• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2012

Differentially expressed genes by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were identified in order to evaluate them as dioxin-sensitive markers and crucial signaling molecules to understand dioxin-induced toxic mechanisms in human bronchial cells. Gene expression profiling was analyzed by cDNA microarray and ten genes were selected for further study. They were cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 (CYP1B1), S100 calcium binding protein A8 (calgranulin A), S100 calcium binding protein A9 (calgranulin B), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A3 (ALDH6) and peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) in up-regulated group. Among them, CYP1B1 was used as a hallmark for dioxin and sharply increased by TCDD exposure. Down-regulated genes were IK cytokine, interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1), nuclease sensitive element binding protein 1 (NSEP1), protein tyrosine phosphatase type VI A, member 1 (PTP4A1), ras oncogene family 32 (RAB32). Although up-regulated 4 genes in microarray were coincided with northern hybridization, down-regulated 5 genes showed U-shaped expression pattern which is sharply decreased at lower doses and gradually increased at higher doses. These results introduce some of TCDD-responsive genes can be sensitive markers against TCDD exposure and used as signaling cues to understand toxicity initiated by TCDD inhalation in pulmonary tissues.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.187-207
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• 2014

This paper mainly discusses the influence of the aggregate properties including grading, shape, content and distribution on the chloride diffusion coefficient, as well as the initiation time of steel corrosion from a probabilistic point of view. Towards this goal, a simulation method of random aggregate structure (RAS) based on elliptical particles and a procedure of finite element analysis (FEA) at meso-scale are firstly developed to perform the analysis. Next, the chloride diffusion coefficient ratio between concrete and cement paste $D_{app}/D_{cp}$ is chosen as the index to represent the effect of aggregates on the chloride diffusion process. Identification of the random distribution of this index demonstrates that it can be viewed as actually having a normal distribution. After that, the effect of aggregates on $D_{app}/D_{cp}$ is comprehensively studied, showing that the appropriate properties of aggregates should be decided by both of the average and the deviation of $D_{app}/D_{cp}$. Finally, a case study is conducted to demonstrate the application of this mesoscopic method in predicting the initiation time of steel corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The mesoscopic probabilistic method developed in this paper can not only provide more reliable evidences on the proper grading and shape of aggregates, but also play an important role in the probability-based design method.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.588-593
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• 2014

Tumor angiogenesis is important in tumorigenesis and therapeutic interventions in cancer. To know inhibitor and effector of tumor angiogenesis in cancer, the specific gene of tumor and angiogenesis may develop the mechanisms of cancer suppression and therapy. Recently, we described the role of RalA-binding protein 1 (RLIP76) in tumor angiogenesis. Tumor vascular volumes were diminished, and vessels were fewer in number, shorter, and narrower in RLIP76 knockout mice than in wild-type mice. Moreover, angiogenesis in basement membrane matrix plugs was blunted in the knockout mice in the absence of tumor cells, with endothelial cells isolated from the lungs of these animals exhibiting defects in migration, proliferation, and cord formation in vitro. RLIP76 is expressed in most human tissues and is overexpressed in many tumor types. In addition, the protein regulates tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. As the export of chemotherapy agents is a prominent cellular function of RLIP76, it is a major factor in mechanisms of drug resistance. Moreover, RLIP76 acts as a selective effector of the small GTPase, R-Ras, and regulates R-Ras signaling, leading to cell spreading and migration. Furthermore, in skin carcinogenesis, RLIP76 knockout mice are resistant, with tumors that form showing diminished angiogenesis. Thus, RLIP76 is required for efficient endothelial cell function and angiogenesis in solid tumors.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.364-375
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• 2011

