• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제39권6호
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• pp.747-752
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• 2007

The Proton Engineering Frontier Project (PEFP) has designed and developed a proton linear accelerator facility operating at 100 MeV - 20 mA. The radiological effects of such a nuclear facility on the environment are important in terms of radiation safety. This study estimated the production rates of radionuclides in the soil around the accelerator facility using MCNPX. The groundwater migration of the radioisotopes was also calculated using the Concentration Model. Several spallation reactions have occurred due to leaked neutrons, leading to the release of various radionuclides into the soil. The total activity of the induced radionuclides is approximately $2.98{\times}10^{-4}Bq/cm^3$ at the point of saturation. $^{45}Ca$ had the highest production rate with a specific activity of $1.78{\times}10^{-4}Bq/cm^3$ over the course of one year. $^3H$ and $^{22}Na$ are usually considered the most important radioisotopes at nuclear facilities. However, only a small amount of tritium was produced around this facility, as the energy of most neutrons is below the threshold of the predominant reactions for producing tritium: $^{16}O(n,\;X)^3H$ and $^{28}Si(n,X)^3H$ (approximately 20 MeV). The dose level of drinking water from $^{22}Na$ was $1.48{\times}10^{-5}$ pCi/ml/yr, which was less than the annual intake limit in the regulations.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.87-105
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• 1991

The purpose of this experiment was to measure the leaking and solubility of commonly used dental restorative materials - Silux plus (CS), Hi-pol (CH), Clearfil F-II, Fissureseal (FS), Glass-Ionomer cement Fuji Type II (GI), Amalgam Cavex 68 (AM), Zinc Phosphate Cement (ZP) and gutta-percha (GP) and investigate the relation between the solubility and marginal leakage. Disc-shape specimens were fabricated with each material and dipped into deionized water, 0.01M lactic acid and 0.005M KOH solution, thus the total ionic concentrations in each solution was measured with ion chromatograph after 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively. For the solubility test, each specimen was immersed in 0.001M and 0.01M lactic acid for 24 hours, respectively and total weight loss was calculated. Also, Zn leaking through the margin of restorations was measured. The obtained results were as follows: 1. The amounts of eluted ion from the eight materials were most in 0.01M lactic acid and least in deionized water. 2. Of the eight materials, the fluoride release was greatest for glass ionomer cement (GI) in 0.01 M lactic acid after 7 days. 3. In analysis of the divalent cation, Mg was eluted most for zinc phosphate cement (ZP) and Ca for Clearfil F-II (CF) in 0.01M lactic acid after 7 days. 4. In analysis of transition metals, Cu and Zn were detected only. 5. The solubility rate of eight materials was greater in 0.01M lactic acid than in 0.001M for 24 hours, for zinc phosphate cement (ZP) the rate was greatest (5.4%) in 0.001M lactic acid, and amalgam least (0.01%). 6. The Zn concentration of restorative material with Z.P.C base was greater in 0.01M lactic acid than in 0.001M lactic acid.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.61-67
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• 1995

The extract of Ginkgo bibloba (EGb) is a complex mixture of natural products from the Ginkgo leaves and clinically used for the treatment of cerebral and peripheral circulatory disturbances due to its combined activity of several vasoactive principles. In this study we investigated the action of EGb and its mechanism in isolated rabbit corporal smooth muscle to evaluate the possibility of using this material as a pharmacoerecting agent. Strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum were mounted in organ chambers to measure isometric tension. EGb began to exert an relaxing effect at 1 mg/ml in the submaximally precontracted muscle strips with phenylephrine $(PHE,\;5{\times}10^{-6}\;M)$; causing concentration-dependent relaxation with maximal effect at $3{\sim}5\;mg/ml$. That relaxation was partially inhibited by removal of the smooth muscle endothelium or by pretreatment with a NO scavenger, pyrogallol $(10^{-4}\;M)$ or the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue $(10^{-4}\;M)$. Pretreatment with EGb (3 mg/ml) inhibited PHE- $(5{\times}10^{-6}\;M)$ or KCI- (20 and 40 mM) induced contraction of muscle strip. In calcium-free high potassium solution EGb depressed the basal tone of the depolarized muscle strip and inhibited calcium-induced contraction when $CaCl_2$ $(10^{-4}\;M)$ was added. These results suggest that EGb relaxes rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle through multiple action mechanisms that include increasing the release of nitric oxide from the corporal sinusoidal endothelium, sequestration of intracytosolic calcium, and maybe a hyperpolarizing action.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.43-50
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• 2004

