본 연구는 담액수경재배(Deep Flow Technique, DFT)로 재배된 잎들깨(Perilla frutescens)의 생장 및 생리 적 반응에 미치는 인산결핍의 영향을 분석하였다. 인산 결핍 처리는 야마자키 표준 배양액을 수정하여 0% (대조 구), 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%의 5 수준으로 달리 조성하였다. 처리 20일부터 80일까지 인산 결핍 수준이 증가함에 따라 초장, 엽수, 마디 수, 경직경이 유의미하게 감소하였다. 80일째에는 100% 인산 결핍 처리에서 초장이 10.1cm, 엽수는 식물체당 2.7장으로 급감하였으며, 이는 대조구의 73.5cm 및 12.8장에 비해 현저한 생장 저해를 나타냈다. 또한, 인산 결핍 조건에서 생체중과 건물중 모두 현저히 감소하였으며, 대조구의 생체중은 93.4g 이었으나 100% 인산결핍 처리구에서는 2.1g으로, 건물중은 11.8g에서 0.4g으로 크게 감소하였다. 인산 결핍 정도가 증가할수록 하 부엽에서 황화(Chlorosis) 및 괴사(Necrosis)와 같은 생리장해 증상이 뚜렷하게 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 인산이 잎 들깨의 영양생장과 건물생산량 증가에 필수적인 역할을 수행함을 나타내었다.

Given the hazards posed by black ice, it is crucial to investigate the conditions that contribute to its formation. Two ensemble machinelearning algorithms, Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were employed to forecast the occurrence of black ice using atmospheric data. Additionally, explainable artificial intelligence techniques, including Feature Importance (FI) and partial dependence Plot (PDP), were utilized to identify atmospheric conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of black ice formation. The machinelearning algorithms achieved a forecasting accuracy of 90%, demonstrating reliable performance. FI analysis revealed distinct key predictors between the algorithms: relative humidity was the most critical for RF, whereas wind speed was paramount for XGBoost. The PDP analysis identified the specific atmospheric conditions under which black ice was likely to form. This study provides detailed insights into the atmospheric precursors of frost/fog-induced black ice formation. These findings enable road managers to implement proactive winter road maintenance strategies, such as optimizing anti-icing patrol routes and displaying warnings on various message signs, thereby enhancing road safety.

Due to recent increase in the number of elderly patients, there is a problem of nutritional imbalance and immune function in the elderly due to decreased ability to consume food. To solve these problems, this study was conducted to verify an immunityenhancing effect of Sagunja-tang porridge (SP) on cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immunosuppression using an animal model. Experimental groups were set as normal control, CPA-treated group, positive control group, and SP-treated groups (0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%). Except for the normal control group, experimental groups were injected with 100 μL of CPA dissolved in 0.9% NaCl at a concentration of 150 mg/kg twice at the beginning of the experiment and 3 days later to induce immunosuppression. When spleen cell proliferation was analyzed, both B and T cells were decreased in the immunosuppressed group, but increased in test substance-treated groups in a concentration-dependent manner. To see the effect of improving immunity, levels of IgA known to protect the mucosal surface were measured. Higher levels of IgA were found in SP-low concentration (SL) and SP-middle concentration (SM) groups. These results suggest that using SP might be an effective way to improve nutritional imbalance and immune function in the elderly.

Visfatin, an adipokine secreted by cells, is crucial for intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ biosynthesis. Extracellularly, visfatin plays diverse roles in inflammatory conditions, including obesity, which is closely linked to osteoclastogenesis. We previously showed that visfatin enhances receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow-derived macrophages. However, its enzymatic activity during this process is poorly understood. Here, we investigated visfatin’s effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Our results demonstrate that visfatin promotes this differentiation, an effect inhibited by FK866, an inhibitor of visfatin’s enzymatic activity. Furthermore, FK866 also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. These findings suggest that inhibiting visfatin’s enzymatic activity modulates osteoclast differentiation. Thus, visfatin plays an important role in osteoclastogenesis, both intracellularly and extracellularly, and FK866 has therapeutic potential for diseases characterized by imbalanced osteoclast formation, such as osteoporosis and periodontitis.

