Optogenetically induced sleep spindle rhythms alter sleep architectures in mice

Kim, A.,Latchoumane, C.,Lee, S.,Kim, G.B.,Cheong, E.,Augustine, G.J.,Shin, H.-S. National Academy of Sciences 2012 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF Vol.109 No.50

Target and double spin asymmetries of deeply virtual <i>π</i> ⁰ production with a longitudinally polarized proton target and CLAS

Kim, A.,Avakian, H.,Burkert, V.,Joo, K.,Kim, W.,Adhikari, K.P.,Akbar, Z.,Anefalos Pereira, S.,Badui, R.A.,Battaglieri, M.,Batourine, V.,Bedlinskiy, I.,Biselli, A.S.,Boiarinov, S.,Bosted, P.,Briscoe, W North-Holland Pub. Co 2017 Physics letters. Section B Vol.768 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The target and double spin asymmetries of the exclusive pseudoscalar channel e → p → → e p <SUP> π 0 </SUP> were measured for the first time in the deep-inelastic regime using a longitudinally polarized 5.9 GeV electron beam and a longitudinally polarized proton target at Jefferson Lab with the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS). The data were collected over a large kinematic phase space and divided into 110 four-dimensional bins of <SUP> Q 2 </SUP> , <SUB> x B </SUB> , −<I>t</I> and <I>ϕ</I>. Large values of asymmetry moments clearly indicate a substantial contribution to the polarized structure functions from transverse virtual photon amplitudes. The interpretation of experimental data in terms of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) provides the first insight on the chiral-odd GPDs <SUB> H ˜ T </SUB> and <SUB> E T </SUB> , and complement previous measurements of unpolarized structure functions sensitive to the GPDs <SUB> H T </SUB> and <SUB> E ¯ T </SUB> . These data provide a crucial input for parametrizations of essentially unknown chiral-odd GPDs and will strongly influence existing theoretical calculations based on the handbag formalism.</P>

Development of Selective Electroless-Deposited Electrode in Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-Layer Solar Cell

Kim, A.,Park, H.,Choi, E.,Cui, Y.,Lee, S. J.,Pyo, S. G. LASER PAGES PUBLISHING LTD 2015 ISRAEL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY Vol.55 No.10

Fully solution-processed transparent electrodes based on silver nanowire composites for perovskite solar cells

Kim, A.,Lee, H.,Kwon, H. C.,Jung, H.,Park, N. G.,Jeong, S.,Moon, J. Royal Society of Chemistry 2016 Nanoscale Vol.8 No.12

<P>We report all-solution-processed transparent conductive electrodes based on Ag nanowire (AgNW)-embedded metal oxide composite films for application in organometal halide perovskite solar cells. To address the thermal instability of Ag nanowires, we used combustive sol-gel derived thin films to construct ZnO/ITO/AgNW/ITO composite structures. The resulting composite configuration effectively prevented the AgNWs from undergoing undesirable side-reactions with halogen ions present in the perovskite precursor solutions that significantly deteriorate the optoelectrical properties of Ag nanowires in transparent conductive films. AgNW-based composite electrodes had a transmittance of similar to 80% at 550 nm and sheet resistance of 18 Omega sq(-1). Perovskite solar cells fabricated using a fully solution-processed transparent conductive electrode, Au/spiro-OMeTAD/CH3NH3PbI3 + m-Al2O3/ZnO/ITO/AgNW/ITO, exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 8.44% (comparable to that of the FTO/glass-based counterpart at 10.81%) and were stable for 30 days in ambient air. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using AgNWs as a transparent bottom electrode in perovskite solar cells produced by a fully printable process.</P>

Supplementation with Angelica keiskei inhibits expression of inflammatory mediators in the gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori-infected mice

Kim, A.,Lim, J.W.,Kim, H.,Kim, H. Pergamon Press 2016 Nutrition research Vol.36 No.5

