Cloning and expression patterns of 14-3-3ζ from the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua

Mi Young Noh,Yong Hun Jo,Cheol Hong Park,Young S. Hong,San Sun Kang,Yong Seok Lee,Iksoo Kim,Namjung Kim,Seongon Kim,Jong Dae Park,Yeon Soo Han 한국응용곤충학회 2009 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2009 No.10

14-3-3 proteins are known to play a pivotal role in a diverse array of cellular events such as cell survival, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Numerous 14-3-3 ζ have been cloned and characterized from a host of eukaryotic organisms including human, plants, yeast, fruit fly and silkworm. However, no study on Spodoptera exigua 14-3-3ζ in conjunction with virus infection has so far been reported in insects. It appears that expression of Se14-3-3ζ was decreased starting 24 h post-SeNPV infection as SeNPV titers seemed to increase as evidenced by intense bands of SeNPV IAP3. Interestingly, confocal microscopic analysis revealed that Se14-3-3ζ is expressed at the apical side of the NPV-uninfected gut cells, whereas it was detected mainly in the nucleus of the NPV-infected cells. Thus, despite the biological significance of Se14-3-3ζ in S. exigua in conjunction with molecular interactions between SeNPV and S. exigua is unclear now, our data suggest that Se14-3-3 ζ protein plays a role to protect S. exigua from the infection or inhibit replication of SeNPV.

Abnormal photoluminescence properties of GaN nanorods grown on Si(111) by molecular-beam epitaxy

Park, Young S,Kang, Tae W,Taylor, R A IOP Pub 2008 Nanotechnology Vol.19 No.47

<P>We have studied the photoluminescence properties of GaN nanorods grown on Si(111) substrates by radio-frequency plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy. The hexagonal shaped nanorods with lateral average diameters from 30 to 150 nm are obtained by controlling the Ga flux with a fixed amount of nitrogen. As the diameters decrease, the main emission lines assigned as donor bound excitons are blueshifted, causing a spectral overlap of this emission line with that of the free exciton at 10 K due to the quantum size effect in the GaN nanorods. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra show an abnormal behaviour with an ‘S-like’ shape for higher diameter nanorods. The activation energy of the free exciton for GaN nanorods with different diameters was also evaluated.</P>

Clinical Significance of Chronic Kidney Disease and Atrial Fibrillation on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Hwang, Hyeon Seok,Park, Mahn-Won,Yoon, Hye Eun,Chang, Yoon Kyung,Yang, Chul Woo,Kim, Suk Young,Cho, Jung Sun,Kim, Chan Joon,Park, Gyung-Min,Park, Chul-Soo,Choi, Yun-Seok,Koh, Yoon-Seok,Lee, Jong Min,S S. Karger AG 2014 American journal of nephrology Vol.40 No.4

<P>Abstract</P><P><B><I>Background/Aims:</I></B> Atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexists with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk for AMI. However, the combined impact of CKD and AF on the mortality and morbidity in AMI population has not been determined. <B><I>Methods:</I></B> Between January 2004 and December 2009, a total of 4,738 AMI patients were enrolled prospectively. Patients were divided into four groups according to the combined status of CKD and AF. The primary endpoint was a combination of 5-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). <B><I>Results:</I></B> The prevalence of AF was significantly higher in CKD patients than in non-CKD patients (6.76 vs. 3.31%, p < 0.001). The highest cumulative event rate of MACCE and death was observed in patients with both CKD and AF (68.5 and 64.0%), respectively. In multivariable analyses, compared with patients with neither AF nor CKD, hazard ratios (HR) for composite of MACCE were 1.66 (95% CI, 1.14-2.41), 1.24 (95% CI, 1.06-1.46), and 2.10 (95% CI, 1.42-3.13) for patients with AF only, those with CKD only, and those with both CKD and AF, respectively (p for interaction = 0.935). Patients with both CKD and AF had a greatest risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.54; 95% CI, 1.60-4.53), and the significant synergistic interaction was observed between CKD and AF (p for interaction = 0.015). <B><I>Conclusion:</I></B> The combined effect of AF and CKD on the risk of MACCE after an AMI is stronger than any separate condition, and it confers a synergistic effect on the all-cause mortality risk.</P><P>© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>