This study investigates contact-induced grammatical change with specific emphasis on the prefinal imperfectives –ang and -ag in Swahili. Strategies for marking tense and aspect in Swahili and Bantu languages have been analyzed in a number of books, book chapters and articles. Despite the incontrovertible upsurge in the use of prefinal imperfectives, particularly in communicative interactions amongst the youth in urban settings, investigations into this phenomenon are scarce. Based on naturally occurring data obtained in Nairobi, Kenya and observations and interpretations, this study attempts to analyze the morphosyntactic and semantic features of prefinal imperfectives –ang and -ag in Swahili. First, background information conducive to understanding this grammatical change is provided. This includes the standardization of Swahili and its impact on present-day Swahili, strategies to mark tense and aspect in Swahili and other Bantu languages, semantic features of imperfectivity in Swahili, the prominent roles of mimesis in acquiring a second language in contact situations, the S-curve of language change and its applicability, and the disadvantages of prescriptive grammar rules. All these key concepts and topics are interrelated, and less researched topics must be included to systemically and clearly explain language change. Accordingly, this study is designed to enhance our understanding regarding one of the aspects of grammatical change from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives.

대규모 하천의 수량(river storage) 변동으로 인해 발생하는 지각 변형을 정량적으로 평가하기 위해, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 기반의 지각 변위 자료와 GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) 인공위성 중력 자료, 그리고 WaterGAP 수리 모형 산출 자료를 종합적으로 분석하였다. 우리는 아마존 강 유역에 대해 수로에 집중되어 분포하는 하천 수량 변동을 선 형태의 하중으로 모형화하고, 이로부터 유발되는 지각의 탄성 변형을 계산해 GNSS 관측치와 비교하였다. 이를 통해, 이 지역에서 발생하는 계절적 지각 변위 중 하천 수량 변동에 기인하 는 성분을 선 하중 모형으로 성공적으로 설명할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 원격 탐사 자료를 활용해 대규 모 하천의 수량 변동을 추정할 수 있을 뿐 아니라, 이를 토대로 GRACE가 관측하는 육상 물 저장량(terrestrial water storage, TWS)에서 토양 수분이나 지하수 변동 등의 개별 요소를 분리 및 검증할 수 있는 방법론을 제시한다. 나아가, 본 연구에서 제안된 접근법은 기후 변화로 인한 수문학적 재해 예측과 수자원 관리 등 다양한 분야에서 더욱 정교한 해석과 활용을 가능하게 할 것으로 기대된다.

목적: 본 연구는 우세안에 10%의 부등상을 유발한 상태에서, 대비감도, 입체시, 조절용이성, 폭주근점을 측정하고 안구운동과 독서 능력, 주시데이터를 정량적으로 평가하고자 하였다. 방법 : 교정시력이 양안 1.0 이상인 20대 성인 남녀 40명을 대상으로 하였다. 완전 교정한 후 우세안에 10% 부 등상 유발렌즈를 가입하고, 40 cm 거리에서 대비감도(Adult Near Contrast Test #587700), 입체시(Titmus fly test), 조절용이성(±2.00 D 플리퍼), 폭주근점을 측정하였다. 안구운동과 독서 능력 평가는 아이트래커를 이용하 여 측정하였다. 피검자와 디스플레이거리는 70 cm로 두었고, 주시 횟수, 주시시간, 평균주시시간, 홱보기 수, 홱보 기 폭, 눈 깜빡임 및 동공크기를 측정하였다. 독서 능력은 총 읽기 시간과 독서오류를 측정하였다. 결과 : 등상시와 10% 유발부등상시 상태에서 대비감도가 25, 5, 2.5%에서 유의하게 감소하였다(p<0.050). 입 체시, 조절용이성, 폭주근점 모두 유발부등상시 때에 유의하게 증가 및 감소하였다(p<0.050). 안구 운동 변수 중 주시 횟수만 유발부등상시에 유의하게 증가되었다(p<0.050). 결론 : 안구 운동 평가에서는 주시, 독서오류가 유의하게 증가하였다. 10% 유발부등상시는 독서 능력을 저하시 키는 것으로 나타났다. 향후 연구에서는 자각적으로 느끼는 독서 어려움에 대한 설문이 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a highly valued medicinal plant native to Aisa. Widely used as a spice, renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, clove bud extract (CBE) was prepared at different ethanol concentrations of 50%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the CBE was evaluated through DPPH, polyphenol, and reducing power assays, revealing its strong antioxidant potential, with 90% ethanol being the most effective extract. HPLC analysis identified eugenol (8.7 mg/g) as the major active compound, known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Given the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD), the therapeutic potential of CBE was explored using a 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model. Five-week-old BALB/c mice were induced with AD by topical application of DNCB. CBE was administered topically to the affected skin (back and ear) areas for 4 weeks. The treatment of CBE significantly reduced the severity of clinical dermatitis, decreased epidermal thickness, and lowered mast cell and eosinophil infiltration in skin tissue, as observed through hematoxylin eosin staining and toluidine blue staining. The results demonstrated CBE as a promising therapeutic agent for managing AD through its regulation of skin inflammation and oxidative stress, making it a potential candidate for future treatments of inflammatory skin disorders.