Given that single blockade with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can achieve only partial and undurable suppression of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS), it has been hypothesized that dual blockage would be more beneficial in the management of blood pressure (BP) reduction and prevention of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) than either agent alone. Thus, it has been suggested that the combination of an ACEI and an ARB might provide renal benefits to hypertensive patients over and above BP reduction. However, this might also expose patients to additive or synergistic side effects. We attempted to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of combination therapy in hypertensive patients with or without kidney diseases. MEDLINE and KoreaMed were searched for relevant randomized clinical trials in adult hypertensive patients with or without diabetes (restricted to 1997, limited to trials published in English). Results were summarized using the random-effects model, and between-studies heterogeneity was estimated with $I^2$. A final analysis of ten trials (23,928 patients) revealed that the combination of an ACEI and an ARB reduced blood pressure (SBP/DBP) by 3.95/2.02 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], -4.38 to -3.53/-2.33 to -1.71) compared with ACEI monotherapy, and 2.83/2.64 mmHg (95% CI, -3.25 to -2.41/-4.95 to -0.33) compared with ARB monotherapy. Eight trials (391 patients) demonstrated a significant reduction in 24h-proteinuria (weighted mean difference, 0.16 g/day, 95% CI, -0.26-0.05), but they did not translate into an improvement in GFR. Tests for heterogeneity showed no difference in effect among the studies. The combination therapy reduced proteinuria by 30% (95% CI, 23% to 37%) and 39% (95% CI, 31% to 48%) compared with ACEI monotherapy and ARB monotherapy, respectively. However, in patients who had proteinuria more than 0.5 g/day, the combination therapy failed to show significant reduction in urinary protein excretion. The current cumulative evidence suggests that diabetic patients with proteinuria on dual RAS blockade have an increase risk of adverse events such as hyperkalemia, hypotension, and so on, compared with ACEI or ARB alone. It is, therefore, proposed that the combination therapy should not be routinely used for the treatment of hypertension with or without compelling indications.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.105-115
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• 2019

Brain tumor surgery may be difficult, but it is also incredibly important. The technological improvements for traditional brain tumor surgeries have always been a focus to improve the precision of surgery and release the potential of the technology in this important area of the body. The need for precision during brain tumor surgery has led to an increase in Robotic-assisted surgeries (RAS). One of the challenges to the widespread acceptance of RAS in the neurosurgery is to recognize invisible tumor accurately. Therefore, it is important to detect brain tumor size and location because surgeon tries to remove as much tumor as possible. In this paper, we proposed brain tumor detection procedures for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system. A method of automatic brain tumor detection is needed to accurately target the location of the lesion during brain tumor surgery and to report the location and size of the lesion. In the qualitative assessment, the proposed method showed better results than those obtained with other brain tumor detection methods. Comparisons among all assessment criteria indicated that the proposed method was significantly superior to the threshold method with respect to all assessment criteria. The proposed method was effective for detecting brain tumor.

• Proceedings of the Korea Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.1-8
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• 2003

변색목재의 화학적 성질을 조사한 결과, 처리전.후의 유기용매추출물 함량에 있어서 소나무재 및 리기다소나무재 공히 노화 및 변색균처리포 그 함량이 낮아지는 결과를 나타냈는바, fatty acids와 sterols 은 3주간 노화처리로 10.6-11.2%, 변색균처리로 36-41.1%의 높은 감소율을 나타냈다. triglycerides도 3주간 노화처리로 5.68-9.4%, 변색균처리로 38.5-40.0% 높은 감소율을 나타냈다. resin acids의 경우 3주간 노화처리로 6.1-11.3%, 변색균처리로 36-41.5%의 감소율을 나타냈다. 변색목재의 펄프화와 관련하여 소나무재 및 리기다소나무재의 크라프트펄프화결과, 알칼리펄프화에 비하여 펄프수율이 2-3% 높아졌다. 최적펄프화조건으로 활성알칼리농도 20%에서 펄프수율이 46.9-47.8%, reject율이 3.21-3.52%로 낮았다. 변색균처리한 목재도 활성알칼리 20%에서 펄프수율이 비교적 높은 43.5-45%를, reject율이 1.3-1.45%로서 변색균처리 모두에서 현저히 낮아짐을 알 수 있었다.

• Journal of Plant Biology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 1996

Small GTP-binding proteins are divided into three major group: Ras, Rho and Ypt/Rab. They have the conserved regions designed G1 to G5 that are critical in GDP/GTP exchange, GTP-induced conformational change and GTP hydrolysis. We isolated and characterized genomic DNA or cDNAfragments encoding G1 to G3 domains of small GTP-binding protein Rab and Rho from several plant species using two different PCR-based cloning strategies. Seven rab DNA fragments were isolated from 4 different plants, mung-bean, tobacco, rice and pepper using two degenerate primers corresponding to the GTP-binding domain G1 and G3 in small GTP-binding proteins. The amino acid sequences among these rab DNA fragments and other known small GTP-binding proteins shows that they belong to the Ypt/Rab family. Six rho DNA fragments were isolated from 5 different plants, mung-bean, rice, Arabidopsis, Allium and Gonyaulax using the nested PCR method that involves four degenerate primers corresponding to the GTP-binding domain G1, G3 and G4. The rho DNA fragments cloned show more than 90% homology to each other. Sequence comparison between plant and other known Rho family genes suggests that they are closely related (67 to 82% amino acid identity). Sequence analysis and southern blot analysis of rab and rho in mung-bean suggest than thses genes are encoded by multigene family in mung-bean.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2002