<P>Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori associated gastric ulceration and carcinogenesis. The oxidant-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappa B), regulates expression of inflammatory mediators such as interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX -2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These inflammatory mediators increased in gastric mucosal tissues from patients infected with H pylori. Angelica keiskei (AK), a green leafy vegetable, is rich in carotenoids and flavonoids and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, we hypothesized that AK may protect the gastric mucosa of H pylori infected mice against inflammation. We determined lipid peroxide abundance, myeloperoxidase activity, expression levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-gamma, COX-2, and iNOS), NF-kappa B-DNA binding activity, and histologic changes in gastric mucosal tissues. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine served as the positive control treatment. Supplementation with AK suppressed increases in lipid peroxide abundance, myeloperoxidase activity, induction of inflammatory mediators (IFN-gamma, COX -2, and iNOS), activation of NF-kappa B, and degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor a in gastric mucosal tissue from H pylori infected mice. Inhibition of H pylori induced alterations by AK was similar to that by N-acetylcysteine. Taken together, these results suggest that supplementation with AK may prevent H pylori induced gastric inflammation by inhibiting NF-kappa B mediated induction of inflammatory mediators in the gastric mucosa of patients infected with H pylori. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</P>

Viral genome RNA degradation by sequence-selective, nucleic-acid hydrolyzing antibody inhibits the replication of influenza H9N2 virus without significant cytotoxicity to host cells

Kim, A.,Lee, J.Y.,Byun, S.J.,Kwon, M.H.,Kim, Y.S. Elsevier/North-Holland 2012 Antiviral research Vol.94 No.2

Influenza A virus infection is a great threat to avian species and humans. Targeting viral proteins by antibody has a limited success due to the antigen drift and shift. Here we present a novel antibody-based antiviral strategy of targeting viral genomic RNA (vRNA) for degradation rather than neutralizing viral proteins. Based on the template of a sequence-nonspecific nucleic acid-hydrolyzing, single domain antibody of the light chain variable domain, 3D8 VL, we generated a synthetic library on the yeast surface by randomizing putative nucleic acid interacting residues. To target nucleocapsid protein (NP)-encoding viral genomic RNA (NP-vRNA) of H9N2 influenza virus, the library was screened against a 18-nucleotide single stranded nucleic acid substrate, dubbed asNP<SUB>18</SUB>, the sequence of which is unique to the NP-vRNA. We isolated a 3D8 VL variant, NP25, that had ~15-fold higher affinity (~54nM) and ~3-fold greater selective hydrolyzing activity for the target substrate than for off targets. In contrast to 3D8 VL WT, asNP<SUB>18</SUB>-selective NP25 constitutively expressed in the cytosol of human lung carcinoma A549 cells does not exhibit any significant cytotoxicity and selectively degrades a reporter mRNA carrying the target asNP<SUB>18</SUB> sequence in the stable cell lines. NP25 more potently inhibits the replication of H9N2 influenza virus than 3D8 VL WT in the stable cell lines. NP25 more selectively reduces the amount of the targeted NP-vRNA than 3D8 VL WT from the early stage of virus infection in the stable cell lines, without noticeable harmful effects on the endogenous mRNA, suggesting that NP25 indeed more specifically recognizes to hydrolyze the target NP-vRNA of H9N2 virus than off-targets. Our results provide a new strategy of targeting viral genomic RNA for degradation by antibody for the prevention of influenza virus infection in humans and animals.

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of hamacanthin B analogues

Kim, A.,Kim, M.J.,Noh, T.H.,Hong, J.,Liu, Y.,Wei, X.,Jung, J.H. Pergamon Press 2016 Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters Vol.26 No.20

Hamacanthins are a class of antibacterial bisindole alkaloids isolated from marine sponges. Based on structure-activity relationships and in silico MRSA PK binding analysis of these bisindole alkaloids, the authors designed new hamacanthin B derivatives and evaluated their antibacterial activities against drug-resistant pathogens. Racemates of the synthetic products were resolved into their enantiomers by chiral separation using a cellulose column, and antibacterial activities were compared. Unsaturation of the central heterocyclic ring structure and bromine substitution at the indole moiety were found to enhance the antibacterial activities of hamacanthin B analogues.