Ischemia followed by reperfusion in the presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) results in a marked cardiac contractile dysfunction. Amrinone, a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, has an antioxidant activity against PMNs. Therefore, we hypothesized that amrinone could attenuate PMNs-Induced cardiac dysfunction by suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced fby PMNs. In the present study, we examined the effects of amrinone on isolated ischemic (20 min) and reperfused (45 min) rat hearts perfused with PMNs. Amrinone at $25\;{\mu}M$, given to hearts during the first 5 min of reperfusion, significantly improved coronary flow, left ventricular developed pressure (P<0.001), and the maximal rate of development of left ventricular developed pressure (P<0.001), compared with ischemic/reperfused hearts perfused with PMNs in the absence of amrinone. In addition, amrinone significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity by 50.8%, indicating decreased PMNs infiltration (p< 0.001). Superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide production were also significantly reduced in fMLP- and PMA-stimulated PMNs pretreated with amrinone. Hydroxyl radical was scavenged by amrinone. fMLP-induced elevation of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ was also inhibited by amrinone. These results provide evidence that amrinone can significantly attenuate PMN-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction in the ischemic/reperfused rat heart via attenuation of PMNs infiltration into the myocardium and suppression of ROS release by PMNs.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.101-106
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• 2019

Most diabetic patients experience diabetic mellitus (DM) urinary bladder dysfunction. A number of studies evaluate bladder smooth muscle contraction in DM. In this study, we evaluated the change of bladder smooth muscle contraction between normal rats and DM rats. Furthermore, we used pharmacological inhibitors to determine the differences in the signaling pathways between normal and DM rats. Rats in the DM group received an intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin and measured blood glucose level after 14 days to confirm DM. Bladder smooth muscle contraction was induced using acetylcholine (ACh, $10^{-4}M$). The materials such as, atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor), DPCPX (an adenosine $A_1$ receptor antagonist), udenafil (a PDE5 inhibitor), prazosin (an ${\alpha}_1$-receptor antagonist), papaverine (a smooth muscle relaxant), verapamil (a calcium channel blocker), and chelerythrine (a protein kinase C inhibitor) were pre-treated in bladder smooth muscle. We found that the DM rats had lower bladder smooth muscle contractility than normal rats. When prazosin, udenafil, verapamil, and U73122 were pre-treated, there were significant differences between normal and DM rats. Taken together, it was concluded that the change of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release mediated by PLC/IP3 and PDE5 activity were responsible for decreased bladder smooth muscle contractility in DM rats.

• 천문학회지
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.57-69
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• 2019

We present an analysis of the chemical abundances and kinematics of six low-mass dwarf stars, previously claimed to be candidate hypervelocity stars (HVSs). We obtained moderate-resolution (R ~ 6000) spectra of these stars to estimate the abundances of several chemical elements (Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni), and derived their space velocities and orbital parameters using proper motions from the Gaia Data Release 2. All six stars are shown to be bound to the Milky Way, and in fact are not even considered high-velocity stars with respect to the Galactic rest frame. Nevertheless, we attempt to characterize their parent Galactic stellar components by simultaneously comparing their element abundance patterns and orbital parameters with those expected from various Galactic stellar components. We find that two of our program stars are typical disk stars. For four stars, even though their kinematic probabilistic membership assignment suggests membership in the Galactic disk, based on their distinct orbital properties and chemical characteristics, we cannot rule out exotic origins as follows. Two stars may be runaway stars from the Galactic disk. One star has possibly been accreted from a disrupted dwarf galaxy or dynamically heated from a birthplace in the Galactic bulge. The last object may be either a runaway disk star or has been dynamically heated. Spectroscopic follow-up observations with higher resolution for these curious objects will provide a better understanding of their origin.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.325-331
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• 2023

