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The use of indium oxide (In2O3) and indium-metal hybrids for various applications, including the manufacture of batteries and liquid crystal displays, increases the chances of human exposure to In2O3 via inhalation, especially in occupational settings. However, there is little information available on the toxic effects of In2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) on secondary organs following pulmonary exposure. In this study, we evaluated the effect of In2O3 NPs on atherosclerotic plaque formation and the related mechanisms after pulmonary exposure in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr−/−) mice. At 10 weeks after a single pharyngeal aspiration, In2O3 NPs caused chronic active inflammation, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the peribronchial and perivascular areas of the lungs. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue, including TNF-α and MCP-1, was markedly increased by treatment with In2O3 NPs. In the In2O3 NP-treated groups, the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in the plasma were increased, whereas HDL cholesterol showed no significant changes compared to vehicle control. The formation of atherosclerotic lesions was increased by treatment with In2O3 NPs. Real-time PCR analysis of the aorta showed that IL-6 and MCP-1 expression was up-regulated upon treatment with In2O3 NPs. These results suggested that the pulmonary inflammation induced by In2O3 NPs aggravates the progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation, possibly by the alteration of the plasma lipid profile and enhancement of the aortic inflammatory processes.

Objective AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) plays an important role as a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), but the clinical application of ARID1A remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze clinicopathological parameters, molecular interactions and immune-infiltration in patients with low ARID1A expression and to provide candidate target drugs. Methods We investigated the clinicopathologic parameters, specific gene sets/genes, and immunological relevance according to ARID1A expression in 998 OCCC patients from 12 eligible studies (using meta-analyses); 30 OCCC patients from the Hanyang University Guri Hospital (HYGH) cohort; and 52 OCCC patients from gene set enrichment (GSE) 65986 (25 patients), 63885 (9 patients), and 54809 (6 patients and 12 healthy people) of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We analyzed network-based pathways based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and performed in vitro drug screening. Results Low ARID1A expression was associated with poor survival in OCCC from the meta-analysis, HYGH cohort and GEO data. In GSEA, low ARID1A expression was related to the tumor invasion process as well as a low immune-infiltration. In silico cytometry showed that CD8 T cells were decreased with low ARID1A expression. In pathway analysis, ARID1A was associated with angiogenic endothelial cell signaling. In vitro drug screening revealed that cabozantinib and bicalutamide effectively inhibited specific hub genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A and androgen receptor, in OCCC cells with low ARID1A expression. Conclusions Therapeutic strategies making use of low ARID1A could contribute to better clinical management/research for patients with OCCC.

We demonstrate a systematic approach to produce colored films based on hierarchical structures of peptide amphiphiles and their application for detecting gaseous aldehydes. Lysine-rich peptide amphiphiles (LRPAs) were designed to spontaneously self-assemble into nanofibers, which were deposited to form the colored films on solid substrates via controlled evaporation of the meniscus using a facile dipping-pulling method. The control of assembly conditions such as pH, concentration, and pulling speed enable the manifestation of film colors in a controllable way. When exposed to aldehyde gases, the color band pattern exhibited large color change due to structural change of the matrices which occur upon specific binding of aldehydes to lysine motifs. The statistical analysis of the color-change showed that the LRPA-based band patterns exhibit excellent selectivity toward aldehydes over non-aldehyde gases. We expect that our method will expedite the development of inexpensive, rapid and user-friendly aldehyde detection systems with on-site monitoring capabilities.

Rationale: Monocyte infiltration into the subintimal space and its intracellular lipid accumulation are the most prominent features of atherosclerosis. To understand the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease, we need to understand the characteristics of lipid-laden foamy macrophages in the subintimal space during atherosclerosis. Objective: We sought to examine the transcriptomic profiles of foamy and nonfoamy macrophages isolated from atherosclerotic intima. Methods and Results: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of CD45 + leukocytes from murine atherosclerotic aorta revealed that there are macrophage subpopulations with distinct differentially expressed genes involved in various functional pathways. To specifically characterize the intimal foamy macrophages of plaque, we developed a lipid staining–based flow cytometric method for analyzing the lipid-laden foam cells of atherosclerotic aortas. We used the fluorescent lipid probe BODIPY493/503 and assessed side-scattered light as an indication of cellular granularity. BODIPY hi SSC hi foamy macrophages were found residing in intima and expressing CD11c. Foamy macrophage accumulation determined by flow cytometry was positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerosis. Bulk RNA sequencing analysis showed that compared with nonfoamy macrophages, foamy macrophages expressed few inflammatory genes but many lipid-processing genes. Intimal nonfoamy macrophages formed the major population expressing IL (interleukin)-1β and many other inflammatory transcripts in atherosclerotic aorta. Conclusions: RNA sequencing analysis of intimal macrophages from atherosclerotic aorta revealed that lipid-loaded plaque macrophages are not likely the plaque macrophages that drive lesional inflammation.

