Retinoic acid enhances lactoferrin-induced IgA responses by increasing betaglycan expression

Lee, Jeong-Min,Jang, Young-Saeng,Jin, Bo-Ra,Kim, Sun-Jin,Kim, Hyeon-Jin,Kwon, Bo-Eun,Ko, Hyun-Jeong,Yoon, Sung-il,Lee, Geun-Shik,Kim, Woan-Sub,Seo, Goo-Young,Kim, Pyeung-Hyeun CHINESE SOCIETY OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY Vol.13 No.6

<P>Lactoferrin (LF) and retinoic acid (RA) are enriched in colostrum, milk, and mucosal tissues. We recently showed that LF-induced IgA class switching through binding to betaglycan (transforming growth factor-beta receptor III, T beta RIII) and activation of canonical TGF-beta signaling. We investigated the combined effect of LF and RA on the overall IgA response. An increase in IgA production by LF was further augmented by RA. This combination effect was also evident in Ig germ-line alpha (GL alpha) transcription and GLa promoter activity, indicating that LF in cooperation with RA increased IgA isotype switching. We subsequently found that RA enhanced T beta RIII expression and that this increase contributed to LF-stimulated IgA production. In addition to the IgA response, LF and RA in combination also enhanced the expression of the gut-homing molecules C-C chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) and alpha 4 beta 7 on B cells. Finally, peroral administration of LF and RA enhanced the frequency of CCR9(+)IgA(+) plasma cells in the lamina propria. Taken together, these results suggest that LF in cooperation with RA can contribute to the establishment of gut IgA responses.</P>

Identification and characterization of arginase II as a chondrocyte phenotype-specific gene

Ko, Ah-Ra*,Huh, Yun-Hyun*,Lee, Hyun-Chae,Song, Woo-Keun,Lee, Young-Sup,Chun, Jang-Soo Taylor Francis 2006 IUBMB life Vol.58 No.10

<P>We have previously shown that activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1 and -2 (ERK1/2) causes chondrocyte dedifferentiation, which contributes to the destruction of arthritic cartilage. In the present study, we identified genes involved in the ERK1/2 regulation of chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Several genes were identified by subtractive hybridization, and, of these, arginase II was selected for further functional characterization. Similar to the pattern of type II collagen expression, which is a hallmark of chondrocyte differentiation, arginase II expression was increased during chondrogenesis of mesenchymal cells. The high expression level of arginase II was decreased during dedifferentiation of chondrocytes, whereas its expression was restored during redifferentiation of the dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling in chondrocytes enhanced type II collagen expression with a concomitant increase in expression and activity of arginase II. However, ectopic expression of arginase II or inhibition of its activity did not affect chondrocyte differentiation. The results collectively indicate that expression of arginase II is specific to the chondrocyte phenotype, although the expression of arginase II alone is not sufficient for articular chondrocytes to maintain a differentiated phenotype.</P><P>iubmb<I>Life</I>, 58: 597–605, 2006</P>

Template-free synthesis and characterization of mesoporous tungsten nitride nanoplates

Ko, A-Ra,Han, Sang-Beom,Lee, Young-Woo,Park, Kyung-Won Royal Society of Chemistry 2011 Physical chemistry chemical physics Vol.13 No.28

<P>We report well-defined mesoporous β-W<SUB>2</SUB>N nanoplates prepared by using layered WO<SUB>3</SUB>·H<SUB>2</SUB>O without templates. The tungsten nitride nanoplates exhibit typical mesoporous structures with size-controlled monomodal pore distributions.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>The mesoporous tungsten nitrides with tunable pore sizes are prepared by template-free synthesis using layered tungsten oxides as a function of reaction time. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c1cp20711c'> </P>

Development of New Strategies for Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Ko, Ah-Ra Association for Research of MPS and Rare Diseases 2016 Journal of mucopolysaccharidosis and rare disease Vol.2 No.1

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a well-established means of treating lysosomal storage disease (LSD). However, classical IV infusion based ERT method produces less than ideal results, especially, CNS defects and quality of life in patients. To improve these main problems of parental IV formulation for LSDs, we investigate modified ERT method and evaluated the efficacy in animal model.

