• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.154-162
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• 2005

Recently, 1,4-Dioxane is known as the contaminant in water plants in Korea. Owing to its toxicity and potential health effect, 1,4-Dioxane must be determined at very low levels in drinking water. Studies on the removal of 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water were performed by using multi filtration system with activated carbons and membrane filter. For extraction of 1,4-Dioxane, methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE) was used and then analyzed using gas chromatography-mass selective detection (GC/MSD). Removal experiment was proceeded for 300 L with a sample volume of 30 L. At first. The removal was 70%, 95% and 100% after using activated carbon, membrane and second activated carbon respectively. At larger accumulated water fluxes, the removal rate decreased at each filter. After the flow volume was 300 L, the removal rate was 30%, 88% and 99% through the first activated carbon, membrane and second activated carbon respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.105-108
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• 2008

In the recent years, increasing interests are being focused on the rational functionalization of the CNTs by some creative methods. However, the considerable toxicity of CNT is still a controversialissue and limits its biological application. To improve the biocompatibility of CNT, in this work we prepared CNT-$TiO_2$ nanocomposites with CNT and organic titanium precursors. Our observations demonstratethat the modified interface could accelerate the heterogeneous electron transfer rates and thusenhance the relevant detection sensitivity, suggesting its potential application as the new strategy for the development of the biocompatible and multi-signal responsive biosensors for the early diagnosis of cancers.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

In order to evaluate and improve the ability of Korean testing laboratories to measure Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a proficiency test was organised by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) based on ISO/IEC 17043. The proficiency test material used was 10 g of a granular ABS fortified with a mixture of congeners of PBDE (BDE-154, 183, 206, 209). Homogeneity and stability were investigated to assess the adequacy of the test material. The certified value established by KRISS based on the national reference was used for assigned value of each PBDE. The test materials were distributed to the 16 participating laboratories. The participating laboratories were requested to analyse the samples employing the methods used in their routine analysis. Each laboratory was given it’s own code to secure the anonymity. Participants results were evaluated with z-scores according to ISO/IEC 17043. The standard deviation for proficiency assessment was set by standard deviation of the participants results except for outlier. The results, the laboratory's performance and improvement of accuracy were discussed.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.491-499
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• 2020

Hippo signaling acts as a tumor suppressor pathway by inhibiting the proliferation of adult stem cells and progenitor cells in various organs. Liver-specific deletion of Hippo pathway components in mice induces liver cancer development through activation of the transcriptional coactivators, YAP and TAZ, which exhibit nuclear enrichment and are activated in numerous types of cancer. The upstream-most regulators of Warts, the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian LATS1/2, are Kibra, Expanded, and Merlin. However, the roles of the corresponding mammalian orthologs, WWC1, FRMD6 and NF2, in the regulation of LATS1/2 activity and liver tumorigenesis in vivo are not fully understood. Here, we show that deletion of both Wwc1 and Nf2 in the liver accelerates intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) development through activation of YAP/TAZ. Additionally, biliary epithelial cell-specific deletion of both Lats1 and Lats2 using a Sox9-Cre^ERT2 system resulted in iCCA development through hyperactivation of YAP/TAZ. These findings suggest that WWC1 and NF2 cooperate to promote suppression of cholangiocarcinoma development by inhibiting the oncogenic activity of YAP/TAZ via LATS1/2.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1448-1452
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• 2003

The water extract of Scutellariae radix was treated to rat and the primary culture of hepatocytes, and the expressions of several glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes and the activity of GST Yc1/2 were investigated by Western blot and by the use of HPLC. The results were obtained as follows: The water extract of Scutellariae radix did not induce the expressions of cytosolic GST Ya and GST Yp in rat livers. But, the extract increased the expression of cytosolic GST Yc1/2 to 2-4 fold higher than control. The expression of GST Yc1/2 in the primary culture of rat hepatocytes was induced by the water extract of Scutellariae radix in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 21-fold over control with 50 ㎍/㎖ treatment. The induction of the expression of GST Yc1/2 in rat livers increased the formation of AFB₁-glutathione conjugate from AFB₁-8,9-epoxide which was made in the metabolism of AFB₁.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2008

These days there is a constant possibility of exposure to UV radiation which can cause abnormal production of melanin and result in skin disease such as hyperpigmentation and melanoma. Many materials were investigated for skin whitening and protection against UV radiation. In this study, we assessed the melanogenesis inhibitory activities of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG, Ginseng Radix Rubra) and Ginkgo (EGb 761 Ginkgo Biloba) in an attempt to develop a new skin whitening agent derived from natural products. B16F10 melanoma cells were treated for 48 hr with KRG and EGb 761. The inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was measured and related cytokines and proteins expression were also investigated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In addition, we also assessed the effects of these substances on the skin of C57BL/6 mice. Cell growth, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were inhibited effectively in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with KRG and EGb 761. Moreover, tyrosinase mRNA expression was inhibited clearly and melanogenesis related proteins (MRPs) containing tyrosinase, TRP1 and TRP2 were also reduced by KRG and EGb761, while cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were induced. In the case of UV irradiated mice, we observed induction of cytokine mRNA levels and reduction of MRPs mRNA expression. In addition, a decrease in pigmentation from treatment with KRG and EGb 761 on the skin of mice was observed. These results indicate that KRG and EGb 761 inhibit melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and have display protective activities against UVB. Therefore, we suggest that KRG and EGb 761 are good candidates to be used as whitening agents and UVB protectors for the skin.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.229-235
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• 2003