All the countries in RA II (Asia Region in WMO) welcome the establishment of a Web site dedicated to agricultural meteorology, because it is believed that the best way to improve and speed up the flow of information is the use of the Internet and the establishment of a Web site. In providing recommendation for the promotion and improvement of the AgroMeteorological service in RA II, a couple of key suggestions were proposed: (a) Exchanges of data and AgroMeteorological knowledge between member countries and between RAs, (b) Exchanges of experts between member countries as a necessary way to share the knowledge, and (c) Joint research between member countries to solve common problems in AgroMeteorological affairs. In order to meet the above requirements for RA II, an AgroMeteorological information network will be the most critical and dynamic aspect in sustainable agriculture in this region. In addition, the establishment of a Core AgroMeteorological station, recommended by CAgM of WMO, will require its own information sharing systems for communication among member countries. Inevitable use of information technologies (IT) such as information networks, databases, simulation models, GIS, and RS for regional impact assessment of environmental change on AgroEcosystem will be enforced. Thus, the regional Internet-based Agrometeorological information network has been in place since 1999, though all contributions to it have been volunteered by individuals, institutes, universities, etc.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an essential role in preventing cancer development by performing immune surveillance to eradicate abnormal cells. Since ex vivo expanded NK cells have cytotoxic activity against various cancers, including breast cancers, their clinical potential as immune-oncogenic therapeutics has been widely investigated. Here, we report that the pyrazole chemical XRP44X, an inhibitor of Ras/ERK activation of ELK3, stimulates NK-92MI cells to enhance cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. Under XRP44X stimulation, NK cells did not show notable apoptosis or impaired cell cycle progression. We demonstrated that XRP44X enhanced interferon gamma expression in NK-92MI cells. We also elucidated that potentiation of the cytotoxic activity of NK-92MI cells by XRP44X is induced by activation of the c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Our data provide insight into the evaluation of XRP44X as an immune stimulant and that XRP44X is a potential candidate compound for the therapeutic development of NK cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2018.05a
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• pp.213-216
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• 2018

인터넷이 발전하게 되면서 여러 가지 정보들을 메일, 메시지 등을 이용하여 주고받기 시작하였다. 여러 가지 정보들에는 이미지도 포함되는데, 중요한 신상정보나 설계도, 계약서 등의 정보들도 이미지 파일로 주고받는 경우가 생기게 되면서 이 이미지가 실수 또는 해킹 등의 이유로 유출되게 되었을 시 생기는 문제들이 점점 커져가고 있는 상황이다. 이미지를 주고받을 때도 유출을 방지하기 위한 여러가지 보안방법들이 중요해지고 있다. 본 논문에서는 이미지를 암호화할 수 있게 해주고 암호화를 할 때 사용한 키를 한번 더 암호화 하는 알고리즘을 설계하였다. 기존의 암호화 방식에서 AES 암호화만 이용할 대칭키가 유출될 경우 본래의 데이터도 유출되게 된다. 본 논문에서는 이러한 문제를 방지하기 위해 암호화에 사용된 대칭키를 한번 더 암호화하는 방법을 제안한다. 선택한 원본 이미지 파일의 데이터를 텍스트 데이터로 변환한 후 AES-256암호화를 이용하여 대칭키 암호를 사용자가 설정할 수 있게 하고 그 대칭키 암호를 이용하여 암호화한다. 이때 32바이트 길이의 대칭키를 사용하는데, 대칭키의 유출을 방지하기 위해 RSA 암호화를 이용, 비대칭키를 생성한 후 대칭키를 한번 더 암호화 한다. 암호화된 대칭키는 비대칭키를 이용 복호화할 수 있고, 암호화된 데이터는 대칭키 암호를 이용해서 원래의 데이터로 복호화가 가능하다. 이러한 방법을 사용하여 보안강도를 더 높일 수 있다.