9,10-Diphenylanthracene immobilized in mesostructured silica materials with a highly efficient deep-blue fluorescent property

Kim, A.,Lee, J.,Kim, B.G.,Lee, D.J.,Jung, H. Elsevier [etc.] 2017 Journal of luminescence Vol.190 No.-

The fluorescent solid material, which emits highly efficient deep-blue light, was successfully fabricated by stabilized 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) molecules in mesostructured silica material (MSM) (referred to as DPA-MSM). The DPA molecules are favorably introduced into the hydrophobic domain of a self-assembled amphiphilic triblock copolymer (poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), Pluronic P123) template through a one-pot synthetic route based on the van der Waals interaction. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that the unit-cell parameter of DPA-MSM was 1.2nm larger than that of pure MSM, along with the well-ordered hexagonal structure. The photophysical properties of DPA-MSM have been studied and compared with those of DPA in solution (0.15mM) and powdered states, respectively. Both absorption and emission maxima of the immobilized DPA show a remarkable hypsochromic shift as compared with those of pure DPA powder. In addition, we have observed distinct spectral features in the DPA-MSM, which resemble those of DPA dissolved in cyclohexane, indicating that the immobilized DPA is molecularly separated by the interactions with the poly(propylene glycol) part in P123. The fluorescence decay behavior showed that DPA-MSM has a longer lifetime because the intramolecular motions of DPA are strongly restricted by the confined environment within the pore channel of rigid MSM. These results also show that the immobilized DPA has a higher fluorescence quantum yield than did DPA in dissolved or powdered states. The fabricated blue LED chip with DPA-MSM exhibited outstanding deep-blue color with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.03). It was found that the incorporation of DPA in MSM provides an efficient blue emitter in the solid-state.

Sosiho-tang ameliorates cachexia-related symptoms in mice bearing colon 26 adenocarcinoma by reducing systemic inflammation and muscle loss

Kim, A.,Im, M.,Ma, J. Y. Spandidos Publications 2016 Oncology reports Vol.35 No.3

<P>Cachexia accompanied by muscle wasting is a key determinant of poor prognosis in cancer patients and cancer-related death. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secreted from host cells and tumor cells participate in skeletal muscle wasting followed by severe loss of body weight. Therefore, blockade of the inflammatory response is thought to be a logical target for pharmacological and nutritional interventions to preserve skeletal muscle mass under cachectic conditions. Sosiho-tang (SO; Xiaocharihu-tang in Chinese and Sho-saiko-to in Japanese) is an Oriental herbal medicine that has been used to treat chronic hepatic diseases and to control fever. In recent studies, SO inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, prevented thrombus formation and suppressed cancer progression. However, the anti-cachectic activity of SO in tumor-bearing mice has not yet been examined. In the present study, we characterized the effect of SO administration on cancer-induced cachexia in CT-26-bearing mice, and elucidated the anti-cachectic mechanisms. Daily oral administration of SO at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg to CT-26-bearing mice significantly retarded tumor growth and prevented the loss of final body weight, carcass weight, heart weight, gastrocnemius muscle, and epididymal fat, compared with saline-treated control mice. In addition, serum IL-6 levels elevated by cancer were decreased by SO administration. In the J774A.1 macrophage cell line, SO efficiently suppressed LPS-mediated increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO), and procachectic inflammatory cytokine production through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and p38 activation. In addition, SO attenuated muscle atrophy caused by cancer cells by affecting myoblast proliferation and differentiation, and C2C12 myotube wasting. Taken together, these results suggest that SO is a safe and useful anti-cachectic therapy for cancer patients with severe weight loss.</P>

Comfortable with friends sharing your picture on Facebook? - Effects of closeness and ownership on picture sharing preference

Kim, A.,Gweon, G. Pergamon 2016 Computers in Human Behavior Vol.62 No.-

Picture sharing activity on social networking sites helps create and maintain social relationships. However, some of these pictures can be undesirable digital traces especially when the person sharing the information (owner) and the person receiving the information (viewer) do not ask the sharing preference of the person who is in the picture (subject). In our exploratory lab study, we asked twenty-nine participants about their picture sharing preference (PSP) towards an owner's act of sharing a photograph containing both the participant (subject) and the owner with a viewer. Our multi-level regression on 5520 data points show that in terms of closeness, a subject feels more comfortable sharing a picture i) as the ''closeness between the subject and the owner (SO closeness)'' increases and ii) as the ''closeness between the subject and the viewer (SV closeness)'' increases. In terms of ownership, a subject feels more comfortable with sharing a picture i) when the picture shows a greater number of people as opposed to a smaller number of people, and ii) when the picture is captured at an event held for the viewer or the owner rather than for the subject. In addition, we observed three types of interaction effects on PSP between the following variables: i) SO closeness and SV closeness, ii) SO closeness and num_people, and iii) both types of closeness and event_posessor.