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two enalapril maleate tablets, $Renitec^{TM}$ (MSD Korea Ltd.) and $Enalace^{TM}$ (Welfide Korea Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Twenty-four normal male volunteers, $22.33{\pm}2.55$ year in age and $66.54{\pm}8.30$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After two tablets containing 10 mg of enalapril maleate per tablet were orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and concentrations of enalapril in plasma were determined using LC-MS-MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t,\;and\;C_{max}$ untransformed $T_{max}$. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals for the log transformed data were acceptance range of log0.8 to log1.25$(e.g.,\;log1.02{\sim}log1.14\;and\;log1.03{\sim}log1.19\;for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max},\;respectively)$. The major parameters, $AUC_t,\;and\;C_{max}$, met the criteria of KDFA for bioequivalence indicating that $Enalace^{TM}$ tablet is bioequivalent to $Renitec^{TM}$ tablet.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2005

The present study examined effects of a water-soluble fraction from mulberry leaves (ML water fraction) on the circulatory and autonomic nervous systems, which were compared with those of acetylcholine (ACh) used as a reference drug in order to elucidate its mechanism of action. Intravenous administration of ACh or a ML water fraction produced temporary depressor and tachycardiac responses in a dose-dependent manner in unrestrained, conscious Sprague-Dawley rats. The systemic hemodynamic effects of ACh and a ML water fraction were almost completely blocked by pretreatment with atropine, a muscarinic antagonist. The depressor responses to ACh and a ML water fraction were slightly enhanced and prolonged by pretreatment with neostigmine, an anticholinesterase, whereas the tachycardiac responses were remarkably blocked by pretreatment with pentolinium, a ganglionic blocking agent. In vitro experiments using the ileum isolated from rats showed that ACh and a ML water fraction increased ileal contractility in a dose-dependent manner. The increases in ileal contractility were also completely abolished in the presence of atropine. Finally, the specific binding of [$^3H$]quinuclidinyl benzilate, a muscarinic antagonist, to rat cortical synaptic membranes was inhibited by a ML water fraction in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC$_{50}$ value of 9.5 mg/ml. The results suggest that the effects of a ML water fraction are mediated through direct stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors by unknown cholinomimetic substance(s) contained in that fraction.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2001

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with $85{\mu}m$ polyacrylate fiber, coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the plasticizers contained in balloon samples. The balloons were identified to be made of polyisoprene by IR spectroscopy. The plasticizers extracted from the balloon samples soaked in acetone-added water solvent for an hour were quantified by external standard method using nine kinds of plasticizers. The quantification method was validated for standard plasticizers in the range of $0.25-25{\mu}g/g$. The detection limits were $0.11-0.38{\mu}g/g$ for different plasticizers. The RSDs for the reproducibility of this quantitation method were 3.7-14.2%. A few of balloons included risky level of plasticizer concerned as and endocrine disrupter, and it is necessary to regulate these products.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.385-391
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• 2004

The purpose of the present study was to formulate the aqueous solution of $20-O-{\beta}-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol\;(IH-901)$, an intestinal bacterial metabolic derivative from Ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin. For this purpose, the effects of various solubilization agents such as cosolvents [ethanol, propylene glycol (PG), polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG 300), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), glycerin], surfactants $(Tween\;80,\;Cremophor^{\circledR}\;RH40,\;Cremophor^{\circledR}\;EL,\;Poloxamer\;407,\;Poloxamer\;188)$ and a complexation agent $[hydroxypropyl-{\beta}-cyclodextrin\;(HPBCD)]$, on the solubility of IH-90l in aqueous solution were evaluated. The solubility of IH-901 in water was under $1\;{\mu}g/ml\;at\;20^{\circ}C$. Cosolvents such as ethanol, PG, PEG 300, PEG 400 and glycerin did not enhance the solubility of IH-901 at the 0 - 40% concentration range. The solubility of IH-901 was significantly elevated by the addition of cosolvents over the 80% concentration range. On the other hand, tween 80, $Cremophor^{\circledR}\;EL,\;Cremophor^{\circledR}\;RH40$ and HPBCD showed enhanced effects on the solubility of IH-901. The enhanced effects of Poloxamer 407 or Poloxamer 188 on the IH-901 solubility were less pronounced compared with $Cremophor^{\circledR}\;EL\;or\;Cremophor^{\circledR}\;RH40$. As a results, $Cremophor^{\circledR}$ aqueous solution was selected as an optimum solvent system. The aqueous solutions containing 10% $Cremophor^{\circledR}\;EL$ and 7% $Cremophor^{\circledR}\;RH40$ were formulated as dosing solutions containing 5.0 mg/ml of IH-901 for its intravenous and oral administration, respectively. The formular showed physical stability after stored for 7 days at $4^{\circ}C$.