Effect of Cooling Rate on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Cu-TiB₂ by Turbulent In-Situ Mixing Process

Park, J.S.,Yun, J.H,Park, Young Do,Park, Yong Ho,Cho, Kyung Mok,Park, Ik Min Scitec Publications Ltd. 2007 Solid State Phenomena Vol.119 No.-

<P>A copper matrix composite reinforced with in situ TiB2 nanoparticle was successfully fabricated by tubulent in-situ mixing process. The microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of the in situ composite were investigated. The results showed that the in situ formed TiB2 particles, in which size varying from about 50nm to 200nm, exhibited a homogenous dispersion in the copper matrix. It is shown that the interface between the nanoscale particles and the matrix was clean without a transitional layer. Because of the reinforcement, the hardness and Young’s Modulus of the composite improved with increment of cooling rate. Moreover, the in situ Cu-TiB2 composite exhibited higher electrical conductivity with increasing of cooling rate.</P>

Impact of White Matter Changes on Activities of Daily Living in Mild to Moderate Dementia

Moon, So Young,Na, Duk L.,Seo, Sang Won,Lee, Jun-Young,Ku, Bon D.,Kim, Seong Yoon,Park, Kyung Won,Shim, Yong S.,Youn, Young Chul,Chung, Chan-Seung,Cheong, Hae-Kwan,Choi, Seong Hye,Cha, Kyung Ryeol,Kim S. Karger AG 2011 European neurology Vol.65 No.4

<P>The association between white matter changes and activities of daily living (ADL) in a large, well-defined cohort of patients with mild-to-moderate dementia (either Alzheimer’s disease or subcortical vascular dementia) were investigated. A total of 289 patients were divided into three groups (140 mild, 99 moderate, and 50 severe) depending on the degree of white matter changes as indicated on brain magnetic resonance image scans. Further, we analyzed the three groups’ performances on basic and instrumental ADL. The degree of white matter changes was associated with greater age, hypertension, previous history of stroke, higher Hachinski Ischemic Score, worse global cognitive and functional status, and an increased impairment of basic ADL and instrumental ADL. The increased impairment with regard to the severe group’s performance on both the basic and instrumental ADL remained significant after adjustment for age and hypertension. Tasks involving physical activities were most significant. This was the first study investigating the association between white matter changes and ADL in a large, well-defined dementia cohort. The present study suggests that severe white matter changes may be associated with higher impairment on both basic and instrumental ADL.</P><P>Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>

Antioxidant Responsiveness in BALB/c Mice Exposed to Ozone

Jang, An-Soo,Choi, Inseon-S.,Yang, Sung-Yeul,Kim, Young-Gon,Lee, June-Hyuk,Park, Sung-Woo,Park, Choon-Sik S. Karger AG 2005 Respiration Vol.72 No.1

<P><I>Background:</I> A single, acute exposure to ozone has been shown to modify the antioxidant defense mechanism in the respiratory tract. <I>Objective:</I> The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ozone exposure on antioxidant response in BALB/c mice. <I>Methods:</I> We measured enhanced pause of breathing (Penh) as a marker of airway obstruction using barometric whole-body plethysmography before and after ozone exposure [groups (n = 6): filtered air, 0.12 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, 2 ppm] for 3 h. Antioxidant levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue homogenates. <I>Results:</I> Malondialdehyde concentrations in lung tissue homogenates were significantly increased in the group exposed to 2-ppm ozone compared to the filtered air group. Uric acid and γ-tocopherol concentrations in BAL fluid were significantly increased in the ozone exposure group compared to the filtered air group (p < 0.01). Uric acid concentrations were increased in a concentration-dependent manner according to ozone concentration to which the animals were exposed. Increases in Penh after ozone exposure were significantly higher in an ozone concentration-dependent manner. The proportion of neutrophils in BAL fluid was significantly higher in the group exposed to 2 ppm than in the filtered air and the group exposed to 0.12 ppm (p < 0.01, respectively). The level of ascorbate correlated with the level of γ-tocopherol. <I>Conclusion:</I> These findings suggest that antioxidant responses may serve as a protective mechanism against a range of oxidants in BALB/c mice exposed to ozone. </P><P>Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>

