 의해 TNF-α의 mRNA 발현이 증가하였고, U937 단핵구에서는 TG에 의해 TNF-α와 IL-1β 모두 mRNA 발현이 증가하였다. 또한 유도성 산화질소합성효소(inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS)가 TG에 의한 TNF-α와 IL-1β 의 발현 증가에 관여하는지 확인하기 위해 iNOS 억제제인 W1400을 세포에 전처리하여 iNOS의 활성을 차단하였다. 그 결과, W1400을 전처리한 세포에서는 TG에 의한 TNF-α 및 IL-1β mRNA 양이 대조군과 유사하게 낮은 수준으로 관찰되었다. 이는 혈관 내 TG의 증가가 T 림프구와 단핵구를 자극하여 iNOS 신호를 거쳐 염증성 사이토카인을 분비시키고 혈관염증질환을 발생하는데 관여하는 것을 확인시켜주었다. 결론적으로, 중성지방이 염증성 병변을 악화시키는데 있어 iNOS의 활성이 사이토카인 분비 등에 작용하며 병변을 더욱 악화시키는데 기여할 수 있다. 반면, iNOS 발현을 조절하여 고지혈증 환자의 치료에 유효한 표적 물질로 이용될 가능성이 있다고 사료된다.

Platycodon grandiflorum (Bell flower) is an important plant that has traditionally been used as herbal medicine for the treatment of cough, phlegm, sore throats, lung abscesses, chest pains, dysuria, and dysentery. The present study was initiated to investigate the feasibility of inducing shoot and root organogenesis in cultured explants of P. grandiflorum in a range of culture media and through use of various plant growth regulators (PGRs). The plantlets (Stem containing one node) were isolated and cultured on different concentrations of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with PGRs. We found that proliferation and elongation of shoots and roots could be achieved on ¼ MS for P. grandiflorum with wild and green petals and on ⅛ MS for P. grandiflorum with double petals. The highest levels of development and elongation of adventitious shoots and roots were observed when petal explants were cultured on ¼ MS (pH 3.8) supplemented with 5% sucrose. Increasing the agar concentration reduced shoot growth and rooting potential; nevertheless, the highest number of shoots and roots was observed on 0.6% agar. In the case of growth regulators, ¼ MS supplemented with 1 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) was found to be best for shooting, although higher concentrations of BA tended to reduce shoot and root elongation. The highest number of shoots was achieved on 0.5 mg ․ L-1 thidiazuron (TDZ) from double petal explants grown on ⅛ MS. However, root and shoot elongation were found to decrease when TDZ concentrations were increased. Low concentrations of kinetin, naphthalene acetic acid, indole acetic acid, and 3-indole butyric acid induced shoot and root proliferation and elongation. Taken together, our study showed that low concentrations of PGRs induced the greatest root formation and elongation, showing that the optimal concentration of PGRs for shoot proliferation was species-dependent.

In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of silymarin by which silymarin may inhibits cell proliferation in human colorectal cancer cells in order to search the new potential anti-cancer target associated with the cell growth arrest. Silymarin reduced the level of c-Myc protein but not mRNA level indicating that silymarin-mediated downregulation of c-Myc may result from the proteasomal degradation. In the confirmation of silymarin-mediated c-Myc degradation, MG132 as a proteasome inhibitor attenuated c-Myc degradation by silymarin. In addition, silymarin phosphorylated the threonine-58 (Thr58) of c-Myc and the point mutation of Thr58 to alanine blocked its degradation by silymarin, which indicates that Thr58 phosphorylation may be an important modification for silymarin-mediated c-Myc degradation. We observed that the inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 and GSK3β blocked the Thr58 phosphorylation and subsequent c-Myc degradation by silymarin. Finally, the point mutation of Thr58 to alanine attenuated silymarin-mediated inhibition of the cell growth. The results suggest that silymarin induces the cell growth arrest through c-Myc proteasomal degradation via ERK1/2, p38 and GSK3β-dependent Thr58 phosphorylation.