본 연구에서는 마른진흙버섯 자실체를 메탄올과 열수를 이용해 추출한 물질의 anti-xanthine oxidase, anti-cholinesterase 및 염증 저해 효과에 대한 연구를 수행하였다. 마른진흙버섯 자실체의 메탄올 추출물과 열수 추출물의 xanthine oxidase에 대한 저해효과는 양성대조군으로 사용한 allopurinol과 대등하게 높은 효과를 나타냈다. Acetylcholinesterase에 대한 메탄올 추출물의 1.0∼2.0 mg/mL 농도에서의 저해활성은 양성대조군인 galanthamine과 유사하게 높았지만 butyrylcholinesterase에 대한 메탄올과 열수 추출물의 저해활성은 양성대조군에 비해 실험에 사용한 모든 농도범위에서 유의하게 낮았다. PC-12 세포에 glutamate의 처리에 의해 유도된 독성은 40 mg/mL와 100 mg/mL 농도의 메탄올 추출물과 100 mg/mL 농도의 열수 추출물의 처리에 의해 크게 완화되어 PC-12 세포의 생존율이 유의하게 증가하는 것이 관찰되었다. 마른진흙버섯의 메탄올과 열수 추출물의 염증 저해 실험에서 RAW 264.7 대식세포에 메탄올 추출물을 2.0 mg/mL 농도로 처리하고 염증을 매개하는 LPS를 추가로 투여한 후 RAW 264.7 세포에 생성되는 NO를 측정한 결과, 양성대조군에 비해 3.37배 높은 저해효과를 나타냈고, 처리한 자실체 메탄올 추출물의 농도가 증가함에 따라 생성된 NO의 양이 현저하게 감소하는 경향을 나타내었다. 또한 기염제인 carrageenan에 의해 흰쥐 뒷발에 유도된 부종 저해 실험에서는 투여한 버섯 추출물의 농도가 증가함에 따라 흰쥐의 뒷발에 유도된 부종의 용적이 농도 의존적으로 감소하는 경향을 나타냈다. 따라서 마른진흙버섯 자실체에 함유된 물질은 acetylcholinesterase과 butyrylcholinesterase 등의 cholinesterase에 대한 저해작용과 glutamate에 의해 유도된 PC-12세포의 독성을 완화하고 또한 염증을 저해하는 효과를 나타내 기억력이 감퇴되는 초기 알츠하이머병과 염증을 완화하는 천연 소염제로의 이용이 가능할 것으로 사료된다.

We report a gold ion-mediated self-assembled tyrosine-rich peptide (TRP) spherical nanostructure with gold nanoparticle (AuNP) satellites (YC7@Ausat). We clarified that non-reduced gold ions, coordinated with TPRs are not only one another critical driving force for TRP spherical self-assembly together with instant thermal transition, but also play a key role to determine the spherical shape of TRP nanostructures. Furthermore, the pH and the concentrations (buffer, peptides, and AuCl4−) are considered as important parameters to obtain optimal YC7@Ausat nanostructures. In addition, plasmonic properties of YC7@Ausat nanostructures were investigated for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications.

Organic-inorganic hybrid layer-by-layer (LBL) composite structures can not only increase the strength and ductility of materials but also well disperse nanomaterials for better-conducting pathways. Here, we discovered the self-assembly process of an organic and silver (Ag) LBL hybrid structure having excellent sustainability during the long-term bending cycle. During the assembly process, the organic and Ag hybrid structure can be self-assembled into a layered structure. Unlike other conventional LBL fabrication processes, we applied the hydrogel scaffold of a biological polymer, which can spontaneously phase separate into an LBL structure in a water/alcohol solvent system. This new hydrogel-based Ag LBL patterns can successfully be printed on a flexible polyimide film without nozzle-clogging problem. Although these Ag LBL patterns cracked during the bending cycle, carbonized organic compounds between the Ag layers help to self-heal within few minutes at a low temperature (

Here, we describe a rapid and efficient synthetic method of peptide-conjugated perylene diimide (P-PDI) using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Due to severe insolubility of perylene dianhydride (PDA) as a starting material of perylene diimide (PDI), PDA was initially conjugated with amino acids to obtain soluble PDI derivatives. Target peptides were synthesized on a 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin using the SPPS method and then conjugated with the amino acid-appended PDI. Various conditions such as loading levels, reaction times and solvents were optimized for introducing the peptides to both sides of the amino acid-appended PDI. The final P-PDI was obtained with a maximum yield of 80% in 12 h. Its singlet oxygen-derived phototoxicity on cells was confirmed, which could be applicable to photodynamic therapy.

