• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.328-333
• /
• 2011

The influence of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films degraded under high temperature and damp heat on the performance deterioration of Cu(In,Ga)$Se_2$ (CIGS) solar cells was investigated. CIGS solar cells with AZO/CdS/CIGS/Mo structure were prepared on glass substrate and exposed to high temperature ($85^{\circ}C$) and damp heat ($85^{\circ}C$/85% RH) for 1000 h. As-prepared CIGS solar cells had 64.91% in fill factor (FF) and 12.04% in conversion efficiency. After exposed to high temperature, CIGS solar cell had 59.14% in FF and 9.78% in efficiency, while after exposed to damp heat, it had 54.00% in FF and 8.78% in efficiency. AZO thin films in the deteriorated CIGS solar cells showed increases in resistivity up to 3.1 times and 4.4 times compared to their initial resistivity after 1000 h of high temperature and damp heat exposure, respectively. These results can be explained by the decreases in carrier concentration and mobility due to diffusion or adsorption of oxygen and moisture in AZO thin films. It can be inferred that decreases in FF and conversion efficiency were caused by an increase in series resistance, which resulted from an increase in resistivity of AZO thin films degraded under high temperature and damp heat.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.30-39
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the heavy metal contents in commercial herbal medicines in Korea. Methods: Monitoring of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury was carried out on 116 samples of eleven types of herbal medicines. Among the total samples, 71 samples were domestic and 45 were imported. The samples were digested using the microwave method. The heavy metal contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and a mercury analyzer. ICP-AES was used to analyze lead, arsenic cadmium. Mercury was analyzed by the amalgamation method. Results: The mean values of the heavy metal contents in the herbal medicines were Pb 0.64mg/kg, As 0.26mg/kg, Cd 0.07mg/kg and Hg 0.004mg/kg. Of the total samples, one violated the MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) regulatory guidance on heavy metals in herbal medicines. Lead was detected at more than 5mg/kg in one sample. The measured values of arsenic, cadmium and mercury in the herbal medicines showed levels lower than the recommended levels for herbal medicines in MFDS regulatory guidance. In the comparison of domestic samples with imported herbal medicines, it was found that one domestic sample surpassed the maximum residue limits for lead. Conclusion: These results will be used to establish the regulation and control of heavy metal contents in herbal medicines. In addition, continuous monitoring is needed to ensure confidence in and the safety of these herbal medicines.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.15-23
• /
• 2013

CD8+T cells are key factors mediating hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance. However, these cells are killed through HBV-induced apoptosis during the antigen-presenting period in HBV-induced chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. Interferon-inducible protein 6 (IFI6) delays type I interferon-induced apoptosis in cells. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFI6 could affect the chronicity of CLD. The present study included a discovery stage, in which 195 CLD patients, including chronic hepatitis B (HEP) and cirrhosis patients and 107 spontaneous recovery (SR) controls, were analyzed. The genotype distributions of rs2808426 (C > T) and rs10902662 (C > T) were significantly different between the SR and HEP groups (odds ratio [OR], 6.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 26.52, p = 0.008 for both SNPs) and between the SR and CLD groups (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.25 to 15.26; p = 0.021 and OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.18 to 14.44; p = 0.027, respectively). The distribution of diplotypes that contained these SNPs was significantly different between the SR and HEP groups (OR, 6.58; 95% CI, 1.63 to 25.59; p = 0.008 and OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.61; p = 0.008, respectively) and between the SR and CLD groups (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.25 to 15.26; p = 0.021 and OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.18 to 14.44; p = 0.027, respectively). We were unable to replicate the association shown by secondary enrolled samples. A large-scale validation study should be performed to confirm the association between IFI6 and HBV clearance.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.446-454
• /
• 2012

In order to evaluate the efficacy of SHT against atopic dermatitis (AD), various immune related cytokines as well as histological comparison were performed in animal models, and the results are described. Clinical skin index of the SHT treated group decreased significantly in weeks 11 and 13, compared to the control group. Also, CD4+ immune cell ratio in the dorsal skin was significantly decreased to 69%, and both epidermal and dermal skin thickness was decreased. Serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-${\alpha}$, which are all important markers of inflammation, were decreased to 64%, 44%, 87%, 48%, and 45%, respectively. The expression of histamine, a chemical transmitter increasingly released during the progression of inflammation, was significantly decreased to 47%. The production of IgE immunoglobulin was significantly decreased to 16% compared to the control group. In conclusion, SHT pacifies the activation of T cells, leading to suppression of both Th2 cytokine overexpression and infiltration of immune cells into skin. As a result, relative thinning of both epidermis and dermis were observed. With the results obtained from in vitro studies, the immune modulatory effect of SHT in AD animal models was experimentally demonstrated. This study should provide solid information to construct EBM and for clinical practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.12
• /
• pp.4965-4969
• /
• 2015

LCN2 (Lipocalin 2) is a 25 KD secreted acute phase protein, reported to be a novel regulator of angiogenesis in breast cancer. Up regulation of LCN2 had been observed in multiple cancers including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer. However, the role of LCN2 promoter methylation in the formation of microvessels is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of LCN 2 promoter methylation with microvessel formation and tumor cell proliferation in breast cancer patients. The LCN2 promoter methylation status was studied in 64 breast cancer tumors by methylation specific PCR (MSP). Evaluation of microvessel density (MVD) and Ki67 cell proliferation index was achieved by immunohistochemical staining using CD34 and MIB-1 antibodies, respectively. LCN2 promoter unmethylation status was observed in 43 (67.2%) of breast cancer patients whereas LCN2 methylation status was seen in 21 (32.8%). Further, LCN2 promoter unmethylation status was associated with aggressive tumor phenotype and elevated mean MVD in breast cancer patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.199-205
• /
• 1999

Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin caused platelet cytolysis and increased intracellular calcium concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ of rat platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was increased from $1.3{\pm}0.4%$ of control to $64.3{\pm}3.4%$ in platelet suspension buffer. In $Ca^{2+}-free$ platelet suspension buffer, however, V. vulnificus cytolysin did not induce $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase and LDH release. Addition of EGTA (2 mM) to suspension buffer after the initial $Ca^{2+}$ influx reversed $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ to the control level. However, a $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker verapamil $(20\;{\mu}M)$ or mefenamic acid $(20\;{\mu}M)$ did not inhibit V. vulnificus cytolysin-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase and LDH release. Divalent cations such as $Co^{2+},\;Cd^{2+}\;or\;Mn^{2+}$ (2 mM each) also did not alter V. vulnificus cytolysin-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase and LDH release. V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml)-induced calcium influx was completely blocked by lanthanum (2 mM). Lanthanum (2 mM) also completely blocked V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml)-induced LDH release. Osmotic protectants such as, raffinose, sucrose or PEG600 (50 mM each) did not inhibit the lytic activity of V. vulnificus cytolysin. In conclusion, lanthanum sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ influx plays a significant role in Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin-induced platelet cytolysis and thrombocytopenia in V. vulnificus infection.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.83-89
• /
• 2015

Soil samples collected in an area of Gahak Mine were investigated for the characterization of mineralogical and physicochemical properties of contaminants in soils. It is found that soils in the study area are contaminated by lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), in which their concentrations are 595.3 mg/kg, 184.9 mg/kg, 712.8 mg/kg, and 10.64 mg/kg, respectively. All the concentrations exceed the concern criteria of Korean standard. Upon distribution patterns of metals identified by the sequential extraction procedure, our results show that more than 50% of metals are found as a residual type, and 30% are accounted for the association of Fe/Mn oxides. Interestingly, XRD results show that minium (Pb₃O₄) and cuprite (Cu₂O) are identified in the soil samples, suggesting that the sources of the contaminants for Pb and Cu are these minerals. In SEM images, tens of µm of Pb oxides and Pb silicate-minerals are observed. We, therefore, note that the contamination of metals in the study area results from the direct influx and disturbance of tailings. Our findings indicate that the characterization of physicochemical and mineralogical properties of contaminated soils is a critical factor and plays an important role in optimizing recovery treatments of soils contaminated in mine development areas.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.135-140
• /
• 1984

In spite of many projections of TMJ, there are rarely satisfactory projections of TMJ. The author traced and measured the P-A cephalograms, which number is 70 in each male and female, them finding the following results. 1. The long axis of the condyle is 19.80㎜ on the right, and 19.89㎜ on the left in male, and that of 18.65㎜ on the right and 18.10㎜ on the left in female. 2. The intercondylar distance is 119.02㎜ in male, and 108.20㎜ in female, resulting that the intercondylar distance in male is much longer than that in female. 3. The right and left deviation of the midline passing through the center of the intercondylar distance and prosthion is +0.37㎜ in male, +0.64㎜ in female, and its range is from -4.6 to +5.7㎜ in male, and from -3.2 to +6.1㎜ in female, resulting that prosthion nearly coincides with midline. 4. The angle of the intercondylar distance and the long axis (vertical angle) is +5.48' in male, and +6.02' in female, resulting that there is a little difference between male and female and the angle of the right is greater than that of the left in both male and female. 5. The typology of the condyle in sum of male and female is; Right: A type 55 (39.3%), B type 66 (47.1%), C type, 12 (8.6%), D type, 7 (5.0%), E type, 0 (0%) Left: A type, 60 (42.9%), B type, 58 (41.4%), C type, 14 (10.0%), D type, 8 (5.7%), E type, 0 (0%) 6. The distribution of the typology between the right and the left is; AA 26 (18.6%), AB 50 (35.7%), AC 10 (7.1%), AD 3 (2.1%) BB 26 (18.6%), BC 13 (9.3%), BD 9 (6.4%), CC 0 (0%), CD 3 (2.1%)

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.451-457
• /
• 2016

Background: Leonurine is a the aerial part of Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn, which has been used as a traditional medicines and is registered in the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Methods and Results: In the present study we performed a heavy metals and thin layer chromatography and measured loss on drying, as well as the contents of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol soluble compounds, and leonurine, using 15 domestically collected L. japonicus samples. The methods were performed according to the 'crude drugs test of the general test, processes and apparatus', published by MFDS, Korea (2014). The purity test (heavy metals) indicated that levels of Pb and Hg were 0.35 - 3.64, and 0.001 ppm, respectively, whereas the levels of As and Cd were undetectable, and stachydrine was identified by thin layer chromatography ($R_f$ : 0.15). We found that 5.93 - 10.62% (average: $8.58{\pm}1.8%$) of the sample mass was lost during drying, and the contents of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol soluble compounds, and leonurine were 7.87 - 10.84% (average: $9.62{\pm}0.82%$), 0.99 - 1.76% (average: $1.38{\pm}0.24%$), 16.70 - 23.11% (average: $19.49{\pm}2.14%$) and 0.04 - 0.17% (average: $0.11{\pm}0.04%$) respectively. In addition, HPLC profiling detected leonurine (5.94 min), rutin (16.43 min) and myricetin (26.78 min). Conclusions: We hope that this the rusult of the present study will contribute to the standardization and quality control of Korean herbal medicines.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.259-267
• /
• 2015

Objectives: This study evaluated the regional and seasonal concentrations of ambient hazardous heavy metals in an industrial complex area in Daegu City. Methods: A total of 64 SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter) samples were collected in non-industrial and industrial areas during 2014 and were analyzed for hazardous heavy metals elements (As, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb) with ICP after acid extraction. Results: SPM and hazardous heavy metals concentrations showed regional (industrial complex area>non-industrial complex area) and seasonal (spring, winter>fall, summer) variations. All of the hazardous heavy metals were influenced by anthropogenic sources. The pollution index of hazardous heavy metals was very low, showing roughly one-quarter of the level of the air quality guidelines of WHO. The correlation analysis among SPM and hazardous heavy metals indicated that components of non-industrial complex areas were more related to each other than those of industrial complex areas, and the correlation in the winter was higher than in other seasons. Conclusion: It is necessary to control air pollution sources and establish related policy because hazardous heavy metals from industrial areas can influence residential areas.