α₁-adrenoceptors link via the G-protein Gq/G₁₁ to both Ca²⁺ entry and release from stores, but may also activate Rho kinase, which causes calcium sensitization. This study aimed to identify the subtype(s) of α₁-adrenoceptor involved in Rho kinase-mediated responses in both rat aorta and mouse spleen, tissues in which contractions involve multiple subtypes of α₁-adrenoceptor. Tissues were contracted with cumulative concentrations of noradrenaline (NA) in 0.5 log unit increments, before and in the presence of an antagonist or vehicle. Contractions produced by NA in rat aorta are entirely α₁-adrenoceptor mediated as they are competitively blocked by prazosin. The α_1A-adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 had low potency in rat aorta. The α_1D-adrenoceptor antagonist BMY7378 antagonized contractions in rat aorta in a biphasic manner: low concentrations blocking α_1D-adrenoceptors and high concentrations blocking α_1B-adrenoceptors. The Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil (10 µM) significantly reduced aortic contractions in terms of maximum response, suggesting inhibition of α_1B-adrenoceptor mediated responses. In the mouse spleen, a tissue in which all 3 subtypes of α₁-adrenoceptor are involved in contractions to NA, fasudil (3 µM) significantly reduced both early and late components to the NA contraction, the early component involving α_1B- and α_1D-adrenoceptors, and the late component involving α_1B- and α_1A-adrenoceptors. This suggests that fasudil inhibits α_1B-adrenoceptor mediated responses. It is concluded that α_1D- and α_1B-adrenoceptors interact in rat aorta and α_1D-, α_1A- and α_1B-adrenoceptors interact in the mouse spleen to produce contractions and these interactions suggest that one of the receptors preferentially activates Rho kinase, most likely the α_1B-adrenoceptor.

• 한국토양비료학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.230-235
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• 1993

제주도(濟州道)에 분포(分布)하고 있는 18~30년생(年生) 삼나무 임분(林分)(11개소(個所))의 표층토(表層土)를 이용(利用)하여 각형웅별(各形熊別)(수용성(水溶性), 치환성(置換性), 비치환태(非置換態)) K의 공급력(供給力)과 임지생산력(林地生産力)과의 상호관계(相互關係)를 구명(究明)하기 위(爲)해 수행(遂行)한 연구결과(硏究結果)를 요약(要約)하면 다음과 같다. 1. 0.01N-HCl 연속추출법(連續抽出法)에 의(依)한 지위별(地位別) 유효태(有效態) K적산량(積算量)은 지위(地位) 상(上), 지위(地位) 하(下)의 토양(土壤)에서 각각 0.6, 0.4me/100g 전후(前後)의 값을 나타냈다. 2. 0.01N-HCl 유하량(流下量) $6{\ell}$까지의 유효태(有效態) K 적산량(積算量)에 대(對)한 $1{\ell}$째의 K 추출량(抽出量)의 비율(比率)은 지위(地位) 상(上), 하(下) 모두 80%이상 추출(抽出)되어 화산회(火山灰) 토양(土壤)이 가지는 약(弱)한 K 흡착력(吸着力)의 특징(特徵)을 보였다. 3. 공시토양(供試土壤)의 대부분(大部分)이 지위(地位)에 관계(關係)없이 치환성(置換性) K과 수용성(水溶性) K에서는 같은 값을 보였으며, 치환성(置換性) K과 유효태(有效態) K 간(間)에는 지위(地位) 하(下)의 토양(土壤)에서는 같은 값을 보이고 있지만, 지위(地位) 상(上)의 토양(土壤)에서는 유효태(有效態) K가 치환성(置換性) K보다 높은 값을 나타내어 토양(土壤)의 K 공급력(供給力)이 높음을 알 수 있었다. 4. 유효태(有效態) K과 치환성(置換性) Ca($0.83^{**}$) 및 치환성(置換性) Mg($0.84^{**}$) 간(間)에 모두 1% 수준(水準)의 높은 정(正)의 상관관계(相關關係)가 인정(認定)되었다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제17권
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• pp.47-57
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• 2001