Recently, an alginate hydrogel containing amphiphilic liposomes was suggested for application to an antifouling coating. In this study, we investigate the shaping characteristics of the alginate hydrogel by a spraying method for application to the coating. Sodium alginate droplets from the spraying nozzle are known to be differently shaped by several external forces during the encapsulation process when such a droplet impacts onto the surfaces of liquid containing calcium ions. We adopted a two-fluid spraying method for fast alginate droplets with a scalable size suitable for mass production. Various shapes, such as mushroom, petal, sphere, and thin-sheet alginate hydrogel shapes containing liposomes, were obtained via this experimental approach. Supported by a theoretical analysis, we determined regimes for the various shapes depending on the droplet size and the concentration of the sodium alginate solution. Alginate hydrogel of different shapes based on the regimes will be used for the coating throughout a different post-processing.

This study is about how peptide sequences can control the assembly and growth of gold nanomaterials. Two cysteine-containing sequences, YYCYY and glutathione (GSH), have been newly identified as assembly motifs to control the resulting two-dimensional (2D) morphology. Cysteine interacts with gold ions and the gold surface to initiate nucleation and control growth. YYCYY forms a flat, 2D, gold-decorated film and GSH results in twisted, petal-like structures. By conducting a comparative study of these two sequences, the important role of peptide folding in the gold atom assembly process is investigated.

노루궁뎅이버섯의 자실체가 고지방과 콜레스테롤을 급여한 Sprague Dawley계 암컷 흰쥐의 지질대사와 생리활성에 미치는 영향을 조사하고자 생후 5주령의 흰쥐에 표준 식이를 급여한 정상군(NC군), 표준 식이에 15%의 돈지와 1%의 콜레스테롤을 첨가한 식이를 급여한 고지방ㆍ콜레스테롤군(HFC군), 고지방ㆍ콜레스테롤 식이에 노루궁뎅이버섯 자실체 분말을 5% 첨가한 군(HFC+HE군) 등 총 3개의 군으로 나누어 6주간 실험을 진행하였다. 실험동물의 체중증가와 식이효율은 HFC군에 비해 HFC+HE군이 유의하게 감소하여 NC군과 유사한 수준을 나타냈다. 식이섭취량은 NC군과 HFC군에 비해 HFC+HE군이 유의하게 낮았다. HFC+HE군의 혈청 총콜레스테롤, LDL-콜레스테롤의 농도는 NC군과 HFC군에 비해 유의하게 낮았고 동맥경화지수(AI)도 NC군과 HFC군에 비해 유의성 있게 낮았다. 그러나 혈청의 중성지방 농도는 NC군에 비해 유의성은 없었으나 HFC군에 비해 유의하게 낮았다. HFC+HE의 혈청 알부민, 크레아티닌, 요산 및 총단백질의 농도는 NC군의 수준을 나타냈다. 혈청의 AST, ALT 및 ALP 활성은 NC군과 유사하였으나 HFC군에 비해 유의하게 낮았다. 실험 5∼6주에 배출된 변을 채취하여 총지질과 총콜레스테롤의 양을 분석한 결과 NC군과 HFC군에 비해 변의 총지질과 총콜레스테롤 함량이 유의하게 높아 변으로 배출된 총지질과 총콜레스테롤의 양이 많게 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 고지방ㆍ콜레스테롤식이에 5%의 노루궁뎅이버섯 자실체 분말을 첨가한 식이를 급여한 흰쥐의 체중은 정상군의 수준을 유지하였고, 혈청의 총콜레스테롤, LDL-콜레스테롤 및 중성지질의 농도도 정상군과 유사하게 낮았으며, 동맥경화지수도 낮아 노루궁뎅이버섯이 흰쥐의 지질대사를 정상으로 유지시키는 효과를 나타내는 것으로 사료되었다.