For centuries, humans have leveraged the health-promoting properties of plants for our well-being. While research has been conducted on numerous medicinal plants, the specific benefits of many species remain underexplored. Eupatorium Japonicum (EJ), a member of the Asteraceae family, has historically been consumed in Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam for its traditional use in soothing digestive issues. This study aimed to explore the radical scavenging and antiinflammatory efficacy of EJ extract using RAW 264.7 cells. The radical-scavenging effects were assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays, where an anti-oxidative molecule in the test sample will react with a stable free radical in DPPH and ABTS causing discoloration. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed using the nitric oxide (NO) assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, where the amount of NO produced in response to infection was measured using Griess reagent. Reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were executed to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the RNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that EJ extract decreased oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner (7.8-1,000 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox respectively. EJ extract significantly reduced NO production concentration independently. Furthermore, EJ extract showed no cytotoxic effects as determined through the MTT assay. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analyses revealed inhibition of mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6). Western blotting demonstrated EJ’s anti-inflammatory activity by reducing protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. These findings suggest that EJ extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and can be further evaluated in the future.

Baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Glutamate is a major neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function, but excessive release of glutamate causes excitotoxicity and damages cells. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in glutamate-exposed neurons. The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) was cultured in a general manner, glutamate and/or baicalin were treated on the cells. Baicalin was administered 1 hr before glutamate treatment. Cells were collected 24 hr after glutamate, and cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were performed to measure oxidative stress. Glutamate reduced cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. MTT assay showed that baicalin treatment ameliorated the decrease in cell viability due to glutamate toxicity. The effect of baicalin is dose-dependent. Glutamate caused severe nerve damage, including condensation of the cell shape, loss of dendrites and axons. However, baicalin treatment attenuated these morphological changes, and the effect of baicalin was dose-dependent. ROS and LPO analyses showed that glutamate increases oxidative stress, and baicalin attenuates this change due to glutamate toxicity. The effect of baicalin on these results was dose-dependent. We confirmed that baicalin performs an antioxidant function against glutamate toxicity in neurons. In conclusion, these results suggest that baicalin exerts neuroprotective effects on damaged neurons through antioxidant activity.

This study investigates the kinetic compensatory gait changes in a small-sized dog (4.2 kg, 2-year-old spayed female poodle) with experimentally induced lameness. Reversible lameness was induced by applying silicone pads to the dog's forelimbs and hindlimbs. A force plate analysis system was used to measure Peak Vertical Force (PVF) and Symmetry Index (SI) during normal and induced lameness conditions. The results showed significant reductions in PVF in the induced limbs. Specifically, the left forelimb’s PVF decreased from 139.00 ± 9.85% in normal gait to 88.00 ± 19.05% after lameness induction, and the right forelimb’s PVF decreased from 130.33 ± 5.51% to 78.00 ± 18.52%. In contrast, compensatory increases were observed in the contralateral limbs, with the PVF of the contralateral forelimb increasing to 125.33 ± 1.15%. Similar patterns were observed in the hindlimbs, although the changes were less pronounced. The Symmetry Index (SI) values also increased in the induced limbs, particularly in the forelimbs (ILF: 53.10 ± 22.85%, IRF: 72.17 ± 15.08%), indicating greater asymmetry. These results suggest that forelimb lameness in small dogs results in more significant compensatory gait changes than hindlimb lameness.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caused by the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins, activates the unfolded protein response to maintain cellular homeostasis and is implicated in bacterial infections. This study investigated ER stress activation in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis , Prevotella intermedia , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , and Streptococcus oralis at an multiplicity of infection of 50 for 4 hours. mRNA and protein expressions related to ER stress were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, while pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. P. gingivalis induced the highest mRNA expression of XBP1 and PERK, whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans showed elevated GRP78, ATF6, IRE1α, ATF4, and CHOP. P. intermedia strongly expressed PERK, while S. oralis showed higher GRP78, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP expression. Protein analysis revealed S. oralis had the highest phosphorylation levels of eIF2α and IRE1α, while CHOP was most highly expressed in P. intermedia . Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression showed P. intermedia and P. gingivalis elicited the most TNF-α, while P. gingivalis induced the highest IL-1β levels. These findings suggest oral bacteria induce varying levels of ER stress, influencing the progression of oral infectious diseases. Targeting ER stress could offer therapeutic potential for managing inflammatory conditions like periodontitis.