Au Decorated ZnO hierarchical architectures: Facile synthesis, tunable morphology and enhanced CO detection at room temperature

Arunkumar, S.,Hou, Tianfeng,Kim, Young-Bae,Choi, Byungchul,Park, Su Han,Jung, Seunghun,Lee, Dong-Weon Elsevier 2017 Sensors and actuators. B Chemical Vol.243 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A highly selective and sensitive gas sensing material was prepared by decorating gold (Au) nanoparticles on zinc oxide <I>(ZnO)</I> nanostructure. First, zinc oxide architectures were synthesised through facile one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route by using zinc acetate as the metal precursors, ethanolamine as the organic Lewis base and water as the reaction medium. The versatile zinc oxide architectures such as (i) nanostars <I>(ZNS)</I>, (ii) marigold flower <I>(ZMF)</I>, (iii) nanorods assembled flower <I>(ZNF)</I> and (iv) nanorods <I>(ZNR)</I> were successfully synthesised by the controlled variation of the reaction medium mole ratio. The crystal structure and morphological evaluation of the as prepared material were investigated in detail by several analytical techniques, and the findings are consistent with each other. The carbon monoxide (CO) sensing ability of the as prepared materials was carried out at different sensing temperature (Ts≤300°C) and at different gas concentration (5–1000 <I>ppm</I>). Gas sensing study clearly shows that the sensor responses are found to be morphology and surface area dependent. Among all the zinc oxide nanostructures, nanostars exhibits excellent sensitivity (S<SUB>R</SUB> ∼31 toward 5 <I>ppm</I>) at the optimized sensing temperature of 275°C. Further, to improve the sensing characteristics and to reduce the operating temperature, different wt% of gold nanopartilces were decorated on the surface of zinc oxide nano-stars by solution impregnation technique. Surface decoration of only 3wt% gold nanoparticles incorporated zinc oxide nanostars exhibits enhanced sensing response (S<SUB>R</SUB> ∼15 toward 50 <I>ppm</I>) at 35°C with an excellent response (Γ<I> <SUB>RES</SUB> </I> ∼8s) and recovery (Γ<I> <SUB>REC</SUB> </I> ∼15s) time. Sensor also posses excellent selectivity toward CO compare to other interfering gases such as methanol, ethanol, acetone and hydrogen.</P>

Damping index of Doppler hepatic vein waveform to assess the severity of portal hypertension and response to propranolol in liver cirrhosis: a prospective nonrandomized study

Kim, Moon Young,Baik, Soon Koo,Park, Dong Hun,Lim, Dae Wook,Kim, Jae Woo,Kim, Hyun Soo,Kwon, Sang Ok,Kim, Young Ju,Chang, Sei Jin,Lee, Samuel S. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing 2007 Liver International Vol. No.