Droplet deposition processes by the mechanisms of either aerodynamics or electrostatic spray have been widely studied in various applications such as aerosol generators, thin film coatings, and nanoparticle formations. Among the current state-of-art methodologies, air spray deposition can produce small-sized droplets without fine control on their sizes and uniformity in deposited thin films. Conventional electrospray depositions, on the other hand, can fabricate thin films with good uniform with a relatively slow deposition speed. In this paper, a hybrid mechanism by means of aerodynamic and electrostatic deposition is investigated and demonstrated to allow high throughput and improved uniformity for thin film depositions. It utilizes both the electrostatic force and aerodynamic force to atomize the liquid and control the droplet spraying process with good stability/repeatability. A uniform thin TiO2 film has been deposited as the demonstration example using this method. The velocities and trajectories of droplets during the deposition process have been characterized under different experimental parameters by using the technique of particle image velocimetry (PIV). This hybrid thin film fabrication method could be applicable in several industrial processes for better uniformity in making transparent electrodes, solar cells, displays, and automobiles.

Eumelanin-supported palladium (Pd) nanoparticle (NP) catalysts was found to exhibit excellent catalytic activities with high turnover number (TON, 2000) and turnover frequency (TOF, 1000 h−1) for Suzuki cross coupling reaction of aryl chlorides in water. We propose that the amphiphilic property of the eumelanin support helps Pd NPs to catalyse the C–C coupling reaction in water through hydrophobic effect.

Although self-assembly of various peptides has been widely applied, it is challenging to obtain single-crystalline and layer-by-layered nanostructures in a two-dimensional system. Here, we report a method for controlling the morphology and crystal growth at room temperature by a redox-active peptide template that can specifically co-assemble with metal ions. During the crystal growth, a silver ion-coordinated α-helical peptide (+3HN-YYACAYY-COO-) induces long-range atomic ordering at the air/water interface, which leads to multilayered single-crystalline silver nanosheets without an additional annealing process. Furthermore, this peptide template can facilitate efficient electron transfer between the independent metal nanosheets to improve electrochemical properties. We expect that this peptide template-based single-crystal growth method can be extended to synthesize other materials.

In a nanowire dispersed in liquid droplets, the interplay between the surface tension of the liquid and the elasticity of the nanowire determines the final morphology of the bent or buckled nanowire. Here, we investigate the fabrication of a silver nanowire ring generated as the nanowire encapsulated inside of fine droplets. We used a hybrid aerodynamic and electrostatic atomization method to ensure the generation of droplets with scalable size in the necessary regime for ring formation. We analytically calculate the compressive force of the droplet driven by surface tension as the key mechanism for the self-assembly of ring structures. Thus, for potential large-scale manufacturing, the droplet size provides a convenient parameter to control the realization of ring structures from nanowires.

Here, we report on the performance and the characterization of all solution-processable top-contact organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) consisting of a natural-resourced triacetate cellulose gate dielectric and a representative hole-transport poly[2,5-bis(3-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (pBTTT) semiconductor layer on rigid or flexible substrates. The bio-based triacetate cellulose layer has an important role in the OTFT fabrication because it provides the pBTTT semiconducting polymer with highly suitable gate dielectric properties including a low surface roughness, hydrophobic surface, appropriate dielectric constant, and low leakage current. The triacetate cellulose gate dielectric-based pBTTT OTFTs exhibit an average filed-effect mobility of 0.031 cm2/Vs similar to that obtained from a SiO2 gate dielectric-based OTFT device in ambient conditions. Even after a bending stimulation of 100 times and in an outward bending state, the flexible triacetate cellulose gate pBTTT OTFT device still showed excellent electrical device performance without any hysteresis.

One of the important challenges in the development of protein-mimetic materials is understanding the sequence-specific assembly behavior and dynamic folding change. Conventional strategies for constructing two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures from peptides have been limited to using β-sheet forming sequences as building blocks due to their natural tendency to form sheet-like aggregations. We have identified a peptide sequence (YFCFY) that can form dimers via a disulfide bridge, fold into a helix, and assemble into macroscopic flat sheets at the air/water interface. Due to the large driving force for 2D assembly and high elastic modulus of the resulting sheet, the peptide assembly induces flattening of the initially round water droplet. Additionally, we found that stabilization of the helix by dimerization is a key determinant for maintaining macroscopic flatness over a few tens of centimeters even with a uniform thickness of10 nm. Furthermore, the ability to transfer the sheets from a water droplet to another substrate allows for multiple stacking of 2D peptide nanostructures, suggesting possible applications in biomimetic catalysis, biosensors, and 2D related electronic devices.