Fine dust absorbed into our body through the skin causes various inflammatory responses in skin cells and accelerates skin aging. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Allomyrina dichotoma larvae, approved as edible ingredients, as inhibitor for fine dust-induced inflammaging. The anti-inflammaging effects of aqueous ethanolic Allomyrina dichotoma larvae extract (ADLE) against ERM-CZ100 were evaluated at the cellular level. Biochemical responses associated with cell damage in human dermal fibroblasts were assessed by measuring intracellular ROS, DNA fragmentation, β-galactosidase activity, cytokines, and protein expression. Exposure to ERM-CZ100 increased ROS production, DNA fragments, and β-galactosidase activity, which reduced cell viability. However, these detrimental effects were significantly mitigated by co-treatment with ADLE. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by ERM-CZ100 was decreased by ADLE treatment, which was further corroborated by a reduction in COX2 protein expression. Additionally, ADLE restored the elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 levels and reduced COL1A1 expression caused by ERM-CZ100 exposure. In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that ADLE not only holds nutritional value as a potential future food resource but also exhibits promising properties as a novel material for treating inflammation. Moreover, it demonstrates a positive effect in preventing skin aging caused by environmental pollution.

This experimental study aimed to determine the anti-obesity effects of burdock(Arctium lapp L.) extract and processed (Beopje) burdock extract in a high fat diet-induced obesity model. When burdock extract was orally administered at a concentration of 250 mg/kg BW and the Beopje burdock extract was administered at 250 and 500 mg/kg BW, they significantly decreased body weights increased by a high-fat diet, improved food efficiency ratio, decreased adipose tissue weight by site, and significantly decreased blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels. Blood ALT and AST contents as liver function-related indices increased by the high fat diet were significantly decreased by the Beopje burdock extract. Results of histological analysis of the liver showed that the Beopje burdock extract alleviated fatty liver phenomenon induced by a high-fat diet. In addition, levels of blood TNF-α, IL-6, and IL1-β increased by a high-fat diet were significantly decreased by ALB-L and ALB-H. Therefore, Beopje burdock extract can improve obesity in a high-fat diet-induced obese animal model by improving blood lipids and blood biochemical indices, increasing body water, and decreasing body fat more than the burdock extract.

저층 건축물의 횡-비틀림 거동은 고차모드 효과를 증폭시킬 수 있으며, 내진성능평가 시 관련 기준은 고차모드 지배 구조물에 대해 비선형정적해석과 함께 선형동적해석을 추가로 수행하도록 규정하고 있다. 선형동적절차에는 상당한 안전계수가 적용되므로, 이는 과도한 내진보강설계로 이어질 수 있다. 이를 방지하기 위해 엔지니어들은 내진보강 시 고차모드 효과를 줄이기 위해 시행착오법을 사용해 왔다. 그러나 시행착오법에는 많은 시간과 노력이 소요되며, 결정된 보강안이 최적인지 확인하기 어렵다. 본 연구는 저층 건 축물의 수학적 모델을 수립하고 응답스펙트럼해석을 통해 고차모드 효과에 비틀림이 독립적으로 미치는 영향을 파악하였다. 이를 바탕으로 효율적인 내진보강 설계를 위해 활용될 수 있는 도표와 절차를 제시하였다. 제시된 절차를 통해 최소한의 내진보강으로 횡- 비틀림 거동하는 저층 건축물의 고차모드 효과를 효율적으로 감소시킬 수 있음을 확인하였다.