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, and its pathology is characterized by the presence of numerous numbers of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Several genetic and transgenic studies have indicated that excess amount of $\beta$-amyloid protein (A$\beta$) is produced by mutations of $\beta$TEX>$\beta$-amyloid precursor protein and causes learning impairment. Moreover, $A\beta$ has a toxic effect on cultured nerve cells. To prepare AD model animals, we have examined continuous (2 weeks) infusion of $A\beta$ into the cerebral ventricle of rats. Continuous infusion of $A\beta$ induces learning impairment in water maze and passive avoidance tasks, and decreases choline acetyltransferase activity in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed diffuse depositions of $A\beta$ in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus around the ventricle. Furthermore, the nicotine-evoked release of acetylcholine and dopamine in the frontal cortex/hippocampus and striatum, respectively, is decreased in the $A\beta$-infused group. Perfusion of nicotine (50 $\mu\textrm{M}$) reduced the amplitude of electrically evoked population spikes in the CA1 pyramidal cells of the control group, but not in those of the $A\beta$-infused group, suggesting the impairment of nicotinic signaling in the $A\beta$-infused group. In fact, Kd, but not Bmax, values for ［$^3H$］ cytisine binding in the hippocampus significantly increased in the $A\beta$-infused rats. suggesting the decrease in affinity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by tetanic stimulations in CA1 pyramidal cells, which is thought to be an essential mechanism underlying learning and memory, was readily observed in the control group, whereas it was impaired in the $A\beta$-infused group. Taken together, these results suggest that $A\beta$ infusion impairs the signal transduction mechanisms via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This dysfunction may be responsible, at least in part, for the impairment of LTP induction and may lead to learning and memory impairment. We also found the reduction of glutathione- and Mn-superoxide dismutase-like immunoreactivity in the brains of $A\beta$-infused rats. Administration of antioxidants or nootropics alleviated learning and memory impairment induced by $A\beta$ infusion. We believe that investigation of currently available transgenic and non-transgenic animal models for AD will help to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms and allow assessment of new therapeutic strategies.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.46-52
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• 2013

After an outbreak of viral disease in an aquafarm, release of virus (es) from infected fish into environmental seawater has been suspected. In the present study, we utilized a negatively charged membrane (HA type) as an efficient method for concentration and detection of fish pathogenic viruses, specifically, megalocytivirus and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) present in field-collected seawater samples or inoculated into seawater artificially. Positively charged viruses adsorbed onto the negatively charged membrane and were eluted with 1 mM NaOH (pH 10.5) following rinsing with 0.5 mM $H_2SO_4$ (pH 3.0). Megalocytivirus and VHSV particles isolated using anegatively charged HA membrane from seawater inoculated with each virus at a concentration of 10 viral particles/mL were of sufficient quantity to show positive results in atwo-step PCR (or RT two-step PCR); however, despite it being negatively charged, a cellulose acetate (CA) membraneshowed negative results. In quantitative PCR, the detection limits of the HA membrane for megalocytivirus and VHSV in seawater were 1.20E+00 viral particles/mL and 1.22E+01 viralparticles/mL, respectively. The calculated mean recovery yields from 1 L seawater spiked with known concentrations of megalocytivirus and VHSV particles were 28.11% and 23.00%, respectively. The concentrate of a 1-L sample of culturing seawater from the aquatank of flounder suffering from VHSV showed clear positive results in PCR when isolated with an HA, but not a CA, membrane. Thus, viral isolation using an HA membrane is a practical and reliable method for detection of fish pathogenic viruses in seawater.