// Yun-Jung Choi 1 , Sangiliyandi Gurunathan 1 , DaSom Kim 1 , Hyung Seok Jang 2 , Woo-Jin Park 1 , Ssang-Goo Cho 1 , Chankyu Park 1 , Hyuk Song 1 , Han Geuk Seo 1 and Jin-Hoi Kim 1 1 Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Humanized Pig Research Center (SRC), Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic Korea 2 Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Medical Center, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Correspondence to: Jin-Hoi Kim, email: // Keywords : chitosan nanoparticles, Rapamycin, preimplantation, autophagy, ER stress Received : June 13, 2016 Accepted : July 14, 2016 Published : July 24, 2016 Abstract Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are used as drug or gene delivery vehicles. However, a detailed understanding of the effects of CSNPs on embryonic development remains obscure. Here, we show that CSNPs can be internalized into mouse blastocysts, such as the zona pellucida, the perivitelline space, and the cytoplasm. Consequently, CSNPs-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress increases both of Bip/Grp78, Chop, Atf4, Perk, and Ire1a mRNAs expression levels, and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, CSNPs show double- and multi-membraned autophagic vesicles, and lead to cell death of blastocoels. Conversely, treatment with rapamycin, which plays an important role as a central regulator of cellular proliferation and stress responses, decreased CSNPs-induced mitochondrial Ca +2 overloading, apoptosis, oxidative stress, ER stress, and autophagy. In vivo studies demonstrated that CSNPs injection has significant toxic effect on primordial and developing follicles. Notably, rapamycin rescued oxidative stress-induced embryonic defects via modulating gene expression of sirtuin and mammalian target of rapamycin. Interestingly, CSNPs treatment alters epigenetic reprogramming in mouse embryos. Overall , these observations suggest that rapamycin treatment could ameliorate CSNPs-induced developmental defects in preimplantation embryos. The data from this study would facilitate to understand the toxicity of these CSNPs, and enable the engineering of safer nanomaterials for therapeutic applications.

A highly efficient two-dimensional (2D) nanocatalyst for the aerobic oxidation of amines, consisting of ruthenium-exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (Ru@E-MoS2), was investigated. As-synthesized Ru@E-MoS2 yielded the nitriles from various aromatic, aliphatic, allylic, and heteroatomic amines with high selectivity in molecular oxygen as terminal oxidants. The Ru@E-MoS2 experienced an improved catalytic activity for benzylamine and p-substituted benzylamine derivatives and produced good turnover numbers (TONs) for aliphatic amines. Moreover, the heterogeneous Ru@E-MoS2 nanocatalyst maintained its catalytic performance for five cycles of benzylamine oxidation reaction.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are unique bone-marrow-derived cells that produce large amounts of type I interferon in response to microbial stimulation. Furthermore, pDCs also promote T cell tolerance in sterile-inflammation conditions. However, the immunomodulatory role of aortic pDCs in atherosclerosis has been poorly understood. Here, we identified functional mouse and human pDCs in the aortic intima and showed that selective, inducible pDC depletion in mice exacerbates atherosclerosis. Aortic pDCs expressed CCR9 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), an enzyme involved in driving the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). As a consequence, loss of pDCs resulted in decreased numbers of Tregs and reduced IL-10 levels in the aorta. Moreover, antigen presentation by pDCs expanded antigen-specific Tregs in the atherosclerotic aorta. Notably, Tregs ablation affected pDC homeostasis in diseased aorta. Accordingly, pDCs in human atherosclerotic aortas colocalized with Tregs. Collectively, we identified a mechanism of atheroprotection mediated by tolerogenic aortic pDCs.

We present covalently self-assembled peptide hollow nanocapsule and peptide lamella. These biomimetic dityrosine peptide nanostructures are synthesized by one-step photopolymerization of a tyrosine-rich short peptide without the aid of a template. This simple approach offers direct synthesis of fluorescent peptide nanocages and free-standing thin films. The simple crosslinked peptide lamella films provide robust mechanical properties with an elastic modulus of approximately 30 GPa and a hardness of 740 MPa. These nanostructures also allow for the design of peptidosomes. The approach taken here represents a rare example of covalent self-assembly of short peptides into nano-objects, which may be useful as microcompartments and separation membranes.