본 연구에서는 방사선조사 유발 체적팽창(RIVE)이 원자력 발전소의 콘크리트 생체 차폐벽의 구조 건전성에 미치는 영향을 확인하 고자 하였다. 이를 위해 원자로 압력용기 감시 프로그램의 데이터를 사용하여 콘크리트 생체 차폐벽의 누적 중성자 조사 수준을 추정 하는 방법으로 원자로 압력용기(RPV) 내부 표면에서 차폐벽 외부까지의 누적 조사량의 감쇠를 계산하는 과정을 설명하고 콘크리트 의 방사선 조사 유발 체적팽창에 대한 모델을 제시하였다. 콘크리트 생체 차폐벽의 응력 상태는 온도의 영향을 받을 수 있기 때문에 방사선조사유발 체적팽창 효과와 더불어 운전 중 차폐벽의 온도 상승 효과도 고려하였다. 콘크리트 생체 차폐벽 구조에 대한 방사선 조사 유발 체적팽창과 온도의 영향을 평가한 결과, 차폐벽의 안쪽 표면 부근 영역의 압축 응력이 국부적으로 콘크리트의 압축 강도 한 계를 초과할 수 있으며, 외부 영역의 인장 응력은 균열을 유발할 가능성이 있음을 확인할 수 있었다. 또한 중성자 누적 조사량이 증가 하면 응력도 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 온도도 차폐벽의 응력 상태에 영향을 미치지만, 그 영향은 방사선조사 유발 체적팽창의 효과에 비해 그다지 크지 않았다. 향후 추가 연구를 통해 차폐구조물의 보다 현실적인 기하학적 구조, 중성자 조사량 분포, 그리고 차폐벽 내 부 보강 철근 요소 등을 포함하는 상세 모델을 바탕으로 콘크리트 생체 차폐벽에 설치되는 압력용기 지지 구조물 및 앵커 시스템에 대 한 영향 평가를 수행할 계획이다.

Acneiform eruptions are skin diseases that mimic acne vulgaris but lacking typical follicular blockage features. Acne vulgaris and some granulomatous variants of acneiform eruptions can involve Cutibacterium acnes, an anaerobic opportunistic bacterium; however, some cases remain resistant to standard antibiotics treatments. We report a 56-year-old male with facial acneiform granulomas unresponsive to long-term antibiotic and steroid treatments. The patient had no history of additional medications or other diseases, except symptomatic apical periodontitis in a molar toot. Both facial skin and dental lesions shared a key finding, intracellular infection of C. acnes within macrophages, despite differing histopathological features. The facial acneiform eruptions did not respond to initial minocycline treatment. However, following extraction of the infected tooth, the facial granuloma responded to the antibiotics and resolved without complications. PCR analysis confirmed C. acnes DNA in both the dental and skin biopsies. This case indicates the C. acnes-associated oral-skin-microbiome axis although a direct causal link between the distinct lesions could not be fully established. Odontogenic infection may act as reservoirs, impairing efficacy of antibiotic treatment. We recommend dental evaluation for case of facial acneiform granulomas that do not respond to antibiotics alone.

Skeletal muscle is an organ that regulates biological metabolic energy. Its dysfunction causes decline of body functions and disability, thus deteriorating the overall quality of life. Various materials are being developed with an anti-sarcolytic effect. However, anti-sarcolytic effect of Sinomenium acutum rhizomes extract (SAE) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anti-muscle atrophy effects of SAE and its alkaloids, including sinomenine (SIN), magnoflorine (MF), acutumine (ACU), and N-ferultyramine (NFT) isolated from SAE, on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced myotubules. C2C12 myogenic cells differentiated for 6 days were treated with 1 mM Dex for 24 hours. Induction of muscular atrophy was confirmed by a decrease in myogenin expression. We found that Dex increased expression levels of muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx/atrogin-1. However, mRNA and protein levels of these muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases were significantly reduced by cotreatment with SIN, MF, and NFT in myotubes. Glucose uptake reduced by Dex in myotubules were also restored by SIN, MF, and NFT treatments. These results suggest that SIN, MF, and NFT can reduce muscle wasting and enhance glucose uptake in Dex-treated myotubes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents to prevent muscle atrophy.