Gene Expression Related to Cognitive Function in Growth Hormone-treated Mice with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Ko, Ah-Ra Association for Research of MPS and Rare Diseases 2016 Journal of mucopolysaccharidosis and rare disease Vol.2 No.2

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder often caused by a deletion of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region inherited from the father or by maternal disomy 15. Growth hormone deficiency with short stature, hypogonadism, cognitive and behavioral problems, analgesia, decreased gastric motility and decreased ability to vomit with hyperphagia are common in PWS leading to severe obesity in early childhood, if not controlled. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of recombinant human GH (rhGH, henceforth designated GH) on the gene expression related to cognitive function in the brain of PWS mouse model (Snord116del). GH restored the mRNA expression level of several genes in the cerebellum. These data suggest the effect of GH on the expression of cognitive function related genes in cerebellum may provide a mechanism for the GH-induced brain function in PWS patients.

The Feasibility of Assessing the Diets of Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the East Sea through Fatty Acid Composition in Blubber and Stable Isotopic Ratio of Skin

Ko, Ah-Ra,Ju, Se-Jong,Choi, Seok-Gwan,Shin, Kyung-Hoon Korean Ocean Research & Development Institute and 2016 OCEAN SCIENCE JOURNAL Vol.51 No.3

To track the diet of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the East Sea (Japan Sea), a conjoint analysis of fatty acids and C and N stable isotopes was performed on blubber and skin from the whale and its potential prey. The total lipid content in the blubber of minke whales ranged from 37.9% to 82.7% of wet mass (mean <TEX>${\pm}SD$</TEX>, <TEX>$63.1{\pm}17.2%$</TEX>), with triacylglycerols being the dominant lipids (96.9%-99.2% of total lipids). The lipid and fatty acid (FA) contents were systematically stratified throughout the depth of the blubber layers; contents of the dominant monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), including <TEX>$18:1{\omega}9$</TEX> and <TEX>$16:1{\omega}7$</TEX>, increased from the innermost layer to the outermost layer, whereas contents of saturated FAs (SFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) were higher in the innermost layer than in the outermost layer. This stratification is related to the different physiological roles of the blubber layers; e.g., thermoregulation, streaming, and buoyancy. A comparison of the FA compositions of the innermost layer of minke whales with those of potential prey indicates that FA compositions in the whales are similar to those of Pacific herring. In addition, stable isotope ratios(<TEX>${\delta}^{13}C$</TEX> and <TEX>${\delta}^{15}N$</TEX>) suggest that minke whale and Pacific herring have the same or similar diets. Therefore, the diets of minke whale from the East Sea (Japan Sea) could be inferred from information on the diet of the Pacific herring, although FA compositions and stable isotope ratios for Pacific herring would not exactly reflect the whale's diet. Although the very limited number of samples was used in this study, our preliminary findings are very promising to help understand the feeding ecology of minke whales in the East Sea (Japan Sea).

A Case of Arteriovenous Malformation of Uterus and Adnexa in a Postmenopausal Woman

( Ra Ko ),( Ji Hyun Kim ),( Soo Kee Min ),( Young Han Park ) 대한산부인과학회 2011 대한산부인과학회 학술대회 Vol.97 No.-

Synergy effect of nanostructure electrodes supported by tungsten carbide and oxide for methanol electrooxidation

Ko, A-Ra,Kim, Jy-Yeon,Oh, Jae-Kyung,Kim, Hyun-Su,Lee, Young-Woo,Han, Sang-Beom,Park, Kyung-Won Royal Society of Chemistry 2010 Physical chemistry chemical physics Vol.12 No.46

<P>We report nanostructure electrodes for methanol electrooxidation by means of the co-sputtering deposition method. The Pt-WC-WO<SUB>3</SUB> three-phase electrode has higher <I>I</I><SUB>f</SUB>/<I>I</I><SUB>b</SUB> and oxidation current density <I>i.e.</I> improved electrocatalytic activity in comparison with those of pure Pt and two-phase electrodes because of both catalysis of tungsten carbide and size-control by tungsten oxide.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>The Pt-WC-WO<SUB>3</SUB> electrode, having a synergy effect with tungsten carbide and oxide, shows an improved electrocatalytic activity in methanol electrooxidation. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c0cp00394h'> </P>