The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AM) is a constituent of various Qi booster compound prescriptions. We evaluated inflammatory responses in macrophages and T cells isolated from mice following oral administration of AM water extract (AME). Peritoneal exudate cells were isolated from thioglycollate-injected mice and alterations in scavenger receptors were examined. Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum cytokine responses to intraperitoneal LPS injection were also evaluated. Splenocytes were isolated and their composition and functional responses were measured. The content of atractylenolide I and atractylenolide III, known anti-inflammatory ingredients, in AME was 0.0338 mg/g extract and 0.565 mg/g extract, respectively. AME increased the number of SRA(+)CD11b(+) cells in response to thioglycollate. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from the AME group showed no changes in inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 but exhibited a decrease in CD86 expression. Interestingly, AME decreased the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 upon intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Regarding the adaptive immune system, AME increased the CD4(+) T cell population and major histocompatibility complex class II molecule expression in the spleen, and cultured splenocytes from the AME group showed increased production of IL-4 concurrent with decreased interferon-γ production during T cell activation. AME promoted the replenishment of peritoneal macrophages during the inflammatory response but its anti-inflammatory activity did not appear to be mediated by the modulation of macrophage activity. AME also altered the immune status of CD4 T cells, promoting the Th2 response.

신령버섯(Agaricus brasilliensis)는 식용과 약용으로 사용되고 있는 담자균류에 속하는 버섯이다. 본 연구에서는 신령버섯의 자실체를 메탄올과 열수를 이용해 추출한 물질의 항산화, 항당뇨 및 nitric oxide 생성 저해 효과에 대한 실험을 수행하였다. 고속액체 크로마토그래피를 이용해 이 버섯 자실체 추출물의 페놀성 화합물을 분석한 결과 gallic acid, procatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, (-)-epicatechin, vanillin, rutin hydrate, naringin, quercetin, formononetin, biochanin-A 등 총 10종류의 페놀성 화합물이 확인되었다. 항산화 효과 실험에서 메탄올 추출물의 DPPH radical 소거능은 양성대조군으로 사용한 BHT에 비해 낮았지만 비교적 효과가 우수하였으며, 철 이온 제거 항산화 효과는 메탄올 추출물이 양성대조군인 BHT에 비해 모든 실험 농도에서 유의성 있게 높았다. 환원력의 경우 이 버섯의 추출물은 양성대조군에 비해 모두 모든 농도에서 효과가 낮게 나타났다. 항당뇨 실험에서 α-glucosidase에 대한 메탄올추출물의 저해효과는 1.0 mg/mL와 2.0 mg/mL의 농도에서 각각 54.48%와 78.43%를 보여 양성대조군인 acarbose의 51.77%과 81.81%에 비해 조금 낮았다. 염증저해 효과 실험에서 RAW 264.7 대식세포가 배양되고 있는 배지에 신령버섯 자실체의 메탄올과 열수추출물을 각각 전 처리 한 후 염증매개 물질인 LPS를 투여하여 메탄올과 열수 추출물의 NO 생성 저해효과를 조사한 결과 추출물의 농도가 증가함에 따라 대식세포에 생성된 NO의 양이 감소하는 경향을 나타내어 높은 농도에서 저해효과가 우수한 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 신령버섯의 자실체에는 항산화, 항당뇨, 및 항염증 효과를 나타내는 천연물질이 함유되어 있어서 이를 섭취할 경우 건강에 유용한 것으로 생각되었다.