<P>Abstract</P><P>Background and Aims</P><P>Alterations in the Doppler hepatic vein (HV) waveform are associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We prospectively evaluated the correlation between the extent of abnormal Doppler HV waveforms expressed as damping index (DI) and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and response to propranolol in patients with cirrhosis.</P><P>Material and Methods</P><P>In 76 patients with cirrhosis (69 men and seven women), both DI of Doppler HV waveform and HVPG were measured, and the relationship between them was analysed. DI was calculated by the minimum velocity/maximum velocity of the HV waveform. An HVPG>12 mmHg was defined as severe portal hypertension. In a subgroup of 19 patients receiving propranolol, changes in both DI and HVPG were evaluated after propranolol administration for 3 months. One author (S. K. B.) performed all DI of Doppler HV waveform studies.</P><P>Results</P><P>Abnormal HV waveforms were seen in 66 of 76 patients (86.8%). DI significantly correlated with the grade of HVPG, i.e. with higher HVPG increased DI was observed (<I>P</I><0.01). By logistic regression analysis, DI>0.6 was significantly more likely to be severe portal hypertension (odds ratio: 14.19, 95% confidence interval: 4.07–49.55). Receiver-operating characteristic curve according to the value of 0.6 of DI showed a sensitivity of 75.9% and a specificity of 81.8% for the presence of severe portal hypertension. In 19 patients of the propranolol subgroup, change of DI following propranolol treatment also significantly correlated with that of HVPG (<I>P</I><0.01).</P><P>Conclusions</P><P>Damping index of the HV waveform by Doppler ultrasonography might be a non-invasive supplementary tool in evaluating the severity of portal hypertension and in responding to propranolol in patients with liver cirrhosis.</P>

Impaired Sulfur-Amino Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Are Alleviated by Betaine Supplementation in Rats

Kwon, Do Y.,Jung, Young S.,Kim, Sun J.,Park, Hee K.,Park, Jae H.,Kim, Young C. Oxford University Press 2009 The Journal of nutrition Vol.139 No.1

<P>Nonalcoholic fatty liver is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic liver injury. Impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions is suggested to be critically linked with alcoholic liver injury, but its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver remains unknown. We examined the early changes in sulfur-amino acid metabolism and their implication in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male rats were provided with a standard liquid diet or a high-fat liquid diet (HF) for 3 wk. An additional group of rats received the HF diet supplemented with betaine (1%). HF diet intake elevated hepatic triglyceride and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) concentrations. Antioxidant capacity of liver cytosol against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals was reduced significantly. Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and glutathione (GSH) decreased, but hypotaurine and taurine concentrations increased. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity, not its concentration, was depressed, whereas both activity and concentration of cysteine dioxygenase and GSH S-transferase were elevated. Betaine supplementation of the HF diet inhibited hepatic fat accumulation and serum TNFalpha elevation. The decrease in cytosolic antioxidant capacity was also prevented. MAT activity and its concentration were induced significantly. Hepatic SAM and GSH increased and elevation of hypotaurine and taurine was depressed. The results indicate that the metabolism of S-containing substances is significantly disturbed by the HF diet, suggesting a causal role of impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions in NAFLD. Betaine supplementation protects the liver from nonalcoholic steatosis and oxidative stress most probably via its effects on the transsulfuration reactions.</P>

Suspension Characteristics and Rheological Properties of Aqueous Alumina/Zirconia Freeze Casting Slurries

Lyu, Seung Woo,Park, Young Min,Yang, Tae Young,Ryu, S.C.,Stevens, Ron,Park, Hong Chae Trans Tech Publications, Ltd. 2007 Key engineering materials Vol.336 No.-

<P>The dispersion and rheological behavior of aqueous alumina, zirconia, and mixed alumina/ zirconia slurries have been studied in terms of solid loading and the incorporated multiple processing additives. Darvan-C, Dynol 604, Glycerol, and PVA were used as the dispersant, surfactant, cryoprotectant, and binder, respectively. Sedimentation density increased significantly on adding the dispersant; its effectiveness was similar for both the alumina and zirconia suspensions. With further addition of binder, the sedimentation density decreased. The suspension viscosity generally behaved in an opposite manner to the sedimentation density, i.e., low sedimentation density gave high low-shear viscosity, indicative of high order structure formation in the suspended particles. Shear rate rheology of suspensions with high dispersant content showed a shear thinning but with low dispersant content (≤2 wt.%), however, it showed a shear thickening at high shear rate (>600 s-1).</P>