시각장애학교에서 음악교과를 가르치는 교사의 수업 전문성 탐구 과정에 대한 자문화기술지

고아라(Ko A Ra),홍재영(Hong Jae Young) 한국시각장애교육재활학회 2021 시각장애연구 Vol.37 No.3

연구 목적: 이 연구는 시각장애학교에서 음악을 가르치는 교사가 겪은 경험을 면밀히 살펴보고, 이러한 경험을 통해 수업전문성을 탐구해가는 과정을 알아보는 데 목적이 있다. 연구 방법: 연구 목적 달성을 위해 자문화기술지 방법을 활용하였다. 연구 결과: 첫째, 연구자로서의 나는 음악수업 전문성의 부족과 특수교사로서의 전문성 부족을 마주했다. 둘째, 연구자로서의 나는 음악수업 전문성 향상을 위해 음악적 기능과 지식을 함양시켜 나갔으며 음악수업을 통해 실천적 지식을 축적해나갔다. 또한 반성적 사고를 행하며 수업의 질을 개선해나갔으며 사회적 지지 속에서 수업 전문성 계발을 지속하고 보다 다양한 수업을 시도하기 위한 토대를 마련할 수 있었다. 결론: 이러한 연구를 통하여 시각장애학교에서 음악 교과를 가르치는 교사의 수업 전문성 함양 및 시각장애학교 음악수업의 질 개선에 대한 시사점을 도출할 수 있었다. 이 연구의 결과는 향후 시각장애학교 음악수업의 질 개선에 필요한 기초 정보를 제공하는 데 기여할 수 있을 것이다. Purpose: This study closely examines the experience of teaching a music class at a school for the visually impaired and investigates the process of nurturing the expertise practical knowledge through such an experience by using autoethnography. Method: The autoethnography research method was used in order to achieve the research objective. Results: First, I was faced a lack of expertise on music classes and a lack of expertise as a special teacher. Second, I was developed musical skills and knowledge to improve my expertise in music classes and accumulated practical knowledge through music classes. It also improved the quality of the class through reflective thinking and was able to continue to develop class expertise under social support and lay the foundation to try more diverse classes. Conclusion: Through this research, I was able to draw implications on nurturing the expertise of music teachers and improving the quality of music classes at a school for the visually impaired. The research findings are expected to provide the preliminary data necessary to enhance the quality of music classes at a school for the visually impaired.

특성화고등학교에서 블렌디드 프로젝트 학습을 활용한 이모티콘 디자인 수업 과정 연구

고유라(Ko, Yu Ra),김관배(Kim, Kwan Bae) 한국디자인리서치학회 2020 한국디자인리서치 Vol.5 No.4

이모티콘 시장의 성장으로 학습자를 위한 이모티콘 디자인 교육이 요구되지만, 특성화고등학교 교육과정에서 이모티콘 디자인 교육 목표는 제시하나 목표를 달성할 수 있는 학습 내용은 부족하다. 또한, 코로나 19로 인해 온·오프라인 학습을 병행하고 있으며 학습자의 참여를 끌어내기 위해 블렌디드 프로젝트 학습이 주목받고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 블렌디드 프로젝트 학습을 활용하여 교육 목표가 달성될 수 있도록 학습 내용을 재구성한 이모티콘 디자인 수업 과정을 개발하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 문헌 조사와 선행연구를 통해 사전학습, 프로젝트 학습, 사후학습으로 구성된 블렌디드 프로젝트 학습을 활용한 이모티콘 디자인 수업 과정을 개발하여 수업을 실행하였으며, 수업 후 수업 효과와 만족도 중심으로 설문조사를 하였다. 그 결과, 수업 효과는 평균 4.21~4.47, 수업 만족도는 평균 4.19~4.37, 수업 과정의 전체적인 만족도는 평균 4.33으로 평가되어 실효성을 입증하였다. Due to the growth of the emoticon market, emoticon design education is required for learners. However in the curriculum of specialized high school, while the aim for emoticon design education is being presented, there is a lack of actual learning content to achieve. Furthermore as a result from Covid-19 both on line and off line classes are being proceeded and to attract participation of the learners, blended project based learning is drawing attention. Accordingly this study attempts to develop an emoticon design course by reorganizing existing learning content to accomplish a successful educational goals using blended project based learning. To this end, through literature research and prior research, blended project based learning composed of pre- learning, project learning and post learning were applied for classes. After the class a survey was done to discover effects and satisfaction on this new way of learning. The result showed that the effect on the lesson was 4.21~4.47, satisfaction on the lesson was 4.19~4.37 and the overall satisfaction on the lesson was 4.33 in average on each items. The effectiveness could be verified by the result shown numerically.