‘Tight junctions (TJ)’ have recently been identified in the granular cell layer of the human epidermis, where they contribute to the normal adhesion between keratinocytes and to the physiologic barrier function of the epidermis. Among the TJ proteins in the epidermis, occludin is an important transmembrane protein, which is considered as a major component. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether regional variation exists in the expression of the tight junction protein occludin in normal human epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence staining for occludin was performed with specimens taken from different areas of normal skin (4 from each of 7 different anatomical sites, including the scalp, face, posterior neck, upper arm, abdomen, lower back, and inner thigh). The degrees of the expression-intensity in each specimen were estim ated with the reciprocals of positive end-point titer of occludin in an indirect immunofluorescence study. The highest degree expression-intensity of the TJ protein occludin among the different areas of normal epidermis was observed on the face and abdomen with a titer of 600 (p=0.001). The lowest intensity of expression of occludin was seen in the epidermis from the upper arm. Skin specimens from the scalp, neck, back, and leg demonstrated intermediate degrees of the expression in intensity. The expression of occludin in the skin samples obtained from different locations of the body showed a statistically significant variation. This suggests that there is a certain degree of regional variation in the expression-intensity of TJ protein ‘occludin’ in the human epidermis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in concentration according to the position at the left or right shoulder within a 30 cm of radius of workers' respirators and provide basic data for the establishment of an industrial health policy. Methods: Personal samples were collected from a total of 65 workers from 27 manufacturing firms in South Gyeongsang-do Province from November 5, 2011 to December 30, 2012 after classifying the laborers into left- and right-side groups. The organic compound samples were collected and analyzed in accordance with the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) 1501. Results: In terms of the concentration of organic compounds collected from both left and right shoulders at the position of workers' respirators, isobutyl acetate was the highest with 145 ppm at the left shoulder, followed by ethyl acetate (133.5 ppm) and toluene (38.13 ppm). At the right shoulder, on the contrary, ethyl acetate (149.3 ppm) was the highest, followed by toluene (46.26 ppm), xylene (29.63ppm) and isopropyl alcohol (28.06 ppm). Overall, the right shoulder was higher than the left shoulder in terms of concentrations. Conclusions: For the measurement of the working environment, workers' personal samples should be collected at the place closest to the respirator. In terms of the reduction of error, the attachment of two sample media is expected to reduce errors in exposure assessment.

Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains remain responsible for the majority of diseases caused by mycobacterial infections worldwide, the increase in HIV (human immuno deficiency virus) infections has allowed for the emergence of other non-tuberculous mycobacteria as clinically significant pathogens. M. tuberculosis was detected by two-tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria was detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Msp I. Result of niacin test is equal to result of two-tube nested PCR after culture for M. tuberculosis. In this study, acid fast bacilli stain (AFB. stain) ＞2+ case, Detection of Mycobacteria is similar to result before culture and after culture. AFB. stain ＜1+ case, result of mycobacteria is distinguished. Conclusionly, these results suggest that identification of mycobacteria must go side by side both culture and PCR for more fast and accuracy.

The rhizome ofAtractylodes macrocephalaKoidz (AM) is a constituent of various Qi booster compound prescriptions. We evaluated inflammatory responses in macrophages and T cells isolated from mice following oral administration of AM water extract (AME). Peritoneal exudate cells were isolated from thioglycollate-injected mice and alterations in scavenger receptors were examined. Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serum cytokine responses to intraperitoneal LPS injection were also evaluated. Splenocytes were isolated and their composition and functional responses were measured. The content of atractylenolide I and atractylenolide III, known anti-inflammatory ingredients, in AME was 0.0338 mg/g extract and 0.565 mg/g extract, respectively. AME increased the number of SRA(+)CD11b(+) cells in response to thioglycollate. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from the AME group showed no changes in inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 but exhibited a decrease in CD86 expression. Interestingly, AME decreased the serum levels of TNF-αand IL-6 upon intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Regarding the adaptive immune system, AME increased the CD4(+) T cell population and major histocompatibility complex class II molecule expression in the spleen, and cultured splenocytes from the AME group showed increased production of IL-4 concurrent with decreased interferon-γproduction during T cell activation. AME promoted the replenishment of peritoneal macrophages during the inflammatory response but its anti-inflammatory activity did not appear to be mediated by the modulation of macrophage activity. AME also altered the immune status of CD4 T cells, promoting the Th2 response.

We have successfully demonstrated an on-chip, passive temperature shock recording chip to memorize temperature events in its electrical resistance with ultrahigh sensitivity — 4 orders of sheet resistance drop within 2 minutes of a temperature shock. Compared with the state-of-art technologies, three distinctive advancements have been achieved: (1) the smallest size (400×450μm2) of its kind with integrated passive temperature sensor and circuitry; (2) passive temperature sensing based on the heating-induced reduction of silver-ions in a polymer film; and (3) the direct-write integration of the sensor strip onto an IC chip by the electrohydrodynamic printing process. As such, the proposed sensing scheme and results could open up a new class of passive temperature sensing to record heating events with wireless readouts.

A specifically designed peptide, Tyr-Tyr-Ala-His-Ala-Tyr-Tyr (YYAHAYY), induced the formation of a flower-like palladium (Pd) nanostructure by controlling the size and shape of nanoparticles (NPs). The flower-shaped Pd NPs showed excellent catalytic activities in copper-free Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction in water.