Background : Although ginseng has various bioactive compounds in it, there is lack of study on the variations of bioactive compounds in ginseng according to the cultivation soil and the applied fertilizer types (or amount). Therefore, this study aims to examine the variations of 37 fatty acids (FA) and 8 vitamin E (Vit-E) vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng root cultivated in different soil types with different fertilizers regimes. Methods and Results : The profiling of 37 FAs and 8 Vit-E vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng roots was measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector, and then these results were statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The FA and Vit-E content in ginseng roots varied significantly with respect to soil cultivation conditions due to organic fertilizer types and amounts used. Unsaturated FA in ginseng is approximately 2.7 fold higher than the saturated FA. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were the most abundant FAs found in the ginseng roots. Also, the major Vit-E vitamer found in ginseng root is α-tocopherol. In particular, the application of rice straw compost or food waste fertilizer was increased to create nutritionally desirable FAs and bioactive Vit-E in ginseng root. In addition, phytonutrient profiling coupled with chemometrics can be used to discriminate the cultivation conditions of ginseng. Conclusion : This study extends our understanding about the variations of FA and Vit-E in ginseng root depending on cultivation conditions. Hence, these results can be useful as basic information for reliable ginseng production containing high amounts of phytonutrients in a paddy-converted field.

Background : The geographical origin of Panax ginseng Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, is important to both ginseng producers and consumers in the context of economic profit and human health benefits. We therefore aimed to discriminate between the cultivation regions of ginseng using the stable isotope ratios of C, N, O, and S, which are abundant bio-elements in living organisms. Methods and Results : The C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and then these isotope ratios profiling was statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The various isotope ratios found in Panax ginseng roots were significantly influenced by region, cultivar, and the interactions between these two factors (P ≤ 0.0002). In particular, δ18O was lower in ginseng roots grown at high altitudes (r = −0.47), while δ34S was higher in ginseng roots grown close to coastal areas (r = −0.48). Chemometric results provided discrimination between the majorities of different cultivation regions. Conclusion : Our case study extends the understanding about the variation of C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng root depending on cultivation region. Hence, the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a suitable tool for discrimination between the regional origins of ginseng samples from Korea, with potential application to other countries.

Background : Corrosion is one of the most devastating problems faced by most industries. Mild steel has played a vital role in various fields due to the excellent mechanical properties of mild steel such as low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, good environmental stability, high thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Methods and Results : The total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of the methanolic extract of C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua leaf have been examined, and its corrosion inhibition performance was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization measurements. The surface morphology of mild steel was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The percentage composition of polyphenolic compounds was found to be higher in C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts, and it was proved to be a superior, eco-friendly, and anti-corrosive inhibitor for mild steel in 1M of H2SO4. The Tafel polarization studies indicate that the plant extract is a mixed-type inhibitor. Scanning electron microscopy/energy -dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies confirmed the formation of a protective film on the metal surface. The corrosion inhibition of the C. grandiflora and R. verniciflua plant extracts was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies; these show the strong interaction between the metal surface and the inhibitor. Conclusion : The methanolic extract was prepared the two different plants like C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua was studied the corrosion inhibition on the mild steel specimen in acidic medium through various methods involving weight loss measurements, EIS, and potentiodynamic polarization. The results shows that the C. grandiflora, and R. verniciflua plant extracts illustrate an effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel with good anticorrosion properties in acidic environmen

Sexual dimorphism is the most conspicuous difference between the sexes. This study examines possible sexual dimorphism and the relative growth patterns of morphometric characteristics in the marine medaka, Oryzias dancena for their potential to help differentiate between males and females of this species. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated by a non-linear regression method were L∞=30.2 mm, K=3.22/year, and τ0=-0.05. All 18 characteristics measured showed a difference between males and females from 70 days after hatching. Each of these characteristics were significantly different between sexes (ANCOVA, P<0.05), and the ratio of standard length between sexes showed that males were larger than females for all five morphometric measurements. Fin length measurements were taken for 21 distances of anal fin and 7 distances of dorsal fin between landmarks. There were all differences for all dorsal fin rays between the males and the females and there is significant difference in 70 days after their hatch when the sexual dimorphism is presented. The significant difference (P<0.05) in fin ray for male and female was more greatly seen as they grow. Male marine medaka showed more rapid growth than females, with longer length, dorsal fins and anal fins. Differences in these characteristics will be useful during experiments when it is necessary to differentiate between sexes of marine medaka.