• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.79-94
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• 2024

Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) 2.5 can impair alveolar macrophages (AMs) functions and induce pathological conditions. This study explores the impact of PM2.5 exposure on AMs, focusing on gene expression changes and functional alterations. Murine AMs cell line MH-S were exposed to PM2.5 at a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml for durations of 3 and 48 hours. After 3 hours of exposure, genes involved in inflammatory and immune responses were activated, including TNF and B-cell receptor signaling pathways. In contrast, 48 hours of exposure significantly altered genes related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune processes, with PI3K-Akt and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. PM2.5 initially triggers immune responses; however, prolonged exposure over 48 hours impairs AM functions risk of chronic inflammation and cancer. This research provides foundational data for therapeutic approaches related to PM2.5 exposure.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.105-116
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• 1992

The present study was examined to clarify the role of calcium ion as a factor for the maturation of mouse oocytes. Follicles and cumulus-enclosed oocytes were isolated with two sharp needles under a stereomicroscope from female mouse (ICR) ovaries which were treated PMSG 5 IU 45-46 hours previously. Isolated follicles and cumulus-enclosed oocytes were cultured for 14-16 hours in an organ culture system at $37^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ in air and 100% humudified in incubator. MHBS was the basic medium used from which A23187, verapamil, $NiCl_{2.}$ $6H_2O$ and $LaCl_{3.}$ $7H_2O$ were added depending on the experimental groups. In follicle- or cumulus-enclosed oocytes wre cultured in these differently treated media. Following results were obtained from the present study. 1. The calcium ionophore A23187 directly or indirectly seems to stimulate GVBD of follicle-enclosed mouse oocytes. Increasing concentration of ionophore A23187 1ed to an increase in oocytes degeneration from the cumulus-enclosed mouse oocytes. 2. The organic $Ca^{++}$ channel blocker, verapamil does not induce GVBD of follicle-enclosed mouse oocytes. Specially, higher dose of 1 mM verapamil induced GVBD of follicle-enclosed mouse oocytes. However, cytoplasm of GVBD oocytes in 1 mM verapamil treated groups appeared shrunk. In the cumulus-enclosed oocytes, polar body formation was reduced in verapamil treated groups and degeneration increased. Verapamil inhibit oocyte maturation (polar body formation). 3. The $Ca^{++}$ inhibitor, Nickel ($NiCl_{2.}$ $6H_2O$) inhibits maturation of the follicle-enclosed oocytes. In the cumulus-enclosed oocytes the progression to MII (PB formation) was reduced and degeneration of mouse oocytes increased as the concentration of $Ni^{++}$ increase. The results indicates that nickel act as an inhibitor of calcium. 4. The $Ca^{++}$ inhibitors, Lanthanum ($LaCl_{3.}$ $7H_2O$) has shown different effect from that of nickel. In follicle-enclosed oocytes, 0.01mM lanthanum induced maturation of mouse oocytes. Polar body formation was reduced in the cumulus-enclosed oocytes all lanthanum treated group.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.127-131
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• 2005

Purpose : We performed the present study to investigate whether osteotropic hormomes play roles on the nitric oxide (NO) production in culture of ROS 17/12.8 osteoblastic cells. Materials and Methods : The osteoblastic cell line ROS17/2.8 cells were cultured In F12 medium supplemented with $5\%$ fetal bovine serum (FBS) at $37^{\circ}C$ in a humidified atmosphere of $5\%\;CO_2$ in air. ROS17/2.8 cells were plated in 96-well plates at a density of $2-3\times10^3cells/well$ and grown to confluence. Then the cells were pretreated with osteotropic hormones (parathyroid hormone (PTH) 20-500 ng/mL, 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol $(1,\;25[OH]_2D_3)$ 1-100 nM; prostaglandin $E_2 (PGE_2)$ 20-500 ng/mL in the medium supplemented with $0.4\%$ FBS for 72 hours and the cells were treated with cytokines $(TNF{\alpha}\;and\;IFN{\gamma})$ in phenol red-free F12 medium for an additional 48 hours. NO synthesis was assessed by measuring the nitrite anion concentration, the reaction product of NO, in the cell culture medium using Griess reagent. Results : PTH and $1,\;25[OH]_2D_3$ pretreatment induced a significant increase in NO production in the presence of $TNF{\alpha}\;and\;IFN{\gamma}.\;PGE_2$ slightly induced NO production compared to the control group. But, $PGE_2$ pretreatment did not affect in NO production in the presence of $TNF{\alpha}\;and\;IFN{\gamma}$. Conclusions : These results suggest that the actions of osteotropic hormones In bone metabolism may be partially mediated by NO in the presence of cytokines.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.626-634
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• 2012

There are variations among grapevine genotypes in the levels of tolerance to cold, and cold-hardiness of grapevine has been affected by the change of short-term environment during over-wintering. In this study, the responses of vines to cold in open field and rain-shelter system were investigated to obtain useful information in increasing the tolerance to cold in grape cultivation. Total carbohydrate content of bearing mother branches was higher in the rain-shelter system than in the open field, and lower in the branches of 'Muscat Bailey A' than in 'Campbell Early' and 'Kyoho'. Bud-burst and shoot growth were better in the rain-shelter system than in open field, whereas there is no significant difference among the treatments of net beside vines. There was also low incidence of gray mold in rain shelter system. Stilbene compounds such as t-piceid, resveratrol, piceatannol, c-piceid were accumulated in the cold-treated shoot from vine cuts harvested in rain shelter system. Genes of chalcone isomerase, manganese superoxide dismutase, proline rich protein 2, and temperature induced lipocalin were highly expressed in the cold-treated shoot from vine cuts harvested in rain shelter system. While there was not change of air temperature, but high reduction of wind speed in the rain shelter system compared to open field, and increase in the reduction of wind speed by net treatment. The damage of grapevines by cold in the extreme low temperature could be reduced by keeping them in the rain shelter system with net during winter season.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.279-289
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• 1995

This study was designed 1) to develop a hypertensive animal model in which the blood pressures (BPs) of symmetric regions (right and left upper extremities) are significantly different and 2) to test the effect of BP per se on the contractility and endothelium-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Rabbits were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and ventilated with room air via animal respirator. The transverse aorta was exposed through the left second intercostal space and the lumen of the aorta was narrowed partially by ligation using 3-0 silk and a probe at a point between the origins of the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery. Four to eight weeks postoperatively, BPs were measured in the carotid artery as the high BP area (proximal to coactation site) and in the femoral artery as the low BP area (distal to coarctation site). In the animal model, pressure-overload hypertension was developed and the BP of the right subclavian artery was higher than that of the left subclavian artery. The concentrations of circulating epinephrine, norepinephrine, angiotensin I, and angiotensin II were measured. The right and left subclavian arteries and their branches were used for isometric tension recording in organ baths and their responsiveness to phenylephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside were examined. The BPs of carotid and femoral artery in control animals were $116{\pm} 12/75{\pm}9\;mmHg (mean ${\pm}SEM$) and $130{\pm}16/68{\pm}9\;mmHg$ respectively, while those of carotid and femoral artery in the hypetensive animals were $172{\pm}6/111{\pm}10\;mmHg$ and 136{\pm} 4/100 {\pm}9\;mmHg$ respectively. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of circulating epinephrine, norepinephrine, angiotensin I, and angiotensin II between controls and the animal models. No significant differences were found in the vascular sensitivities to phenylephrine and serotonin between the high pressure-exposed vessels and the low pressure-exposed vessels. However, the endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and nitroprusside-induced relaxation showed significant differences between the high pressure-exposed and the low pressure-exposed subclavian arteries. From the above results, we suggest that the contractility of vascular smooth muscle is unchanged by the elevated pressure per se. However, the endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and the nitroprusside-induced relaxation are attenuated by pressure.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.5-12
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• 2005

It has been established that soft error of high precision electronic circuits can be induced by alpha particles emitted from the naturally occurring radioactive impurities such as U, and Th. As the electronic circuits have recently become lower dimension and higher density, these alpha-particle emitting radioactive impurities have to be strictly controlled. The aim of this study is to develop of NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis) and gamma-spectrometry to improve the analytical sensitivity and precision of U and Th. A new NAA method has been established using the HTS (Hydrulic transfer system) irradiation facility which has been used to produce radioisotopes for industries and medicines instead of the PTS (pneumatic transfer system) irradiation facility which has been used in general NAA. When the ultratrace impurities have to be analyzed by NAA, background gamma-ray spectra induced from $^{222}Rn$ and its progenies in air is serious problem. This unstable background has been eliminated or stabilized by the use of a nitrogen purging system. Ultra trace amounts of U (0.1 ng/g) and Th (0.01 ng/g) in high purity silica used for EMC could be analyzed by the use of HTS-NAA and low background gamma-spectrometry.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.533-549
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• 2017

In this study, drainage systems were proposed to drain the leakage of groundwater in the existing underground concrete structures. The system consists of drainage board, wire mesh, fixed nail, and mortar with mineral. In order to increase constructability, the drainage board and wire mesh were attached on the surface of cement concrete using the air nailer and fixed nail. The mortar with 30% of blast furnace slag was sprayed on the drainage board and wire mesh using the spray mortar equipment. The field test construction was carried out in a conventional concrete lining tunnel and concrete retaining wall for performance verification of the drainage system in the field. There was no problem with performance degradation in the drainage system for three years after construction. The bond strength tests were performed on the sprayed mortar at 14 days and about 3 years after field test construction. In case of attaching the wire mesh on the drainage board, the bond strengths of the sprayed mortar were 1.04 MPa at 14 days and 1.46 MPa about 3 years. In case of the drainage board without the wire mesh, the bond strengths of the sprayed mortar were 1.13 MPa at 14 days and 0.89 MPa, less than 1 MPa of bond strength criteria, about 3 years.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.219-232
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• 2012

The intensive observation (ProbeX-2010) was performed to investigate an urban effect on summer rainfall over the Seoul metropolitan area from 13 August to 3 September 2010. Two kinds of urban effect were detected. First, weak rainfall (${\leq}1\;mm\;hr^{-1}$) was observed more frequently in the downwind area of Seoul than any other area of the country. The high frequency of weak rainfall in the downwind area was also confirmed from the recent five years of observational data (2006-2010). Because the high frequency was more apparent in mountainous regions during nighttime, the weak rainfall seems to be caused by a combined effect of urbanization and topography. Second, sporadically, a convective system was developed rapidly in the downwind area of Seoul, causing heavy rainfall (${\geq}10\;mm\;hr^{-1}$). It can be most clearly seen in series of radar images around 1300-1500 KST 27 August 2010. We investigated in detail the synoptic and local weather and upper air conditions. As a result, not only urban-induced high sensible heat but also conditionally unstable atmosphere (especially unstable in low level) and low level moisture were pointed out as important factors that contributed to urban-induced heavy rainfall.

• Transactions of the Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.528-535
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• 2004

Ultrasonic Vibrator is designed to achieve the maximum vibration amplitude at 30 kHz by in-cluding a horn (diameter, 40 mm), mechanical vibration amplifier at the top of the ultrasonic vibrator in the system and making the complete system resonate. In addition, it is experimentally visualized by particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) that the acoustic streaming velocity in the gap is at maximum when the gap between the ultrasonic vibrator and stationary plate agrees with the multiples of half-wavelength of the ultrasonic wave. This fact results from the resonance of the sound wave and the theoretical analysis of that is also accomplished and verified by experiment. It is observed that the magnitude of the acoustic streaming dependent upon the gap between the ultrasonic vibrator and stationary plate possibly changes due to the measurement of the average velocity fields of the acoustic streaming induced by the ultrasonic vibration at resonance and non-resonance. There exists extremely small average velocity at non-resonant gaps while the relatively large average velocity exists at resonant gaps compared with non-resonant gaps. It also reveals that there should be larger axial turbulent intensity at the hub region of the vibrator and at the edge of it in the resonant gap where the air streaming velocity is maximized and the flow phenomena is conspicuous than that at the other region. Because the variation of the acoustic streaming velocity at resonant gap is more distinctive than that at non-resonant gap, shear stress increases more in the resonant gap and is also maximized at the center region of the vibrator except the local position of center (r〓0). At the non-resonant gap there should be low values of vorticity distribution, but in contrast to the non-resonant gap, high and negative values of it exist at the center region of the vibrator with respect to the radial direction and in the vicinity of the middle region with respect to the axial direction. Acoustic streaming is noise-free due to the ultrasonic vibration and maintenance-free because of the absence of moving parts. Moreover, the proposed method by acoustic streaming can be utilized to the nano and micro-electro mechanical systems as a driving mechanism in addition to the augmentation of the streaming velocity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2717-2722
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this research is the computed axial tomography (CT) imaging grading of radiation induced pneumonitis (RP) and its correlation with clinical and radiotherapeutic parameters. Materials and Methods: The chest CT films of 20 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have undergone threedimensional conformal radiation therapy were reviewed. The proposed CT grading of RP is supported on solely radiological diagnosis criteria and distinguishes five grades. The manifestation of RP was also correlated with any positive pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) history, smoking history, the FEV1 value, and the dosimetric variable V20. Results: The CT grading of RP was as follows: 3 patients (15%) presented with ground glass opacity (grade 1), 9 patients (45%) were classified as grade 2, 7 patients (35%) presented with focal consolidation, with or without elements of fibrosis (grade 3), and only one patient (5%) presented with opacity with accompanying atelectasis and loss of pulmonary volume (grade 4). Both univariate and multivariate analysis revealed as prognostic factors for the radiological grading of RP the reduction of FEV1 and the V20 (P=0.026 and P=0.003, respectively). There was also a significant (P<0.001) correlation of radiological grading of RP with FEV1 and V20 (spearman rho 0.92 and 0.93, respectively). Conclusions: The high correlation of the proposed radiological grading with the FEV1 and the V20 is giving a satisfactory clinical validity. Although the proposed grading scale seems relevant to clinical practice, further studies are needed for the confirmation of its validity and reliability.