INH2BP (5-iodo-6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone), a poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor, has been shown to possess anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-inflammation properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of INH2BP against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. While the treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) caused a loss of cell viability and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, INH2BP significantly protected the cells against H2O2-induced cell death without any cytotoxicity. Our data also shows that INH2BP significantly scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and markedly enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn-SOD (superoxide) and Cu/Zn-SOD, and heme oxygenase-1, which was accompanied by the concomitant activation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in H9c2 cells. The effects of INH2BP on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were abrogated by PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, and SB203580, a p38 inhibitor. In addition, inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK by these inhibitors significantly attenuated INH2BP-mediated H9c2 viability as well as cleaved caspases-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that INH2BP prevents H2O2-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by reducing the production of intracellular ROS, regulating apoptotic-related proteins, and the activation of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK.

This work presents the synthesis, assembly, and integration of two-dimensional (2D) phosphate sheets Lithium-ion energy storage devices. Three achievements have been accomplished in this work: (1) synthesis and assembly of 2D, poly-crystalline phosphate sheets greater than 50μm2 in area, and (2) 3× improved capacitance of an Iron-Phosphate-Polypyrrole battery/supercapacitor (3.6 mF/cm2) over bare Polypyrrole (PPY) films, and (3) 20× improved capacitance of an FePO 4 -Carbon Nanotube (CNT) battery/supercapacitor (20.8 mF/cm2) over bare CNT-based electrodes.

Correction for ‘Identifying peptide sequences that can control the assembly of gold nanostructures’ by Hye-Eun Lee et al., Mol. Syst. Des. Eng., 2018, 3, 581–590.

A facile simple preparation of polymer-supported IBX amide (IBX amide resin) from chloromethyl polystyrene resin was demonstrated. The IBX amide resins were prepared with high loading levels (∼1.40 mmol g−1). These reagents were found to be mild and efficient oxidants through oxidation of a range of alcohols, sulfides and phosphites to the corresponding carbonyl, sulfoxide and phosphate compounds without over-oxidation at room temperature. Consumed IBX amide resins were reused up to five times without significant loss of oxidative activity after repetitive regeneration.

The metal-free oxidation of organic compounds is one of the most demanding reactions in chemical industries. As such, iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) is an attractive reagent due to its metal-free oxidative activity. To apply IBX for the alcohol oxidation in water, IBX was immobilized on graphene oxide (GO). GO-supported IBX reagent exhibited excellent performance for alcohol oxidation reaction in water with greater than 90% selectivity. It could be reused without significant loss of oxidative activity.

In this paper, new beam-forming array antenna is proposed. The proposed beam-forming array antenna has control ability for beam-direction/width by employing low loss reconfigurable power divide and three-dimensional array structure. The reconfigurable power divider is key idea in the proposed antenna, because it has reconfigurable RF power distribution ability to each antenna. And, for research and verification of the proposed antenna, 3-dimensional beam-forming array antenna is implemented, and the experimental results show that the proposed antenna has various radiation modes from 1:1 to 1:N by adjusting RF power distribution.

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) was selectively converted to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) under mild conditions by polymer-supported IBX amide reagent, thus providing a new platform for the production of highly valuable chemicals from biomass.

In this study, macroporous polystyrene-supported IBX (MPS-IBX) amides were prepared in two simple steps, and the polymeric reagent was then evaluated for its efficiency in converting a range of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds in various solvents. The results indicated that the MPS-IBX amides were compatible with a variety of solvents, and had a more efficient oxidation activity toward alkyl alcohols than the gel type polystyrene-supported IBX amides. Finally, the resin that was consumed in the oxidation reaction was regenerated to give a restored loading level of 0.44–0.54 mmol/g.

INH2BP (5-iodo-6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone), a poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor, has been shown to possess anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-inflammation properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of INH2BP against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. While the treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) caused a loss of cell viability and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, INH2BP significantly protected the cells against H2O2-induced cell death without any cytotoxicity. Our data also shows that INH2BP significantly scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and markedly enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as Mn-SOD (superoxide) and Cu/Zn-SOD, and heme oxygenase-1, which was accompanied by the concomitant activation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in H9c2 cells. The effects of INH2BP on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were abrogated by PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, and SB203580, a p38 inhibitor. In addition, inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK by these inhibitors significantly attenuated INH2BP-mediated H9c2 viability as well as cleaved caspases-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that INH2BP prevents H2O2-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells by reducing the production of intracellular ROS, regulating apoptotic-related proteins, and the activation of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK.